Bale National Park Tour and Omo Valley – 8 Days

Spend a full day immersed in the extraordinary landscapes of Bale Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s most remarkable biodiversity hotspots.
Throughout the day, keep watch for endemic wildlife, including the endangered Ethiopian wolf, the rarest red wolf in the world. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by sightings of the blue-winged goose, chestnut-naped francolin, and striking alpine chat.
Enjoy a day of discovery in this pristine wilderness before returning for a restful evening surrounded by nature.
Overnight: Bale Robe

Traveling south along the Great Rift Valley, you will arrive in Hawassa, a peaceful lakeside destination known for its natural beauty. Lake Hawassa is the centerpiece, where visitors can enjoy boat rides, bird watching, and encounters with hippos.
The Hawassa Fish Market provides a lively cultural experience, showcasing local fishermen and fresh catches. Enjoy scenic walks along the lake, watching hippos and a variety of aquatic bird species, including pelicans, ducks, grey herons, storks, plovers, egrets, kingfishers, fish eagles, ibis, and spoonbills.
Overnight: Hawassa

Start your day early with a visit to the famous Hawassa Fish Market along the shores of Lake Hawassa. Then, drive to Arba Minch, one of the main towns in southern Ethiopia, beautifully set between Lakes Abaya and Chamo.
Along the way, visit a traditional Dorze Tribe village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze people are renowned for their remarkable craftsmanship, especially their tall, beehive-shaped houses made from woven bamboo. These unique structures can reach up to 10 meters in height and are designed to last for decades. Ingeniously, if the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and relocated—an impressive example of sustainable and adaptive architecture.
Meet villagers, learn about their customs, sometimes enjoy traditional music and dance, taste traditional foods made from enset, including “kocho,” and experience local hospitality.
Overnight: Arba Minch

Drive south toward the remote and culturally rich South Omo Valley, enjoying a scenic journey through diverse landscapes and traditional villages.
En route, stop at Konso Tribe, renowned for their impressive terraced farming system and sustainable agricultural practices. Take time to explore the village and learn about their unique culture and way of life. If your visit coincides with a local market day, you may have the opportunity to stop at a nearby market town frequented by the Gato Tribe.
Continue your drive through the territories of the Banna Tribe, where you will observe traditional farming methods and experience the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Arrive in Turmi in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Turmi

Drive 72 km through wide savannah plains to Omorate to visit the Dassanech Tribe, one of the southernmost tribes of Ethiopia. They live along the lower stretches of the Omo River near the border with Kenya. They are semi-nomadic, with lifestyles based on cattle herding, floodplain agriculture, and seasonal fishing. The contrast between dry land and green riverbanks creates striking scenery.
In the afternoon, visit the Hamar Tribe, known for the Evangadi bull-jumping ceremony, a rite of passage for young men. Hamar women are recognized for their beautiful hairstyles, coated with butter and ochre, adorned with colorful beads and leather skirts. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge to enjoy the sunset.
Overnight: Turmi

In the morning, drive across the Omo River to visit the Karo Tribe at Korocho Village, perched on a high cliff with panoramic views of the Omo River. The Karo are world-renowned as the “Masters of Body Painting,” using white chalk, yellow mineral rock, red iron ore, and charcoal to transform their bodies into living canvases.
Return to Jinka and, if your visit coincides with a local market day, you may stop at a nearby market town frequented by the Aari Tribe. Also, visit the Mursi Tribe, whose women wear a unique ornament—a small wooden plug or a “flower” made of metal or bone—pierced through the lower lip, a traditional aesthetic defining their cultural identity.
Overnight: Jinka

Take a flight to Addis Ababa. Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to see the famous fossil “Lucy” (Dinkinesh) and other archaeological treasures. Explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the most important Ethiopian Orthodox churches, with stained-glass windows and the tombs of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen Asfaw.
Drive up to Entoto Mountain for panoramic city views. Visit Entoto Maryam Church and Emperor Menelik II’s historical palace. Explore Merkato Market, Africa’s largest open-air market, discovering spices, handicrafts, coffee, and local life.
Conclude the tour with an optional farewell dinner with cultural dance at a traditional restaurant. Transfer to the airport according to your departure schedule.