10 Days Omo Valley Safari, Rift Valley and Bale Mountains

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel, where your room will be ready for immediate check-in. Take some time to relax after your journey before enjoying a welcome lunch featuring authentic Ethiopian cuisine at a local restaurant with your guides. In the afternoon, embark on a sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa, visiting the National Museum, home to Ethiopia’s historic treasures, including the 3.5-million-year-old remains of “Lucy.” Next, explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie, followed by a visit to Menelik’s Mausoleum.

Day 2: Fly to Arba Minch

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a one-hour flight to Arba Minch. Nestled in the Great Rift Valley, the surrounding landscapes of Nech Sar National Park boast lush greenery, lakes, natural springs, and an abundance of wildlife, including crocodiles, hippos, zebras, and over 300 bird species. Check into Paradise Lodge, a sustainable eco-lodge overlooking the park. Spend the afternoon relaxing in your private bamboo-thatched hut or join a local naturalist for an early evening birdwatching walk through the Forty Springs area, a sacred oasis.

Day 3: Explore Arba Minch

Start your day with a boat excursion on Lake Chamo, getting up close to Nile crocodiles, hippos, and various bird species, including flamingos, herons, and cormorants. Visit the famous “Crocodile Market,” where these massive reptiles congregate along the shoreline. Return to the lodge for lunch, then embark on a scenic drive to the Guge Mountains and the Dorze community. Renowned for their beehive-shaped huts and exceptional weaving skills, the Dorze people welcome you for a cultural experience, including a chance to try weaving yourself. Enjoy a late picnic lunch at a breathtaking viewpoint in the Gamo Highlands before ending the day at the vibrant Ch’ench’a Market.

Day 4: Drive to Konso

Travel through the rolling hills of Ethiopia’s Southern Rift Valley to reach Konso, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. The Konso people have cultivated this land for over 400 years, maintaining traditions such as walled settlements and the creation of carved wooden waga statues to honor their ancestors. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch and explore the village, learning about their rich culture and agricultural practices. Capture stunning photos at Kanta Lodge, overlooking the village, as the sun sets.

Day 5: Drive to Awassa

Depart Konso for Awassa, a charming lakeside city and capital of the Southern Nations region. Pass through the Sidamo region, renowned for its coffee cultivation and environmental conservation practices. Stop for lunch and partake in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, witnessing the journey from bean to cup. Arrive in Awassa in the afternoon and check into Haile Resort. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner at Dolce Vita, known for its Ethiopian-style pizza, followed by an opportunity to experience Awassa’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 6: Drive to Bale Mountains National Park

Journey to Bale Mountains National Park, a haven of spectacular landscapes ranging from the Afro-montane Sanetti Plateau (rising above 12,000 feet) to the lush Harenna Forest. This diverse park is home to rare Ethiopian wildlife, including the endangered Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala, Bale monkey, and wattled crane. Upon arrival, meet a representative from the Frankfurt Zoological Society for an introduction to the park’s ecosystems. Later, embark on a guided hike through the Sanetti Plateau, where Ethiopian wolves are commonly sighted. Conclude the day with dinner at Bale Mountain Lodge, nestled within the pristine Harenna Forest.

Day 7: Bale Mountains Safari

Spend a full day exploring the diverse ecosystems of Bale Mountains National Park. Search for endemic species such as Bale monkeys, rare birds, and elusive forest-dwelling mammals. Enjoy guided wildlife walks in the Harenna Forest, home to stunning birdlife and a variety of primates. Each excursion offers unique sightings, from wattled cranes to rare wild cats.

Day 8: Drive to Ziway

Depart Bale Mountains, driving through the Sanetti Plateau and Gaysay Grasslands, with one last opportunity to spot Ethiopian wolves and mountain nyalas. Stop in Shashamene, a town famous for its Rastafarian community. In the afternoon, arrive at Lephis Forest, where local ecotourism leaders guide you on a horseback ride to a scenic waterfall, offering chances to see colobus monkeys and exotic birdlife. Continue to Lake Ziway, home to the Zay people and believed to have safeguarded the Ark of the Covenant centuries ago.

Day 9: Explore Ziway

Enjoy a full day at Lake Ziway, including a boat ride to Tullu Guddo, the “Big Island.” Experience local traditions as fishermen use ancient papyrus boats and artisans weave traditional shawls. Visit the historic Maryam Monastery, which houses relics dating back over a thousand years.

Day 10: Return to Addis Ababa

After a relaxed morning at Lake Ziway, drive back to Addis Ababa, stopping for lunch en route. Check into your hotel for day use before an afternoon of souvenir shopping at Addis’ best markets. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the incredible journey through Southern Ethiopia.