Essence Ethiopia Tours

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$550 pp (USD)

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Breakdown of Costs
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Start Date
Age at the end of the tour
*This tour does not accept children under 1.
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

Addis Ababa – Lake Langano

Addis Ababa – Lake Langano

At 08:00 AM, depart Addis Ababa and begin a scenic drive south through Ethiopia’s breathtaking highlands and the Great Rift Valley. Along the way, enjoy rolling hills, farmland, acacia trees, and lively roadside villages that provide a glimpse into rural Ethiopian life. Short photo stops can be made to capture the changing landscapes.
Around 12:00 PM, stop at a well-selected local restaurant for lunch. Enjoy freshly prepared Ethiopian or international dishes while taking a break from the journey.
By 01:30 PM, arrive at Lake Langano, one of Ethiopia’s most popular and safe freshwater lakes for swimming. Check in to your lakeside lodge and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The afternoon is at leisure—relax by the shore, take a refreshing swim, observe colorful birdlife, or simply unwind in nature surrounded by lush vegetation.
Enjoy dinner at the lodge as the sun sets over the lake. Overnight stay at Lake Langano, surrounded by calm waters and natural beauty.

Main Destination:
Lake Langano
Accommodation:
Lewi Resort Hawassa
  • Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2

Lake Langano – Shashemene – Awassa

Lake Langano – Shashemene – Awassa

After breakfast, depart Lake Langano and continue south toward Awassa, passing through fertile farmlands and scenic Rift Valley landscapes.
Stop in Shashemene, a town internationally known for its Rastafarian community. Explore local neighborhoods and markets, learn about the history of Rastafarian settlement in Ethiopia, and experience the town’s vibrant cultural mix and daily life.

At 12:30 PM, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional dishes before continuing the journey.

Arrive in Awassa around 02:30 PM and check in to your lakeside lodge. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided boat ride on Lake Awassa, offering opportunities to spot hippos, pelicans, marabou storks, and other bird species, while enjoying scenic views of the surrounding highlands and lakeshore.

Main Destination:
Awasa (City)
Accommodation:
Lewi Resort Hawassa
  • Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Awassa – Cultural & Nature Exploration

Awassa – Cultural & Nature Exploration

After breakfast, visit the lively Awassa Fish Market at around 09:00 AM. Observe fishermen bringing in their daily catch, watch fish preparation, and experience a vibrant scene of local commerce and tradition along the lakeshore.

Continue with a cultural drive through nearby Sidama and Oromo communities. Learn about traditional housing, local crafts, and especially coffee cultivation, as the region is renowned for its rich coffee-growing heritage. Interact with local people and gain insight into their daily lifestyles and customs.

Enjoy lunch at 01:00 PM, sampling traditional Ethiopian dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients.

Spend the afternoon at leisure by Lake Awassa. Optional activities include birdwatching, photography, walking along the lakeshore, or relaxing at the lodge while enjoying the serene surroundings.
Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge in Awassa.

Main Destination:
Awasa (City)
Accommodation:
Lewi Resort Hawassa
  • Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Awassa – Addis Ababa

Awassa – Addis Ababa

After breakfast and checkout at 07:30 AM, begin the scenic drive back to Addis Ababa, enjoying final views of the Rift Valley landscapes and countryside.
Stop for lunch around 12:00 PM at a local restaurant en route.

Arrive in Addis Ababa between 03:30 – 04:00 PM. Drop-off at your hotel or preferred location, marking the end of the tour.

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.

Interested in This Tour?

Request a Quote

  • We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why)
  • Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the 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.
  • 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.