Ethiopia In-Depth

Arrive at Addis Ababa International Airport and transfer to your hotel | Settle in and meet up with your group in the evening.

Ramada Addis Hotel (or similar) – A modern haven in central Addis Ababa, the Ramada blends sleek design with warm Ethiopian hospitality. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, a well-equipped gym, great dining, and panoramic city views from the rooftop terrace.

Start the day with a visit to the excellent National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the world-famous fossil ‘Lucy’ | Step inside the ornate Holy Trinity Cathedral, rich in history and architecture | Soak up the colour and chaos of the Mercato, Africa’s largest open-air market | Reflect at the moving Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum, a powerful tribute to recent Ethiopian history | Cap off the day with a vibrant cultural performance and traditional Ethiopian feast. (BD)

Ramada Addis Hotel (or similar)

Travel south to the archaeological site of Melka Kunture, one of Ethiopia’s most important prehistoric sites | Visit the rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam, linked to King Lalibela and carved in the 12th century | Ascend into the forested Entoto Hills for panoramic views across Addis | End the day with a visit to the Hadero Company to witness the full coffee journey from bean to brew (B)

Ramada Addis Hotel (or similar)

Fly east to Dire Dawa and travel overland to Harar | Stop en route to experience the vibrant khat markets, a fascinating local tradition | Enjoy lunch on arrival before exploring the winding alleyways of ancient Harar | As night falls, witness the extraordinary spectacle of the hyena feeding. (B)

Ferej Hotel (or similar) – Located in the downtown this hotel is known for providing simple, clean accommodation with friendly service, making it a convenient base for exploring Harar’s historic sites.

Return to Dire Dawa for the flight back to Addis Ababa | Rejoin our 4x4s and journey south through the Rift Valley | Stop at Ziway to visit one of the world’s largest flower farms | Continue to Lake Langano for an overnight stay on its peaceful shores. (B)

Marina Beach Resort (or similar) – Situated beside Lake Langano the hotel offers a restful night in clean, well-appointed rooms right on the lakefront. With its stunning views over the lake, it’s an ideal rest point on the journey south.

Take a guided walk in Abijata-Shala National Park, spotting ostrich, Grant’s gazelle and warthogs | Visit the Rastafarian heartland of Shashemene and explore a local Rasta centre | Cross the high-altitude Sanetti Plateau en route to Bale Mountains Lodge for a two-night stay. (B)

Bale Mountain Lodge (or similar) – Bale Mountain Lodge is an eco-friendly lodge nestled in the pristine Harenna forest of Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains N.P. Offering cottages with private terraces, it provides a comfortable base for exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife.

Spend the day exploring the spectacular Sanetti Plateau with a picnic lunch at 4,000m | Look out for Simien wolves, giant mole rats, and a variety of raptors and endemic birds | Visit Tullu Dimtu, Ethiopia’s second-highest peak | Return to the Harenna Forest for wildlife and birdwatching around the lodge. (BLD)

Bale Mountain Lodge (or similar)

Return across the Sanetti Plateau and continue to Dinsho, the park headquarters of Bale Mountains National Park | Explore this rich wildlife area in search of endemic species such as Menelik’s Bushbuck, Mountain Nyala and the elusive Simien Fox | Look for iconic birdlife including the Blue-winged Goose and Wattled Ibis | Continue to Hawassa for an overnight stay. (BL)

Haile Resort Hawassa (or similar) – A premier lakeside retreat in Hawassa, offering guests a tranquil escape with stunning views of Lake Awassa. It features spacious rooms with private balconies, several restaurants, a full-service spa, and a variety of recreational facilities, including an outdoor pool and wellness center.

Begin the day with a visit to Lake Awassa and its lively lakeside fish market at Amora Gedel | Get up close to pelicans, storks, and other birdlife | Take a gentle walk in the nearby park to spot black-and-white colobus monkeys | Continue south with lunch in Soddo before arriving in Arba Minch for a two-night stay. (B)

Haile Resort Arba Minch (or similar) – This scenic lakeside getaway is perched up high overlooking Lakes Abaya and Chamo. It offers breathtaking views and lush surroundings. The resort features elegant rooms, a spa, outdoor pool, and diverse dining options.

Start the day with a scenic boat trip on Lake Chamo, known for close-up views of hippos and crocodiles | In the afternoon, travel to Chencha to visit the Dorze people, famed for their beehive-shaped homes and vibrant weaving traditions | Explore the colourful local market and admire the region’s renowned handwoven textiles. (B)

Haile Resort Arba Minch (or similar)

Drive to Konso and explore a traditional hillside village with a local guide | Discover the UNESCO-recognised terraced landscapes, carved grave totems, and unique stone-walled settlements | Learn about Konso culture and local customs before overnighting in a charming lodge overlooking the valley. (B)

Kanta Lodge Konso (or similar) – Kanta offers a tranquil retreat atop a hill, providing guests with panoramic views of the region’s iconic terraced landscapes. The lodge features traditional round tukuls with en-suite bathrooms, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and a serene garden setting.

Travel to Turmi, heartland of the Hamer people | Visit a traditional Hamer village and learn about their striking adornments, hairstyles, and cultural customs | During our two-night stay, we’ll enquire about the chance to witness a rare bull-jumping ceremony—an unforgettable rite of passage. (B)

Buskar Lodge Turmi (or similar) – The lodge offers a comfortable and culturally immersive experience in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley, featuring traditional tukul-style rooms with en-suite bathrooms and mosquito netting. The restaurant serves both European and Ethiopian cuisine, set within a lush garden teeming with birdlife.

After breakfast, journey through open savannah to Korcho village, home of the Karo people—famed for their dramatic body painting and sculpted hairstyles | Enjoy views over the Omo River and discover this vibrant cultural tradition | On return to Turmi, visit the lively local market. (B)

Buskar Lodge Turmi (or similar)

Drive to Jinka, stopping en route at the vibrant Thursday market in Key Afer—where Hamer, Bena, and Tsemai tribes come together in a colourful open-air gathering | On arrival in Jinka, visit local Ari villages with a guide to learn about daily life, pottery-making and the traditional brewing of local sorghum liquor. (B)

Eco Omo Lodge Jinka (or similar) – The lodge offers an eco-friendly retreat featuring 26 traditional thatched-roof huts constructed from bamboo, wood, and clay, blending harmoniously with the lush surroundings. The lodge provides a restaurant serving Italian and Ethiopian cuisine and has a bar and lounge.

Fly back to Addis Ababa mid-morning | Enjoy a final opportunity for shopping at a beautiful art gallery and a large local emporium, ideal for last-minute souvenirs and gifts before your flight home.  (B)

Ramada Addis (or similar)

Breakfast concludes your tour | Taxis to the airport are available, or Byroads can organise a transfer on request.  (B)