BALE MOUNTAINS & THE OMO VALLEY
DESTINATIONS: BALE MOUNTAINS & THE OMO VALLEY
BALE MOUNTAINS
DAY 1
After breakfast, visit the local fish market on the shores of Lake Ziway. Afterwards, drive to the Bale Mountains to explore all territories of the Bale Mountains National Park as you trek across the home of the Ethiopian wolf and Mountain Nyala. Experience spectacular Afro alpine Mountains and natural scenery while heading deep into the heart of the Sanetti plateau – a floating land.
Overnight at Dinsho Lodge tucked away in the juniper forest.
HARENNA FOREST AKA “CLOUD FOREST”
DAY 2
This day you will be witnessing more of the amazing mix of habitats supports a myriad rare species, many endemic to Ethiopia and some found only within the park. 60% of the remaining Ethiopian Wolves, the world’s most rare carnivore, are found within the park; other species include the Menelik’s Bushbuck and various rodent species, plus lions, rare Giant Forest Hogs and significant numbers of endemic or rare bird species.
GOBA – SHAHEMENE – ARBAMINCH
DAY 3
Soar down from the Bale Mountains back to the scenic rift valley en route Shashemene home to the Rastafarians to finally, arrive at Arbaminch.
ARBAMINCH – ARI - JINKA Day 4 After breakfast enjoy a refreshing boat trip in one of the Great Rift Valley twin lakes on Lake Chamo which is separated by a ridge called the “ Bridge of God”, which is home to huge crocodiles, hippos and a variety of birdlife. Then proceed to Jinka to visit the Ari women, famous for their pottery which they sell to support their families. The Ari inhabits the northern border of Mago National park in southwestern Ethiopia. Ari villages have neat compounds in fertile and scenic land with Coffee plantations. They have large livestock herds and produce large quantities of honey. The women wear skirts from the banana like tree, called Enset.
JINKA –TURMI
Day 5
Morning excursion to the Mago National Park, The Mago National Park is located on the eastern bank of the Omo River and ranges in altitude from 450 to 2,528 meters above sea level. We tour the park to view wild life. Also drive Mursi village to visit and appreciate the very attractive culture of Mursi tribe. They are renowned for the strange custom followed by their women who, on reaching maturity, have their lower lips slit and circular clay discs inserted. Afternoon, drive to the direction of Turmi, along the way we pass through a vast meadowland with shrubs and “umbrella” acacia trees, Turmi, which is the base to visit the Hamer village. Hamers have remarkable hairstyles made from ochre, water, and binding resin. They rub the mixture into their hair then twist the strands repeatedly to create Coppery-colored locks. This is a sign of wealth and welfare. Hamers are considered to be masters of body decoration. (B, D)
TURMI – OMORATE – KONSO
DAY 6
This morning you will visit the Dasench/Geleb people; who inhabited in the bank of Omo River crossing the Omo River by locally made boat to see the village. After noon, drive to Konso while exploring the Konso tribal village including carved wooden grave markers, meeting the elders and learning their way of life.
KONSO – LANGANO
DAY 7
Full day trip with meals on the way; breakfast at Konso and lunch at the red soiled city of Sodo. Afternoon drive will commence at Senkelle Sanctuary where the open acacia woodland of the reserve is quite scenic easily spotting the animals, especially the Swayne’s hartebeests. The sactuary harboring wild animals such as the Bohor reedbucks, greater kudus, orbis antelopes, spotted hyenas as well as 91 species of bird make it a site not to miss.
LANGANO - ADDIS ABEBA
DAY 8
After breakfast, you will be proceeding to the capital via Mojo on to your final stop at Debre Zeit, one of the seven Crater Lake of Babogaya, cleanest lake among them. Lunch will be provided at the resort & arrive late afternoon to Addis Abeba.
END OF THE TOUR PROGRAM
Tour Operator: Lal Tours
Pricing based on:
Group Size:
- 4pax - € 1001/person
- 6pax - € 903/person
- 8pax - € 851/person*
*Using multiple 4X4’s
Terms and Conditions:
- Program Cost Inclusions: Accommodation in a twin/double bed sharing basis in standard hotels as listed in the itinerary for 7 nights
- Meal on full board basis with water, soft drink or glass of wine (if available) at dinner: B ,D
- All sightseeing in an air-conditioned mid-sized 2014 model Toyota suitable for the road.
