10 Days Southern Ethiopia Cultural & Wildlife Expedition

You will take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Jima, the heartland of Ethiopian coffee. From here, we begin a scenic drive towards the hidden gem of Chebera Churchura National Park. The journey itself is a spectacle, winding through lush, rolling hills blanketed in vibrant coffee farms. You will witness the daily activities of farmers tending to their fields and pass through numerous small, lively villages and towns. Upon arrival at the park, we enter a world only recently opened to tourism, a pristine wilderness that is rapidly emerging as one of Ethiopia’s premier locations for spotting African elephants and buffalo, alongside a wealth of other wildlife, before settling into your lodge for the night.

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the vast and diverse ecosystems of Chebera Churchura. With our expert local guide, you will spend the whole day on game drives and short walks through this incredible park. The primary goal is to track and observe the significant population of African elephants, but keep your eyes peeled for buffalo, various antelope species, and rich birdlife. This is a full day of raw, untouched African wilderness, far from the crowds, offering a truly exclusive safari experience. We return to the lodge for another overnight stay in the heart of the park.

After a final breakfast in the wild, we depart Chebera Churchura and embark on a drive to Arba Minch, the “Gateway to the South.” The route via Sodo is filled with vibrant local life. We will make stops at authentic market places, where you can observe the trade and daily rhythms of the local people. This journey provides a gentle introduction to the rich cultural tapestry of the region. We arrive in Arba Minch in the evening, where you will check into your hotel with a stunning view over the “Bridge of Heaven,” which separates Lakes Chamo and Abaya.

In the morning, a short drive takes us to Lake Chamo for a thrilling boat excursion. This lake is famous for its vast congregations of enormous Nile crocodiles and hippos, a sight so impressive it’s often called the “Crocodile Market.” In the afternoon, we ascend into the highlands to visit the Dorze people, renowned for their tall, beehive-shaped huts and intricate weaving traditions. You will be welcomed into their community, learn about their unique way of life, and witness their remarkable skills. We then drive back to Arba Minch for the night.

After breakfast, we drive to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ingeniously terraced hillsides and fortified villages. We will visit one of these historic villages to appreciate their unique social structure and landscape. Continuing our journey, we descend into the Lower Omo Valley, heading for Turmi. If our travel day coincides with a weekly market in one of the small towns, we will stop—this is a fantastic, spontaneous opportunity to see members of different tribes gathered together to trade and socialize. Overnight will be in Turmi.

This day is dedicated to deep cultural immersion with the tribes of the Lower Omo Valley, primarily the Hamer people. We may also have opportunities to encounter the Nyangatom and Karo tribes. The highlight of the day will be spending the late afternoon and evening in a Hamer village. This is not a brief photo stop; we value sharing moments with the local community. We will share a meal, engage in conversation (through our translator), and perhaps witness their traditional dancing and singing. This kind of genuine, extended exchange is the core of our travel philosophy.

Today we drive further south to a remote area near the Omo River delta to meet the Dasenech people, a tribe whose territory straddles the borders of Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan. Learning about their adaptable culture in this harsh environment is a profound experience. After the visit, we will have lunch back in Turmi before continuing our drive to Jinka, the largest administrative town in the region, where we will spend the night.

We start early, driving into Mago National Park to meet the renowned Mursi people. The Mursi women are famous for their unique cultural practice of wearing lip plates, a powerful symbol of identity and beauty. This is a truly memorable encounter. After our visit, we drive back to Jinka and then continue our journey to the highlands of Konso for a well-deserved overnight stay.

Today features another day of beautiful landscapes as we drive from Konso to Yirgalem. This region is the heart of Sidama coffee, some of the finest in the world. We will visit a local village to witness and participate in the authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony, experiencing the entire process from bean to brew in its place of origin. The aroma, the ritual, and the hospitality make for an unforgettable afternoon. Overnight in Yirgalem

On our final day, we drive back towards Addis Ababa via the main highway, which runs through the stunning Ethiopian Rift Valley. We will stop at one of the resorts on Lake Langano for a relaxing over-lunch break, a perfect chance for a swim and to reflect on the journey. This drive offers beautiful views of the chain of Rift Valley Lakes. We will arrive in Addis Ababa in the evening, where you can enjoy a farewell dinner before your transfer to the airport for your international departure.