Day 1

Depart south from Addis Ababa via Butajira. On the way you will visit the archeological sites of Tiya (ancient stelae field and UNESCO World Heritage Site), Adadi Maryam (a rock-hewn church similar to those in Lalibela) and Melka Kunture (pre-historic tool-making site). Final destination for the day is Lake Langano. Overnight in Lake Langano (camping or lodge).

Day 2

Early morning, depart from Lake Langano for a short trip north to Lake Ziway. After a brief morning hike, depart north to Lake Ziway. Here you will take a boat trip on Lake Ziway to the island of Tullo Gudo. The island hosts the church of Maryam Tsion which, according to tradition, once housed the Ark of the Covenant to hide it from invaders. After the visit, return to shore, enjoying the bountiful birdlife on this lake and possibly some hippos. After the visit, return to Lake Langano for overnight (camping or in lodge).

Day 3

After breakfast, depart from Langano to Awassa. On the way, take a short trip 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. Continue to Awassa for overnight (hotel).

Day 4

After breakfast, visit the local fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa. Afterwards, take a boat trip on the lake to visit the hippos. The rest of the day will be spent relaxing in this laid-back lakeshore town. Overnight in Awassa (hotel). Alternatively, depart to Yirgalem for overnight. Here you can enjoy an evening coffee ceremony while watching the hyenas in the surrounding forest. Overnight in Yirgalem (lodge).

Day 5

After breakfast, return north to Addis Ababa. On the way you may visit the Abiatta-Shala National Park. Lake Shala, with its deep blue waters is the deepest lake in Ethiopia at 236m. Lake Abiatta is a soda lake at which thousands of flamingos can be seen at various times of the year.

End of tour.

*** This itinerary is flexible, and will likely change in order to coordinate visits with market days in the south, which is a great opportunity to mingle with the people, many of whom travel long distances on foot to attend.