Duration
13-Day
Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Explore Ethiopia's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife on this 13-day journey. Discover Addis Ababa's history, meet vibrant Omo Valley tribes, wander Bale Mountains' mystical forests, and relax by the Rift Valley lakes. Immerse yourself in ancient traditions, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable wildlife encounters on this ultimate cultural and natural adventure.
Plan snapshot
Duration
13-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Jinka (Lower Omo Valley), Turmi (Lower Omo Valley), Arba Minch (City)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Bale Mountains National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
10 years
Activities
Getting around: minivan, normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Accommodation
The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel - Luxury hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour uses lodges and tented camps.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 10 years.
Day 1
Luxury hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2
Mid-range lodge in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3-5
Budget tented camp near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6-7
Mid-range lodge in Arba Minch (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 8
Mid-range resort in Awasa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 9-10
Luxury lodge inside Bale Mountains NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 11
Mid-range lodge at Lake Langano – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 12
Mid-range lodge less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 13
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our Aman Ethiopia Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, begin exploring Addis Ababa, a vibrant city rich in history and culture. Visit the National Museum, home to the 3.2-million-year-old fossil “Lucy,” whose discovery reshaped the story of human origins. Continue to Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where the aromas, colors, and rhythms of daily Ethiopian life come alive. Experience a traditional coffee ceremony before visiting the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. Overnight: The Grand Palace Hotel & Spa. Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Jinka, gateway to the cultural mosaic of the Omo Valley. On arrival, visit the South Omo Research Centre Museum for insight into the region’s many ethnic groups and their traditional lifestyles. Jinka offers a peaceful setting surrounded by rolling hills and local markets. An optional expedition to Omo National Park can be arranged, offering rugged landscapes, wildlife sightings, and off-the-beaten-track adventure. Later in the afternoon, meet the Ari people, known for pottery, farming, and vibrant cultural expressions. Overnight: Eco Omo Lodge. Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Start the day with a scenic drive into Mago National Park to visit the iconic Mursi people, famous for the lip plates worn by women and their distinctive body adornments. Learn about their traditions, social structure, and ceremonies. Continue driving approximately 2.5 hours to Turmi, one of the liveliest towns in the Omo Valley. En route, visit Key Afar Market if it aligns with market day, offering a colorful showcase of regional trade. Arrive in Turmi and settle into your lodge surrounded by traditional Hamar communities. Overnight: Paradise Lodge. Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
After breakfast, drive to Korcho, home of the Karo people, masters of body painting and known for their artistic expression. Enjoy sweeping views of the Omo River from the cliffs and learn about their customs and creative traditions. After lunch in Kangate, continue to meet the Nyangatom tribe, recognized for their unique attire and cultural heritage. This immersive day offers deep insight into tribes living along the Omo River, each with its own identity and traditions passed down for centuries. Return to Turmi for the evening. Overnight: Paradise Lodge. Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Drive south to Omorate to meet the Dasenech tribe, who inhabit the arid plains near the Omo Delta. Their livelihood revolves around pastoralism and riverbank settlements. Learn about their lifestyle, migration patterns, and traditional clothing. Return to Turmi for lunch, then visit Dimeka Market and the Hamar people, well-known for their ochre-coated hairstyles, beadwork, and cultural ceremonies. If timing allows, witness the famous bull-jumping ritual, marking the transition of young men into adulthood. Overnight: Paradise Lodge. Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Depart Turmi and travel north toward Arba Minch, with visits along the way. Stop in Arbore, a pastoral community recognized for their striking white body paint and simple yet elegant attire. Continue to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient stone-terraced villages, fortified compounds, and the impressive Waga wooden sculptures erected to honor community heroes. Explore the vibrant traditions, sustainable farming methods, and decorated meeting houses that define Konso culture. Arrive in Arba Minch for a relaxing evening. Overnight: Paradise Lodge. Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Start your day with a memorable boat trip on Lake Chamo in Nechisar National Park. Encounter Nile crocodiles, pods of hippos, and a variety of aquatic birds, such as pelicans and storks. Note: The boat trip is an optional wildlife viewing activity, available at an additional cost. Afterward, drive to the highland villages of the Dorze people, famous for their towering beehive-shaped huts, weaving skills, and lively cultural traditions. Explore the Dorze market, taste local foods, and learn about their unique architecture. Return to Arba Minch to enjoy views over Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo. Overnight: Paradise Lodge. Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
