11 Days South Omo Valley and Bale Mountains Tour

Day 1: Addis Ababa – Jima – Chebera Churchura National Park (133 km, 2-3 hrs)

You will begin your journey with a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Jima (8:25 AM – 9:15 AM). Upon arrival in Jima, enjoy some of the best coffee in the world, grown locally. After a 30-minute coffee break, you will drive for about 3 hours to Ameya and reach Chebera Churchura National Park around 1:00 PM, where you will enjoy a lunch break. In the afternoon, explore the park’s scenic views from the park headquarters and campsites, and enjoy a brief game drive in search of elephants and other wildlife. You will return to your lodge by 6:30 PM.
Overnight: Chebera Lodge.

Day 2: Chebera Churchura National Park Expedition

The morning begins with a visit to the park’s Meka and Erka Forests, where you will have the opportunity to see a variety of mammals, including African elephants, hippopotamuses, Cape buffaloes, lions, and leopards (with some luck). You can also partake in birdwatching activities. After returning for lunch, the afternoon will include a visit to the hot springs and waterfall sites, with stops at small lakes for birdwatching.
Overnight: Chebera Lodge.

Day 3: Chebera NP to Sodo (220 km, 5-6 hrs)

Start the day with a morning game drive in Chebera NP, followed by a picnic breakfast in the park. After about 2 hours of driving, stop in Tercha village for a coffee break before continuing for another 3 hours to Sodo.
Overnight: Lewi Hotel, Sodo.

Day 4: Sodo – Maze National Park – Ari Tribe – Jinka (280 km, 4 hrs)

In the morning, you will drive to Maze National Park (1.5 hrs), known for its population of the critically endangered Swayne’s Hartebeest. After a game drive, you will enjoy a picnic lunch within the park. Then, continue on to the Ari tribe, located 2 hours from Maze. Explore the Ari’s unique traditions, such as blacksmithing, pottery-making, and local drinks. Afterward, head to Jinka for the night.
Overnight: Eco-Omo Lodge, Jinka.

Day 5: Jinka – Mursi & Turmi Villages – Cultural Exploration (4-5 hrs)

Today, you will visit the remote Mursi village, known for its fascinating body modifications, including lip plates. Afterward, return to Jinka for lunch, then continue your journey to Turmi, where you will visit the Hamer tribe. If there is a bull jumping ceremony, you will witness this vibrant cultural event.
Overnight: Buska Lodge, Turmi.

Day 6: Turmi – Karo Tribes – Keyafer Market – Konso (300 km, 4-5 hrs)

In the morning, visit the Karo tribe in Murulle, famous for their body paint and scarification, each scar representing a kill or a danger they have faced. After spending time with the Karo people, you will drive to Turmi for lunch and then visit the Keyafer Market, where various tribes barter goods in a traditional and fascinating economic exchange. Continue your journey to Konso.
Overnight: Kanta Lodge, Konso.

Day 7: Konso – Lake Chamo – Arbaminch (90 km, 2 hrs)

Explore the UNESCO-recognized Konso Highlands in the morning, known for their ancient terracing and stone fortified city. Afterward, drive to Arbaminch for lunch. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo, where you will see many hippos, giant Nile crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife, including waterfowl. Enjoy a beautiful sunset on the lake before returning to the resort.
Overnight: Haile Resort, Arbaminch.

Day 8: Arbaminch – Dorze – Lake Hawassa – Hawassa (300 km, 4 hrs)

Start the day with a visit to the Dorze village, known for its traditional handicrafts, pottery, and local drinks. You will also witness the making of Kocho, a local food prepared from the false banana tree. The village offers beautiful views of the Gamo Mountains and is a peaceful place to experience traditional dance and culture. Afterward, drive to Hawassa, with a stop for lunch in Sodo. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Hawassa to see hippos and various aquatic birds like pelicans, fish eagles, and marabou storks.
Overnight: Haile Resort, Hawassa.

Day 9: Hawassa to Bale Mountains National Park, Goba (140 km, 3-4 hrs)

In the morning, drive to Bale Mountains National Park. Upon arrival, visit the Gazel area and the park headquarters at Dinsho, where you can spot several Ethiopian endemic mammals and birds.
Overnight: Wabi Shebelle Hotel, Goba.

Day 10: Goba – Sanetti Plateau (60 km, 1.5 hrs)

Drive to Sanetti Plateau for a full-day excursion, where you will trek and use vehicles to explore the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. The highlight of the day is the opportunity to spot the endangered Ethiopian Wolf, along with various bird species and the breathtaking view of Mount Tulu Dimtu (4,377 m), the second-highest peak in Ethiopia.
Overnight: Wabi Shebelle Hotel, Goba.

Day 11: Goba – Addis Ababa (Flight) and Addis City Tour

After breakfast, transfer to Goba Airport for a flight back to Addis Ababa (10:40 AM – 11:35 AM). Upon arrival, you will enjoy a city tour of Addis Ababa, visiting cultural sites such as the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, or the Ethnological Museum.
End of Tour: Overnight in Addis or transfer to the airport for your onward flight.