Arba Minch & The Great Rift Valley
Tour Overview
Experience the raw beauty of Southern Ethiopia in a condensed, high-impact adventure. From the “Crocodile Market” of Lake Chamo home to some of Africa’s largest Nile crocodiles to the misty heights of the Guge Mountains, this tour offers a dramatic shift in scenery and culture. Stay at the region’s premier lodges perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, offering panoramic views of the “Bridge of God” that separates the two great lakes.
Itinerary
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Morning: Take the early flight from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch. Upon arrival, your private 4x4 will take you 3,000 meters up into the Guge Mountains to the village of Chencha.
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Afternoon: Meet the Dorze people, famous for their 12-meter high beehive-shaped houses made of bamboo. Watch a weaving demonstration (the source of Ethiopia’s finest Gabi and Netela cloth) and taste traditional Kocho bread.
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Morning: Embark on a private boat safari on Lake Chamo. This is a "Royal" highlight where you will drift within meters of massive Nile crocodiles, hippos, and a spectacular array of birdlife including fish eagles and kingfishers.
-
Afternoon: Cross the lake to reach the "Bridge of God" and enter Nechisar National Park. In the "Plains of God," look for the endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest, Burchell's Zebras, and Gazelles against the backdrop of the rolling hills.
-
Morning: Take a gentle guided walk through the groundwater forest of Arba Minch National Park to visit the "Forty Springs." The lush, jungle-like environment is a stark contrast to the savannahs of the previous day and is home to Colobus monkeys and diverse butterflies.
-
Afternoon: Enjoy a final lunch overlooking the lakes before your transfer to the airport for the flight back to Addis Ababa.
Explore Tours
Experience the raw beauty of Southern Ethiopia in a condensed, high-impact adventure. From the “Crocodile Market” of Lake Chamo home to some of Africa’s largest Nile crocodiles to the misty heights of the Guge Mountains, this tour offers a dramatic shift in scenery and culture. Stay at the region’s premier lodges perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, offering panoramic views of the “Bridge of God” that separates the two great lakes.
Included/Exclude
Round-trip domestic flights (Addis - Arba Minch).
All airport transfers and ground transport in a private 4x4.
Professional English-speaking guide and local community scouts.
Boat hire on Lake Chamo and National Park entrance fees.
Tour Plan
-
Morning: Take the early flight from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch. Upon arrival, your private 4x4 will take you 3,000 meters up into the Guge Mountains to the village of Chencha.
-
Afternoon: Meet the Dorze people, famous for their 12-meter high beehive-shaped houses made of bamboo. Watch a weaving demonstration (the source of Ethiopia’s finest Gabi and Netela cloth) and taste traditional Kocho bread.
-
Morning: Embark on a private boat safari on Lake Chamo. This is a "Royal" highlight where you will drift within meters of massive Nile crocodiles, hippos, and a spectacular array of birdlife including fish eagles and kingfishers.
-
Afternoon: Cross the lake to reach the "Bridge of God" and enter Nechisar National Park. In the "Plains of God," look for the endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest, Burchell's Zebras, and Gazelles against the backdrop of the rolling hills.
-
Morning: Take a gentle guided walk through the groundwater forest of Arba Minch National Park to visit the "Forty Springs." The lush, jungle-like environment is a stark contrast to the savannahs of the previous day and is home to Colobus monkeys and diverse butterflies.
-
Afternoon: Enjoy a final lunch overlooking the lakes before your transfer to the airport for the flight back to Addis Ababa.
