4-Days Chebera Churchura NP Safari Itinerary
Overview
A Hidden Wilderness of Elephants, Rainforests, and Untamed Beauty
This 4-day journey takes you deep into one of Ethiopia’s most overlooked natural treasures — Chebera Churchura National Park. Tucked in the southwestern highlands of the country, this remote and pristine park offers an off-the-beaten-path safari experience unlike anywhere else in East Africa.
Chebera Churchura is known for its dense montane forests, open grasslands, and an abundance of wildlife rarely seen in typical tourist circuits. It is Ethiopia’s premier destination for spotting African elephants in the wild, along with buffalo, hippos, giant forest hogs, leopards, and over 230 bird species. The park’s natural beauty is further enhanced by its crystal-clear rivers, hidden waterfalls, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Throughout the safari, you’ll explore the park by 4×4 and on foot, led by local rangers and naturalists who know the land intimately. Wildlife tracking, birdwatching, and immersive hikes through the lush jungle offer a true wilderness experience — raw, quiet, and deeply rewarding.
Accommodations are set in eco-lodges or mobile camps, designed to blend comfort with sustainability, and every aspect of the trip is handled by Aman Ethiopia’s experienced safari team, ensuring safe, respectful, and memorable encounters with both nature and local communities.
Highlights:
- Track African elephants through dense forests and open plains
- Enjoy guided game drives and walking safaris with expert rangers
- Discover hidden waterfalls, volcanic hot springs, and tropical river systems
- Spot rare wildlife including giant forest hogs, Colobus monkeys, and vibrant birdlife
- Stay in remote, comfortable lodges or mobile camps surrounded by nature
- Learn about the Dawro and Konta communities, whose ancestral lands border the park
What To Expect
Fly to Jimma and drive to Bonga in the Kafa Zone, visiting Barta Waterfalls and Mankira Forest, home of the Mother Coffee Tree.
- Take an early morning flight from Addis Ababa to Jimma (approx. 1-hour flight).
- Upon arrival in Jimma, drive to Bonga in the Kafa Zone (approx. 2 hours by car).
Afternoon visits:
- Barta Waterfalls – A beautiful natural cascade nestled in lush highland forest.
- Mankira Forest – Home of the Mother Coffee Tree, an ancient wild Coffea Arabica tree central to Ethiopia’s coffee heritage.
- Evening at leisure in Bonga.
Overnight: Coffeland Hotel, Bonga.
Drive through Amaya to Chebera Churchura National Park for an afternoon game drive among elephants, buffalo and colobus monkeys.
- After breakfast, depart Bonga and drive to Chebera Churchura National Park via Amaya (approx. 3 hours, partially on rough road).
- Arrive in the early afternoon and check in.
Afternoon game drive in the park:
- Encounter wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, warthogs, colobus monkeys, and a variety of birds.
Overnight: Chebera Safari Lodge.
Spend a full day on game drives in the park, with an optional guided nature walk or visit to hot springs and waterfalls.
- Morning game drive: Explore diverse landscapes and spot larger mammals and bird species.
- Return to the lodge for lunch and a short break.
- Afternoon game drive: Venture deeper into the park for more wildlife and nature encounters.
- Optional: Guided nature walk or visit to hot springs or waterfalls within the park.
Overnight: Chebera Safari Lodge.
Leave the park early for the long drive to Jimma and take the afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa.
- Early morning departure from Chebera to Jimma (approx. 5–6 hours).
- Arrive in Jimma in time to catch the afternoon flight to Addis Ababa.
What's included
- Professional English-speaking local guide
- Private 4WD or tourist vehicle with driver, including fuel
- Accommodation as per the itinerary
- Meals as per the itinerary
- All entrance fees to the sites listed in the itinerary
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Bottled drinking water during the tour
- Government taxes and service charges
What's not included
- International flights, and domestic flights unless stated in the itinerary
- Ethiopian visa (an e-visa can be obtained online)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Camera and video fees at sites, unless stated in the itinerary
- Any services not mentioned under What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Ethiopia?
The best time to visit Ethiopia is during the dry season, which runs from October to April. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and transport/roads are in excellent condition.
Do I need a visa to travel to Ethiopia?
Yes, most nationalities require a visa to enter Ethiopia. You can conveniently apply online for an eVisa prior to your arrival, or obtain a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
What is included in the tour price?
Our tours generally cover all ground transportation, professional guiding services, accommodation, and entrance fees. Please refer to the specific tour's Inclusions/Exclusions section for complete details.
Route Map
Proudly Community-Owned
The communities visitable in this area are warm and friendly. If you would like to support them directly, small donations are highly appreciated:
- Pens and school supplies
- Books
- Used clothes
- Children's items
- Any useful materials you feel may benefit the local community
