18-Day Ancient Wonders, Wild Landscapes & Living Cultures

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa – Welcome to Ethiopia

Upon your arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative of Inward Ethiopia Tours and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you will have some time to relax and refresh following your journey.
Depending on your arrival time, we will introduce you to Ethiopia's capital with a short city tour. Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous fossil remains of Lucy and other fascinating paleoanthropological exhibits. Continue to Mount Entoto, one of the highest points overlooking Addis Ababa, where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city. You will also have the opportunity to experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Azzeman Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Addis Ababa – Asella – Bale Mountains National Park

After breakfast, depart for Bale Mountains National Park, traveling via Asella through the scenic landscapes of the Ethiopian highlands. Enjoy a comfortable drive surrounded by beautiful countryside, rolling hills, and lush green scenery. Along the way, observe traditional rural life and the daily activities of local communities.
Arrive in Asella around lunchtime and enjoy a relaxing lunch and coffee break while experiencing the town’s welcoming atmosphere. Continue your journey toward Bale Mountains National Park, stopping at spectacular viewpoints along the way to admire the dramatic mountain scenery and capture memorable photographs.
Arrive in the Bale Robe area in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the highlands and relax after your scenic journey.
Overnight: Bale Robe.

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

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Bale Mountains National Park and the Harenna Forest

After breakfast, set out for a scenic exploration of Bale Mountains National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most remarkable natural treasures. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Sanetti Plateau, with its vast alpine grasslands, striking mountain scenery, and unique high-altitude ecosystem.
Take a short guided trek of approximately one hour across the plateau, keeping an eye out for the Ethiopian wolf, one of the rarest wild canids in the world. The park is also home to an impressive variety of birdlife, including Egyptian vultures, eagles, and other highland bird species.

Enjoy lunch during the excursion before continuing your exploration of the park.

Continue your journey toward the magnificent Harenna Forest, descending along the dramatic mountain escarpment. Enjoy scenic stops to photograph the spectacular views, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and appreciate the remarkable transition from the high-altitude plateau to the lush forest landscape.
Overnight: Bale Robe.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Activities:

• Morning nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba

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

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Dinsho – Hawassa – Sunset Boat Trip on Lake Hawassa

Begin your day with breakfast before visiting the Dinsho area of Bale Mountains National Park, known for its beautiful highland landscapes and wildlife. Accompanied by your guide, explore the park’s wildlife viewing areas, where you may encounter endemic species such as the mountain nyala and Menelik’s bushbuck, as well as other highland animals and bird species.
After your morning wildlife experience, begin the scenic drive south toward Hawassa, a beautiful lakeside city in the Great Rift Valley. Enjoy the changing landscapes, traditional villages, and picturesque countryside along the route.
Arrive in Hawassa in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel. Later, enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Lake Hawassa, where you can admire the spectacular sunset over the water. Look out for hippopotamuses and colorful aquatic birds while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the lake.
Return to your hotel in the evening and relax.
Overnight: Hawassa.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Activities:

• Afternoon boat trip

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 Fish Market – Sodo – Dorze Village – Arba Minch

Start your day early with a visit to Hawassa’s lively fish market, where local fishermen bring in their daily catch. Experience the vibrant atmosphere as fish traders, fishermen, and local residents go about their morning activities.
After the visit, depart for Arba Minch, traveling through the scenic landscapes of southern Ethiopia. Stop in Sodo for lunch before continuing your journey through beautiful countryside, traditional settlements, and rolling hills.
En route, visit the Dorze village, renowned for its distinctive, beehive-shaped houses resembling the face of an elephant, as well as its rich cultural traditions. Learn about the Dorze people’s traditional way of life, including their remarkable weaving skills, intricate cotton textiles.
Enjoy a cultural experience featuring traditional music and dancing, discover local food and traditional drinks where available
Early evening and check in to your hotel.
Overnight: Arba Minch.
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Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

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 – Konso – Arbore – Turmi

After breakfast, depart for the Lower Omo Valley, traveling through the remarkable cultural landscapes of the Konso people.
Stop in Konso to explore its traditional settlements and learn about the community's distinctive way of life. The Konso are renowned for their terraced agricultural landscapes, stone-walled villages, traditional architecture, and sustainable farming practices. Visit a traditional Konso village and learn about the community's cultural heritage, social organization, and distinctive building styles.
Continue your journey toward Turmi, stopping at an Arbore village along the way. The Arbore people are known for their colorful beadwork, elaborate necklaces, earrings, metal anklets, and distinctive traditional clothing. Spend some time learning about their customs and daily life, and take photographs where appropriate and with the residents' permission.
After the cultural visit, continue driving through the scenic landscapes of the Lower Omo Valley
Overnight in Turmi.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Buska Lodge

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

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Turmi – Omorate – Turmi

After breakfast, take a day trip from Turmi to Omorate, located near the Kenyan border. This region is home to the Dassanech people,
The Dassanech are an Indigenous agro-pastoralist community whose traditional way of life is closely connected to the Omo River and the surrounding arid environment. Their settlements extend across parts of southern Ethiopia and neighboring regions near Lake Turkana.
During your visit, learn about their traditional lifestyle, cultural practices, homes, and daily activities. Enjoy the opportunity to interact respectfully with local residents and photograph the surrounding landscapes and cultural scenes with permission. In the afternoon, return to Turmi. If a traditional Hamar bull-jumping ceremony is scheduled by the local community, you may have the opportunity to attend this important cultural event. However, the ceremony cannot be guaranteed, as it depends entirely on local arrangements and community schedules.
Overnight in Turmi.

