Tour overview

Awassa, Dorze, Konso, Arba Minch

Day 1

Depart from Addis Ababa south to Awassa, through the Great Rift Valley. On the way you will stop at Lake Ziway to admire the vibrant birdlife on the shores of the lake. Proceed south to Wondo Genet, former Emperor Haile Selassie’s favorite weekend getaway spot. Here you can take a shower in the therapeutic hot spring waters, swim in the pool and a short hike in the forest. Overnight in Awassa or Wondo Genet (hotel).

Day 2

In the morning after breakfast, visit the fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa and then proceed driving to Dorze, set in the highlands above Arba Minch. The Dorze people are known for their tall beehive-like houses and their fine cotton weaving. You will visit the village and learn about the daily lives of these industrious people. If today is market day (in Dorze village on Monday and Thursday and in nearby Chencha on Tuesday and Saturday), that will be visited. Overnight in Dorze in traditional Dorze hut (shared toilet facilities) or continue to Arba Minch for overnight (camping, hotel or lodge).

Day 3

Continue a short distance from Arba Minch to Konso. The Konso people are known for their wooden statues, known as wakas, which are erected in honor of dead heroes as well as their innovative agricultural terracing. Today you will have the opportunity to visit a local village and the cultural museum displaying many waka statues. Time permitting, you can also visit the “natural New York Village”, named after the tall sand formations resembling skyscrapers. Market day in Konso is Monday and Thursday. Overnight in Konso (hotel or lodge).

Day 4

Depart from Konso to Arba Minch. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the “crocodile market”, and the local hippos. Overnight in Arba Minch (camping, hotel or lodge).

Day 5

Early in the morning, depart from Arba Minch for a full day’s drive back to Addis. On the way you may have time to visit one of the following archeological sites of interest:
-Tiya - ancient stellae field and UNESCO World Heritage site
-Adadi Maryam – rock-hewn church similar to those in Lalibela
Melka Kunture – pre-historic tool-making site