After breakfast, drive north to Hawassa, a peaceful lakeside city known for its relaxing atmosphere and scenic beauty. En route, stop at the Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the endemic Swayne’s hartebeest and other grazing animals. Continue to Hawassa and enjoy an afternoon stroll along the lake, where fishermen haul in the day’s catch and birds gather along the shoreline. The lakeside promenade is perfect for unwinding before dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Haile Resort Hawassa. Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Begin the day with a visit to Hawassa’s vibrant fish market, famous for its fresh fish soup and lively local interactions. Continue the journey through farmlands and forests to Bale Mountains National Park, stopping at Dinsho HQ to meet your local guide and learn about the conservation efforts in place. Drive deeper into the Harenna Forest, one of Ethiopia’s last remaining natural forests and a hotspot for biodiversity. Explore moss-covered trees, endemic wildlife, and stunning scenery before settling into the eco-friendly Bale Mountain Lodge. Overnight: Bale Mountain Lodge. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Spend the morning exploring the mystical Harenna Forest, known for its unique flora and fauna, including Bale monkeys, chameleons, and rare bird species. Walk through tranquil forest paths surrounded by ancient trees draped in moss. After lunch, drive to the Sanetti Plateau—Africa’s largest Afro-alpine area—to search for the elusive Ethiopian Wolf, the world’s rarest canid. With sweeping views and abundant wildlife, the plateau offers an unforgettable high-altitude experience. Return to your lodge for a peaceful evening. Overnight: Bale Mountain Lodge. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11
After breakfast, depart Bale Mountains and begin your descent toward the Rift Valley lakes. The journey offers panoramic views, farmlands, and villages that highlight rural Ethiopian life. Arrive at Lake Langano, one of Ethiopia’s few safe swimming lakes, known for its golden beaches and warm water. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge, birdwatching, or enjoying the lakeside breeze. The area is surrounded by forest teeming with wildlife and makes for a perfect retreat after days of exploration. Overnight: Hara Langano Lodge. Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 12
After breakfast, explore Abijatta–Shalla National Park, home to thousands of flamingos, ostriches, antelope, and volcanic landscapes. Drive to the hot springs of Lake Shalla, where steam rises dramatically from the ground, creating a mystical atmosphere. Continue your wildlife search in the park before returning to Langano for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation or swimming. Enjoy dinner overlooking the lake, surrounded by acacia trees and the sounds of nature. Overnight: Hara Langano Eco Lodge. Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 13
Drive north to Lake Ziway, a haven for waterbirds such as pelicans, ibises, storks, and flamingos. Embark on an optional boat trip to explore the lake and visit Tulu Gudo Island, home to the historic Maryam Tsion Monastery, which is believed to have once sheltered the Ark of the Covenant. During the trip, you’ll walk through traditional villages and learn about the island’s rich culture and legends. After returning to shore, continue your drive to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a farewell dinner before your airport transfer for your international departure. Note: The boat trip is an optional wildlife viewing activity, available at an additional cost. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
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)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
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
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Offered by
Seven Day Ethiopia Tours is Ethiopian owned tour company that has been operating since 2015 offering wide selections of tour packages, tailor-made and customized tours
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2015)
Tour Types
Small & medium group tours (Budget)
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Seven Days Ethiopia Tours really went above and beyond for me!! I had been planning a trip to the Danakil Depression for months with a different tour company. When I arrived at the airport, the other tour company canceled my trip and left me stranded with no way to actually reach the Danakil Depression or do the tour at all. Sitting at the airport, I frantically contacted six other tour companies to see if anyone could put together a last-minute trip for the following morning. By then, the morning flight to Semera was completely sold out. The original company had promised they had booked my flights, but they never did. Every company I contacted told me the same thing: without a morning flight to Semera, there was no way to make the trip happen. Seven Days Ethiopia Tours was the only one that went above and beyond and said, “We’re going to get you there.” They put me on the afternoon flight and caught me up with the group. I was able to go to both the volcano and the colorful sulfur site. When I caught up with the group, I asked them what I had missed, and they said I didn’t miss anything. They had only been driving that morning. Thank you so much to Abere, Birhanu, and Seven Days Ethiopia Tours for going above and beyond for me and saving my trip. I’ll never forget my trip to Ethiopia because of you. If you want above-and-beyond customized service, where they literally treat you like royalty, I highly, highly recommend Seven Days Ethiopia Tours!
Amanda · United States
I enjoyed my trip with Gashaw so much. He showed me all the major tourist sights of Addis Ababa. We visited Saint Trinity Church, and he talked about everything there. He also showed me amazing local cuisine. We visited non-touristic places and drank nice honey beer. And the price was very reasonable compared to the offers I had been provided by the hotel.
Ruslan Aliev · Russia
Before I even set foot in Ethiopia, he had already taken care of everything: he found me a good, affordable hotel near the airport, he gave me a SIM card so I could call my family as soon as I landed, and he got me the best possible exchange rate. He's always careful about safety on the tours and suggests activities that match what I'm looking for.
Daniel · Spain
You are best tour guide in Ethiopia I remember you
Fiker Getachew · Ethiopia
Practical answers
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 10 years and older.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel - Luxury hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast Included
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Seven Days 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.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Seven Days Ethiopia Tours.
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