12-Day Cycling and E-Bike in Southern Ethiopia

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

Arrival to Addis Ababa , Ethiopia's capital

Travel: 1 h
Biking: Optional 10–12 km (difficulty: intermediate; altitude difference: ↑200 m, ↓750 m)

Arrive in Addis Ababa early in the morning and begin your Ethiopian adventure with an engaging city tour. Visit the National Museum, home to the famous fossilized remains of Lucy, one of our earliest known human ancestors, dating back approximately 3.2 million years. Continue to the Entoto Mountains, where you can enjoy panoramic views over the capital.

For those who wish to get an early feel for the bikes and the high-altitude environment, an optional 10–12 km ride is available. The route is mainly downhill and provides an opportunity to test the bikes, adjust to the altitude, and assess your fitness before the cycling adventure begins.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Garden Hills Hotel

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Transfer to the green West for our first ride

Travel: 4 h; 140 km
Biking: 19 km (difficulty: intermediate; altitude difference: ↑1,000 m, ↓1,050 m)

After breakfast, we leave Addis Ababa and drive to the beautiful Menagesha Forest, located just outside the capital. Here, we begin our first serious cycling experience of the tour. Depending on your interests and fitness level, we can choose between easier and more challenging routes. The standard ride takes approximately 4–5 hours and covers around 20 km, with almost 1,000 metres of ascent. The route can be shortened at any time, as our support vehicle can follow the group throughout the ride.

This first challenging ride is an excellent opportunity to become familiar with the bikes and adjust to cycling at Ethiopia’s high altitude. After lunch, we continue by vehicle for approximately 110 km to Wolisso, where we check into a comfortable resort featuring a swimming pool, spa, and spacious garden, often visited by playful monkeys.

Main Destination:

Wenchi Crater Lake

Accommodation:

Negash Resort

• Mid-range hotel located in Waliso (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Wenchi Crater Lake cycling Adventure, A Day of Scenic Rides and Exploration

Travel: 1 h; 40 km
Biking: 45 km (difficulty: intermediate; altitude difference: ↑500 m, ↓1,550 m)

The day begins with an optional short walk through a lush green valley, where streams and natural hot springs add to the beauty of the landscape. Afterwards, we set off by bike for an exciting ride through the countryside. The first section follows the rim of the Wenchi Crater, with smooth trails across volcanic terrain and spectacular views overlooking the crater and its surroundings.

From the crater, an exhilarating downhill section takes us through traditional Oromo villages and cultivated farmland, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience the rural landscape and local way of life. We continue towards Wolisso, where we spend our second night at the peaceful and green Negash Resort, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Main Destination:

Wenchi Crater Lake

Accommodation:

Negash Resort

• Mid-range hotel located in Waliso (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Further West into the Gurage Zone

Travel: 1.5 h; 60 km
Biking: 36 km (difficulty: easy; altitude difference: ↑550 m, ↓250 m)

After breakfast at the resort, we depart by vehicle, leaving the Oromia Region behind and continuing into the Gurage Zone, one of Ethiopia’s lushest and most fertile areas. The region is renowned for its rich cultural traditions, where Muslim and Christian communities have lived together peacefully for generations.

Our first cycling experience in the Gurage highlands begins at Wolkite University in Gubre. From here, we follow scenic rural roads and trails through the green countryside, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and local way of life. The ride takes us towards Agenna, where we arrive at Desalegn Lodge, our comfortable base for the next two nights.

Main Destination:

Gurage (Area)

Accommodation:

Desalegn Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located outside Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Beautiful daytrip in the green Gurage highlands

Travel: —
Biking: 47 km (difficulty: difficult; altitude difference: ↑1,000 m, ↓1,000 m)

A challenging yet rewarding and highly scenic cycling day awaits us as we explore the distinctive landscapes of the Gurage highlands. The route takes us through rolling hills, fertile farmland, and traditional villages, offering magnificent views and an authentic glimpse into rural life.

The spectacular scenery is matched by the warmth and hospitality of the local people. Along the way, we may have the opportunity to visit local homes and experience the genuine welcome of Gurage communities. On previous visits, our hosts humorously asked, “Why didn’t you tell us in advance so that we could prepare a ceremony for you?” a wonderful reflection of their generosity and hospitality.

Gurage is also renowned for its distinctive cuisine, including traditional specialities such as kitfo and kocho, making this day a memorable combination of cycling, culture, scenery, and culinary discovery.

Main Destination:

Gurage (Area)

Accommodation:

Desalegn Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located outside Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

From the highlands into the Great African Rift Valley

Travel: 3.5–4 h; 170 km
Biking: 37 km (difficulty: moderate; altitude difference: ↑400 m, ↓1,600 m)

After breakfast, we check out of the lodge and drive towards one of the highest ridges in the Gurage Highlands. On partly paved roads, we begin cycling through the spectacular mountain landscape before reaching the highlight of the day: a thrilling descent from approximately 3,350 m to 2,050 m.

This breathtaking downhill ride takes us out of the Gurage Highlands and into the Great African Rift Valley, offering spectacular scenery and an unforgettable cycling experience. After lunch near Butajira or Ziway, we continue by vehicle to Hawassa, a journey of approximately 3–4 hours. Upon arrival, we check into our lakeside lodge, where we can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Lake Hawassa.

