10 Days Ethiopian National Parks, Landscape, Birds and Cultural Exploring

Your expedition into the wild begins with a morning departure toward the remote southwest. We travel via scenic routes, stopping for a local lunch as the landscape transitions into rugged highlands.

We arrive at the pristine Chebera Churchura National Park in the late afternoon. To kick off our wildlife adventure, we head out for an evening game drive, focusing on spotting the park's famous elephant populations as they emerge in the cooler twilight hours. Overnight at Chebera Lodge.

Today is dedicated to deep wilderness immersion. We embark on a morning trek through the dense Meka and Erka Forests, a prime habitat where you may encounter African elephants, hippos, buffalos, and various big cats in their natural environment.

In the afternoon, the scenery shifts as we visit natural hot springs, majestic waterfalls, and tranquil crater lakes. This area is a haven for birdwatchers, offering sightings of numerous endemic and migratory species. Overnight at Chebera Lodge.

We venture further into the park's interior to reach the stunning Borbo Falls and Bulo Lake. The morning light provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and bird sightings along the water's edge.

Following lunch, we continue our exploration across 80 km of rugged park terrain. You can choose to traverse the wilderness by vehicle or trek along scenic footpaths to appreciate the untamed beauty of this remote sanctuary. Overnight at Chebera Lodge.

Our journey continues to Maze National Park. This conservation area is renowned as the primary sanctuary for the endangered Swayne’s Hartebeest, a species found only in Ethiopia.

Spend the day exploring the vast grasslands and wooded savannahs, observing the unique wildlife and dramatic landscapes that define this under-visited gem of the Rift Valley. Overnight at Bekele Mola Hotel.

Today we drive to Arba Minch, the gateway to the southern Rift Valley. We will explore the spectacular twin lakes of Abaya and Chamo, taking a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see massive crocodiles and hippos.

Later, we ascend the Chencha Mountains to visit the Dorze people. Known for their towering beehive-shaped huts and expert weaving skills, the Dorze offer a fascinating look into a highly specialized mountain culture. Overnight at Paradise Lodge.

We journey north to the lakeside city of Awassa. The highlight of the visit is the famous fish market, where local fishermen bring in their morning catch amidst a flurry of activity and spectacular lakeside birdlife, including marabou storks and pelicans.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the shore of Lake Awassa, soaking in the tropical atmosphere of one of Ethiopia's most beautiful Rift Valley cities. Overnight at Haile Resort.

We depart for the world-renowned Bale Mountains National Park. Our first stop is the park headquarters at Dinsho, where we take a guided walk through the juniper forests.

This area is excellent for spotting endemic mammals such as the Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck, as well as several highland bird species. The crisp mountain air and ancient forests provide a stark contrast to the lowlands. Overnight at Bale Mountains Lodge or Wabi Shebelle Hotel.

We spend a full day exploring the high-altitude Sanetti Plateau, the best place in the world to see the rarest canid on Earth: the Ethiopian Wolf.

As we traverse this Afro-alpine moorland, we will marvel at the unique flora, such as the Giant Lobelia, and summit Mount Tulu Dimtu. At 4,377 meters, it is Ethiopia’s second-highest peak and offers breathtaking panoramic views. Overnight at Bale Mountains Lodge or Wabi Shebelle Hotel.

Following a final early morning trek on the plateau to catch the sunrise, we begin our scenic drive back to the capital. We descend from the mountains through diverse ecological zones, stopping for a farewell lunch en route.

Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be transferred to your hotel or directly to Bole International Airport for your international departure, marking the end of your Ethiopian expedition.