Tour Overview
This 12-day journey explores the cultural and natural highlights of southern Ethiopia, from the tribal heartland of the Omo Valley to the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley and the Bale Mountains. Along the way, travelers experience UNESCO-listed heritage sites, vibrant local markets, diverse wildlife, and some of Africa’s most unique ethnic communities. The tour concludes in the Bale Mountains, one of the best places to spot endemic species such as the Ethiopian wolf.
Tour Highlights
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Tiya Stelae, Konso Cultural Landscape, Omo Valley
Boat safari on Lake Chamo with crocodiles, hippos, and birdlife
Authentic encounters with Omo Valley tribes (Mursi, Hamer, Dassanech and others)
Colorful local markets at Key Afer and Dimeka
Scenic Rift Valley lakes: Hawassa and Langano
Bale Mountains National Park, home to rare wildlife and alpine landscapes
What’s Included
11 nights accommodation with breakfast
All ground transportation (4×4 or minibus) with fuel
Professional tour guide (multilingual options available)
Day-By-Day itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrive at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a guided city tour including panoramic views from Mount Entoto, visits to key museums highlighting Ethiopia’s history and archaeology, historic churches, and a walk through the lively Mercato, Africa’s largest open-air market.
Overnight: Addis Ababa
Day 2 – Addis Ababa – Tiya – Arba Minch
Drive south toward Arba Minch, stopping at the UNESCO-listed Tiya Stelae, an important archaeological site featuring mysterious carved stones. Continue through the Great Rift Valley, passing scenic lakes and volcanic landscapes before arriving in Arba Minch in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Arba Minch
Day 3 – Lake Chamo & Dorze Village
In the morning, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Chamo, famous for its large crocodiles, hippos, and abundant birdlife. In the afternoon, travel into the Guge Mountains to visit the Dorze community, known for their traditional weaving, distinctive houses, and stunning highland views.
Overnight: Arba Minch
Day 4 – Arba Minch – Konso – Jinka
Travel to the Konso Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stone terraces and fortified villages. Visit the local museum and village compounds to learn about Konso traditions. Continue to Jinka, stopping at the colorful Key Afer market, where several Omo Valley tribes gather to trade.
Overnight: Jinka
Day 5 – Jinka – Mago National Park – Turmi
Enter Mago National Park for a visit to the Mursi people, one of the most distinctive communities in the region. After exploring the park and its wildlife, continue south to Turmi, the cultural center of the Hamer people and a base for exploring the lower Omo Valley.
Overnight: Turmi
Day 6 – Dimeka Market & Hamer Culture
Visit the bustling Dimeka market, an important trading hub for surrounding tribes. In the afternoon, explore a Hamer village and learn about daily life, customs, and traditions. If timing allows, there may be an opportunity to observe traditional ceremonies or evening dances.
Overnight: Turmi
Day 7 – Omorate Excursion & Return to Konso
Travel south to Omorate and cross the Omo River by local boat to visit the Dassanech people, known for their pastoral lifestyle and distinctive adornments. In the afternoon, begin the drive back north to Konso, arriving in the early evening.
Overnight: Konso
Day 8 – Konso – Hawassa
Drive north through changing landscapes to Hawassa, set on the shores of Lake Hawassa. The afternoon is free to relax by the lake, enjoy the resort facilities, or take a lakeside walk as the sun sets over the water.
Overnight: Hawassa
Day 9 – Hawassa – Dinsho – Goba
Travel east to the Bale Mountains National Park headquarters at Dinsho. Enjoy an easy walk in the park, where wildlife such as mountain nyala and warthogs are commonly seen. Continue to Goba or to a lodge inside the national park.
Overnight: Goba or Bale Mountains National Park
Day 10 – Bale Mountains National Park (Senetti Plateau)
Spend the day exploring the Bale Mountains, driving across the high-altitude Senetti Plateau, the largest alpine moorland in Africa. This area offers excellent chances to spot endemic species, including the Ethiopian wolf, as well as unique highland birds and dramatic landscapes.
Overnight: Goba or Bale Mountains National Park
Day 11 – Bale Mountains – Lake Langano
Descend from the highlands back into the Rift Valley and drive to Lake Langano. In the afternoon, relax at the lakeshore or optionally visit nearby national parks for scenic viewpoints and birdwatching.
Overnight: Lake Langano
Day 12 – Lake Langano – Addis Ababa & Departure
Return to Addis Ababa in the afternoon. Enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional Ethiopian cuisine and live cultural performances before transfer to the airport or overnight hotel, depending on your departure plans.
To book or ask questions about this itinerary contact Mitiku here.
Ethiopia Treks 