14-Day Itinerary for South Ethiopia and Harar

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Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

  • Morning: Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel.

  • Afternoon: Visit the National Museum (home of Lucy), Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Ethnological Museum.

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner at a cultural restaurant with music and dance.

Day 2: Addis Ababa to Arba Minch

  • Morning: Fly to Arba Minch.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Dorze village to see traditional weaving and bamboo houses.

  • Evening: Relax at your hotel, overlooking the beautiful Chamo and Abaya lakes.

Day 3: Nechisar National Park

  • Morning: Explore Nechisar National Park with a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles and hippos.

  • Afternoon: Game drive in the park to spot zebras, antelopes, and various bird species.

  • Evening: Return to Arba Minch and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 4: Arba Minch to Konso

  • Morning: Drive to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Konso Cultural Landscape, known for its terraced hills and traditional villages.

  • Evening: Stay overnight in a local lodge.

Day 5: Konso to Jinka

  • Morning: Depart for Jinka, stopping at Key Afer market (if it’s a market day).

  • Afternoon: Arrive in Jinka and visit the South Omo Research Center.

  • Evening: Check into your hotel and relax.

Day 6: Mago National Park and Mursi Tribe

  • Morning: Visit Mago National Park and meet the Mursi tribe, known for their unique lip plates.

  • Afternoon: Return to Jinka and explore the local market.

  • Evening: Stay overnight in Jinka.

Day 7: Jinka to Turmi

  • Morning: Drive to Turmi, the heart of the Hamer tribe.

  • Afternoon: Visit a Hamer village and learn about their customs and way of life.

  • Evening: Attend a traditional Hamer dance ceremony if available.

Day 8: Turmi and Omorate

  • Morning: Drive to Omorate, near the Omo River, and visit the Dassanech tribe.

  • Afternoon: Return to Turmi and visit the local market (if it’s a market day).

  • Evening: Stay overnight in Turmi.

Day 9: Turmi to Yabelo

  • Morning: Depart for Yabelo, with stops to visit the Erbore and Borena tribes.

  • Afternoon: Arrive in Yabelo and visit the Singing Wells of the Borena people.

  • Evening: Stay overnight in Yabelo.

Day 10: Yabelo to Awassa

  • Morning: Drive to Awassa, a city located on the shores of Lake Awassa.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Fish Market and enjoy a boat ride on the lake.

  • Evening: Check into your hotel and relax.

Day 11: Awassa to Harar

  • Morning: Fly or drive to Harar (depending on available flights and time constraints).

  • Afternoon: Begin exploring the historic walled city of Harar.

  • Evening: Visit the Hyena Man of Harar to witness the unique tradition of feeding wild hyenas.

Day 12: Harar Exploration

  • Morning: Visit Harar Jugol (walled city), including the Arthur Rimbaud Museum and various ancient mosques.

  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Harar market and interact with local traders.

  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Harari cuisine for dinner.

Day 13: Harar to Addis Ababa

  • Morning: Travel back to Addis Ababa (by flight or road).

  • Afternoon: Free time for shopping or visiting additional sites in Addis Ababa.

  • Evening: Farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant.

Day 14: Departure

  • Morning: Transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure.

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of cultural immersion, wildlife experiences, and historical exploration, providing a comprehensive overview of the diverse attractions in South Ethiopia and Harar.