Ethiopian & Kenyan Rift Valley & Wildlife
24 days
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Group Tour
Ethiopia is a country of many different facets. In the far northern deserts of Tigray, we will take an expedition into the famed Danakil Depression and visit the rock church near Mekele. Further south in the highlands, we trek through the Simien Mountains and visit the incomparable church complex at Lalibela.
On the shores of Lake Tana, lies the city of Bah...
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Overview
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
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 National Park
- 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's this trip about?
Ethiopia is a country of many different facets. In the far northern deserts of Tigray, we will take an expedition into the famed Danakil Depression and visit the rock church near Mekele. Further south in the highlands, we trek through the Simien Mountains and visit the incomparable church complex at Lalibela.
On the shores of Lake Tana, lies the city of Bahir Dar, our base to explore the lake and its beautiful island churches and the spectacle of the Blue Nile Falls as the Nile tumbles into a gorge and off to the deserts of Sudan.
South east of Addis lies the historic UNESCO world heritage city of Harar and the Bale Mountains. Further south still, we cut through East Africa’s Rift Valley and through the tribal lands of Southern Ethiopia and on into the deserts of Northern Kenya, before encountering the wildlife of Samburu National Reserve. Then on passed Mt. Kenya and rejoin the Rift Valley, to Nairobi.
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Details
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityNairobi
End CityHarar
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Use of the truck and its camping equipment, library, etc.,
- Camping meals
- All activities that are listed as included
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Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi
Border Information: If joining in Nairobi, you will most likely enter Kenya at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA code: NBO).
There will be a group meeting at the joining hotel at 6:00pm. Please look out for a note from your tour leader at the reception ...
Day 2: Naivasha
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Today we make our way to Naivasha, on the edge of a beautiful calm lake in the Great Rift Valley. Here we will have the chance to take an optional boat trip on the lake to spot hippos and African fish eagles, and also to visit the Elsa...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Visit to Lake Naivasha
Day 3-4: Naivasha, Naro Moru
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Today we will have some free time for optional activities in Naivasha before we head through the hills of central Kenya through the area's beautiful scenery and tea plantations, to arrive at the small village of Naro Moru at the base o...
Day 5: Samburu Village
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Today we will travel to the Samburu region near to the small town of Archer's Post, where we will visit a Samburu village. Here we will be shown around the village and their homes, play with the children and learn all about the way of ...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Visit to Samburu tribal community and cultural project
Day 6: Samburu National Reserve
This morning we will enter the Samburu National Reserve, where we will enjoy game drives in the truck (breaking for a long lunch during the heat of the day).
Samburu is a stunning National Reserve and is a great opportunity to spot big game such as cheetah, leopards, l...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Wildlife safari in Samburu National Reserve
Day 7: Moyale
Estimated Drive Time - 11-12 hours.
Today we will have an early start to travel through the very rarely-visited region of northern Kenya, crossing the infamous Marsabit-Moyale road to the very northern border town of Moyale. The scenery today is spectacular as we trave...
Day 8: Konso
Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours.
Border information: Exit Kenya at Moyale, enter Ethiopia at Moyale.
For those on a longer combination trip starting in Cape Town or Victoria Falls, please play special attention to the visa notes in the information below.
Today we...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Visit this traditional village and see how locals have lived there for hundreds of years. Soak in the calm atmosphere of a village that has stood the test of time.
Day 9: Arba Minch, Konso
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.
Today we will arrive in the town of Arba Minch, a small town overlooking Lake Chamo. On route we will visit Konso Village and a Cultural Centre.
In Arba Minch we will stay in a basic local hotel.
Day 10-11: 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 ...
Day 12: Awassa, Wendo Genet
Estimated Drive Time - 7-9 hours.
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.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Experience the true local culture at this fish market. If you would like to try the soup make sure you bring your own bowl!
Day 13-15: Bale Mountains National Park
Estimated Drive Time - 4-6 hours.
Today we will leave Wendo Genet and drive to the stunning Bale Mountains National Park.
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 se...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
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
Day 16-17: Lake Ziway
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
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.
Day 18: Awash National Park
Estimated drive time - 7 - 8 hours
Toady we will drive to Awash National Park and 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.
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Head out with a scout to explore the trails of this National Park.
Day 19-21: Harar
Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours
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.
The following day we have a free day in ancient Harar and will have an i...
Daily Activities
Included Activities: (Included in Kitty)
Take a guided tour for half of the day through the winding streets of this ancient city.
Witness Harar's tradition of feeding wild Hyenas by hand each evening just outside the city walls.
Day 22-24: Addis Ababa
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
Today we will travel to the bustling Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, where we will have a free afternoon to explore the city.
In Addis Ababa we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.
Border Information: if you are...
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Dates & Availability
Price From $2,550
Price per day$106
Last Updated: 1/7/2022
Pricing details includes
The Trip Price, which is payable to Dragoman or your travel agent before departure.
The Kitty Payment, which is payable to your tour leader in cash when you join your trip, or in advance via bank transfer.
The Trip Price covers the cost of all our operations, including the running of our trucks ,our staff, and the provision of local guides around the world where needed, plus local transport, if for some reason we can’t use our trucks.
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Dragoman.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Dragoman Reviews & Ratings
Excellent
Brilliant crew, this was my 4th Drago trip and all crew have been excellent.
Great
Dasta our Omo Valley guide was great.
The leaders couldn't have been better.
The leaders couldn't have been better.
Reacted quickly and decisive
The crew worked well as a team, reacted quickly and decisive, especially under stressful situations
Helpful guides.
Knowledgeable and helpful guides.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Our trip price and kitty do not include optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Connecting flights
- Airport transfers
- Border taxes or charges
- Transportation while not on the trip or while exploring a city
- Passports and visas
- Vaccinations and first aid kits or medicines
- Extra accommodation
- Contingency route expenses in case of emergency or natural disaster
- Meals at restaurants or cafes or whilst staying in hotels, drinks, tips, or personal spending money
Accommodation
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against
unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies.
It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before
or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements.
For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements,
please visit this link
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
dragom-ZEN
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