On the way to Arba Minch we will visit several different tribes, including the Gurage and Wolaita people. If we leave Addis early enough, we will have the chance to visit Dorze Village to see the Dorze people with their intricate huts and weavings and their way of living.

Day 2 – Excursion to Lake Chamo and drive to Konso (120 km journey)

In the morning we will visit Nechisar National Park, a lush green environment of lakes and grasslands, teeming with wildlife. After lunch, we will make a boat trip on Lake Chamo, where we should see Nile crocodile, hippopotamus, fish and various bird species (greater and lesser flamingos, along with white-necked cormorants, several species of herons, storks, spoonbills, African ducks, gulls and sterns). We will also check out what is fondly referred to as “the crocodile market”, a daily gathering spot on the banks of Lake Chamo where crocodiles seem to go to see and be seen.

Later, we drive to Konso for the night.

Day 3 – Drive to Jinka. (276 km journey)

In the morning, we visit the Konso people, traditional farmers who cultivate cotton and rear cows and goats. With ties to the land dating back more than 400 years, the traditions of the Konso tribe, including their ancient walled settlements and stone waga sculptures, have been recognized as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. We’ll enjoy a scenic picnic lunch and then learn about the tradition of carving and erecting stone waga statues to honour the deceased. Later in the day, we drive on to Jinka.

Day 4 – Excursion to Mago National Park and Mursi. (70 km journey)

Drive to Mursi Village through Mago National Park. The Park was established in 1979 in order to conserve the large numbers of plains animals in the area, particularly buffalo, giraffe, and elephant. Also seen here are topi and lelwel hartebeest, as well as lion, leopard, Burchell’s zebra, gerenuk, and greater and lesser kudu. The birds are also typical of the dry grassland habitat, featuring bustards, hornbills, weavers, and starlings. Kingfishers and herons feed in and around the Neri River, which provides an alternative habitat.

The Mursi people are well known for the large clay discs their women wear, inserted in their lower split lip. We stay the night at a local Lodge.

Day 5 – Hamar Village. (50 km journey)

After a relaxed breakfast, we will visit Hamer Village. The Hamer people have a bull jumping ceremony which marks the transition of young boys into adulthood. During the ceremony, we will see the Hamer traditional dance called Evangadi. In the afternoon, we will drive to Arba Minch for the night.

Day 6 – Drive back to Addis Ababa. (515 km journey)

Today we drive back to Addis Ababa, or if you would rather, we could fly back to Addis, where you will have the option of a farewell dinner.