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Omo Valley and Bale Mountains

Ethiopia’s Omo Valley and Bale Mountains Trek;
13 Days / 12 Nights

Arrival   Bole International Airport
Awaze Tours  will meet all clients arriving at the airport regardless of arrival time.  

Day 01   Addis Ababa – Bale Mountains
Drive from Addis to the Bale Mountains National Park. Arrive at the park headquarters in the afternoon, in time for a leisurely afternoon hike, possibly spotting two endemic mammals that frequent the area: Menelik’s Bushbuck and the Mountain Nyala. Birds in this area include the Blue-Winged Goose, the Spot-Breasted Lapwing, the Abyssinian Long Claw, the Wattled Ibis, the Black-Headed Siskin, Rouget’s Rail, and numerous other species. Overnight camping near park entrance.
Overnight Camping  (B, L, D)

Day 02   Trekking Bale Mountains National Park
Walk through Dinsho and enter the National Park. Around Dinsho, the Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck should be visible. While trekking through the park, there will be a chance to see Ethiopian Wolves. Stop by Habera Waterfall for a nice break. Hiking will take 6-7 hours.
Overnight Camping  (B, L, D)

Day 03   Trekking Bale Mountains National Park
Trek to Wasama through a beautiful landscape with stunning views. Pass through Mararo Valley where the Lammergeyer and Verraux Eagles keep nests. There will also be a chance a seeing the Ethiopian Wolf and other species of birds. Around 5-6 hours of trekking.
Overnight Camping  (B, L, D)

Day 04   Trekking Bale Mountains National Park
Start the day by hiking up Mt. Wasama (4200m) and then continue down into the Worgona Valley. Falcons, raptors, and possibly the Ethiopian Wolf will be visible. End the day at Lake Gebre Gurracha, meaning “black lake” in the Oromic language. Trekking will take 6-7 hours.
Overnight Camping  (B, L, D)

Day 05   Sanetti Plateau
Take a short trek from Gebre Gurracha up to the Sanetti Plateau to meet vehicles. Explore the Sanetti Plateau by car. This is the best place in Ethiopia to view the Ethiopian Wolf.  
Overnight Hotel  (B, L, D)

Day 06   Bale Mountains – Arba Minch
Drive to Arba Minch, one of the main towns in Southern Ethiopia.  On the way, visit a 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.  
Overnight Lodge  (B, L, D)

Day 07   Arba Minch – Jinka
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. Drive to Jinka visiting various peoples 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. ​
Overnight Lodge  (B, L, D)

Day 08   Mago National Park
Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka.
Overnight Lodge  (B, L, D)

Day 09   Jinka – Turmi
Drive to Turmi to visit the Hame eople 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 Lodge  (B, L, D)

Day 10   Omorate Excursion
Excursion to Omorate visiting the Dassanech people.  Return to Turmi for the evening.
 Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 11   Turmi – Konso
Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages.
 Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 12   Konso –  Hawassa
Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. En route, visit a 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.
Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 13   Hawassa – Addis Ababa
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 late night departure upon request.
 (B, L, D)End of Tour


(Black Kite Tours will arrange additional hotel nights in Addis Ababa upon request.)