Day 1: Addis Ababa – Arba Minch – Konso Excursion
Fly from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch in the morning and transfer to your hotel for check-in and lunch. In the afternoon, travel south to visit the Konso Cultural Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient stone terracing, wooden waga statues, and strong clan-based traditions. Continue to the New York Gorge, a dramatic erosion site with striking geological formations. Return to Arba Minch in the evening for overnight at your hotel.
Day 2: Lake Chamo Boat Safari – Forty Springs – Dorze Village
Begin your day with a boat trip on Lake Chamo, home to giant Nile crocodiles, pods of hippos, and a variety of aquatic birds. Return to Arba Minch and explore the Forty Springs area of Nech Sar National Park, known for its natural beauty and wildlife. After lunch, drive to the Dorze village, high in the Guge Mountains, where you’ll discover traditional weaving practices, iconic beehive-shaped huts, and stunning views over the Rift Valley. Return to Arba Minch for overnight.
Day 3: Arba Minch – Hawassa (via Wolayta Sodo)
Depart from Arba Minch and drive through the lush farmlands and mountain scenery of southern Ethiopia. En route, stop at Wolayta Sodo for a local coffee experience and brief cultural interaction. Continue to Hawassa, a lively lakeside city in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Lake Hawassa, where you may spot hippos, vervet monkeys, and colorful birds against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset. Overnight in Hawassa.
Day 4: Hawassa – Lake Langano
Start the morning with a visit to the Hawassa Fish Market, where locals buy and prepare fresh catch by the lakeside. After breakfast, drive to Lake Langano, one of Ethiopia’s most popular recreational lakes, known for its safe swimming waters, resort accommodations, and beautiful landscapes. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake, birdwatching, or enjoying optional activities offered by your lodge. Overnight in Langano.
Day 5: Langano – Abijatta-Shalla National Park – Ziway Winery – Addis Ababa
On your final day, depart Lake Langano and stop at Abijatta-Shalla National Park, famous for its twin crater lakes, flamingos, ostriches, and volcanic hot springs. Continue to Ziway for a visit to the Ziway Winery, where you can take a short tour and sample some of Ethiopia’s finest locally-produced wines. After lunch by the lake, drive back to Addis Ababa, where your unforgettable Rift Valley lakes and culture tour concludes.
