Tour Overview
Discover Ethiopia’s cultural and natural treasures on this diverse journey from Addis Ababa to the ancient walled city of Harar and the stunning Bale Mountains. Explore centuries-old heritage sites, encounter unique wildlife on the Bale highlands, and unwind by the scenic Rift Valley lakes before returning to the capital.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the historic walled city of Harar Jugol
- Visit colorful markets and ancient alleyways in Harar
- Travel through Dire Dawa and the Rift Valley
- Discover Bale Mountains National Park and its unique ecosystems
- Search for endemic wildlife on the Bale high plateau
- Visit the beautiful lakes of Langano and Awassa
- Experience Ethiopia’s diverse landscapes and cultures
Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Welcome to Addis Ababa! Take a city tour that includes the National Museum (home of “Lucy”), the Ethnographic Museum, St. George’s Cathedral, and a visit to Entoto Mountain for a panoramic view of the capital. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Harar
A scenic drive takes you through the East African Rift Valley. Pass through coffee and khat plantations as you ascend toward the eastern mountains. In the evening, witness the unique spectacle of a live hyena feeding outside the city walls. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 3: Visit Harar (Jugol)
Explore the old walled town of Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Harari Museum, the Rimbaud House, the 16th-century Grand Mosque, and the vibrant Shoa Gate Market. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 4: Harar – Dire Dawa – Langano
Drive toward Dire Dawa, stopping at Lega Oda to see prehistoric rock paintings dating back to 700 BC. Visit the large Kefira Market before flying from Dire Dawa back to Addis Ababa. From there, drive south to Lake Langano, stopping at Lake Ziway for excellent birdwatching along the shore. Overnight in a hotel or lodge.
Day 5: Drive to Bale Mountains National Park
Enjoy a scenic drive with numerous photo stops as you head toward Bale Mountains National Park. The scenery becomes spectacular, featuring magnificent juniper forests, deep valleys, and high peaks as you enter Africa’s largest high moorland area. Overnight in a lodge or camping.
Day 6: Bale Mountains Exploration
Spend a full day exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems. The Bale Mountains were set aside to protect endemic species like the Mountain Nyala. Keep a close watch for the Ethiopian Wolf, the world’s rarest canid, which is regularly sighted on the Sanetti Plateau. Overnight in a lodge or camping.
Day 7: High Plateau Discovery
Enjoy awe-inspiring views and the clean air on the high plateau. Discover this rich landscape further, watching for endemic mammals and mighty birds of prey soaring over the Afro-alpine moorlands. Overnight in a lodge or camping.
Day 8: Lake Awassa – Addis Ababa
Drive back toward the capital, stopping at Lake Awassa to visit the lakeside Fish Market and watch for endemic aquatic birds. Continue to the Senkelle Wildlife Sanctuary before reaching Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional music and dance.
