10 Days East & South of Ethiopia

Your guide will meet you at the exit of Addis Abeba Bole International Airport and accompany you to your hotel.
Addis Ababa is 2400 to 3100 meters above sea level. This makes it the third highest capital in the world. The city was founded in the time of Emperor Menelik II in 1887. It has been the most important city in the country ever since. Addis Ababa is not only the capital of Ethiopia, but also the seat of the Organization of African Unity founded in 1963 (OAU today African Union).
Visits today include the National Museum, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity with the tomb of Emperor Haile Selassie, the Merkato, the Ethnological Museum and the Old Train Station.

Welcome to Harar, after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem’s the fourth-holiest city of Muslims.
The medieval city of Harar with more than 3 km long city wall from the 16th century and 99 mosques is a holy city for Muslims. Once upon a time, Harar was an important trade and craft centre. In 1520, the Emir of the Sultanate of Adalah, succeeding the Sultanate of Ifat, moved the capital to Harar. Even today, the city is known for its outstanding craftsmanship; woven fabrics, wickerwork, silverware and hand-bound books are the trademarks. There are several museums, including the Rimbaud House, where the French poet has lived several times for over the years. The hyena man, who feeds mouth-to-mouth hyenas on the outskirts of the city, is also famous. This has been a tradition since about the year 1900. Strolling through the old town, you can explore the main attractions and colourful markets.

After breakfast we drive to the Awash National Park. On the way we will visit a village of Oromo farmers and see the cultivation of Kat. This is a legal light drug, one of the most important exports in addition to coffee.
By the afternoon we will reach the Awash National Park. The National Park is home to many animals, plants and bird species. The great panorama of volcanic landscape is a sight to behold.

On the way to Hawassa we stop at Ziway Lake. The lake is the most important lake for the faithful of the Ethiopian Orthodox religion. Once upon a time, the real Ark of the Covenant was on the island of Ziway Lake. Today is the best opportunity to watch the variety of birds.
We stop for lunch at the lake, then continue to the Abyata-Schala National Park where you will have the opportunity to see many animal species.
We spend the night at Hotel Hawassa

Shortly before Arba Minch we make a detour to a village of Dorze. The Dorts differ considerably in respect of the leadership of the tribe from the other races. The tribe has no chief or king, but a leader chosen by the council of elders for a short period of time. The Dorze have a great tradition in weaving cotton. Their fabrics are very colourful. Another feature of the Dorze is the beehive-like construction of their houses, which are up to 10 meters high.

After breakfast, we take a boat trip on the Chamo lake to observe hippos, giant crocodiles and seabirds. Then we begin our journey to one of the region’s most remarkable ethnic groups: the Konso. The villages are mostly surrounded by a stone wall. The tombs of war heroes and kings were marked with wooden steles. The fields in the area of the Konso are terraced to improve irrigation and protect the soil from erosion in this relatively dry and hilly region. The region has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.

Todays first stop will beOmorate. The Dasanech are also called the tribe of circumcision. Girls who have reached puberty will be prepared for circumcision in a week-long ceremony. An elaborate celebration is the conclusion, in which the Dasnanechdress specially, e.g. with leopard skins. The women wear aprons made of leather, to which metal pieces are sewn. Numerous arm and leg bracelets create a rhythmic sound when walking. A colourful face painting can be seen on the Dasanech. After the village tour we will drive back to Turmi. In the afternoon, the visit of a Hamer village is on the program. Today we may have the opportunity to participate in the celebration of the Bullsprung. That’s not guaranteed, but we try our best!

Surely you have heard in the media or from acquaintances about the culture of the lip plates. The visit to the Mursi will be very interesting for you. Known for its eye-catching plate lips, a visit to the Mursi is a highlight of the journey. The women decorate their lips and ears with round discs, the men attach themselves Schmucknarben  accordingto their hunting success. If time permits, we will visit a village of the Ari.

Our journey goes to the north, with many impressions and beautiful landscapes to enjoy along the ride. Before noon we will visit another Konso village.
Relax and rest in the afternoon and enjoy the most beautiful views of the Camo and Abaya lakes in our lodge.

On the way back to Addis Ababa, we will visit the Tiya grave steles, discovered in 1935, which have been on the World Heritage Site list since 1980. It is one of the most enigmatic finds of Ethiopian cultural history. Scientists proved that the stelae are tombstones.
We have a day room reserved where you can refresh and rest. In the evening we invite you to a farewell dinner. We will serve Ethiopian buffet specialties and local drinks at a folklore show.
After that we accompany you to the airport and check you in.