SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA AND BALE MOUNTAINS

SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA AND BALE MOUNTAINS

12 days / 11 nights                                                  Tour Code: WET07

This trip is an opportunity to explore Ethiopia, a country with a long history and very different traditions. We will start in the capital, Addis Ababa, to see how the past and present coexist. We will visit important museums and get an idea of ​​life in the city. Then, we will move south, where we will see ancient archaeological sites and natural parks with particular animals and landscapes. In the local markets, we will be able to observe how people live and make their exchanges. An important part of the trip will be the visit to the Omo Valley, where different tribes live with very different customs. We will try to understand better how they live, always with respect for their traditions. We will also see other interesting places, such as coffee plantations and the Bale Mountains, where nature is still very wild. This trip is designed for those who want to get to know Ethiopia firsthand, see places and meet people who have different lifestyles than ours. It will be an experience to see new things and get an idea of ​​a country with a very rich history and culture.

Highlights

• Addis Ababa: Discover the capital, with its museums and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

• Archaeological Sites: Visit Melka Kunturre and Tiya, evidence of ancient civilizations.

• Nature and Wildlife: Exploration of the national parks of Abiata Shala and Bale Mountains, with sightings of endemic species.

• Local Markets: Experience the lively markets of Hawasa, Key Afer and Dimeka, places of exchange and socialization.

• Omo Valley: Meet the Mursi, Karo, Hamer and Dassanech tribes, with their unique traditions.

• Konso: Visit a UNESCO heritage site, with its agricultural terraces and its culture.

• Yirgalem: Discovery of Ethiopian coffee plantations, with tasting of the local product.

• Bale Mountains: Adventure in the Sanetti plateau, with photographic safari and trekking.

TRAVEL PROGRAM

1. Addis Ababa: Gateway to Ethiopia:

• Arrival and transfer to the hotel.
• Guided tour of the capital, with a focus on the Ethnographic Museum and the National Museum, for a complete overview of the cultural and historical heritage of the country.

2. Addis Ababa – Hawasa: A Journey Through Prehistory and Nature:

• Morning departure towards the south.
• Exploration of the archaeological sites of Melka Kunturre and Tiya, evidence of prehistoric settlements.
• Stop at the Abiata Shala National Park, a bird sanctuary and thermal spa.
• Arrival and overnight in Hawasa.

3. Hawasa – Arbaminch: Encounter with Local Traditions:

• Visit the lively fish market on Lake Hawasa.
• Transfer to Arbaminch, with a stop in the Dorze villages, famous for their traditional homes and weaving skills.

4. Arbaminch – Jinka: The Gateway to the Omo Valley:

• Boat trip on Lake Chamo, home to hippos and crocodiles.
• Visit to the Key Afer market, a meeting point for different ethnic groups.
• Exploration of an Ari village, known for their agriculture and handicrafts.
• Transfer to Jinka.

5. Jinka – Mago National Park – Turmi: The Enigma of the Mursi:

• Adventure in the Mago National Park, to meet the Mursi tribe.
• Visit to the ethnographic museum of Jinka.
• Transfer to Turmi, the heart of the Hamer territory.

6. Turmi – Korcho – Dimeka – Turmi: Body Paintings and Tribal Markets:

• Exploration of the territory of the Karo, famous for their elaborate body paintings.
• Visit to the village of Korcho, overlooking the Omo River.
• Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Dimeka market.
• Return to Turmi.

7. Turmi – Omorate – Turmi: Life Along the Omo River:

• Visit the Dassanech village of Omorate, which lives in symbiosis with the Omo River.
• Return to Turmi and visit a Hamer village, to learn about their traditions and rituals.

8. Turmi – Konso: A UNESCO World Heritage Site:

• Transfer to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit the museum and a Konso village, with their characteristic houses and agricultural terraces.

9. Konso – Yirgalem: Discovering Ethiopian Coffee:

• Visit a coffee plantation in Yirgalem.
• Tasting of the renowned Ethiopian coffee.

10. Yirgalem – Goba: Towards the Bale Mountains:

• Visit a Sidama village, to understand their culture and way of life.
• Transfer to Goba, the gateway to the Bale Mountains.
• Introductory excursion in the Bale Mountains National Park.

11. Bale Mountains National Park: A Unique Ecosystem:

• Photo safari on the Sanetti plateau, in search of endemic species.
• Excursion to Mount Tullu Dimtu and the Harenna forest.
• Return to Goba.

12. Goba – Addis Ababa: Return to the Capital:

• Transfer back to Addis Ababa.
• Day use in the hotel before the return flight.

END OF PROGRAM