Today we explore Addis Ababa, the 5 million metropole and the African Union headquarters.  After breakfast we drive to the Entoto Mountain, the first residence of the King Menelik when from Ankober and founded Addis Ababa. This visit is followed by a visit to the Orthodox church. After lunch we visit the National Museum which contains precious local archaeological finds such as the fossilized remains of early hominids.  

Today we explore Addis Ababa, the 5 million metropole and the African Union headquarters.  After breakfast we drive to the Entoto Mountain, the first residence of the King Menelik when from Ankober and founded Addis Ababa. This visit is followed by a visit to the Orthodox church. After lunch we visit the National Museum which contains precious local archaeological finds such as the fossilized remains of early hominids.  

In the late afternoon we drive to Nazareth for Dinner and Overnight at Adama Safari Lodge; a unique resort located in a 4-acre tropical garden and offers a serene and relaxing environment.

Accommodation: Adama Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: D B

Accommodation: Adama Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: D B

Today we have a long drive ahead of us. The 6-hour drive takes us first on a highway down south passing through small and large scale farmland. On the way we stop for lunch. In the late afternoon we arrive at the Dinsho camp site at 3200m. This is the headquarters of the Mbale Mountain National Park.  On our way through the Geysey plateau we look out for the endemic mammals like the Mountain Nyala and the Menelik Bushbuck.  Dinner and overnight will be at a fly camp at the Dinsho Campsite.

Accommodation: Dinsho Fly Camp

Meal Plan: B L D

After breakfast we put on our hiking boots and enter the National Park. The 20 km hike take us through a stunning landscape where we have a chance to see the rare Ethiopian wolf and various bird of prey.  We cross the Web River which runs parallel to the road and forms the Finch Habera Waterfall where we will stop for a lunch break before heading to Sodata campsite at 3500m for dinner and overnight in a fly camp.

Accommodation: Sodota Fly Camp

Meal Plan: B L D

Today’s trek to Wassyma takes us through a beautiful landscape with stunning views. We pass through Mararo Valley where the Lammergeyer and Verraux Eagles keep nests. We may also spot the Ethiopian Wolf and the numerous bird life of Bale Mountains.  The 22 km hike takes about 6 to 7 hours and ends at the Wassyma campsite at 3900m.

Accommodation: Wassyma Fly Camp

Meal Plan: B L D

Another 22 km trek takes us through the Worgona valley to the Afro –alpine moorland, a wild beautiful alpine scenery dotted with numerous lakes and everlasting plants most striking with their yellow flowers. The plateau is crawling with rodents, the largest being the giant molerat, found only in the Bale Mountains. Explore the area on foot, marveling at the lichen-clad rocks, indicators of pure air. Dinner and overnight will be at the Sanetti campsite at 4100m.

Accommodation: Sanetti Fly Camp

Meal Plan: B L

A short walk for 2 hours takes us to the highest peak in the Bale Mountains, Tullu Deemtu (4377m ) which is part of the Sanetti Plateau.  Here our car is waiting for us to pick us up and take us to the Harenna forest, a unique example of Afromontane forest ecosystem. The gigantic timber trees hide the mountain lion, different breeds of baboons and birds, and small bushes of wild coffee grow here. After a half an hours hike to a spectacular waterfall, we drive back to Goba for dinner and Overnight at Wabe Shebelle Hotel.

Accommodation: Wabe Shebelle Hotel

Meal Plan: B L D

Today we pack our hiking boots and drive 240 km to Sabana Resort at the shores of the scenic Lake Langano for lunch and relaxation after the strenuous past days.  We can enjoy the lake-front with a walk over the sandy beach, a trip on a canoe, or simply go for a swim in the refreshing lake water. At sunset, take a romantic walk around the resort’s vast area, from the cliff top up to the beach crossing a small river and marveling at the waterfall.  Dinner and overnight will be at the resort.

Accommodation: Sabana Beach Resort

Meal Plan: B L D

After breakfast we depart for Addis Ababa. The trip will take us via Butajira with a visit the archeological sites of Tiya (ancient stelae field and UNESCO World Heritage Site). We shall have a lunch on the way and arrive at our hotel in Addis in the evening. We shall transfer to a local restaurant for a traditional dinner before returning for overnight at the Friendship hotel. 

Accommodation: Friendship Hotel

Meal Plan: B B

On our last day we visit one of Ethiopia’s holiest sites, the Debre Libanos Monastery, 100km north of Addis Ababa.  We see the tomb of a priest — now a celebrated saint — that founded the monastery in the 13th-century and step inside a 1961 church built by Haile Selassie. After lunch we undertake a short walk to the Portuguese Bridge which was actually rebuilt by Ethiopians in the 19th century in the style built by Portuguese in the 16th century. The views over the Jemma gorge are spectacular.  In the evening we return Addis for dinner and transfer to the airport to catch our late night flight home.