Ethiopia - Omo Valley Explorer

Itinerary

Day 1 – Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to hotel. This afternoon visit some of the capital’s key sights including the Entoto Mountains, with great views over the city, the National Museum, St George’s Cathedral and the Merkato, reputedly the biggest open air market in Africa. Overnight Jupiter Hotel or similar.

Day 2 – Rift Valley Lakes
Drive to the Rift Valley lakes of Shala, Abyata and Langano, admiring wonderful views and many birds, including pelicans, flamingoes and more. Then relax at the Sabanna Beach Resort, secluded in a natural paradise on the shore of Lake Langano and near to Munessa Forest. Possibility of trekking, bird-watching, horse-riding, boat excursions, cycling and more. Overnight Sabanna Beach Resort or similar. (BLD)

Day 3 – Villages of the Rift Valley
Continue our journey south meeting the Wolayta people as we go, passing through little visited villages and admiring spectacular green hills, to Arba Minch. In the afternoon we drive to Chencha, to see the Dorze people, with their unique culture, houses and traditions. Overnight Swaynes Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Day 4 – Lake Chamo and Nechisar National Park
This morning we take a boat trip to view the crocodiles on Lake Chamo and then cross into Nechisar National Park, a beautiful reserve rich in wildlife such as gazelle, zebra and even lion, as well as great birdlife. Overnight Swaynes Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Day 5 – Jinka
Continue to Jinka, through the lands of the Derase, Tsemay, Ari and Benna people. We stop along the way to meet local people and learn about their customs. Overnight Jinka Resort or similar. (BLD)

Day 6 – Mago National Park
Travel to Mago National park and visit the Mursi people, renowned for their practice of extending their lips with plates. Overnight Jinka Resort or similar. (BLD)

Days 7-8 – Turmi
Drive to Turmi, through the lands of the very colourful Hamer people, renowned for their unusual hairstyles. We also spend time with the Karo people, known for their body decoration and scarification. Overnight Buska Lodge or similar. (BLD)

Day 9 – Konso
Drive to Konso, visiting the villages of the Erbore and Konso people. Overnight Kanta Lodge or similar. (BLD)

Day 10 – Yabello
Continue on to Yabello, through the terraced lands of the Konso. Later we will stop to meet the Borena, a pastoralist group. Overnight Yabello Motel or similar. (BLD)

Day 11 – Yabello
Drive to the small village of El Sod where you will see the saline crater lake where for the past hundred years, the Borena people have been extracting salt for their cattle and home use. You may also trek to the bottom of the crater to see the men digging up salt from the bottom of the lake. Overnight Yabello Motel or similar. (BLD)

Day 12 – Awassa
Head to Awassa through lush countryside and coffee plantations. On the way visit the Tutu Fella stelae field containing ancient gravestones. Upon arrival at Awassa take a walk along the lake to look for birds and admire the sunset. Overnight Pina Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Day 13 – Wondo Genet
Visit the local fish market in Awassa before continuing on to Wondo Genet, known for its hot springs. Overnight Wabi Shebelle Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Day 14 – Addis Ababa
Visit the hot springs before finally returning to Addis Ababa. Time for some last minute exploration before transferring to the airport for your onward flight. (BL)