8-Day Southern Ethiopia -Wildlife, Lakes & Local Life

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

Flight from addis ababa to Jimma and Journey to Chebera Churchura National Park

Begin your adventure with a morning flight from addis ababa to Jimma, where your driver-guide will meet you for a scenic drive to Chebera Churchura National Park (approximately 100 km, partly on unpaved roads). Along the way, enjoy the lush landscapes and rolling hills of southwestern Ethiopia.

Depending on your arrival time, you can take a short nature walk near your lodge or simply relax in the peaceful forest surroundings. The park is home to abundant wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, hippos, and a variety of bird species. Overnight at Elephant Paw Lodge, immersed in the tranquil forest setting.

Main Destination:

Chebera-Churchura National Park

Best Time To Go October to March (Little rainfall)

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

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Chebera Elephant Paw Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Chebera-Churchura NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Full Day in Chebera Churchura -Wildlife Safari & Forest Exploration

Spend the day fully exploring Chebera Churchura National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most scenic and wildlife-rich areas. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives or guided walks, giving you excellent opportunities to spot elephants, buffalo, hippos, warthogs, bushbuck, and a wide variety of bird species.

A picnic lunch in the heart of the park allows you to soak in the tropical forest atmosphere and observe wildlife in their natural surroundings. In the evening, return to Elephant Paw Lodge for a relaxing overnight stay surrounded by the tranquil forest.

Main Destination:

Chebera-Churchura National Park

Accommodation:

Chebera Elephant Paw Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Chebera-Churchura NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Chebera to Wolayta Sodo Scenic Drive and Local Flavors

After breakfast, enjoy a final short wildlife drive through Chebera Churchura National Park, taking in the sights and sounds of the forest one last time. Then begin the journey toward Wolayta Sodo, a drive of approximately 6–7 hours through picturesque landscapes of southwestern Ethiopia.

Upon arrival, check in at Haile Resort, one of the region’s finest lodges. In the evening, savor a traditional Wolayta dinner, featuring local specialties such as kitfo served with kocho, accompanied by regional drinks. Relax and unwind, preparing for the next stage of your adventure.

Main Destination:

Wolayta Sodo (Town)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Wolayta Sodo to Dorze Village and Arba Minch

After breakfast, drive south toward Arba Minch, stopping at Dorze Village on the Guge Mountains. Here you can experience the Dorze people’s unique weaving traditions, explore their iconic elephant-shaped huts, and learn about their daily lifestyle.

After the visit, continue downhill to Arba Minch and check in at Paradise Lodge. Enjoy lunch with panoramic views of Lakes Abaya and Chamo. In the afternoon, take a guided walk in the Forty Springs forest to observe bushbuck, baboons, vervet and colobus monkeys. Optionally, you may visit the Crocodile Ranch before returning to the lodge for an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Lake Chamo

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Arba Minch Lake Chamo Boat Trip and Konso Visit

Begin the morning with a boat trip on Lake Chamo, where you can see large numbers of hippos, flocks of pelicans, and the famous giant Nile crocodiles. Enjoy the calm waters and scenic surroundings as you explore the lake.

After the boat excursion, drive approximately three hours to Konso. Check in at Kanta Lodge and enjoy lunch before visiting a Konso village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the terraced agriculture, wooden grave markers, and fascinating traditional architecture that showcase the community’s rich heritage. Return to the lodge for an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Konso (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Kanta Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Konso (Cultural Village)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Konso to Turmi Journey through Southern Ethiopia

After breakfast, drive south through the scenic areas connecting Konso and Turmi. Along the way, stop to visit the Erbore community, known for their colorful beads and traditional huts, and pass through areas inhabited by the Weyto and Tsemay communities.

Arrive in Turmi and check in at Paradise Lodge Turmi. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge or take a short visit to the nearby Hamer village to enjoy the local lifestyle and watch the sunset over the surrounding landscapes. Overnight at the lodge.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge Turmi

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

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+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Turmi Full Day of Cultural Exploration and Local Ceremonies

Start the day with a drive to Omorate, near the Kenya border, to visit the Dasenech community living along the Omo River. Observe their daily life and unique customs before returning to Turmi for lunch.

In the afternoon, continue to visit the Karo community, renowned for their artistic body painting and scarification. If a bull-jumping ceremony is taking place, you will have the chance to witness this remarkable initiation ritual. Return to Paradise Lodge Turmi for an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge Turmi

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Turmi to Jinka and Return Flight to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, drive to Jinka via Key Afer, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way and encountering members of the Mursi and Ari communities. This route allows you to experience more of southern Ethiopia’s diverse culture and natural beauty while avoiding a long drive back to Arba Minch.

Catch your morning flight from Jinka to Addis Ababa, bringing your southern Ethiopia adventure to a close. This efficient route saves time and ensures a comfortable end to your journey.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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