Itinerary

1. Day 1: Drive to Bale Mountains National Park

   • Begin a scenic drive from Addis Ababa to Bale Mountains National Park.
   • Pass through dramatic landscapes of the Ethiopian Highlands and Rift Valley.
   • Stop at Dinsho and Gaysay Grasslands for wildlife and endemic bird spotting.
   • Observe mountain nyala Menelik’s bushbuck Bohor reedbuck and highland bird species.
   • Enjoy panoramic views of rolling plateaus grasslands and mountain peaks.
   • Arrive at Bale Goba in the evening.

   Overnight at Nurobe Hotel Bale Goba.

2. Day 2: Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest

   • Depart early for a full day exploration of Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest.
   • Drive along Africa’s highest all weather road with views of Tullu Deemtu.
   • Observe bird species including wattled ibis blue winged goose and black headed siskin.
   • Search for the rare Ethiopian wolf on the Sanetti Plateau.
   • Descend into the Harenna Forest home to Bale monkey and endemic birds.
   • Learn about wild coffee plantations bamboo groves and local honey production.

   Overnight at Nurobe Hotel Bale Goba.

3. Day 3: Drive to Hawassa

   • Explore Dinsho in the morning known for its biodiversity and wildlife.
   • Observe mountain nyala warthogs and endemic bird species.
   • Drive towards Hawassa through the Abaro Mountains and Rift Valley.
   • Spot bird species such as Abyssinian waxbill black winged lovebird and barbet species.
   • Arrive at Lake Hawassa and enjoy lakeside views and sunset birdwatching.

   Overnight at Oasis Hotel Hawassa.

4. Day 4: Hawassa and Yirgalem

   • Visit the Awassa Fish Market early in the morning.
   • Observe fishermen and birdlife including marabou storks pelicans and hamerkops.
   • Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Hawassa with chances to spot hippos and waterbirds.
   • Drive to Yirgalem through lush evergreen landscapes.
   • Visit coffee plantations and learn about traditional Ethiopian coffee production.
   • Explore local markets and interact with Sidama communities.
   • Return to Hawassa in the evening.

   Overnight at Oasis Hotel Hawassa.

5. Day 5: Drive to Arba Minch via Senkele and Dorze

   • Depart for Arba Minch after breakfast.
   • Visit Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary to see the endangered Swayne’s hartebeest.
   • Observe additional wildlife such as oribi and Bohor reedbuck.
   • Continue to Dorze Village and explore traditional beehive shaped houses.
   • Learn about Dorze cotton weaving techniques and cultural practices.
   • Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo from the Guge Mountains.
   • Arrive in Arba Minch in the evening.

   Overnight at Wubete Hotel Arba Minch.

6. Day 6: Lake Chamo Boat Trip and Forty Springs

   • Embark on a morning boat trip on Lake Chamo.
   • Observe Nile crocodiles hippos fish and waterbirds at the Crocodile Market.
   • Spot birdlife including African fish eagles malachite kingfishers and goliath herons.
   • Visit Forty Springs and enjoy a peaceful nature walk.
   • Learn about local legends indigenous trees and ecological significance.
   • Spend the afternoon at leisure in Arba Minch.

   Overnight at Wubete Hotel Arba Minch.

7. Day 7: Fly Back to Addis Ababa and Departure

   • Transfer to Arba Minch Airport after breakfast.
   • Fly back to Addis Ababa for onward international departure.