
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
The Town Of Axum
Getting to and from The Town Of Axumis best done via aircraft from any of the surrounding tourist destinations including Addis Ababa. The town is too far North for one to travel realistically here by vehicle from Addis Ababa. From Addis Ababa, by road will take you at least 2 full days whereas a flight is only about 80 minutes.
Queen Of Sheba Palace
The Queen of Sheba who was an "exotic and mysterious woman of power" is one of the great religious figures who appear in the Old Testament, the Hebrew Bible and the Muslim Koran. And her Palace is found right here in Axum. Why would you not want to stop by here and take in the scenery and snap a few photographs?
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.
Lalibela
Lalibela is approximately 2500m above sea level which is rather high but most standards and as we found rather lacking in oxygen levels. So when walking between the churches do not be surprised that one's lungs take a bit of strain, just ask your guide for a minute or two's rest and you will start feeling good again.
Axum Stelae Field
This amazing Stelae field is around 1700 years old and is found on the opposite side of the road from the St. Mary of Zion Church and around 2 minutes drive from the centre of town. These Stelae are believed to be the grave stones of past Aksumite Kings.
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.