Essence Ethiopia Tours

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$2,530 pp (USD)

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Start Date
Age at the end of the tour
*This tour does not accept children under 2.
Travelers

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • You'll be collected from the airport.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour

Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour

Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour
Morning / Arrival: Meet and greet at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. Transfer to your hotel for a short refreshment.
City Tour Highlights:

Ethnological Museum – Located within the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse cultures.
Mercato – Africa’s largest open-air market, a vibrant place to experience Ethiopian daily life.
Entoto Hill – Panoramic views over the capital and visit to the historic St. Mary’s Church.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:
Addis Ababa (City)
Accommodation:
Trinity Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2

Addis Ababa – Bale Mountains (Dinsho Headquarters)

Addis Ababa – Bale Mountains (Dinsho Headquarters)

Addis Ababa – Bale Mountains (Dinsho Headquarters)

Morning: Depart early from Addis Ababa and driving south toward Bale Mountains National Park (approx. 7–8 hours). The route offers spectacular Rift Valley scenery, lakes, and farmlands.
Afternoon: Arrive at Dinsho, the park headquarters. Receive an introduction to the park and enjoy a leisurely hike in the surrounding Hagenia–Juniper forest.
Wildlife Highlights: Menelik’s Bushbuck, Mountain Nyala (both endemic mammals).
Birdwatching: Wattled Ibis, Spot-Breasted Lapwing, Rouget’s Rail, Blue-Winged Goose, Abyssinian Long Claw.
Overnight: Camping at Dinsho.

Main Destination:
Bale Mountains National Park
Best Time To Visit November to February (Little rain)
High Season October to January (Park is never busy)
Best Weather November to February

Wildlife in Bale Mountains NP

Warthog Common
Menelik's
Bushbuck
Occasional
Guereza Monkey Occasional
Show more
Olive Baboon Occasional
Bohor Reedbuck Occasional
Starck's Hare Occasional
Giant Mole-rat Occasional
Walia Ibex None
Accommodation:
Budget camping
  • Inside Bale Mountains NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Trek to Sodota

Trek to Sodota

Trek to Sodota

Morning: Begin trekking from Dinsho through Afro-alpine vegetation. Look for Mountain Nyala, Bushbuck, and bird species unique to the region.
Midday Break: Stop at Habera Waterfall, a scenic picnic spot perfect for photography and relaxation.
Afternoon: Continue trekking to Sodota, with chances to spot the elusive Ethiopian Wolf, Africa’s rarest canid.
Trekking Duration: 6–7 hours.
Overnight: Camping at Sodota.

Main Destination:
Bale Mountains National Park
Accommodation:
Budget camping
  • Inside Bale Mountains NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Trek to Wasama

Trek to Wasama

Trek to Wasama

Morning: Depart from Sodota toward Wasama, crossing breathtaking highland scenery. Pass through the Mararo Valley, a known nesting area for Lammergeyer (Bearded Vulture) and Verreaux’s Eagles.
Wildlife Encounters: Ethiopian Wolf, various raptors, and endemic rodents.
Trekking Duration: 5–6 hours.
Overnight: Camping at Wasama.

Main Destination:
Bale Mountains National Park
Accommodation:
Budget camping
  • Inside Bale Mountains NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Trek to Gebre Gurracha via Mt Wasama

Trek to Gebre Gurracha via Mt Wasama

Trek to Gebre Gurracha via Mt Wasama
Morning: Begin the ascent of Mt. Wasama (4,200m), the highest point of your trek, offering panoramic views of the Bale Mountains plateau.
Midday Break: Descend into the Worgona Valley, teeming with birdlife such as falcons, eagles, and endemic species.
Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Gebre Gurracha (“Black Lake”), a serene and dramatic crater lake ideal for relaxation.
Trekking Duration: 6–7 hours.
Overnight: Camping at Gebre Gurracha.

Main Destination:
Bale Mountains National Park
Accommodation:
Budget camping
  • Inside Bale Mountains NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Return to Addis Ababa

Return to Addis Ababa

Return to Addis Ababa

Morning: Early breakfast by the lake, followed by a drive back to Addis Ababa via Dinsho.
Optional Stop: Visit a local town or community en route for lunch and a cultural experience.
Evening: Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Emerald Lodge Turmi
  • Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Fly to Jinka – Visit Hamer Village

Fly to Jinka – Visit Hamer Village

Fly to Jinka – Visit Hamer Village

Morning: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Jinka. Upon arrival, drive to Turmi, home of the Hamer people.
Afternoon: Visit a Hamer village to experience their unique customs, hairstyles, and traditional attire.
Overnight: Turmi.

Main Destination:
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Emerald Lodge Turmi
  • Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8

Visit Dasanech & Kara Peoples

Visit Dasanech & Kara Peoples

Visit Dasanech & Kara Peoples

Morning: Cross the Omo River by boat to visit the Dasanech people, known for their unique culture and adaptation to the harsh environment.
Afternoon: Visit the Kara (or Karo) people, famous for their intricate body painting along the Omo River banks.
Overnight: Turmi.

Main Destination:
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Emerald Lodge Turmi
  • Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Visit Mursi at Key Afer – Drive to Jinka

Visit Mursi at Key Afer – Drive to Jinka

Visit Mursi at Key Afer – Drive to Jinka

Morning: Drive to Key Aferto meet the Mursi people, renowned for their lip plates and distinctive scarification.
Afternoon: Return to Jinka and enjoy the town’s market or museum if time permits.
Overnight: Jinka.

Main Destination:
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Nasa Hotel
  • Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10

Fly Back to Addis Ababa

Fly Back to Addis Ababa

Fly Back to Addis Ababa

This Day is your Last day of the lovely trip. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.
Afternoon Optional shopping at local handicraft stores or a farewell coffee ceremony.
Evening: Depart Ethiopia or continue to your next destination.

Main Destination:
No major destination visited
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • You'll be dropped off at the airport.

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  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Essence Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Essence Ethiopia Tours.