Best of Southern Ethiopia

Overview

This 11-day tour of Southern Ethiopia offers a rich and fascinating cultural experience as you visit six local villages where you can witness daily life and learn of their traditions. See large populations of hippo and huge nile crocodiles as well as wide range of aquatic birds that call Lake Chamo their home. Ethiopia is the ideal destination for those wanting an “off the beaten track” travel experience, seeing some of the most intersting people of Africa.

Itinerary

DAY 1: ADDIS ABABA
On arrival at Addis Ababa airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at the GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL or similar. (B)

DAY 2: ADDIS ABABA – ARBAMINCH
This morning you will visit the Ethnological Museum for an introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. In the afternoon, fly to Arba Minch, where you will be met and transferred to your resort on the edge of Langano Lake. En route, you will visit the village of Chencha, home to the Dorze people – known for their weaving culture and beehive shaped huts. Two nights at PARADISE LODGE or similar. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: ARBA MINCH
After breakfast, head south to Lake Chamo, where you will be taken on a boat trip. The lake is home to large populations of hippopotamus as well as flocks of aquatic birds. Float past the ‘crocodile market’; one of the world’s greatest concentrations of giant Nile crocodiles. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: ARBA MINCH – JINKA
Today you will visit the rock terraces of a local Konso village. Depending on the day of the week, you may have the chance to visit the local Key Afer market of the Ari, Benna, and Tsemay people. Continue to the town of Jinka. Overnight at ECO OMO LODGE or similar. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: JINKA – TURMI
After breakfast, you will be taken to a Mursi village to visit and experience the culture of the Mursi tribe. One of the most fascinating tribes of Ethiopia, the Mursi are renowned for customs and rites of passage such as circular clay lip discs worn by young women. Continue to the town of Turmi for three nights staying at BUSKA LODGE or similar. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: MURRULLE
This morning you will visit Murrulle, the village of the Kao people. The Kao are one of the smallest tribes in Ethiopia, but perhaps the most recognisable, with their chalk bodies and face painting. Return to Turmi in the afternoon and visit the village of the Hamer people. Depending of the day of the week, you may be able to visit the Dimeka Market of the Hamer and Benna people. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: OMORATIE
This morning you will be taken to Omoratie, the village of Dasenech people. This tribe are agropastoralists who grow crops and keep cattle. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: TURMI – ARBAMINCH
Today you will continue on to Arba Minch, en route you will visit the villages of the Arbore and Borana people. These tribes are excellent jewellery makers and highly spiritual. Overnight at PARADISE LODGE or similar. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: ARBAMINCH – YIRGALEM
After breakfast, drive through lush green landscapes and coffee plantations to the town of Yirgalem. Your lodge for the night is nestled in a peaceful forested area where many bird species and other animals are common. Overnight at AREGASH LODGE or similar. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: YIRGALEM – ADDIS ABABA
Today you will be transferred to Awassa for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Overnight at the GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL or similar (B, L)

DAY 11: ADDIS ABABA
Today you will be taken on a city tour of Addis Ababa taking in the National Museum, Trinity Cathedral, the Mercato – the largest open air market in Africa and Mt. Entoto for a panoramic view of the city. Enjoy a farewell dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant featuring ethnic dancers and musicians. (B, D)

Includes

• 10 nights accommodation on twin share basis
• Meals as indicated (B, L, D)
• All transfers, touring with an English-speaking guide and entrance fees. Local guide at each spot
• Lake Chamo boat trip
• Domestic flights as shown (based on flying internationally with Ethiopia Airlines)

*A supplement applies for travel during major festivals in .

 

Subject to change without notice.

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Aregash Lodge

A peaceful retreat situated amongst coffee fields and next to a forested gorge, Aregash Lodge is the ideal accommodation for those who wish to take a holiday from their holiday. This intimate lodge hosts 10 Sidama-styled tukuls with comfortable, clean, African-styled interiors. Enjoy various excursions such as guided treks, horse riding and mountain biking. In your spare time, enjoy incredible food and sample some coffee in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.  

Buska Lodge

Buska Lodge, named after the Buska Mountain, is situated outside the small town of Turmi in the Southern Ethiopian Omo Valley. The lodge has twenty ensuite stone and thatch rooms spread across the gardens, each with a circular main room. Guests have a choice of two restaurants which serve European and Ethiopian food and the lodge is known for performing the famous Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

Eco Omo Lodge

Positioned on the Neri River just outside Jinka in the Omo Valley, Eco Omo Lodge is home to 20 tent bungalows. Elevated on stilted wooden platforms and covered with reed roofs, the accommodation is not extravagantly styled but comfortable. The restaurant serves a wide range of international cuisine, featuring homegrown vegetables and herbs and in the evenings can enjoy a cultural dance performance. Explore the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Konso, the Weyto River birdlife, the Jinka markets and the Mago and Omo National Parks.

Paradise Lodge

Paradise Lodge is in Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley in Arba Minch. This lodge offers 123 bamboo thatched huts built in the traditional Gamo style. They all have an outdoor veranda, either with a breathtaking view of the lakes or the lush gardens. The restaurant also has a breathtaking view across the valley to Lakes Chamo and Abaya and serves international cuisines and local favourites. Other facilities include a bar/lounge, a poolside bar, a snack bar, a swimming pool, a spa, a playground and day-care services and a gym.

Golden Tulip

Golden Tulip Hotel, located in Addis Ababa, is conveniently positioned one kilometre away from Bole International Airport and within walking distance of shops and restaurants. The hotel offers 90 comfortable rooms. Unwind in the on-site lounge bar with a favourite drink and enjoy meals at the international restaurant. Other amenities include a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk.