Harar & the Bale Mountains

Arba Minch - Addis Ababa

15 days through Ethiopia

FROM: $2280 USD

Transport:

Overland Expedition Vehicle, Boat

Crew:

Two Dragoman Crew Members, Local Guides where necessary

Accom:

Comfortable Hotel 7 nights
Camping 1 night
Multishare Hostel 3 nights
Guesthouse 3 nights

Meals:

Breakfasts x 14, Lunches x 4, Dinners x 4

Physical:

Lifestyle:

Code:

ZAO

Deposit:

$260 USD per person

Foreign Travel Advice

TRIP OVERVIEW

The Rift Valley and its tribes are at the heart of this journey, and we have plenty of time to explore the lakes and towns. We spend time in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Harar where we go on a guided tour. This historic gem is also infamous for the butchers who feed the wild hyenas at night at the edge of the town. The Bale Mountains are one of Ethiopia's best trekking areas and home to many endemic species of plants and animals; we spend three nights here to really get under the skin of the place and go in search of the elusive Ethiopian Wolf on the Sanetti Plateau.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore chaotic and bustling Addis Ababa

Guided tour of the ancient UNESCO city of Harar

Witness the traditional feeding of the hyenas

Follow the scout along the trails of Awash NP

Take a boat trip across Lake Ziway and explore the Coptic monastery

2 days hiking in the beautiful Bale Mountains

Search for a rare sighting of Ethiopian wolves on the Sanetti Plateau

Relax in the Hot Springs at Wendo Genet

Optional trip to 'Crocodile Market' in Arba Minch

WHAT TO EXPECT

The pace of this trip is laid back with plenty of 2-night and even 3-night stays. The roads and lifestyle are challenging as we are away from western facilities, but this allows us to get away from the tourist trail. Most (but not all) hotels and hostels will be fairly basic.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

Experience the true local culture at this fish market. If you would like to try the soup make sure you bring your own bowl!

Horse/mule treks or guided hikes through Bale Mountain National Park

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

Head out with a scout to explore the trails of this National Park.

Take a guided tour for half of the day through the winding streets of this ancient city.

ITINERARY

EXPAND ALL CLOSE ALL

Day 1 - Arba Minch (19th November 2021)

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.

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 2 - Arba Minch (20th November 2021)

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Hire bicycles to explore the stunning surrounds of Arba Minch

Hire, Guide and Park fee: 400 ETB

Visit the fascinating village of Chincha to learn all about the culture of the Dorze people

Entrance: 300 ETB

Guide cost (per group): 200 ETB

Day 3 - Wendo Genet (21st November 2021)

Today we will head north to the small town of Awasa, where we can visit the local fish market.

After our visit we will head to Wendo Genet, a small town in the hills above Awasa, where we will stay for the night.

During our stay here we may have time to explore the region, go on an optional walk to some nearby waterfalls, or take a dip in the nearby hot springs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Daily Activities

Included Activities

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

Day 4 - Bale Mountains NP (22nd November 2021)

Today we will leave Wendo Genet and drive to the stunning Bale Mountains NP.

We will enjoy 2 full days to explore the NP.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 5 - Bale Mountains NP (23rd November 2021)

We will keep today 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!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Horse/mule treks or guided hikes through Bale Mountain National Park

Included

Day 6 - Bale Mountains NP (24th November 2021)

Today 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Daily Activities

Included Activities

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

Day 7 - Lake Ziway (25th November 2021)

Today we will leave the Bale Mountains and head to the small town of Ziway.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 8 - Lake Ziway (26th November 2021)

Today we will take an optional 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Take a boat trip across Lake Ziway to Tulu Gudo Island and explore the old Coptic monastery on the island

Tulo Gudo Island trip (price per 10 pax): 3,700 ETB

Monastery entrance: 1,000 ETB

Day 9 - Awash NP (27th November 2021)

In the morning we will leave early and head for Awash NP.

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 NP. We overnight in the lovely Awash Falls Lodge; who said luxury was not part of overlanding! This is a stunning place to experience a great little NP .

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Head out with a scout to explore the trails of this National Park.

Included

Day 10 - Harar (28th November 2021)

Today we will have a long drive east through the mountains to the ancient trading city of Harar.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 11 - Harar (29th November 2021)

Today 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Take a guided tour for half of the day through the winding streets of this ancient city.

Included

Witness Harar's tradition of feeding wild Hyenas by hand each evening just outside the city walls

Included

Day 12 - Harar (30th November 2021)

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 13 - Addis Ababa (1st December 2021)

Today we will have a long drive West through the mountains to the capital city, Addis Ababa

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 11

Day 14 - Addis Ababa (2nd December 2021)

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Enjoy a full day city tour of Addis Ababa

Included

Optional Activities

Visit Africa Hall - a symbol of African independence and optimism

Entrance: Free

Explore the fascinating Ethnological Museum one of the best museums in Africa set in a former palace of Haile Selassie

Entrance: 100 ETB

Visit the Menelik Mausoleum, built to serve as the tombs of emperors and princes

Entrance: Free

Stroll through the Addis Ababa Mercato - one of the largest markets in Africa

Entrance: Free

Visit the St. George's Cathedral (Giorgis Cathedral), built to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over the Italians in 1896

Entrance: 100 ETB

Visit "Lucy" one of the oldest complete hominid skeletons ever found at the National Museum

Entrance: 10 ETB

Day 15 - Addis Ababa - End Date (3rd December 2021)

Today the trip ends and so there is no accommodation booked if you are leaving from Addis - please contact the 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).

Meals: Breakfast

DATES, PRICES & TRIP NOTES

Show only available departures

Departing

Finishing

Total Price (USD)

19 Nov 21 Arba Minch

03 Dec 21 Addis Ababa

$2,280 USD

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 15 days Add to basket

03 Jan 22 Addis Ababa

17 Jan 22 Arba Minch

$2,310 USD

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 15 days Add to basket

11 Feb 22 Arba Minch

25 Feb 22 Addis Ababa

$2,295 USD

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 15 days Add to basket

16 Feb 22 Arba Minch

02 Mar 22 Addis Ababa

$2,295 USD

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 15 days Add to basket

06 May 22 Addis Ababa

20 May 22 Arba Minch

$2,325 USD

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 15 days Add to basket

18 Nov 22 Arba Minch

02 Dec 22 Addis Ababa

$2,355 USD

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 15 days Add to basket

02 Jan 23 Addis Ababa

16 Jan 23 Arba Minch

$2,395 USD

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 15 days Add to basket

10 Feb 23 Arba Minch

24 Feb 23 Addis Ababa

$2,380 USD

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 15 days Add to basket

15 Feb 23 Arba Minch

01 Mar 23 Addis Ababa

$2,380 USD

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 15 days Add to basket

Contact Us

Harar & the Bale Mountains

Arba Minch - Addis Ababa

USEFUL INFORMATION