Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa and City Tour

   • Meet your guide and driver at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel.

   • Spend the rest of the day on a city tour visiting Mercato, the largest open-air market in Africa (Monday to Saturday), Trinity Cathedral, St. George Church, and other sites.

   Overnight at hotel.

2. Day 2: Addis Ababa to Lake Langano

   • Drive to Lake Langano resort in the Rift Valley region.

   • On the way, visit the rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam and the Tiya archaeological site.

   • Have lunch in Butajira town and continue to Lake Ziway to observe aquatic bird life.

   • Arrive at Lake Langano in the late afternoon.

   Overnight at lodge.

3. Day 3: Lake Langano to Awassa via Abijata-Shalla Lakes National

   • After breakfast, drive to Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park to see gazelles, flamingos (seasonal), and hot springs.

   • Have lunch in Shashemene town.

   • Continue to Awassa via Wondo Genet resort for swimming, hiking, or bird watching.

   • Take a short walking tour along Awassa lakeshore in the late afternoon.

   • Optional: Drive directly to Awassa after lunch and enjoy a boat ride to see hippos and aquatic birds.

   Overnight at hotel.

4. Day 4: Awassa to Yirgalem and Coffee Plantation Visit

   • Check out hotel and visit Awassa Fish Market to see local fishing practices and purchase fresh fish.

   • Drive to Yirgalem town, known for some of Ethiopia's best coffee brands.

   • Visit a local coffee plantation and participate in a traditional coffee ceremony at a private home.

   Overnight at lodge.

5. Day 5: Yirgalem to Bale Mountains National Park and Goba

   • After breakfast, proceed to Dinsho, the headquarters of Bale Mountains National Park.

   • Take an afternoon game walking tour to see endemic species such as Mountain Nyala, Menelik's Bushbuck, and Gray Dik-dik.

   • Continue to the small town of Goba for overnight stay.

   Overnight at hotel (basic).

6. Day 6: Sanate Plateau and Bale Mountains Hiking

   • Drive to Sanate Plateau, a high-altitude landscape formed by ancient lava flows, reaching over 3,000 meters.

   • Explore afro-alpine vegetation and observe endemic species including the Ethiopian Wolf, giant mole rat, and aquatic birds.

   • Hike to Tulu Dimtu (4,377 masl), the third-highest peak in Ethiopia.

   • Have a picnic lunch and drive south to Harena Forest to enjoy scenic surroundings.

   • Return to Goba in the late afternoon.

   Overnight at hotel.

7. Day 7: Bale Mountains to Awash National Park

   • Depart Bale Mountains National Park and drive through the Ethiopian Rift Valley to Awash National Park.

   • Stop for lunch in Nazareth town along the way.

   Overnight at hotel or lodge.

8. Day 8: Full Day in Awash National Park

   • Take a day trip to the northern section of the park to see natural hot springs, diverse bird species, and Hamadryas baboons.

   • In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive and walking tour to observe Bisa Oryx, Salt's Dik-Dik, Grivet Monkey, Lesser Kudu, Soemmerring's Gazelle, Spotted-necked Otter, and Awash River Falls.

   Overnight at hotel or lodge.

9. Day 9: Awash to Addis Ababa and Departure

   • After breakfast, participate in park activities before driving back to Addis Ababa.

   • Stop for lunch in a town along the way.

   • On arrival, enjoy a city tour and shopping.

   • Attend a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant.

   • Transfer to the airport for your departure.

   • End of the tour.