Itinerary for 15 day trip to Souhern Ethiopia

Southern Ethiopia is a treasure trove of natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes. With 15 days to explore, you can really soak in the sights at a relaxed pace. Here’s a delightful itinerary that focuses on parks, green spaces, and the stunning outdoors, while steering clear of religious sites and museums. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

Morning: Arrive in Addis Ababa. Take it easy and settle into your hotel.
Afternoon: Stroll through , where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, sampling some traditional Ethiopian cuisine.

Day 2: Addis Ababa to Arba Minch

Morning: Take a domestic flight or drive to Arba Minch (about 8 hours by road).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset view over .

Day 3: and

Morning: Take a boat trip on to see hippos and crocodiles.
Afternoon: Explore . Go for a gentle hike and enjoy the diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
Evening: Return to Arba Minch for dinner.

Day 4: Arba Minch to Konso

Morning: Drive to Konso (about 2 hours).
Afternoon: Explore the , a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its terraced fields and unique villages.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Konso meal and spend the night in a local lodge.

Day 5: Konso to Jinka

Morning: Depart for Jinka (about 3 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the for a chance to see the rare mountain nyala and other wildlife.
Evening: Relax in Jinka and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 6: Mursi Village Visit

Morning: Take a day trip to visit the Mursi people, known for their unique lip plates. Engage with the community and learn about their way of life.
Afternoon: Return to Jinka and enjoy the lush surroundings.
Evening: Dinner and a relaxed evening at your accommodation.

Day 7: Jinka to Yabello

Morning: Drive to Yabello (about 4 hours).
Afternoon: Explore the . Look for wildlife like the endangered Grevy's zebra.
Evening: Settle into your lodge and enjoy a quiet evening.

Day 8: Yabello to Awassa

Morning: Depart for Awassa (about 5 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and take a leisurely walk along the shores of .
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant, watching the sunset.

Day 9:

Morning: Visit the to see the local fishermen at work.
Afternoon: Spend the day at , where you can enjoy walking trails, picnic spots, and beautiful views.
Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore local cafes.

Day 10: Awassa to

Morning: Drive to (about 4 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your lodge and take a short hike in the park to acclimatize.
Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner at your lodge.

Day 11:

All Day: Spend the day exploring the park. Go for a hike to see the stunning landscapes, endemic wildlife like the Ethiopian wolf, and the beautiful Sanetti Plateau.
Evening: Return to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner.

Day 12: Bale Mountains to Dinsho

Morning: Drive to Dinsho (about 1 hour).
Afternoon: Explore the Dinsho area of , known for its lush forests and wildlife.
Evening: Overnight in a local lodge.

Day 13: Dinsho to Addis Ababa

Morning: Drive back to Addis Ababa (about 6 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, perhaps with some live music.

Day 14: Day Trip to

Morning: Take a day trip to (about 2 hours). Enjoy the scenic views and the beautiful landscape.
Afternoon: Visit the and take a leisurely hike in the area.
Evening: Return to Addis Ababa for your last night.

Day 15: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some last-minute shopping or exploring in Addis Ababa.
Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

This itinerary allows you to experience the stunning natural beauty of Southern Ethiopia while keeping a relaxed pace. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy parks, lakes, and the unique cultures of the region. Safe travels, and enjoy your adventure! 🌍✈️