Ethiopia · Wildlife Safari

9-Day Southern Ethiopia Wildlife Safari with Rift Valley Lakes

9 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Easy pace
Chebera Churchura – Arba Minch – Awassa
Chebera Churchura – Arba Minch – Awassa
Chebera Churchura – Arba Minch – Awassa

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Chebera Churchura National Park and encounter large elephant herds and diverse wildlife
  • 02 Enjoy game drives in Nech Sar National Park with sweeping Rift Valley lake views
  • 03 Cruise Lake Chamo to observe crocodiles, hippos, and rich birdlife
  • 04 Experience Awassa's lakeside atmosphere and vibrant local fish market

Discover Southern Ethiopia on a nine-day journey through wildlife-rich parks, dramatic Rift Valley landscapes, and serene lakeside towns. Explore Chebera Churchura National Park, home to vast elephant herds and rare birdlife, then continue to Nech Sar National Park for game drives with sweeping views over the Rift Valley lakes. Cruise Lake Chamo to spot crocodiles, hippos, pelicans, and fish eagles, and travel through Arba Minch and Awassa to experience vibrant fish markets, forested hot springs, and unforgettable natural scenery throughout the adventure.

Observe Nile crocodiles, hippos, pelicans, and fish eagles during the cruise.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Addis Ababa, Jimma, Shashemenn, Awassa, Arba Minch, Nechisar National Park, Wondo Genet, Butajira, Debre Libanos, Ziway, Mount Entoto, Lake Chamo, Chebera Churchura National Park
Languages English, French, German, Italian

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Addis Ababa and Capital Highlights

  • Arrive in Addis Ababa and begin a guided city tour.
  • Visit the National Museum, home to the famous fossil Lucy.
  • Explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral and learn about Ethiopian history.
  • Drive to Mount Entoto for panoramic views of the capital.
  • Enjoy lunch at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant.
  • Walk through Merkato, Africa's largest open-air market, either by drive-by or guided visit.
  • Attend a cultural dinner with traditional music and dance.
2
Day 02

Drive to Chebera Churchura National Park via Jimma

  • Drive from Addis Ababa to Chebera Churchura National Park via Jimma.
  • Enjoy scenic landscapes and changing vegetation along the route.
  • Arrive near the park and settle into the lodge or camp for the night.
3
Day 03

Full-Day Safari in Chebera Churchura National Park

  • Spend a full day exploring Chebera Churchura National Park.
  • Join a game drive to spot elephant herds, buffalo, antelope, and diverse birdlife.
  • Take a guided nature walk and enjoy birdwatching in the park.
  • Return to the lodge or camp for an overnight stay.
4
Day 04

Journey South to Arba Minch

  • Drive south from Chebera Churchura to Arba Minch.
  • Stop along the way for cultural encounters and scenic viewpoints.
  • Arrive in Arba Minch and relax after the journey.
5
Day 05

Nech Sar Game Drive and Lake Chamo Boat Safari

  • Enjoy an early morning game drive in Nech Sar National Park.
  • Spot zebras, gazelles, greater kudu, monkeys, and a wide variety of birdlife.
  • Admire panoramic views over Lakes Abaya and Chamo.
  • Take an afternoon boat trip on Lake Chamo.
  • Observe Nile crocodiles, hippos, pelicans, and fish eagles during the cruise.
6
Day 06

Scenic Rift Valley Drive to Awassa

  • Drive from Arba Minch to Awassa through the scenic Rift Valley.
  • Pass lakes, farmland, and small villages along the way.
  • Enjoy views of southern Ethiopia's landscapes and local life.
  • Arrive in Awassa and settle in for the evening.
7
Day 07

Lake Awassa and Wondo Genet Excursion

  • Spend the morning at Lake Awassa, enjoying a boat ride, birdwatching, and time to relax by the shore.
  • Visit the Awassa Fish Market in the late morning to observe the fresh fish trade and local atmosphere.
  • Drive to Wondo Genet in the afternoon, taking approximately forty-five minutes.
  • Explore the hot springs and enjoy a forest walk in the Wondo Genet area.
  • Return to Awassa town in the evening and enjoy dinner by the lake.
8
Day 08

Return to Addis Ababa via the Rift Valley

  • Travel approximately 275 kilometres between Awassa and Addis Ababa.
  • Expect a driving time of around four to five hours, depending on traffic and stops.
  • Pass through Shashemene town, known for its Rastafarian community and lively local markets.
  • Stop at Bale coffee plantations and roadside cafes to taste freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee.
  • Enjoy birdwatching and scenic Rift Valley lake views near Lake Ziway, if taking an optional detour.
  • Continue through Butajira, a small town offering local culture and roadside craft shops.
9
Day 09

Debre Libanos Monastery and Blue Nile Gorge

  • Depart Addis Ababa early in the morning and drive for approximately two hours to Debre Libanos Monastery.
  • Visit Debre Libanos Monastery and explore its historic church and impressive architecture.
  • Stop at the Blue Nile Gorge viewpoint to enjoy dramatic cliffside scenery.
  • Walk to the Portuguese Bridge for a short hike and photo opportunities.
  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or a picnic in the surrounding area.
  • Take an optional short hike along the gorge or nearby trails in the afternoon.
  • Drive back to Addis Ababa in the evening, taking approximately two hours.
Chebera Churchura National Park, Nech Sar National Park panoramas, Lake Chamo boat cruise

Where this trip takes you

Chebera Churchura National Park, Nech Sar National Park panoramas, Lake Chamo boat cruise

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Addis Ababa 13 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transport Addis ↔ Awassa ↔ Arba Minch ↔ Chebera Arbamich ↔ Debre Libanos
  • Local guides at parks and cultural sites
  • Entrance fees (parks, monastery, viewpoints)
  • Meals (usually breakfast and lunch)
  • Accommodation in Awassa, Arba Minch, and near Chebera Arbamich
  • Activities: Lake Awassa boat ride, Wondo Genet hot springs, Lake Chamo safari, Chebera Arbamich wildlife and waterfalls, Debre Libanos monastery and gorge

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses - souvenirs, snacks, and drinks
  • Tips - for guides, drivers, or hotel staff
  • Optional activities - extra tours or excursions not in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance - if required
  • Flights - domestic or international

What to bring

  • Clothing: Light, breathable clothes for daytime, plus a jacket for cooler evenings.
  • Shoes: Comfortable walking or hiking shoes, plus sandals.
  • Rain gear: A light rain jacket or poncho, especially near waterfalls and parks.
  • Hat & sunglasses for sun protection.
  • Swimwear if you want to enjoy Wondo Genet hot springs or the lakes.
  • Insect repellent for mosquitoes in forests and wetlands.
  • Sunscreen: High SPF for the Rift Valley sun.
  • Camera or phone for wildlife, landscapes, and cultural sites.
  • A small backpack for day trips.
  • A water bottle to stay hydrated.

Know before you go

  • Roads: Mostly paved, with some rough sections; expect long drives.
  • Weather: Warm days and cool nights; the rainy season can make paths slippery.
  • Health: Use insect repellent and drink bottled water.
  • Culture: Respect local customs, cover your shoulders, and ask before taking photos.
  • Money & Connectivity: Carry cash, as signal may be weak in remote areas.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tour start
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 days finish where they began, in Addis Ababa.

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Estimated room rates

Single Room $2,025.00 — $5,100.00
Double Sharing $2,025.00 — $4,140.00

When

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