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Omo to Addis

Omo to Addis

From $ 2,676 AUD

Description

Often overlooked, Ethiopia’s spectacular nature reserves and diverse tribal communities are ripe for exploration. Go off the beaten track and visit remote tribes in the Omo Valley, or take to the high road in search of Ethiopian wolves in the Bales Mountain range. Spot crocodiles lazing on the shores of Lake Chamo and explore the five islands of Lake Ziway. This is a raw and immersive journey into the hidden heart of Ethiopia.

TRIP CHANGES 2018:
• Omo Valley taken out of itinerary
• 3 nights in Harar added
• 1 night in Awash National Park Added
• 2 nights in Wendo Genet taken out and replaced with 2 nights in Awassa

Trip Name
Omo to Addis
Last Updated
2019-01-01
Days
15
Capacity
22
Highlights
  • Meet friendly tribespeople in the Omo Valley and learn about the many different tribal identities in the region.
  • Visit the Awassa Children's Project and see how donations get put to good use.
  • Look for the elusive Simien red fox in Bale Mountains National Park and climb the summit of Tulu Dimtu for spectacular views.

Itinerary

Our itineraries are developed and published with the best of intentions, however travel in more remote areas of the world is unpredictable – borders can close, there can be extreme adverse weather, strikes or maybe mechanical issues that affect the running of your trip, but equally due to the nature of our trips we can often spontaneously include a local festival or event into the itinerary. This being said, the safety of our passengers, leaders and operators is a priority for Dragoman. With this in mind we monitor world events very closely. By the very nature of the adventure travel that we take, there are risks and hazards that are inherent in our itineraries. Dragoman makes operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources: • The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice • Reports from other travel companies and local suppliers • Leaders reports from off the road • Local contacts we have built up over many years of experience. TRAVEL ADVICE & WARNINGS Dragoman follows the British Foreign Office Travel advice when deciding where and where we are unable to travel. We will base our decisions on itineraries and alterations to published routes based on their advice rather than the advice of other governments. However, we recommend you check the latest travel advisories from your own government for the country you are travelling to before you book and prior to departure. If there are any travel warnings present for the region you will travel to, as well as considering whether you are happy to travel despite the warning you must also check to ensure that it is not invalidating your travel insurance. Here are a few useful addresses: UK - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Australia - http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ New Zealand - http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/ United States - https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html Canada - http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp We also recommend that you check out the UK Travel Aware website before you travel at https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/. This website offers straightforward travel advice, top tips, and up-to-date country information to help you plan a safe trip. We will advise you of any significant changes in advice before travel or whilst you are overseas. INCLUDED ITINERARIES Included activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary, all other activities are optional and at your own expense. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not necessarily be refunded; this is something you will need to check with your leader. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities is listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This list is designed to be a helpful guide as to what is commonly available in each location, and is neither an exhaustive list, a guarantee that the activity is available, or an endorsement or recommendation. Please note that certain activities may not be available on your particular visit if they are overbooked, underbooked, out of season, or for any other reason - the list of activities is made according to our latest information and in the best faith, but please be aware that things may change between our last visit and your arrival. Please also note that it may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, and it is recommended to give yourself extra time in your joining or ending city if you would like to participate in some optional activities there. Prices listed are for entrance only and do not include transport costs to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated - again, these prices are displayed according to our latest information and in the best faith, but prices do fluctuate due to exchange rates, season, numbers of participants, and simple increases from the operator - any prices listed are a guide only and certainly cannot be guaranteed. Optional activities are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Dragoman nor included in the price of this trip. If you do any optional activities, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with Dragoman. You may be required to sign/complete a waiver form or optional activity form for some optional activities.

