9-Day Ethiopian Expedition Wildlife P...

>> Clients will be greeted upon arrival to Bole International Airport, regardless of arrival time and transferred to your hotel Located in the center of the country. Addis Ababa is Ethiopia’s geographic, political and cultural hub. Addis is distinct from many other African capitals because it was not developed under colonial rule. One of its best-known sites is the National Museum of Ethiopia, which houses the remains of “Lucy,” a bipedal hominid who lived 3.2 million years ago and was discovered in 1974. If you arrive early perhaps take a tour of this bustling city, Established by the Emperor Menelik II in 1887. The optional city tour will include the National Museum, where you’ll find the famous remains of 'Lucy’, and the Ethnographic Museum set within the beautiful gardens of Haile Selassie’s former palace. We gather for a welcome dinner with our fellow travelers this evening.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

•  Accommodation: Da'amat Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

>> Flight to Arba Minch, one of the main towns in southern Ethiopia. On arrival we will drive to Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Arbaminch Tourist Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

>> After breakfast, we will take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. En route to Jinka we will be visiting various ethnic groups, such as the Gamo and Derashe. Stop at Key Afar's weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Nasa Hotel Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

>> An early drive into the vast wilderness of Mago National Park. Founded in 1960, this national park houses nearly 100 mammal species and 300 bird species within its dense acacia forests and open savannah lands. Next set out to visit a Mursi village. The women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Return to Jinka to visit an ethnographic museum dedicated to the tribes speaking South Omotic languages. Jinka is a lively trading hub and known as a capital of sorts for the range of ethnic groups that call this region home.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Nasa Hotel Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

>> Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of "bull-jumping" which every young man must accomplish prior to marriage. En route to Turmi, visit the Benna and Ari people.
Overnight at the cheerful, well-designed Buska Lodge or similar.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Emerald Lodge Turmi Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

>> In the morning, you will have an excursion trip to Murrulle the village of Karo people who are the least in number and known for their body painting they indulge before important ceremonies then after we headed to Omorate enjoy interactions with the Geleb (Dassenech), pastoralists who celebrate a woman's upcoming marriage with a long, drawn out ceremony where the entire tribe is invited to dress up in their finest clothing, dance and feast on slaughtered cattle. Return for Overnight at the cheerful, well-designed Buska Lodge.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Emerald Lodge Turmi Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

>> Drive to Konso, a recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, for its terraced hillsides and intricately carved totems, which locals use to decorate graves. This destination is a spectacular example of living cultural tradition that stretches back over 400 years. Overnight Kanata Lodge.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Kanta Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Konso (Cultural Village)

>> Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. Our resort is situated right at the lakeshore and the grounds and surroundings are a great place for Rest and relaxation. It's also a good place to watch different species of birds.
Overnight Haile Resort Hawassa or similar.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Haile Resort Hawassa Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City)

>> Visit the Hawassa fish market in the morning. Drive to Addis Ababa making stops at the Rift Valley Lakes. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for your international flight.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)