Day 1: Addis Ababa Arrival
Upon your arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to rest and acclimate to the altitude before embarking on your South Omo Valley and Bale Mountain adventure.
Day 2: Addis Ababa - Arba Minch
After breakfast, depart from Addis Ababa and drive to Arba Minch, a picturesque town located at the southern end of the Great Rift Valley. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the Ethiopian countryside and make stops at various viewpoints. Upon arrival in Arba Minch, check into your hotel and relax.
Day 3: Arba Minch - Jinka
Today, you will drive to Jinka, a town situated in the heart of the South Omo Valley. En route, visit the Konso Cultural Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique terraced agricultural system and cultural traditions. Continue the journey to Jinka and check into your hotel upon arrival.
Day 4: Jinka - Turmi
Start your day with a visit to the Mursi tribe, known for their distinctive lip plates and rich cultural heritage. Learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life. Afterward, drive to Turmi, home to the Hamar tribe. In the evening, if lucky, witness the traditional bull jumping ceremony, a rite of passage for young men.
Day 5: Turmi - Konso
Leave Turmi behind and head towards Konso, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Konso village, famous for its stone-walled terraces, communal living, and unique wooden statues known as "wakas." Immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with the friendly Konso people.
Day 6: Konso - Yirga Alem
Today, depart from Konso and drive to Yirga Alem, a town located in the Sidama Zone. Along the way, enjoy scenic landscapes and stop to admire the natural beauty of the region. Upon arrival in Yirga Alem, check into your hotel and rest.
Day 7: Yirga Alem - Bale Mountains National Park
After breakfast, journey to Bale Mountains National Park, known for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and the opportunity to spot the Ethiopian wolf. Explore the park's trails, enjoy birdwatching, and soak in the tranquility of this untouched wilderness. Overnight stay at a lodge or campsite within the park.
Day 8: Bale Mountains National Park
Spend the entire day exploring the wonders of Bale Mountains National Park. Embark on a guided hike to the Sanetti Plateau, the highest plateau in Africa, and witness unique flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for Ethiopian wolves, mountain nyala, and other endemic species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness and return to your accommodation for the night.
Day 9: Bale Mountains National Park - Addis Ababa
Bid farewell to the beautiful Bale Mountains as you drive back to Addis Ababa. Along the way, make stops in scenic locations and enjoy the landscapes. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, check into your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure. You may choose to visit local markets, museums, or enjoy traditional Ethiopian cuisine.
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or exploring Addis Ababa further. Your tour guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure. Say goodbye to Ethiopia with unforgettable memories of your South Omo Valley and Bale Mountain safari.