Around the Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes: A Safari & Culture Tour

Overview

Join us for a wonderfully varied and relaxing 11-day journey, offering a unique blend of a safari-like experience with enormous crocodiles, hippo families, and stunning birdlife, alongside ever-changing, picturesque scenery and welcoming tribal cultures. This is an exploration for nature and culture enthusiasts.

Tour Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

0

Evening Flight to Addis Ababa

Depart from Heathrow on an evening flight to Addis Ababa.

1

Akaki Wetlands and Bishoftu

Upon arrival, we'll enjoy revitalizing Ethiopian coffee before heading south. We’ll take a gentle stroll at Akaki to spot flamingos and inspect the oldest dam, then proceed to the scenic town of Bishoftu.

2

Crater Lakes and Transfer to Ziway

Explore the beautiful scenery and varied birdlife of the Bishoftu crater lakes. After lunch, we travel south to the impressive Lake Ziway, where we check into our attractive bungalow-style hotel near the lake.

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3

Ziway Boat Trip and Langano

An exciting morning boat trip on Lake Ziway to find extraordinary birdlife, Bird Island, and lazily basking hippos. In the afternoon, we visit Lakes Abiata and Shala to find semi-wild ostriches and Grant's gazelles before returning to Ziway.

4

Journey to Hawassa

Today we arrive in Hawassa, the largest city in the Rift Valley, known for its beautiful wide streets and lakeside views. A late afternoon stroll along Lake Hawassa is sure to win over even those not keenly focused on birdlife.

5

Fish Market and Free Time

Start the day at the lively lakeside Fish Market, where fishermen and birds compete for the catch. Enjoy free time for exploring, watching colobus monkeys, or an optional ride to the Wondo Genet hot springs.

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6

Tutu Fella and Coffee Country

Our interest today turns to prehistory as we move to the stone field of Tutu Fella and its phallic carvings. After lunch in Dilla, we continue to the famous coffee village of Yirgacheffe to enjoy a fine cup or two.

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7

Travel to Karat-Konso

A substantial travel day as we move around the bottom of the Rift Valley, heading for Karat-Konso. We check into the stunning Kanta Lodge, drenched in colourful bougainvillea, which is a highlight of our accommodations.

8

Konso Culture and Mecheke Village

Our tribal guide leads us to a rock formation nicknamed 'New York,' followed by a relaxed walk to the traditional Mecheke village, where ancient lifestyles and beliefs are still visible. We then travel north to Arba Minch for the night.

9

Lake Chamo Wildlife & Dorze Village

A major wildlife day with a private boat trip on Lake Chamo to seek out the largest crocodiles in the world, along with hippos and extraordinary birdlife. Later, we visit a colourful Dorze village to learn about their unique culture and the use of the false banana tree.

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10

Forty Springs and Domestic Flight

Our time in the region concludes with a flat woodland walk to see the 'Forty Springs' (Arba Minch) site. After lunch, we prepare for a short domestic flight back to the capital city.

11

Farewell Ethiopia

Bidding Ethiopia a fond farewell, we take the daytime flight back to Heathrow and home, filled with incredible memories.