13-Day Ethiopia Adventure Culture, Nature & Heritage

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

Addis Ababa

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our Aman Ethiopia Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, begin exploring Addis Ababa, a vibrant city rich in history and culture. Visit the National Museum, home to the 3.2-million-year-old fossil “Lucy,” whose discovery reshaped the story of human origins. Continue to Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where the aromas, colors, and rhythms of daily Ethiopian life come alive. Experience a traditional coffee ceremony before visiting the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. Overnight: The Grand Palace Hotel & Spa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly Addis Ababa to Jinka

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Jinka, gateway to the cultural mosaic of the Omo Valley. On arrival, visit the South Omo Research Centre Museum for insight into the region’s many ethnic groups and their traditional lifestyles. Jinka offers a peaceful setting surrounded by rolling hills and local markets. An optional expedition to Omo National Park can be arranged, offering rugged landscapes, wildlife sightings, and off-the-beaten-track adventure. Later in the afternoon, meet the Ari people, known for pottery, farming, and vibrant cultural expressions. Overnight: Eco Omo Lodge.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Eco Omo Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Jinka to Turmi

Start the day with a scenic drive into Mago National Park to visit the iconic Mursi people, famous for the lip plates worn by women and their distinctive body adornments. Learn about their traditions, social structure, and ceremonies. Continue driving approximately 2.5 hours to Turmi, one of the liveliest towns in the Omo Valley. En route, visit Key Afar Market if it aligns with market day, offering a colorful showcase of regional trade. Arrive in Turmi and settle into your lodge surrounded by traditional Hamar communities. Overnight: Paradise Lodge.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge Turmi

• Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Turmi Excursion to Karo & Nyangatom

After breakfast, drive to Korcho, home of the Karo people, masters of body painting and known for their artistic expression. Enjoy sweeping views of the Omo River from the cliffs and learn about their customs and creative traditions. After lunch in Kangate, continue to meet the Nyangatom tribe, recognized for their unique attire and cultural heritage. This immersive day offers deep insight into tribes living along the Omo River, each with its own identity and traditions passed down for centuries. Return to Turmi for the evening. Overnight: Paradise Lodge.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge Turmi

• Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Turmi to Dasenech & Hamar

Drive south to Omorate to meet the Dasenech tribe, who inhabit the arid plains near the Omo Delta. Their livelihood revolves around pastoralism and riverbank settlements. Learn about their lifestyle, migration patterns, and traditional clothing. Return to Turmi for lunch, then visit Dimeka Market and the Hamar people, well-known for their ochre-coated hairstyles, beadwork, and cultural ceremonies. If timing allows, witness the famous bull-jumping ritual, marking the transition of young men into adulthood. Overnight: Paradise Lodge.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge Turmi

• Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Turmi – Konso – Arba Minch

Depart Turmi and travel north toward Arba Minch, with visits along the way. Stop in Arbore, a pastoral community recognized for their striking white body paint and simple yet elegant attire. Continue to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient stone-terraced villages, fortified compounds, and the impressive Waga wooden sculptures erected to honor community heroes. Explore the vibrant traditions, sustainable farming methods, and decorated meeting houses that define Konso culture. Arrive in Arba Minch for a relaxing evening. Overnight: Paradise Lodge.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Arba Minch

Start your day with a memorable boat trip on Lake Chamo in Nechisar National Park. Encounter Nile crocodiles, pods of hippos, and a variety of aquatic birds, such as pelicans and storks. Note: The boat trip is an optional wildlife viewing activity, available at an additional cost.
Afterward, drive to the highland villages of the Dorze people, famous for their towering beehive-shaped huts, weaving skills, and lively cultural traditions. Explore the Dorze market, taste local foods, and learn about their unique architecture.
Return to Arba Minch to enjoy views over Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo.
Overnight: Paradise Lodge.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Arba Minch to Hawassa

After breakfast, drive north to Hawassa, a peaceful lakeside city known for its relaxing atmosphere and scenic beauty. En route, stop at the Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the endemic Swayne’s hartebeest and other grazing animals. Continue to Hawassa and enjoy an afternoon stroll along the lake, where fishermen haul in the day’s catch and birds gather along the shoreline. The lakeside promenade is perfect for unwinding before dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Haile Resort Hawassa.

Main Destination:

Awasa (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Hawassa

• Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Hawassa to Bale Mountains National Park

Begin the day with a visit to Hawassa’s vibrant fish market, famous for its fresh fish soup and lively local interactions. Continue the journey through farmlands and forests to Bale Mountains National Park, stopping at Dinsho HQ to meet your local guide and learn about the conservation efforts in place. Drive deeper into the Harenna Forest, one of Ethiopia’s last remaining natural forests and a hotspot for biodiversity. Explore moss-covered trees, endemic wildlife, and stunning scenery before settling into the eco-friendly Bale Mountain Lodge. Overnight: Bale Mountain Lodge.

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

Ethiopian Wolf Common

Mountain Nyala Common

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

Bale Monkey Rare

Giant Forest Hog Rare

Golden Jackal Rare

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Accommodation:

Bale Mountain Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bale Mountains National Park Exploration

Spend the morning exploring the mystical Harenna Forest, known for its unique flora and fauna, including Bale monkeys, chameleons, and rare bird species. Walk through tranquil forest paths surrounded by ancient trees draped in moss. After lunch, drive to the Sanetti Plateau—Africa’s largest Afro-alpine area—to search for the elusive Ethiopian Wolf, the world’s rarest canid. With sweeping views and abundant wildlife, the plateau offers an unforgettable high-altitude experience. Return to your lodge for a peaceful evening. Overnight: Bale Mountain Lodge.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Bale Mountain Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bale Mountains to Langano

After breakfast, depart Bale Mountains and begin your descent toward the Rift Valley lakes. The journey offers panoramic views, farmlands, and villages that highlight rural Ethiopian life. Arrive at Lake Langano, one of Ethiopia’s few safe swimming lakes, known for its golden beaches and warm water. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge, birdwatching, or enjoying the lakeside breeze. The area is surrounded by forest teeming with wildlife and makes for a perfect retreat after days of exploration. Overnight: Hara Langano Lodge.

Main Destination:

Lake Langano

Accommodation:

Hara Langano Eco Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Langano & Abijatta–Shalla National Park

After breakfast, explore Abijatta–Shalla National Park, home to thousands of flamingos, ostriches, antelope, and volcanic landscapes. Drive to the hot springs of Lake Shalla, where steam rises dramatically from the ground, creating a mystical atmosphere. Continue your wildlife search in the park before returning to Langano for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation or swimming. Enjoy dinner overlooking the lake, surrounded by acacia trees and the sounds of nature. Overnight: Hara Langano Eco Lodge.

Main Destination:

Abijatta-Shalla National Park

Best Time To Go October to February (Flocks of flamingo)

High Season October to January (The park is never busy)

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Hara Langano Eco Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Langano – Lake Ziway – Addis

Drive north to Lake Ziway, a haven for waterbirds such as pelicans, ibises, storks, and flamingos. Embark on an optional boat trip to explore the lake and visit Tulu Gudo Island, home to the historic Maryam Tsion Monastery, which is believed to have once sheltered the Ark of the Covenant. During the trip, you’ll walk through traditional villages and learn about the island’s rich culture and legends.
After returning to shore, continue your drive to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a farewell dinner before your airport transfer for your international departure.
Note: The boat trip is an optional wildlife viewing activity, available at an additional cost.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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