10-Day Visit Bale Mountain, Omo Valley & City Tour

Day 1

Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour

Morning / Arrival: Meet and greet at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. Transfer to your hotel for a short refreshment.

City Tour Highlights:

Ethnological Museum – Located within the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse cultures.

Mercato – Africa’s largest open-air market, a vibrant place to experience Ethiopian daily life.

Entoto Hill – Panoramic views over the capital and visit to the historic St. Mary’s Church.

Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Day 2

Addis Ababa – Bale Mountains (Dinsho Headquarters)

Morning: Depart early from Addis Ababa and driving south toward Bale Mountains National Park (approx. 7–8 hours). The route offers spectacular Rift Valley scenery, lakes, and farmlands.

Afternoon: Arrive at Dinsho, the park headquarters. Receive an introduction to the park and enjoy a leisurely hike in the surrounding Hagenia–Juniper forest.

Wildlife Highlights: Menelik’s Bushbuck, Mountain Nyala (both endemic mammals).

Birdwatching: Wattled Ibis, Spot-Breasted Lapwing, Rouget’s Rail, Blue-Winged Goose, Abyssinian Long Claw.

Overnight: Camping at Dinsho.

Day 3

Trek to Sodota

Morning: Begin trekking from Dinsho through Afro-alpine vegetation. Look for Mountain Nyala, Bushbuck, and bird species unique to the region.

Midday Break: Stop at Habera Waterfall, a scenic picnic spot perfect for photography and relaxation.

Afternoon: Continue trekking to Sodota, with chances to spot the elusive Ethiopian Wolf, Africa’s rarest canid.

Trekking Duration: 6–7 hours.

Overnight: Camping at Sodota.

Day 4

Trek to Wasama

Morning: Depart from Sodota toward Wasama, crossing breathtaking highland scenery. Pass through the Mararo Valley, a known nesting area for Lammergeyer (Bearded Vulture) and Verreaux’s Eagles.

Wildlife Encounters: Ethiopian Wolf, various raptors, and endemic rodents.

Trekking Duration: 5–6 hours.

Overnight: Camping at Wasama.

Day 5

Trek to Gebre Gurracha via Mt Wasama

Morning: Begin the ascent of Mt. Wasama (4,200m), the highest point of your trek, offering panoramic views of the Bale Mountains plateau.

Midday Break: Descend into the Worgona Valley, teeming with birdlife such as falcons, eagles, and endemic species.

Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Gebre Gurracha (“Black Lake”), a serene and dramatic crater lake ideal for relaxation.

Trekking Duration: 6–7 hours.

Overnight: Camping at Gebre Gurracha.

Day 6

Return to Addis Ababa

Morning: Early breakfast by the lake, followed by a drive back to Addis Ababa via Dinsho.

Optional Stop: Visit a local town or community en route for lunch and a cultural experience.

Evening: Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Day 7

Fly to Jinka – Visit Hamer Village

Morning: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Jinka. Upon arrival, drive to Turmi, home of the Hamer people.

Afternoon: Visit a Hamer village to experience their unique customs, hairstyles, and traditional attire.

Overnight: Turmi.

Day 8

Visit Dasanech & Kara Peoples

Morning: Cross the Omo River by boat to visit the Dasanech people, known for their unique culture and adaptation to the harsh environment.

Afternoon: Visit the Kara (or Karo) people, famous for their intricate body painting along the Omo River banks.

Overnight: Turmi.

Day 9

Visit Mursi at Key Afer – Drive to Jinka

Morning: Drive to Key Aferto meet the Mursi people, renowned for their lip plates and distinctive scarification.

Afternoon: Return to Jinka and enjoy the town’s market or museum if time permits.

Overnight: Jinka.

Day 10

Fly Back to Addis Ababa

This Day is your Last day of the lovely trip. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.

Afternoon Optional shopping at local handicraft stores or a farewell coffee ceremony.

Evening: Depart Ethiopia or continue to your next destination.