Day 1 - Arba Minch
Border Information: If you are joining in Arba Minch, you will most likely enter Ethiopia at Arba Minch Airport (IATA code: AMH). Welcome to Ethiopia! Today is the arrival day for those joining in Arba Minch, and will be a free day to explore the town. There will be an important meeting with your crew at 6:00pm today. Look out for a note from them at the hotel reception letting you know where to meet. In Arba Minch we will stay in a basic local hotel.   Hotel for the night: Zebib Pension Zebib Pension Secha Arba Minch Ethiopia Tel - +251 4688 14788   Activity Approximate Cost Hire bicycles to explore the stunning surrounds of Arba Minch ETB 200 Boat trip on Lake Chamo to see the crocodile 'market' ETB 450 Visit the fascinating village of Chincha to learn all about the culture of the Dorze people ETB 100
Day 2 - Arba Minch
Today we have time for optional activities such as taking an optional boat trip on Lake Chamo to the view the crocodiles that reside there (known locally as the crocodile market) or to take bike rides around the city.
Day 3 - Awassa, Wendo Genet
Today we will head north to the small town of Awassa, where we can visit the local fish market. After our visit we will head to Wendo Genet, a small town in the hills above Awassa, where we will stay for the night. Estimated Drive Time - 4-6 hours. Activity Approximate Cost Relax in the Hot Springs at Wendo Genet  Free Head out on a short walk to the waterfalls near Wendo Genet  ETB 100 Experience the true local culture at this fish market. If you would like to try the soup make sure you bring your own bowl!  Included in Kitty
Day 4-6 - Bale Mountains National Park
Today we will leave Wendo Genet and drive to the stunning Bale Mountains National Park. Estimated Drive Time - 4-6 hours. We will enjoy 2 full days to explore the National Park. We will keep one day completely free to head out for optional guided walks - there are several possibilities for routes, including highland routes up the hills and moorlands searching for mountain nyalas, or lowland walks through the forest areas to look for Bale monkeys! On the other day we will drive in the truck up to the Sanetti Plateau, all the way to the second-highest point in Ethiopia (the 4359m summit of Tulu Dimtu) to explore the primeval landscape and search for Ethiopian wolves. In the Bale Mountains we will stay in dorms in a basic lodge near the entrance to the National Park. Activity Approximate Cost Horse/mule treks or guided hikes through Bale Mountain National Park  Included in Kitty Head up to the incredible Sanetti Plateau on a day trip with our overland truck, stopping to explore the area on foot and search for Ethiopian Wolves  Included in Kitty
Day 7-8 - Lake Ziway
Today we will leave the Bale Mountains and head to the small town of Ziway. The following day we will take an included boat trip across Lake Ziway to Tulu Gudo Island, where we will have a short guided tour of the ancient monastery there and view some of the old religious manuscripts. In Ziway we will stay in a small local hotel. Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours. Activity Approximate Cost Take a boat trip across Lake Ziway to Tulu Gudo Island, and explore the old Coptic monastery on the island ETB 4000
Day 9 - Awash National Park
In the morning we will leave early and head for Awash National Park. In the afternoon we will take a park scout out with us to explore the surrounding area and to try to find game or just to enjoy the stunning scenery of this lovely national park. We overnight in the lovely Awash Falls Lodge; who said Luxury was not part of overlanding! This is a stunning place to experience this great little national park . Estimated drive time - 7 - 8 hours Activity Approximate Cost Follow the scout to explore the trails of this National Park. Who knows what wildlife you will encounter?! Included in Kitty
Day 10-12 - Harar
Today we will have a long drive east through the mountains to the ancient trading city of Harar. We will stay in a charming small hotel in the old city inself. Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours The following day we have a free day in ancient Harar and will have an included guided city tour of the walled city of Harar (Harar Jugol). Enjoy its colourful markets, mosques and shrines. In the evening you can visit the Hyena Men who feed the hyenas every night just outside the walls of the city. Our final day in this incredible city is a free day to explore this amazing city on your own. It is one of the most important historic sites on this trip and one not to be missed. Activity Approximate Cost Take a guided tour for half of the day through the winding streets of this ancient city. Included in Kitty Witness Harar's tradition of feeding wild Hyenas by hand each evening just outside the city walls. Free
Day 13 - Addis Ababa
Today we will have a long drive West through the mountains to the capital city, Addis Ababa Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours. In Addis Ababa we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities. Activity Approximate Cost Visit "Lucy", one of the oldest complete hominid skeletons ever found, at the National Museum Included in Kitty Stroll through the Addis Ababa Mercato, one of the largest markets in Africa Included in Kitty Visit Africa Hall, a symbol of African independence and optimism Included in Kitty Visit the St. George's Cathedral (Giorgis Cathedral), built to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over the Italians in 1896 Included in Kitty Visit the Menelik Mausoleum, built to serve as the tombs of emperors and princes Included in Kitty Explore the fascinating Ethnological Museum, one of the best museums in Africa set in a former palace of Haile Selassie Included in Kitty
Day 14 - Addis Ababa
Today we have a free day in Addis Ababa and will organise an included guided tour of the city including visiting St. George's Cathrdral, The Menelik mausoleum, The national Museum and the colourful city market. In Addis Ababa we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.
Day 15 - Addis Ababa
Today the trip ends and so there is no accommodation booked if you are leaving from Addis - please contact the Dragoman Sales team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below. Border Information: if you are leaving in Addis Ababa, you will most likely exit Ethiopia from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (IATA code: ADD).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-02-201906-03-2019AUD $ 2,676-
21-10-201904-11-2019AUD $ 2,676-
29-11-201913-12-2019AUD $ 2,676-

Accommodation

Camping ( 6 nights ),hotel /hostel / lodge / cabin ( 8 nights )

Transport

Overland expedition vehicle,Boat

Map