Trekking in the Ethiopian National park

Upon arrival at Bale Mountains, meet your guide and drive to the park headquarters. Afterwards, our hike will take us through the park headquarters, where we'll have the chance to spot endemic and endangered mammals such as the mountain nyala, Ethiopian bushbuck, common warthogs, reedbucks, grey duikers, and baboons. We will also see Ethiopian endemic birds such as the Abyssinian catbird, white-backed black tit, wattled ibis, and black-headed siskin, all found in the juniper woodlands of Bale Mountains headquarters. Overnight at the Dinsho campsite (3100 meters above sea level).

In the morning, after breakfast, we begin our trek to Sodota, which is about 18 km long. Trek from Dinsho through the spectacular scenery of the Web Valley towards the Finch Habera waterfall, where the Web and Wolla rivers meet. In this area, we have our first chance to spot the Ethiopian wolf, as well as raptors, rock hyraxes, and endemic birds such as the blue-winged goose. This will surely leave you excited and in awe of the actual wilderness of the Bale Mountains. Upon arrival at the campsite, you will have a coffee/tea break. Overnight at Sodota campsite (3500 meters above sea level).

Trek to Wasama through beautiful landscapes with stunning views. Pass through the Mararo Valley where lammergeyers and Verreaux's eagles nest. There will also be a chance to see the Ethiopian wolf and numerous bird species. The trek will take around 6-7 hours. Overnight at the Wasama campsite (4000 meters above sea level).

Trek through the wilderness to Rafu. It becomes very evident how the Bale Mountain massif was formed by one super volcano long in the past. The ice age and glacial activity have also significantly sculpted the mountain. The walk between Wasama and Rafu highlights the volcanic influence, with incredible rock formations of basalt pipes and granite boulders littering the high country, making this an absolutely stunning experience. The trek will take 5-6 hours. Overnight at Rafu campsite.

In the morning, after breakfast, leave the beautiful Rafu and head to the Sanetti Plateau. Falcons, raptors, and possibly the Ethiopian wolf will be visible. Pass through the most beautiful Afro-alpine moorland, with stunning wild alpine scenery and lakes on the plateau. Here on the plateau, meet the vehicle and continue driving to the nearby town of Robe/Goba for an overnight stay. The trek will take 6-7 hours. Overnight at a hotel.

In the morning, after breakfast, leave the Bale Mountains and drive towards the southern part of the country to Arba Minch, with some stops along the way. Upon arrival in Arba Minch, transfer to accommodation for an overnight stay at one of the best hotels.

After breakfast, we will take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to view some of the largest crocodiles in the world basking on the banks of the lake. Hippopotamuses and birdlife are also abundant. In the afternoon, we will take a short drive to visit the Dorze tribe in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are renowned for their cotton weaving techniques and beehive-shaped houses constructed entirely from organic materials. In their village, you can see unique beehive huts, observe their exceptional cotton weaving skills, and learn about their life and traditions. Overnight at one of the best accommodations in Arba Minch.

In the morning, after breakfast, drive to Turmi, a small center to visit the Omo Valley tribes. On the way, stop at Konso and visit their village. The Konso tribe is famous for their agricultural terracing methods and for their wooden totems that honor the dead. The Konso villages are UNESCO World Heritage sites for their cultural significance. The villages are surrounded by high stone walls that encompass separate compounds. After lunch, continue further south through the acacia forest to Turmi. The Hamer are known for their fine pottery and remarkable hairstyles. The women wear beautiful colorful beaded goat skins, ornate necklaces, and metal bangles around their wrists and ankles. This decoration indicates the wealth and prestige of a woman's husband. Overnight at one of the best lodges in Turmi.

In the morning, travel towards Omorate on a 75 km asphalt road to visit the Dassanech tribe. Omorate lies on the banks of the Omo River, close to the border of Kenya. You will cross the Omo River with a local boat and continue walking to one of the Dassanech villages. The Dassanech are semi-nomadic tribes living on the shores of the Omo River, with clans stretching across Sudan, Kenya, and southern Ethiopia. They are known for their unique ornate hair buns. They grow crops and fish. Then return to Turmi and continue to the lodge for lunch. Depending on the time, continue to the next sightseeing location. Drive to Jinka, and before arriving, visit the village of the Ari people. The Ari people live in the lush surroundings of Jinka and grow coffee and fruits for trading and self-consumption. Their villages are green and surrounded by banana, mango, and avocado trees, making them some of the most beautiful in the country. Overnight at one of the best accommodations.

Early in the morning, drive through Mago National Park to visit one of the villages of the Mursi tribe. The Mursi are possibly the most well-known tribe in the area, famous for their women who practice extending their lower lips with clay discs and their men who engage in stick fighting rituals called Donga. The Mursi are probably the last tribe in Africa amongst whom it is still the norm for women to wear large pottery or wooden discs or plates. Afterwards, return to Jinka and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. Arrive in the late afternoon, and depending on the program, continue to the next plan. End of tour.