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Southern Ethiopia Explorer

Duration
12 days
Price from
$4,820 pp.
Location
Ethiopia, Africa
Hamar Tribe

Trip Highlights

  • Visit Dorze village
  • Lake Chamo boat trip
  • Experience Hamer culture

What's Included

  • Guided tours
  • Transportation
  • 11 nights accommodation
Get to know the Southern Ethiopia's fascinating people

Explore Southern Ethiopia with us for its wonderful people and landscapes

A truly special individual tour which can be crafted to suit special requirements, this is for visitors who are keen to get to know the amazing people of Ethiopia's Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Region. If you want to attend some of the markets - one of the events which do attract visitors to certain places such as Key Afer and Dimeka - we recommend you plan travel dates so as to arrive in Ethiopia on a Monday.

Start the trip with a quick flight to Arba Minch, effectively a 'gateway' to the South. Based at Paradise Lodge visit the Dorze people and savour fine Rift Valley scenery during a boat trip on Lake Chamo at the little-explored Nech'Sar National Park. Continue to Konso territory - you'll know you've arrived there when you see the remarkable, terraced hillsides - to stay at the simple but charming, eco-friendly Kanta Lodge. This has one of our favourite restaurants in Ethiopia - fantastic meals are served indoors or outside under a massive wild fig tree. Konso is one of Ethiopia's UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Sites and you'll be taken to a village here.

Travel then to remote Jinka, near where you visit the Mursi tribe, who have among the most distinctive identities of the Ethiopian tribes. Their 'signature' practice is the wearing of large lip-plates by women. You then travel to remote Turmi, near the banks of the Omo River. Here, based at Buska Lodge you get to know the Hamar and Karo tribes. If markets interest you, be sure to plan your dates so that you're able to take in the Key Afar market on a Thursday and Dimeka on a Saturday.

If you are visiting from late May to September, you might just be lucky enough to be able to attend one of the most spectacular Traditional Tribal Events to be seen anywhere in Africa: a Hamar bull-jumping ceremony.

Return then to Arba Minch and head for tranquil Yirgalem to stay for a couple of nights in Aregash Lodge, a wonderful base from where to see sites in the region and also, take in some rest and relaxation time. End the trip with a night at Lake Langano before returning to the capital.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Ethiopia!

Addis Museum Eto Paleontology

On arrival, your dedicated, experienced and professional guide meets you and transfers you to Nexus Hotel where you stay overnight, breakfast included.

Day 2 Flight to Arba Minch

Staying at Paradise Lodge

Fly with your guide to Arba Minch, a 'gateway' to the Southern region. Stay 2 nights at the comfortable Paradise Lodge with all meals indicated. You will be taken for sightseeing locally, or, you can relax at the lodge which has a large, sparkling pool and excellent restaurant. From the deck, there are marvellous views over the wide and densely forested gorge.

Day 3 Arba Minch and surrounds

Day 4 Drive to Konso

Day 5 Travel to Jinka

Day 6 Jinka - Mago National Park - Turmi

Day 7 Hamar country

Day 8 Back to Arba Minch

Day 9 Arba Minch - Yirgalem

Day 10 Yirgalem

Day 11 To the Rift Valley Lakes

Day 12 Back to Addis Ababa

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Duration

12 days

Location

Ethiopia, Africa

Price from

$4,820 pp.

Price Includes

  • Accommodation and meals as indicated
  • Internal flight to Arba Minch
  • All private 4WD transportations
  • English-speaking Ethiopian guide and driver
  • Excursions and activities as outlined

Price Excludes

  • International flights to/from Ethiopia
  • Single supplements
  • Activities, meals, and expenses not specified

Based on 2 people travelling together and sharing in twin or double room accommodation.

Accommodation and meals are as follows:

  • 1 night at Nexus Hotel - breakfast included.
  • 3 nights at Paradise Lodge - all meals included.
  • 1 night at Kanta Lodge - all meals included.
  • 1 night at Eco Omo Safari Lodge - all meals included.
  • 2 nights at Buska Lodge - all meals included.
  • 2 nights at Aregash Lodge - all meals included.
  • 1 night at Hara Langano - all meals included.

Photographic fees in the South are not included. Ask us for details.

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When to go to Ethiopia

Find out the best time to visit Ethiopia with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January in Ethiopia is all about Timket, an annual Christian festival being celebrated throughout the country. It's a spectacular sight to behold. Check out our Timket tour for more information. Temperatures are pleasant at this time of year so it's a great time for touring around much of the country.

February

February marks the end of winter in Ethiopia, so if you're travelling to the highlands pack a few extra layers as it can get cold at night.

March

Temperatures begin to rise in March, making trekking in the Simien Mountains and exploring Lalibela great options this month. There are occasional rain showers but nothing that will really disrupt activities. It's wet in the Omo Valley region between March and June, with muddy roads disrupting travel in this area.

April

April is the start of the short rains, which begin in the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia.

May

The rains arrive in the Bale Mountains National Park and the Rift Valley Lakes during May and June, so this isn't a great time for hiking in these areas. However the downpours are usually in the afternoons, leaving the mornings with blue sunny skies, and plenty of opportunity to explore the rest of the country.

June

The rains continue, which make this a great time for the breeding season of migratory birds, with numerous colourful species to keep an eye out for.

July

The wettest months in the northern and central highlands are July and August. The short heavy storms mean this isn't a good time for hiking in the Simien and Bale Mountains, but the downpours don't really disrupt activities throughout the rest of the country. It's a good time to visit Lalibela which will be less crowded than during the rest of the year.

August

The wettest months in the northern and central highlands are July and August. The short heavy storms mean this isn't a good time for hiking in the Simien and Bale Mountains, but the downpours don't really disrupt activities throughout the rest of the country. It's a good time to visit Lalibela which will be less crowded than during the rest of the year.

September

Whilst the beginning of the month will see the tail end of the rainy season, it's actually quite a good month to travel around Ethiopia, just before peak season kicks in, and whilst the country is still green and beautiful. If you want to see the carpets of yellow Meskel flowers, or witness the colourful Meskel Festival, this is the month!

October

October is the start of the peak tourist season in Ethiopia, bringing with it great weather, pleasant temperatures, blue skies and little rainfall. A perfect time for touring around the country, particularly the Central Highlands and Northern Ethiopia.

November

The cooler temperatures and little rainfall during November and December make them great months for exploring the Omo Valley, with better road conditions and green landscapes.

December

The good weather and travelling conditions continue through December and into January, making this an ideal month to explore the whole country.

Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

Jul 31, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

Sep 17, 2025
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

Sep 17, 2025
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

Jun 5, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

Jun 5, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

Jun 5, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

Jun 5, 2024
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

Sep 17, 2025

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