Duration
13-Day
Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
13-Day Best Ethiopian Natural and Cultural Tour
Overview
Ethiopia has a character unlike any you'll find on the planet. The only African Nation to have avoided European colonialism, it retains a strong cultural identity that can be felt everywhere you go. The amazing people, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife are just some of the things that make Ethiopia so magnificent. Ethiopia is a country rich in history, diverse in culture, with breathtaking views and awesome geology.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Jinka (Lower Omo Valley), Turmi (Lower Omo Valley), Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Bale Mountains National Park
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
8 years
Activities
nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
Best Western Premier Dynasty Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$4,400 USD
$4,180 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$4,400 USD
$4,180 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 8 years and older.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Ethiopia
Start
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 2
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 3-4
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 5
Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)
Day 6-7
Arba Minch (City)
Day 8
Awasa (City)
Day 9-10
Bale Mountains NP
Day 11-12
Lake Langano
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 13)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour uses lodges and tented camps.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
8
Minimum age of 8 years
The minimum age for this tour is 8 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle, hiking/walking & air transfer
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Best Western Premier Dynasty Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2
Nasa Hotel Budget hotel in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
Budget hotel in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-5
Paradise Lodge Turmi Budget tented camp near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included +4 Photos +3 Photos
Budget tented camp near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6-7
Paradise Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Arba Minch (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
Haile Resort Hawassa
Mid-range resort in Awasa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9-10
Nurobe Hotel Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 11-12
Hara Langano Eco Lodge
Mid-range lodge at Lake Langano – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 13
End of tour
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Arrival Addis Ababa and City Tours
Welcome to Abyssinia, the land of origins! You will be taken off in a modern air-conditioned vehicle to your 4-star accommodation in the heart of Addis Ababa, Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia for visiting the long age history of Ethiopia and the oldest human ancestor, Lucy. Set within Haile Selassie’s former palace and surrounded by the beautiful gardens and fountains of Addis Ababa University’s main campus is the enthralling Ethnological Museum. Even if you’re not normally a museum fan, this one is worth a bit of your time – it’s easily one of the finest museums in Africa. Before lunch, drive to Holy Trinity Cathedral Church which has unique architectural style immediately after a relaxed lunch, drive up to Entoto Mountains, the best location to observe the panoramic view of the capital. It is also a historical place where Menelik II resided and built his palace. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Best Western Premier Dynasty Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Fly Addis Ababa to Jinka
Breakfast at the hotel, drive to the Airport for your flight to Jinka. Fly from Addis to Jinka by Ethiopian Airlines, after check in to the hotel, visit Ari Village in the afternoon. Jinka lies in the Omo Valley, an area known for its diverse ethnic groups and rich cultural heritage. It is located approximately 750 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The town is located at an elevation of about 1,500 meters (4,920 feet) above sea level, which gives it a warm climate typical of the lowland areas of southern Ethiopia. Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Nasa Hotel Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Jinka -Turmi
After breakfast we will drive to Mago National Park to see Mursi who lives in Mago National Park. The Mursi are one of the most original ethnic groups. They live in very low huts made of straw leaves. The women like to wear terra cotta on their enormously stretched lower lips and ear lobes. The men are famous for their hairstyles. They go in for body scarification and among the women the wearing of lip plates. The larger the lip plate, the greater the woman’s value when she is married. She removes her plate for eating and sleeping. They are easily distinguished by how their long, distended lips hang down from their mouths. Visit and drive to Turmi. Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Paradise Lodge Turmi Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Excursion to Karo and Hamer
Following your early breakfast and you will venture to Karo to visit the people of the Karo tribe, depart from Turmi to the villages of Murulle, Kolcho and Duss on the shores of the Omo River. The Karo people are the smallest in number of all of the tribes of the Omo Valley, and they are known for their elaborate decorations body and face painting particular during local ceremonies. In the afternoon we continue through the savannah with shrubs and umbrella acacia trees. Kangaten (Nyangatom tribe) To adore their long and lean bodies, the Nyangatom women wear numerous necklaces and long Skirts from goatskins that are richly decorated They are indeed fierce warriors which is supposedly demonstrated by their custom to scar their chest; one scar for each killed enemy. Herds of cows are their most valuable property. Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Paradise Lodge Turmi Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Excursion to Dassanech and Hamer
After breakfast you will drive to Omorate crosses the Omo River to visit the Dassanech tribe only 72 Km from Turmi, Dassanech are traditional pastoralists, but in recent years began to move to a semi-nomadic way of life. The highest expression of male beauty is the vulgar transverse scars across the entire chest and back, resembling crocodile skin. Such scars are inflicted on a body of the warrior who showed himself heroically in battle, who killed the enemy in course of tribal cattle raids. Late afternoon visit the Hamer village they are a fine looking people, both men and women take great pride in their appearance, shaving and coloring their hair, oiling their bodies and decorating themselves with beads and bracelets worn around arms and legs. They are famous for their body decoration, moonlight dance (Evangedi Dance) and bull-jumping. Bull jumping marks the rite of passage from childhood to adulthood. It is not done every day. Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) Stay: Paradise Lodge Turmi Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Turmi- Konso- Arba Minch
