Ethiopia is a new, fascinating and exciting destination for more adventurous travellers who are looking for a trip less ordinary. Experience unparalleled landscapes, rare wildlife, vibrant cities and a unique culture before everybody else.
Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole international airport, you’ll be escorted by car to your accommodation in Addis Ababa.
The remainder of your day will be spent at leisure.
Spend your first day acquainting yourself with Ethiopia’s sprawling capital. Explore the National Museum including a replica of ‘Lucy’, the famous early hominid, visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and head up Mount Entoto for spectacular views over the city.
Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can help plan activities that suit your needs prior to departure.
After breakfast on day three, you’ll head south to the Bale Mountain National Park and check into your luxury lodge.
Spend your days exploring the Sanetti Plateau and Bale Forest watching for wildlife, including numerous bird species, Bale monkeys, and the Ethiopian wolf, the world’s rarest carnivore and an icon of Ethiopian wildlife.
Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can advise on activities prior to departure.
Continue south to Arba Minch in Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley, where you’ll be staying at the aptly named Paradise Lodge overlooking Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo.
Go on game drives searching for animals and endemic birds, take a dip in the sacred waters of Forty Springs, see hippos and crocodiles on Lake Chamo, hike across ‘God’s Bridge’ (an isthmus separating the two lakes), and visit the elephant huts of the Dorze people.
Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can advise on activities prior to departure.
Your final destination is Turmi in the Omo River Valley in the heart of southern Ethiopia, where you’ll be staying in an eco-lodge overlooking the Buska Mountains.
After settling in you'll have time at leisure. Perhaps take the time to learn about the local Hamer tribe, famous for their Evangadi dance and ‘bull leaping’ ceremony.
Enjoy a full day in the Omo River Valley.
This is your chance to meet and interact with other Omo River Valley tribes, such as the Dorze, Konso, Karo, Dassanetch, and Benna, each with their own fascinating culture and traditions.
Today you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey.
Explore the chaos and colour of Addis Ababa
Meet Lucy, the skeleton of the world’s oldest human, in the National Museum
See rare Ethiopian wolves in Bale Mountains National Park
Marvel at the landscapes and lakes of Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley
Discover the culture and traditions of the Omo River Valley tribes
AUTHENTICITYWe won't take you to the usual tourist traps, instead we'll introduce you to people that show you the true side of a country. With our contacts in each destination, we can arrange for you to meet locals away from the crowds and ensure an authentic experience.
EXPERTISEYou can rely on our extensive first-hand knowledge and years of experience in the country you’re visiting. We use only the best expert guides, and provide insider tips on the local customs, and everything from vibrant festivals to hidden Himalayan monasteries
PERSONAL SERVICEYour holiday will be as unique as you are. By getting to know you and what makes you tick, we fuse our wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of our destinations to create unique day by day itineraries that are built around you.
