Ethiopia Wildlife Tour Package
West & South Ethiopia
Duration
13 Days
Group Size
Minimum 2
Season
All Year
Difficulty
Moderate
About the trip
Discover Ethiopia’s most captivating landscapes and cultures on this immersive, wildlife-first journey—from the iconic “Lucy” discovery in Addis Ababa to crater lakes, savannahs, and highland mountain trails. This carefully paced itinerary takes you deep into some of East Africa’s most rewarding conservation areas, including Chebera Churchura, Maze National Park, Nechisar and Lake Chamo, and the spectacular Bale Mountains. Each day blends adventure with comfort: morning wildlife drives and treks for the best sightings, afternoon explorations of local communities such as the Dorze and UNESCO-listed Konso, and memorable evenings featuring warm hospitality and authentic Ethiopian music and dance. Expect encounters with Ethiopia’s remarkable biodiversity—elephants and buffalo in forested regions, Swayne’s hartebeest in Maze, hippos and crocodiles on Lake Chamo, and rare birds in the Borana rangelands. As you travel from Rift Valley lakes to the heights of the Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest, you’ll experience Ethiopia’s dramatic geography at every turn. Perfect for nature lovers and curious travelers, this tour offers unforgettable sights, cultural depth, and once-in-a-lifetime moments throughout.
Included
All Airport transfers & visit using 4by4 with fuel
Accommodation based on the itinerary in twin room basis with breakfast
English-speaking guide, accompanying all the way
All entrance fees
All boat trip fees and scout fees
All taxes
Excluded
International flights
All domestic flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees ($30)
Lunch and Dinner
Laundry
Tips
Itinerary
Arrival in Addis Ababa
- Morning/Arrival: Arrive at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. - Afternoon: Visit the National Museum to see “Lucy” and explore imperial artifacts and Ethiopian history. - Evening: Optional dinner at a traditional restaurant featuring Ethiopian music and dance. - Accommodation: Best Western Addis
Fly to Jimma & Expedition to Chebera Churchura
- Morning: Fly to Jimma, then begin the drive toward Chebera Churchura National Park—a sanctuary of forests and crater lakes. - Afternoon: Wildlife exploration with tracking opportunities for elephants and buffalo. - Evening: Lodge dinner and relaxation after a full travel day. - Accommodation: Chebera Churchura Lodge
Full Day in Chebera Churchura
- Morning: Guided hiking through the park’s ecosystems—forest trails and lookout points. - Afternoon: Wildlife viewing sessions with chances to spot key species around crater-lake habitats. - Evening: Return for camp/lodge comfort and storytelling around the day’s highlights. - Accommodation: Chebera Churchura Lodge
Chebera to Maze National Park
- Morning: Early game drive for optimal wildlife sightings before departing. - Afternoon: Travel to Maze National Park, home to the endangered Swayne’s Hartebeest. - Evening: Settling in and dinner at your guesthouse/camp. - Accommodation: Guest House or Mobile Camping
Maze to Dorze Village & Arbaminch
- Morning: Leisurely departure with scenic stops en route. - Afternoon: Visit Dorze Village in the Chencha Mountains—see bamboo huts, learn about weaving traditions, and meet local craftspeople. - Evening: Continue to Arbaminch and enjoy the Rift Valley atmosphere as the day cools. - Accommodation: Haile Resort Arbaminch
Lake Chamo Exploration
- Morning: Boat excursion on Lake Chamo to look for hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. - Afternoon: Optional continuation with wildlife viewing at Nechisar National Park or enjoy downtime at the resort. - Evening: Sunset vibes over the lake region—perfect for relaxing and photos. - Accommodation: Haile Resort Arbaminch
Arbaminch to Konso & Yabelo
- Morning: Drive toward Konso and enjoy a guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. - Afternoon: Explore terraced agriculture and wooden waka statues, learning how Konso communities have shaped the landscape over generations. - Evening: Continue to Yabelo, settling in and enjoying dinner. - Accommodation: Yabelo Hotel
Borana National Park Safari
- Morning: Full morning safari for Grevy’s Zebra and classic Borana wildlife encounters. - Afternoon: Bird-focused tracking for rare species such as Stresemann’s Bushcrow, plus additional game-viewing opportunities. - Evening: Rest, dinner, and stargazing potential depending on conditions. - Accommodation: Yabelo Hotel
Yabelo to Awasa
- Morning: Scenic drive through the Rift Valley toward Awasa. - Afternoon: Visit the lakeside fish market to experience local life and regional flavors. - Evening: Enjoy sunset views over the lake—slow, calm, and unforgettable. - Accommodation: Haile Resort Awasa
Drive to Bale Mountains
- Morning: Start your drive to Bale Mountains National Park. - Afternoon: Visit Dinsho Park to look for Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck. - Evening: Arrive in Goba area and settle in. - Accommodation: Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Goba
Sanetti Plateau & Harenna Forest
- Morning: Trek and explore the Sanetti Plateau (4,000m+), the best region to spot the endangered Ethiopian Wolf. - Afternoon: Continue through the landscape transition into the dramatic Harenna Forest, traveling via Tullu Deemtu (4,377m). - Evening: Warm meals and recovery after the mountain adventure. - Accommodation: Wabe Shebelle Hotel
Return to Addis Ababa
- Morning: Drive back toward Addis Ababa, with a stop in Asella. - Afternoon: Continue onward and enjoy a relaxed pace as you near the capital. - Evening: Farewell dinner featuring Ethiopian music and dance. - Accommodation: Best Western Addis