Ethiopia Discovery

Discover Ethiopia’s fascinating cultures in this journey through the lesser-travelled part of this rich and diverse country. You’ll visit two national parks and be introduced to villages for one-of-a-kind interaction with the local people

Ethiopia Discovery

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Itinerary

  • Day 1-3: Addis Ababa – Arba Minch

    Your adventure begins in Addis Ababa, then heads south past many scenic lookouts, local villages and Rift Valley lakes to descend to the pleasant Arba Minch. You’ll also visit Shashemene, known for its Rastafarian community. After a relaxing boat ride on Lake Chamo viewing the resident crocodiles, hippos, and bird life, drive high into the Guge Mountains to spend the night with the Dorze people, famous for their beehive-shaped bamboo houses and products from the Enset “false banana” plant.

  • Day 4-5: Jinka

    From Jinka visit the Mursi people via Mago National Park. The Jinka women are famous for the circular lip plates they place into slits in their lips. Visit the Anthropological museum in Jinka, or tour an Ari village.

  • Day 6-8: Turmi

    Travel to Turmi, passing Hamer and Benna cattle herders. Explore Key Afar with its colourful Thursday market. While based in Turmi, enjoy excursions to Ormorate and Dimeka. Ormorate is home to the Omo Geleb/Dasanech people at the bank of the Omo River.  In Dimeka, the Saturday market is particularly interesting for its display of local products such as butter and honey produced from the Hamer natural environment and semi-nomadic livelihoods.

  • Day 9-11: Turmi – Addis Ababa

    Drive to Konso. Visit the Konso chief’s compound for a chance to learn about local customs and their rich agrarian culture. In this region you may also encounter the Cushitic-speaking Tsemay people. Continue to Yirgalem, then enjoy birdwatching at Lake Ziway before arriving back to modern and cosmopolitan Addis Ababa, perched on the slopes of the Entoto Mountains, where your tour ends in the late evening.

* All prices shown are for low season, per person, twin share. Click here to see full Terms & Conditions.

Pricing

11 days/10 Nights From $2,319*

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Includes: Three nights in simple hotels, one night traditional lodging, one night lodge, five nights camping, eight breakfasts, three lunches, seven dinners, village entrances and visits.

Note: Due to the remote nature of this Ethiopian adventure, some accommodation may seem rustic by western standards. Light walking and hiking is suitable for most fitness levels.

Group size: Approximately 10 to 15 Gap Adventures tour leader, driver(s), local guides. Transport by 4WD Landcruiser and boat.

Departs: Selected dates
Jan – Mar and Jun – Dec '10.

Highlights

  • Fascinating cultures in lesser-travelled Ethiopia

  • Wildlife viewing by boat in Nechisar National Park

  • Meeting the Mursi people, famous for their circular lip plates