Natural Ethiopia

Day 1: Let the adventure begin!

Fly to Addis Ababa where you will be welcomed at the airport by your friendly and experienced tour leader. You’ll be provided with transfers to your hotel, where you can freshen up before taking your first steps in the city. Your guide will show you the beautiful Italian architecture in the Piazza, and help you navigate the busy markets in the adjacent streets. This city of excitement and contrasts is a fitting introduction to your Ethiopian adventure.

In the evening, get to know your group over a delicious welcome dinner in a local restaurant. Your tour leader will dine with you and give you a briefing on your upcoming adventure.

Overnight: Capital Hotel & Spa or similar

Day 2: Simien Mountains National Park

Catch a flight from Addis to Gondar. Drive for around 2.5 hours from Gondar to the Simien Mountains. Spend the afternoon in the mountains and the evening in the incredible Limalimo Lodge. 

Overnight: Limalimo Lodge

Day 3: Simien Mountains National Park

Today is a full day exploring the Simien Mountains. Our local guides know the best trekking routes and viewpoints, so you're guaranteed to get the most out of your time on the 'Roof of Africa'. 

Overnight: Limalimo Lodge

Day 4: Gondar

Spend the day exploring the Simien Mountains National Park. In the afternoon, drive (2.5 hrs) from the Simiens back to Gondar. 

Overnight: Gondar Hills Resort or similar

Day 5: Awash National Park

Today we head to Awash National Park. Catch a flight from Gondar to Addis Ababa, and then drive (4 hrs) Addis Ababa to Awash National Park. 

Overnight: Awash Falls Lodge

Day 6: Awash Falls National Park

Full day visit of Awash National Park.

Overnight: Awash Falls Lodge

Day 7: Lake Langano

Spend the first half of the day exploring Awash National Park, then drive for 4 hours to Lake Langano. En route, visit Lake Ziway. A boat trip on Lake Ziway allows you to see Great White Pelicans, Marabous, Hammerkop, Sacred Ibis, Yellow Billed Storks, and flamingos. Of course, hippos are a famous resident of Lake Ziway, and you’ll be able to see them bathing and soaking up the sun from the safety of your boat.

Of Lake Ziway’s five islands, Tulu Godo has a particularly rich history. After a 90-minute boat ride and a short walk through one of the three settlements on the island, you’ll arrive at the hilltop monastery Maryam Tsion. Reportedly set up by Christian refugees, it is said to have housed the Ark of the Covenant during the reign of Queen Yodit. Your guide will explain in more detail the fascinating stories surrounding this historic place.

Overnight: Hara Langano Lodge

Day 8: Langano

Full day exploring Lake Langano and surrounding area including Abijatta-Shalla National Park. Today you’ll head to Abijatta-Shalla National Park, an approximately 40-minute drive and home to Lakes Abijatta and Shalla. These lakes host an impressive number of flamingos, and also incredible hot springs. The steam rising from the pools casts an ethereal haze over the surrounding area. After this, a 4×4 will take you around the park in search for warthogs, antelopes and ostriches.

In the afternoon, go for a dip in Lake Langano. Set up camp at a lodge surrounding the lake and spend the evening relaxing. Enjoy a meal surrounded by the expansive views and the tranquil atmosphere of this remote region.

Overnight: Hara Langano Lodge

Day 9: Hawassa

Drive (4 hrs) Langano to Hawassa via Senkele Game Sanctuary.

Overnight: Haile Resort Hawassa

Day 10: Bale Mountains National Park

Visit the famous fish market in Hawassa. It's a chaotic scene, and here you will find the best fish soup in the world!

Drive 5.5 hours from Hawassa to the Bale Mountains National Park via Dinsho, the headquarters of the Bale Mountains where you’ll meet your guide, and they will talk you through the itinerary for your hike over the next few days.

You’ll drive through the park towards the Harenna Forest. The Harenna Forest is one of the few remaining natural forests in Ethiopia and, sitting below a 1,200m escarpment, it is home to many extraordinary creatures. You’ll have plenty of time to trek through this Mecca of Ethiopian biodiversity and appreciate its ever-changing views.

The Harenna Forest itself is astonishing. Moss clings to the gnarly tree trunks, creating an almost alien landscape. The forest is home to many species of plants, amphibians, birds and mammals, some of which are endemic to the area, with some only found in this particular forest. Amazingly, scientists continue to discover new species of animals here, over the last few years they have discovered 22 new moths and butterflies, and a viper.

You’ll stay at the Bale Mountain Lodge, a stunning eco lodge staffed by enthusiastic experts who are always happy to give you more information about the surrounding area, and will go above and beyond to ensure you have a comfortable stay. The Bale Mountains Lodge is one of the best lodges in the whole country. Relax and enjoy the warm ambience of this remarkable lodge, and remember to look out for Bale Monkeys and Harenna Chameleons in the trees.

Overnight: Bale Mountain Lodge

Day 11: Bale Mountains National Park

Today is a full day exploring of Bale Mountains National Park.

Awake to the sounds of the Harenna Forest and the smell of freshly brewed ‘wild’ coffee, which is harvested just south of the lodge. In the morning you’ll explore the forest some more, spotting much of the wildlife. Remember your binoculars, and a camera!

In the afternoon, you’ll head to the lunar landscape of the Sanetti Plateau, where you’ll try and spot the Ethiopian Wolf, Africa’s rarest carnivore. Although only a few hundred Ethiopian wolves exist in the world today, over half the global population reside in the Bale Mountains. You might also spot the giant mole-rat, another endemic species and the primary food source for the wolves. 

Overnight: Bale Mountain Lodge

Day 12 - Return to Addis

Drive (2 hrs) Bale Mountians to Robe. Flight Robe to Addis Ababa. Evening transfer to Bole International Airport for international flight.