Main Destination:

Omorate (Lower Omo Valley)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Buska Lodge

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

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Turmi – Karo and Nyangatom Communities – Turmi

After breakfast, explore another part of the Lower Omo Valley, visiting communities of the Karo and Nyangatom people.
The Karo are particularly well known for their elaborate body painting, using natural pigments to create beautiful and intricate designs. Their cultural traditions and artistic expressions make this visit a memorable experience.
Continue toward the Nyangatom area, where you can learn about the community's pastoral lifestyle, cultural traditions, and relationship with the surrounding environment.
Along the way, enjoy the spectacular scenery of the savanna grasslands, river valleys, and remote landscapes of the Lower Omo Valley. Keep an eye out for wildlife and colorful bird species that inhabit the region.
After the visits, return to Turmi in the afternoon.
Overnight in Turmi.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Buska Lodge

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

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Turmi – Key Afer – Mago National Park Area – Jinka

After breakfast, depart for Jinka, traveling through the culturally diverse landscapes of South Omo.
Stop at Key Afer, a lively local town known for its colorful markets. If your visit coincides with a market day, you may encounter people from several ethnic communities, including the Hamar, Ari, Benna, and Tsemay, creating wonderful opportunities to observe local trade and traditional clothing.
Continue toward the Mago National Park area for a visit to a Mursi community, subject to access arrangements and local conditions. The Mursi people are well known for their distinctive cultural traditions, including the lip plates worn by some women. During the visit, learn about their lifestyle, customs, and relationship with the surrounding environment.

If time permits, visit the South Omo Research Centre and Museum in Jinka to gain further insight into the cultural diversity and traditions of the region.
Check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Overnight in Jinka.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Jinka Resort

• Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive from Jinka to Yirga Alem via Maze National Park

After breakfast, begin your scenic game drive from Jinka to Yirga Alem. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful landscapes of southern Ethiopia and the opportunity to explore the wildlife-rich surroundings of Maze National Park. The park offers a chance to observe wildlife, including zebras and other animals, in their natural habitat.
Take short stops along the way to observe wildlife and enjoy the rural savanna grasslands. As you continue toward Yirga Alem, admire the spectacular views of green hills, forests, and the traditional architecture of houses belonging to the local communities of southern Ethiopia. Keep your camera ready and ask your driver to stop at suitable viewpoints for photographs.
In the late afternoon, arrive in Yirga Alem and check in at your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Overnight: Yirga Alem.

Main Destination:

Maze National Park

Activities:

• Morning game drive (normal 4x4 vehicle)

Accommodation:

Aregash Lodge

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

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Sidama Cultural Experience, Rift Valley Lakes, and Lake Langano

After breakfast, visit a traditional Sidama village to experience the local culture, discover the community's way of life, and learn about traditional coffee farming and preparation.
Continue your journey toward the Great Rift Valley Lakes, passing through Hawassa. Along the way, visit Abijatta-Shalla National Park, which is renowned for its beautiful volcanic lakes, open landscapes, and abundant birdlife, including flamingos and other aquatic birds. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and take time to observe the diverse bird species that inhabit the area.
After your visit, continue to Lake Langano and arrive at your lodge before sunset. Spend the late afternoon relaxing by the lake, enjoying a peaceful lakeside walk, and admiring the beautiful surroundings. Depending on your interests, you may also enjoy swimming in the lake, whose waters are generally considered suitable for recreational swimming.
As the day draws to a close,
Overnight: Lake Langano.

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

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Sabana Beach Resort

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

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Langano, Lake Ziway, and Awash National Park

After breakfast, Enjoy the early morning sunshine and the peaceful atmosphere along the shores of Lake Langano. Take some time to relax, admire the natural beauty of the Ethiopian Rift Valley, and observe the birds around the lake before beginning your journey to Awash National Park.
On the way, stop in the lakeside town of Ziway, located near Lake Ziway, one of the major lakes in the Great Rift Valley.
Arrive at Awash National Park in the afternoon and enjoy a short game drive, depending on your arrival time and park conditions. Explore the park's impressive savanna grasslands, acacia woodlands, and scenic landscapes. Keep your eyes open for wildlife such as oryx, gazelles, warthogs, baboons, and various bird species. With some luck, you may also spot other wildlife along the way.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the unique natural environment of Awash National Park before heading to your accommodation for the evening.
Overnight: Awash National.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Best Time To Visit October to February (Little rain and less hot)

High Season September to April (The park is never busy)