After breakfast, you will be driving from Turmi to Arba Minch. En route, you'll visit the Arbore and Konso people. Today, you’ll be exploring Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Named after the Konso people, this isolated village is located in hilly terrain at the edge of the Rift Valley. The Konso settlement is over 400 years old, with fortified stone walls surrounding the terraced village. Beekeeping, cotton weaving, and agriculture are the main local industries. It is most famous for its Waga Sculptures. These anthropomorphic wooden carvings memorialize and commemorate people from the community. You'll spend the day with these incredible people and experience their rich culture. Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Arba Minch (City) Stay: Paradise Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Arba Minch
In the morning, you'll take a boat trip on Lake Chamo. Lake Chamo is a prominent freshwater lake in the Main Ethiopian Rift, located in the Southern Ethiopia Regional State just south of Lake Abaya and the city of Arba Minch. It is celebrated for its dense population of large Nile crocodiles and its role as a core ecological component of Nechisar National Park. In the Afternoon visit the Dorzie people, The Dorze people are an ethnic group of approximately 30,000 individuals living in the Gamo Highlands of southern Ethiopia, primarily near the cities of Chencha and Arba Minch. They are renowned as Ethiopia’s master weavers and for their unique, towering architectural style. Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Arba Minch (City) Stay: Paradise Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Arba Minch- Hawassa
Both Arba Minch and Hawassa are rich in lakes and natural attractions. You will enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Ethiopia. On this day, after breakfast, you will be driving from Arba Minch to Awassa. Hawassa (also spelled Awasa) is a rapidly growing city in central Ethiopia, serves as the capital of the Sidama Region, and is located approximately 273 km south of Addis Ababa. Renowned as one of Ethiopia's cleanest and most well-planned urban centers, it is situated on the scenic shores of Lake Hawassa in the Great Rift Valley.. Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Awasa (City) Stay: Haile Resort Hawassa Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Hawassa- Bale Mountain National Park
On this day, after breakfast, you'll visit the fish market in Awassa. The Hawassa fish market is famous, and the stalls around the market offer some of the best fish soup you’ll ever have. Next, you'll drive 5.5 hours from Hawassa to the Bale Mountains National Park. Dinsho, the gateway to the Bale Mountains National Park. In the afternoon you will explore the surrounding, which is the home of different wildlife and antelope, Sightings of Warthog, Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, and Bohor Reedbuck are all common within this area, as well as many Ethiopian and Abyssinian endemic birds. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bale Mountains National Park Stay: Nurobe Hotel Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Explore Bale Mountain National Park
In the morning, you will have breakfast and drive to the Sanetti plateau (altitude of the 4000metre the largest afro-alpine area in Africa and the place to see rare and endangered Ethiopian Wolf) and the view of Tullu Deemtu (4377m) the second-highest point in Ethiopia. After lunch you will proceed to visit Harenna Forest which leads to the apex of the Gushuralle Mountain, rendering panoramic views of primary forest through dense stands of mountain bamboo. With some luck, you may encounter the elusive bamboo specialist endemic to the Bale Mountains, the Bale monkey. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bale Mountains National Park Stay: Nurobe Hotel Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11
Bale - Langano
Today, you will drive from Bale Mountains to Lake Langano. You'll spend the afternoon relaxing around the lodge and lake. Lake Langano lies in an irregularly shaped basin with a perimeter of 62 kilometers, an area of 305 square kilometers, and a depth of 30 meters in some parts. Langano Lake water is soft brown in color, but pure enough for swimming, which makes it an ideal spot for water sports. Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Langano Stay: Hara Langano Eco Lodge Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 12
Langano
After breakfast, you'll start exploring Lake Langano and the surrounding area, including Abijatta-Shalla National Park. Today, you’ll head to Abijatta-Shalla National Park, approximately a 40-minute drive, and home to Lakes Abijatta and Shalla. These lakes host an impressive number of flamingos and also several 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 of warthogs, antelopes, and ostriches. In the afternoon, you'll go for a dip in Lake Langano. You'll retreat to the lakeside lodge and enjoy dinner surrounded by the expansive views and the tranquil atmosphere of this remote. Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Langano Stay: Hara Langano Eco Lodge Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 13
Langano - Addis Ababa
After breakfast, you will be driving to Addis Ababa via Lake Ziway. Situated between four lakes in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, this town is the perfect base to explore the lakes. You’ll see the diversity of animals and birdlife that Ethiopia is famous for. A boat trip on Lake Ziway takes you to Great White Pelicans, Marabous, Hammer kop, Sacred Ibis, Yellow Billed Storks, and Flamingos. Of course, hippos are a famous resident of the lake. You’ll be able to see them bathing in the sun. In the evening farewell party dinner with cultural dinner and traditional special buffet and local drinks to experience Ethiopia’s cultural meals and drinks at Yod Abyssinia restaurants after the farewell party, you will transfer to Bole International Airport for international departure. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours
4.9 operator rating
35 reviews
Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours is one of the leading tour operators in Ethiopia, providing comprehensive services with variety of tours that highlight the country’s indigenous cultures, fascinating history, and natural wonders. Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours organizes custom tours for groups of any size and pre-set itineraries that individuals may join also. We are also specialized in organizing package and tailor made tours to Axum, Lalibela, Gondar Castles, Bahir Dar & Lake Tana, Tigray rock-hewn
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2019)
Member Of
ETOA & Lalibela & Surrounding Guide association
Tour Types
Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Go the extra mile!
Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours was a wonderful tour operator during my time in Lalibela. The guide, Ermiyas, was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. His love and passion for the town and especially the churches shines through. When some activities did not work out as planned, EET went out of their way to find alternative options for me. Great experience for a solo traveller!
Tamryn · South Africa
Professional, ambitious and energetic
Choosing a tour operator is a risky business. You pay thousands of dollars in advance and you will experience the service only afterwards. I can guarantee on my behalf, that doing business with Extraordinary Ethiopia tours and Mareg is absolutely a safe business from the first step of communication until the very end of the journey. After having followed an itinerary of 15 nights and 16 days in Ethiopia I am more than grateful to Maereg and his team, that I had a truly great, a sort of a once-in-a-lifetime tour. Everything worked perfectly. There wasn't any issue, that I felt sorry of. To be honest: I fell in love with Ethiopia. I had s solo safari to Bale mountains, Omo Valley tribes, Gondar and Lalibela. All the arrangements were better than expected: In Addis Abeba I was welcomed by the efficient "liaison officer" Habtu. In my safari journey driver BK was just brilliant, Toyota Landcruiser wonderful, accommodation exceeding all the expectations, meals great and Maereg kept on following all my moves daily. I felt that I was in safe hands all the time. Ethiopia is an amazing country. Ethiopians are incredibly kind and nice. I wish I could have stayed longer. But decided already to return. I can warmly recommend Maereg and his mates to any type of traveller. His team is professional, energetic and ambitious and do not leave even the slightest detail unchecked. They do want to introduce and show their country to you, and they do it with love!❤️
Eeva · Finland
Ethiopia trip was seamless, enriching, and unforgettable thanks to Maereg’s expert planning and care
My 10‑day journey through Ethiopia was nothing short of extraordinary, and I owe so much of that experience to my tour planner, Maerag. The itinerary he prepared was thoughtful, seamless, and incredibly rich I t was a perfect balance of history, culture, and unforgettable encounters. From the moment I arrived in Addis Ababa, everything was organized with care. Gondar was another highlight. Walking through the castles and learning about their connection to the Egyptian empress felt like stepping into a living story. My guide’s knowledge brought every stone and corridor to life. Celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Lalibela at Saint Mary’s Church was a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience. The atmosphere, the devotion, and the beauty of the rock‑hewn churches were unforgettable, and I’m grateful for how smoothly everything was arranged. The Omo Valley was where the trip became truly immersive. Meeting tribes who walk on stilts, seeing intricate body‑painting traditions, dancing with community members, and witnessing a bull‑jumping ceremony were moments I will carry with me forever. These experiences were only possible because of my guide’s deep connections and respect for the communities we visited. On my 2 last days, I explored the city, visiting the cultural centre, and learning at the Addis Ababa University Ethnographic Museum gave me a strong foundation for understanding Ethiopia’s depth and diversity. Throughout the entire trip, flying from city to city, navigating different regions, and engaging with so many cultures. I felt supported, informed, and inspired. My guide’s professionalism, warmth, and expertise elevated every moment. I wholeheartedly recommend Maereg and some of his team to anyone considering a tour of Ethiopia. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll be in excellent hands, and you’ll experience Ethiopia in a way that is authentic, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.
Karen St Clare · United Kingdom
Knowledgeable and professional tour guide and incredibly beautiful UNESCO site
Highly recommend this tour. Our guide, Maereg, and driver, Gashaw, were incredibly professional. The tour was very informative and Lalibela is incredibly beautiful. A must visit!
Rita J · United States
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 8 years and older.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Best Western Premier Dynasty Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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