3-Day Explores Konso, Dorze Villages and Lake Chamo Tour

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

Drive to Konso – Cultural Landscapes & Ancient Traditions

Morning
• 7:00 AM – Depart from Arba Minch or Addis Ababa (if from Addis, an overnight in Arba Minch the day before is recommended).
• Drive through the scenic southern rift valleys, passing coffee plantations, banana groves, and traditional tukul huts.
• En route stop for lunch in Sodo or a local town café.
Afternoon
• Arrive in Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its terraced agriculture, stone-walled villages, and wagas (carved wooden grave markers).
• Take a guided walking tour of one of the traditional Konso villages—learn about their clan system, defense walls, and cultural values.
• Visit the Konso Cultural Museum, which provides context for the area’s customs, historical resistance to invasion, and ecological adaptation.
9:30 drive back to Arba Minch and overnight stay Jinka resort in Arba Minch.

Main Destination:

Konso (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Mora Heights Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

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+6 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Dorze Village – Weaving, Culture & Mountain Views

Morning
• After breakfast, drive north toward the Dorze highlands (approx. 2–3 hrs).
• On arrival, visit Dorze village, located on the mountain slopes overlooking Lake Abaya.
• Walk through the village and observe their distinctive beehive-shaped huts, intricate cotton weaving, and false banana plantations used for food.
Late Morning to Early Afternoon
• Watch a weaving demonstration—Dorze textiles are highly regarded across Ethiopia.
• Sample kocho, a fermented flatbread made from false banana, often served with spicy stews.
• Enjoy panoramic views over the twin rift lakes—Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo.
Afternoon
• Optional short hike or horse ride through the surrounding forest, with a guide explaining local plants and mountain life.
• Drive back down to Arba Minch, check into your hotel or lodge.
Evening
• Relax and enjoy the sunset over Lake Chamo from your lodge.
• Dinner and overnight in Arba Minch.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Mora Heights Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Lake Chamo Boat Safari – Crocodiles, Hippos & Birds

Morning
• After an early breakfast, head to Lake Chamo for a boat safari.
• Cruise along the water, getting up-close views of:
o Massive Nile crocodiles sunbathing along the shores (some over 5 meters long),
o Pods of hippos wallowing near the papyrus reeds,
o Abundant birdlife, including African fish eagles, pelicans, herons, and storks.
Midday
• Return to Arba Minch for lunch.
• Optional stop at the Forty Springs (Arba Minch means “40 springs”) or visit a local market depending on time and interest.
Afternoon
• transfer to Arba Minch airport and fly back to Addis.

Main Destination:

Lake Chamo

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

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