Best Weather October to February

Wildlife in Awash NP

Olive Baboon Abundant

Beisa Oryx Common

Soemmerring's
Gazelle Common

Hamadryas
Baboon Common

Salt's Dik-dik Common

Show more

Lesser Kudu Occasional

Desert Warthog Occasional

Defassa Waterbuck Occasional

Nile Crocodile Occasional

Spotted Hyena Occasional

Guereza Monkey Rare

Ethiopian Wolf None

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Activities:

• Afternoon game drive (pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle)

Accommodation:

Genet Hotel Awash

• Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Wildlife Safari in Awash National Park and Relaxation at Doho Lodge

Enjoy breakfast in the morning before setting out on a game drive through Awash National Park, where you will explore the park’s diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including ostriches, secretary birds, and other bird species that inhabit the park.
Enjoy lunch in the park before continuing your afternoon game drive to explore another part of the park. With some luck, you may have the opportunity to spot wild zebras and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
In the late afternoon, drive to Doho Lodge, where you can relax and enjoy a rejuvenating bath in the natural hot springs. Take in the beautiful surroundings and admire the sunset before settling in for dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Overnight: Doho Lodge.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Activities:

• Game drive (pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle)

Accommodation:

Doho Lodge & Hot Springs

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Scenic Drive Through the Rift Valley to Erta Ale

After an early breakfast, begin your journey toward Erta Ale, traveling east through the spectacular landscapes of the Great Rift Valley and into the vast Danakil Depression.
This will be a long and adventurous driving day, taking approximately 10 hours, Enjoy the dramatic scenery, volcanic landscapes, and changing terrain throughout the journey.
For your comfort, make stops approximately every two hours to stretch, relax, and enjoy the surroundings. You will also stop at Lake Afdera, a beautiful salt lake in the Danakil region, where you can take photographs and learn about the traditional salt-mining activities in the area.
Continue your journey toward Erta Ale, enjoying the unique landscapes of this remote region. Arrive at the campsite in the late afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy the sunset over the surrounding desert landscape.
In the evening, prepare for your Erta Ale adventure and enjoy an overnight stay at the campsite.
Overnight: Erta Ale campsite.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Scenic drive From Erta Ale – Dallol Region – Hamad Ela

Wake up early before sunrise have half hour hike to the Erta Ale crater area to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the surrounding volcanic landscape. This is a wonderful opportunity to photograph the dramatic scenery and experience the unique atmosphere of the Danakil Depression.
After returning to camp, enjoy breakfast and continue your journey toward the Dallol region.
Travel through the vast desert landscapes, stopping for lunch at a suitable shaded location along the way. Your driver and guide will help ensure that you remain protected from the intense heat and sun throughout the journey.
Arrive in the Hamad Ela area in the late afternoon. Depending on local conditions and the itinerary, continue to the nearby salt flats, where you can admire the immense expanses of white salt and the remarkable scenery of this extraordinary environment.
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and striking desert landscape before returning to the designated campsite.
Overnight at the Hamad Ela campsite.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Activities:

• Early morning nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Dallol – Semera or Mekele – Addis Ababa

Wake up early and travel to the colorful geothermal landscapes of Dallol, famous for their extraordinary mineral formations, vibrant colors, salt structures, and unusual geological features.
Explore the area with your guide and enjoy opportunities to photograph the spectacular scenery. The colors and appearance of the formations may vary depending on weather and environmental conditions.
After your visit, begin the return journey to Semera or Mekele, depending on the planned departure arrangements and available flights.
Take your scheduled flight to Addis Ababa.
Overnight Addis Abeba.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Azzeman Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly to Lalibela and Explore the First Group of Rock-Hewn Churches

Early in the morning, take a domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, the historic town renowned for its remarkable rock-hewn churches. Upon arrival around midday, transfer to your hotel and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, begin your exploration of Lalibela’s magnificent rock-hewn churches with a visit to the first group of churches, including Bete Medhane Alem and Bete Maryam. Admire the extraordinary architectural achievements of these ancient churches, carved directly into solid rock, and experience the peaceful atmosphere and spiritual significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walk through the town, observing local life and experiencing the unique charm of Lalibela.
In the early evening, return to your hotel and enjoy the spectacular sunset over the surrounding mountains and breathtaking landscape.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Explore the Second Group of Churches and Fly Back to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, continue your exploration to the second group of Rock hewn churches. Discover Bete Amanuel, renowned for its distinctive monolithic architecture, and enjoy walking through the narrow passages and rock-cut trenches that connect the churches.
Continue to Bete Abba Libanos, another fascinating church known for its unique construction and historical significance. Take time to appreciate the remarkable craftsmanship and spiritual heritage of Lalibela before transferring to the airport for your midday flight back to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa in the early afternoon, you may relax at your hotel or enjoy a short city tour, depending on your international flight schedule.
In the evening, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant, where you can experience authentic Ethiopian cuisine, live music, and traditional dancing.
After dinner, transfer to Bole International Airport for your onward international flight.
End of the tour.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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