12-Day Southern Ethiopia & Bale Mountains Tour

Day 01: Arrival in Addis Ababa

Arrive at Bole International Airport and meet your Enat Ethiopia Tours representative. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a welcome briefing. Depending on arrival time, visit the National Museum or enjoy a short city tour. Overnight: Hotel – Addis Ababa

Day 02: Addis Ababa – Arba Minch

Drive south via Butajira, visiting UNESCO-listed Tiya stelae, Adadi Maryam rock-hewn church, and Melka Kunture archaeological site. Continue to Arba Minch, gateway to the southern lakes. Overnight: Hotel – Arba Minch

Day 03: Arba Minch – Dorze Village – Lake Chamo

Visit the Dorze tribe in the highlands above Arba Minch, known for their beehive-shaped huts and weaving. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles and hippos. Overnight: Hotel – Arba Minch

Lake Chamo — crocodile market and Dorze highland culture.

Day 04: Arba Minch – Konso – Jinka

Drive to Jinka via Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for terraced agriculture and waga statues. Visit Konso village and continue through Weyto Valley. Overnight: Lodge – Jinka

Day 05: Jinka – Mago National Park – Mursi Tribe – Turmi

Enter Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribe, famous for lip plates and scarification. Return to Jinka for lunch, then drive to Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe. Overnight: Lodge – Turmi

Day 06: Turmi – Karo Tribe – Hamer Market

Visit the Karo tribe in Murulle, known for body painting and riverbank settlements. If it’s Monday or Saturday, explore the vibrant Hamer market in Turmi. Overnight: Lodge – Turmi

Mago National Park — gateway to the Mursi tribe and wild landscapes.

Day 07: Turmi – Key Afar Market – Yabelo

Drive to Key Afar and visit the market (Thursday), where Benna and Tsemay tribes gather. Continue to Yabelo, passing through Borena Oromo territory. Overnight: Lodge – Yabelo

Day 08: Yabelo – El Sod Crater – Bale Mountains

Visit El Sod Crater, where salt is extracted by hand. Drive north to Bale Mountains National Park, entering the Harenna Forest. Overnight: Lodge – Bale Mountains

Day 09: Bale Mountains – Sanetti Plateau

Explore the Sanetti Plateau, home to the endangered Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala, and endemic birds. Trek through alpine meadows and enjoy panoramic views. Overnight: Lodge – Bale Mountains

Bale Mountains — alpine wildlife and Ethiopia’s rarest carnivore.

Day 10: Bale Mountains – Lake Langano

Descend from the highlands and drive to Lake Langano, one of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley lakes. Enjoy birdwatching and relaxation. Overnight: Lodge – Lake Langano

Day 11: Lake Langano – Addis Ababa

Return to Addis Ababa via Ziway and Debre Zeit. Optional stops at crater lakes or souvenir shops. Overnight: Hotel – Addis Ababa

Day 12: Departure

Transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure flight. Optional cultural dinner with live music and dance can be arranged. End of Tour

Explanatory Paragraphs

Omo Valley Tribes: Living Heritage

The Omo Valley is home to over a dozen distinct tribes, each with unique languages, customs, and dress. From the lip plates of the Mursi to the scarification of the Karo, these traditions reflect centuries of cultural resilience. Learn more on UNESCO World Heritage. For more tribal journeys, visit our Omo Valley Tours.

Bale Mountains National Park: Alpine Biodiversity

Bale Mountains National Park protects Ethiopia’s largest alpine ecosystem. It’s home to the endangered Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala, and over 280 bird species. The Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest offer dramatic contrasts in terrain. Read more on African Parks.

Dorze Weavers & Highland Culture

The Dorze people are known for their towering beehive-shaped huts and vibrant cotton weaving. Their villages in the Guge Mountains offer insight into sustainable architecture and traditional craftsmanship. For more cultural tours, visit our Cultural Tours in Ethiopia.

Key Afar & Dimeka Markets

These weekly markets are cultural crossroads where Hamer, Benna, and Tsemay tribes gather to trade goods, socialize, and celebrate. Visiting on market days offers a colorful and authentic glimpse into local life. Learn more on Lonely Planet.