Main Destination:

Awasa (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Hawassa

• Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Exploring the fertile highlands of the new Sidama Region

Discover the extraordinary landscapes and cultural diversity of Southern Ethiopia on this 12-day guided MTB and E-Bike adventure. From Addis Ababa, cycle through lush forests, volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, fertile valleys, and the picturesque Gurage highlands, using a mix of paved roads, gravel tracks, mountain trails, and quiet rural routes.

Along the way, meet local communities, experience warm Ethiopian hospitality, and discover traditional cultures and ways of life. Continuing towards the spectacular Bale Mountains, the scenery changes dramatically to high-altitude plateaus, open grasslands, forests, and unique mountain ecosystems.

Enjoy opportunities to observe Ethiopia’s remarkable wildlife, including endemic species in their natural habitats. Combining adventure, culture, nature, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery, this journey offers an authentic and unforgettable way to explore Southern Ethiopia beyond the usual tourist routes.

Main Destination:

Awasa (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Hawassa

• Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Cycling in the green area around Yirgalem where coffee comes from

Travel: 2–3 h; 70 km
Biking: 31 km (difficulty: moderate; altitude difference: ↑450 m, ↓1,650 m)

After a 2–3-hour transfer towards the southeast, we unload the bikes and begin exploring the scenic highlands around Garanba Mountain. The ride starts on the plateau, following trails through the rolling landscape with a series of gentle ascents and descents.

We then reach the highlight of the day: a spectacular downhill ride towards Yirgalem, renowned for its lush, fertile landscapes and thriving coffee plantations. The long descent offers breathtaking views as we gradually make our way into the greener lowlands.

In the evening, we enjoy a unique local experience at the lodge, where we can witness the traditional hyena feeding, an unforgettable encounter with one of Ethiopia’s most fascinating wild animals.

Main Destination:

Yirga Alem (Town)

Accommodation:

Aregash Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Yirga Alem (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

First rides in the Bale Mountains National Park

Travel: 4–5 h; 200 km
Biking: 35 km (difficulty: moderate; altitude difference: ↑500 m, ↓1,000 m)

After breakfast, we embark on a 4–5-hour transfer towards the Bale Mountains. Before reaching Dinsho, we unload the bikes and begin cycling into Bale Mountains National Park, following dirt roads through the scenic Gaysay Grasslands.

This beautiful area is renowned for its rich wildlife, and along the way we hope to encounter some of the park’s characteristic species, including Mountain Nyala, warthogs, and dik-diks. The ride combines scenic highland landscapes with excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.

For those who would like to extend the cycling experience, and if time permits, there is an option to continue riding towards our hotel, either on paved roads or quieter dirt tracks. Alternatively, you can relax and enjoy the transfer to the 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:

Nurobe Hotel

• Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Across the Sanetti Plateau over 4000m altitude

Travel: 1.5 h; 40 km
Biking: 63 km (difficulty: moderate; altitude difference: ↑700 m, ↓2,300 m)

Today we reach the highest point of the entire journey, ascending well above 4,000 metres. To avoid the long climb to the spectacular Sanetti Plateau, we load the bikes onto our support vehicle and drive to the starting point of the ride.

Once on the plateau, we begin cycling through the remarkable high-altitude landscape, with opportunities to spot the Ethiopian wolf and other wildlife unique to the Bale Mountains. For those who wish to experience an additional challenge, there is also an optional climb of Tullu Dimtu, at 4,377 metres the highest peak in the Bale Mountains.

The day concludes with a spectacular downhill ride of more than 2,000 metres, descending through changing landscapes and breathtaking mountain scenery towards Robe.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Nurobe Hotel

• Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Cycling and enjoying around the Rift Valley Lakes

Travel: 5–6 h; 300 km
Biking: 18 km (difficulty: moderate; altitude difference: ↑200 m, ↓200 m)

Today is our final cycling day, so we take a more relaxed approach and enjoy the spectacular landscapes at an easy pace. We cycle into Abijatta-Shalla National Park, where the surrounding wetlands and open savannah provide excellent opportunities to spot wildlife, including flamingos, warthogs, and ostriches.

Along the route, we will also visit natural hot springs, where local people traditionally bathe and prepare food, offering an interesting glimpse into everyday life in the area.

In the afternoon, we return to the lodge and leave the bikes behind to relax beside Lake Langano, one of Ethiopia’s few lakes suitable for swimming. It is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the beautiful lakeside setting after our cycling adventure.

Main Destination:

Lake Langano

Accommodation:

Sabana Beach Resort

• Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Last chance to relax on Lake Langano and departure

Travel: 4.5-5 h; 230 km
After some enjoyable moments at the Lake and a boat tour and lunch on Lake Ziway, today's drive will take us back to Addis Ababa, where your return flight will probably take off late in the evening. If there is enough time before your departure, we visit a market or shop in Addis Ababa to buy souvenirs. Finally, there is a joint traditional Ethiopian dinner with music and dance performance. End of the trip and departure depending on flight times.
Meals: B/L/D.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

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