
Safari Information
- Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
- Duration; 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Lodging; Lodges
- Group Size; Minimum 1
- Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Awassa
- Departing Addis Ababa we head South via Butajira.
- We take in a few archaeological sites along the way, including Tiya (ancient stelae field a "UNESCO" World Heritage Site), Adadi Maryam (a rock church similar to Lalibela) and Melka Kunture (pre-historic tool making site).
- Awassa is our final stop of the day.
- Overnight in Awassa at Haile Resort/Tadesse Enjory Hotel/Pinna Hotel.
Day 2: Dorze
- After breakfast we visit Lake Awassa and the fish market.
- From Lake Awassa we drive to Dorze (set in the highlands above the town of Arba Minch).
- The people of Dorze are renowned for their beehive-like houses and their fine cotton weaving.
- Village tour is on the cards and a visit to the local market (should it be open).
- Overnight in Dorze in traditional Dorze hut (shared toilet facilities) or continue to Arba Minch for overnight at Paradise Lodge/Tourist Hotel/camping at Wabe Shabelle Hotel.
Day 3: Lake Chamo
- Breakfast and a short walk around we head off for the town of Arba Minch.
- An afternoon boat trip on Lake Chamo and a visit to the "Crocodile Market" is on the cards.
- Overnight in Arba Minch at Paradise Lodge/Tourist Hotel/camping at Wabe Shabelle Hotel.
Day 4: Turmi
- Depart from Arba Minch after breakfast we head for the town of Turmi (arriving in the afternoon).
- Along the way we stop in the village of Weyto (home to the Tsemai tribe).
- Continuing on from Weyto we head through the Weyto Valley to Erbore for a brief photography stop.
- Finally we arrive at Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe.
- Traditional night dancing of the Hamer tribe is a must for all.
- Overnight in Turmi at Buska Lodge/Evangadi Lodge/camping at Keske Campsite.
Day 5: Turmi
- A morning trip to visit the Dassenech tribe in the town of Omorate.
- From Omorate we cross the Omo River (by boat) and enter a Dassenech village.
- Returning to Turmi in the afternoon, a chance to visit the a local Hamer village is on the cards.
- If there is Jumping of the Bulls traditional Hamer coming-of-age ceremony, that will be visited.
- Overnight in Turmi at Buska Lodge/Evangadi Lodge/camping at Keske Campsite.
Day 6: Jinka
- Departing for the Jinka area we travel through the towns of Dimeka and Key Afar.
- Dimeka offers one of the most colorful markets in the area and is visited by many tribes, including Hamer, Benna and Karo.
- Overnight in Jinka at Eco Omo Lodge/Orit Hotel/Goh Hotel.
Day 7: Jinka
- A morning drive through the Mago National Park awaits and onto a village of the Mursi tribe.
- The Mursi people are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates.
- Returning to Jinka in the afternoon.
- We visit the visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes.
- Or alternatively, hike in the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village.
- Overnight in Jinka at Eco Omo Lodge/Orit Hotel/Goh Hotel.
Day 8: Konso
- After breakfast we leave Jinka behind and head for to the town of Konso.
- Along the way we stop of in Key Afar where we witness the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods.
- Arriving in Konso in the afternoon.
- Konso people are well known for their wooden statues (wakas), that are erected in honor of dead heroes.
- Konso people are also interestingly known for their innovative agricultural terracing.
- Time permitting, you can also visit the “natural New York Village”, named after the tall sand formations resembling skyscrapers.
- Overnight in Konso at Kanta Lodge (tukul)/Kanta Lodge (standard room)/Strawberry Fields Ecolodge.
Day 9: Lake Langano
- Lake Langano is our destination today.
- Enroute we stop off at the Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary (famed for its endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest).
- Overnight at Lake Langano at Bishangari Lodge/Sabana Beach Resort/Wenney Ecolodge/Abule Bassumo Hotel.
Day 10: Addis Ababa - Safari Ends
- A stunning morning swim in Lake Langano awaits before we head off for Addis Ababa.
- On the way to Addis Ababa there is the chance of stopping off at Abiatta-Shala National Park (time dependent).
- Abiatta-Shala National Park offers up two interesting lakes;
- Lake Shala, with its deep blue waters is the deepest lake in Ethiopia at 236m.
- Lake Abiatta is a soda lake at which thousands of flamingos can be seen at various times of the year.
Rates From
From US$ 1125.00 pp sharing
Rates Information
The Above Rates should be used as a guideline only.
- Rates are based on four people per safari
- All rates are subject to availability
- Rates may vary according to season
- Lodging may change depending on your budget
- All rates may change without notice
- Single supplement may apply
Rates Include
- Vehicle hire in 4WD vehicle (Toyota Land-cruiser or similar)
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Driver’s allowance (for his food & accommodation)
- Fuel and road insurance
- Hotel accommodation as listed above (or similar quality, based on availability), double or twin share including breakfast
- Entrance fees to all locations including local guide service and boat trip on Lake Chamo
- All applicable taxes
Rates Exclude
- Accommodation and activities in Addis Ababa (quoted separately)
- Lunch, dinner and beverages, including all alcoholic beverages
- Camera and/or photo fees
- Tips for driver, guides, etc (at your discretion)
- Items of a personal nature
St. Mary of Zion
Around 300AD the first St. Mary of Zion was built in the town of Axum by the first and largest Christian Kingdom outside of the Roman Empire. The church itself has been rebuilt several times over the past 1700 odd years, with the latest version (as you can see below) having been finished in 1964.
Entos Eyesu Monastery
The boat ride from the main land to the monastery island is maybe 20 to 25 minutes in duration but a scenic boat ride over Lake Tana all the same. The walk through the Entos Eyesu Monastery and up to the church is all through thick tropical forest stopping along the way to see a small museum and crafts stall.
Fasil Ghebbi
Positioned right in the heart of the modern city of Gondar ones comes across Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure), with over 70 000 square metres of castle ruins. Now to say that this is a fascinating place to explore is probably the understatement of the year, a photographers paradise, to be honest.
Bet Giyorgis Church
Bet Giyorgis is the most famous of Lalibela's rock hewn churches and gets its name from the patron saint of Ethiopia, St George. The church lies uncovered unlike all the other churches and is accessible by a short walk from either of the clusters (often described as the "8th Wonder of the World").
Debre Birhan Selassie Church
Located in the heart of Gondar, is one of Ethiopia most beautiful churches, the famed Debre Birhan Selassie. As one enters the compound one first notices the stone wall surrounding the church grounds, again it is a good idea to walk the wall and take in those 12 amazing rock towers.
Blue Nile Falls
The height of the falls is around the 40-metre mark and in full flood, they can span almost 700 metres. In full flood, I reckon these falls could compete with many of the more famous water falls in Africa. For those interested in birding, bring your big lenses with. The birdlife is simply amazing along the banks of this river.