- Professional ENGLISH speaking escort guide throughout the trip.
- All entrance fees listed
- The service of a local guide
- Express Boat service to the attractions of Chamo Lake at Arbaminch.
- Fuel Expense.
- Scout fees, Village and embarkation fee.
- Driver allowance.
- Governmental taxes.
Program Cost Exclusion:
- International airfare
- Pre or Post tour services
- Independent travel arrangements
- Visa or passport fees, visa fees
- Medical and trip cancellation
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, alcohol, telephone expense, excess baggage fees, photo/video expense inside museums (where allowed)
- Other items not expressly listed as included; anything not listed
Local Conditions: Although, Ethiopia is a place where its considered 13th months sunshine, visiting the Semien Mountain & Bale Mountains National Park will be at its best during the dry season from November to February. In August to October, the rain, particularly during the latter months can be of constant mist & drizzle. We expect the wolves at the Bale Mountain to be denning which makes their behavior easier to predict. This also means there is a chance you will see wolf pups – only a chance so no guarantees!
During this time, the temperature in Bale and Simien Mountains can fluctuate dramatically with temperatures as low as -15C being recorded at night and temperatures as high as 26C being recorded during the day. If there is precipitation during this time then it is likely it will fall as snow.Lalibela during this time should be wet with a pleasant average temperature of 18C to 20C.
Hotel/Meal Accommodation:
Visas:Accommodation in this trip has been chosen for its location and in both cases are mid range hotels. They are comfortable, well run and with en suites with twin or double beds, showers and toilets. Please do remember though that you are in a developing country where service can be a little relaxed. A good sense of humor and an open mind will help you get the most from this trip. J
All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport with at least six months left before expiry. Visas are required for entry into Ethiopia and must be obtained for 25 $ upon arrival.
Since this trip is on half board basis, lunch will be recommended to the best possible places as where is accessible & prepare lunch boxes to where it’s remote like the Semien Mountain, Bale & to some parts of the South Omo valley.
Vaccinations: A Yellow fever vaccination is not required unless coming from an area where Yellow Fever is endemic. We recommend inoculations for Typhoid, Tetanus and Hepatitis A. If you are a regular traveler abroad we would recommend that you are up to date on all childhood inoculations and vaccinations including polio. Malaria is present in Ethiopia but is not prevalent in the areas visited on this trip so prophylaxis is not generally recommended. Please consult a medical practitioner for professional advice.
Health and Fitness: A good level of fitness is essential for your enjoyment, comfort and safety on this trip. The walking will be at a steady, slow pace and you will only have to worry about a day bag and yourself. It is impossible to predict how you will react to altitude. It is not a given that you will cope with altitude just because you have been at altitude before and have not encountered problems. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a serious condition and so acclimatization is essential. Time spent in Addis (2,400m) and Awassa (1,685m) will help as will the acclimatization walk from Dinsho and Simien Lodge. Symptoms of AMS can be a severe headache, lack of appetite, nausea, extreme lethargy and feelings of dizziness. Rehydration and rest can help but if of mind but valuable cover should the unexpected occur.
Airfare: Lal Tours can assist you with your air arrangements. The tour Operator does not accept the liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable airline ticket. The air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned.
What to Expect:Meals will have a variety of western and traditional dishes .Most breakfasts will be taken at the hotels. Vegetarians can be accommodated. It’s essential that persons with any medical issues should inform before departure. Any impairment must be disclosed to Lal Tours prior booking.
Reservations, Deposits &
Final payment:To reserve a space on this program, partially refundable of 50 % from the amount is required per person. Final payments must be made with wire transfer. It must be paid in full at least 30 days prior to departure.
- No refunds shall be issued after the tour has commenced. No refunds shall be issued for missed meals, sightseeing tours or any unused services.
Insurance: We recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance.
Changes in Itinerary, program and
Costs: We reserve the right to change a staff (including tour guide), accommodations as conditions warrant. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices and currency exchange rates in effect as of FEBRUARY 2016 and are subject to change.
