Arrive at Bole International Airport and meet your guide. After a short rest, begin a city tour of Addis Ababa. Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home of the famous hominid fossil “Lucy,” followed by a drive to Entoto Hills for panoramic views of the capital. Explore Holy Trinity Cathedral and stroll through local craft markets.
Depart south through the Great Rift Valley. Stop at Lake Ziway to observe local fishermen and birdlife. Continue through scenic farmlands and villages, learning about daily Ethiopian rural life. Arrive in Arba Minch, located between Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo, known for its pleasant climate and lush landscapes.
Overnight: Arba Minch
Morning visit to the Dorze people, famous for their bamboo houses and traditional weaving. Continue south to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore terraced hillsides and stone-walled villages. Learn about Konso social organization and ancestral traditions. Drive onward to Jinka, the administrative center of South Omo.
Overnight: Jinka
Early departure to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribe, renowned for their lip plates and body painting traditions. Spend time interacting respectfully with the community and learning about their semi-nomadic lifestyle. Continue to Turmi, the cultural heart of the Hamer people.
Overnight: Turmi
Visit Hamer villages, famous for elaborate hairstyles, beadwork, and ceremonial dances. If timing allows, witness traditional rituals such as the bull-jumping ceremony, a major rite of passage for young men. Learn about marriage customs, social hierarchy, and daily life. Afternoon free for village walks or photography.
Overnight: Turmi
Drive to the Omo River to visit the Karo tribe, known for intricate body painting using natural pigments. Enjoy breathtaking views over the river valley. Continue toward the Nyangatom tribe, pastoralists who live near the Ethiopian–Kenyan border, and learn about their cattle-based economy and traditions. Return to Turmi in the evening.
Overnight: Turmi
Drive back north to Arba Minch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Chamo, spotting large crocodiles, hippos, and diverse bird species. Relax at your lodge overlooking the lakes and reflect on your cultural experiences.
Overnight: Arba Minch
Travel east toward the Bale Mountains, passing changing landscapes from lowlands to high-altitude plateaus. Enter Bale Mountains National Park at Dinsho, the park headquarters. Enjoy a gentle walk to spot mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, and endemic birds.
Overnight: Dinsho
Explore the dramatic Sanetti Plateau, one of the highest all-weather roads in Africa. Search for the rare Ethiopian wolf, giant molerats, and alpine bird species. Later, descend into the lush Harenna Forest, a vast cloud forest rich in wildlife, waterfalls, and unique plant life.
Overnight: Goba or Dinsho
After breakfast, drive or fly back to Addis Ababa. Depending on departure time, enjoy last-minute shopping for souvenirs or visit a traditional coffee ceremony. Transfer to the airport for your international departure.
End of Tour