Raw and Untouched: Discover Southern Ethiopia

Set out on an expedition across some of Ethiopia’s most untouched regions, from the remotest parts of the Omo Valley to the highest plateaus of the Bale Mountains. Immersing into the diverse traditions and lifestyles of tribal communities and venturing into the surrounding wilderness promises an unforgettable adventure.

When to go
Oct-March
From Price
£35,000 PP*
Ideal Length
7 Nights



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Experience Highlights

  • Gaze upon the remains of humankind’s oldest known fossil, Australopithecus, on a privately guided visit, alongside expert archaeologists
  • Encounter over five different unique tribal groups in the Omo Valley, taking part in feasts, ceremonies and key events led by an experienced team of guides and translators
  • Travel down the Omo River by boat and by helicopter, and explore the vast Bale Mountains by air, allowing access to otherwise unreachable areas
  • Spot the most endangered wolves in the world, as well as a range of wildlife species that are endemic only to Ethiopia’s Highlands

The Gateway to Ethiopia

The thriving African capital of Addis Ababa is the gateway to your exploration of Ethiopia. The city is one of the continent’s fastest growing centres and has a number of varied and well-curated museums covering the early evidence of humankind through to Ethiopia’s recent history. Accompanied by a team of leading archaeologists, you will be granted exclusive access to visit the remains of Australopithecus or “Lucy”, a 3.2-million-year-old fossil skeleton, the discovery of which rocked the world. Spend this evening having your first taste of traditional cuisine, entranced by the rhythmic melodies of Ethio-jazz.

Cultural Immersion in the Omo Valley

Continue your journey of human understanding as you fly south in your chartered helicopter, allowing for seamless travel into these remote reaches where modern infrastructure is almost non-existent. The world-renowned Omo Valley awaits, and your route will follow the Omo River by boat and by air, allowing for rare contact with largely unencountered tribes, each with their own unique culture and fascinating history. Here, your first stop is at a private river-side tented camp that has been set up exclusively for your expedition.

This is an incredibly wild destination in the heart of the Mursi tribe’s homeland. The Omo Valley is culturally extremely diverse and the Mursi are one of the less developed and marginalised tribal groups, but, have a strong sense of community and are very in tune with their environment, flourishing in one of the harsher regions of the world. Travelling by boat, you will have your first encounters with these fascinating people, led by your expert guide and a translator, who have developed harmonious and respectful relationships with each of these communities over many years.

Rising early, take to the skies for a scenic flight over the Omo National Park, looking out for the abundance of wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lions, wild dogs and herds of antelope. Flying down river, stop at a small Nyangatom community to get a feel for their routines and customs before returning to your camp for an afternoon of leisurely enjoyment – often joined by the inquisitive Mursi neighbours. This evening, head out on a boat trip in search of crocodiles, hippo, colobus monkeys and the coveted Pel’s fishing owl.

Venturing further, get ready for an excursion to meet with a different tribal group, the Hamar. Well-known for their beaded and decorated hide clothes, as well as their braided ochre-coloured hair, this tribe are pastoralists and have simple homesteads made of branches. You will be invited into the home of a Hamar family, a privilege afforded to few and a true immersion into a very different culture. After lunch, you will fly across to your tented camp, set further down on the banks of the river. Here, an altogether different body-painting experience with the Kara tribe awaits, to celebrate your last evening in the Omo Valley.

 

Wolves and Wonder in the Bale Mountains

Get ready for a day that is all about the incredible contrasting landscapes, as you reach the Omo Delta by air, touching down for the chance to experience a unique Dassenech coming-of-age ceremony, before flying over the immense Lake Turkana, nicknamed ‘The Jade Sea’. Turning north, fly towards the distant volcanic massif of the Bale Mountains, home to possibly the best remaining population of the endangered Ethiopian wolf. Your private tented camp overlooks a stunning waterfall and places you at the heart of the wildlife in this area, from mountain nyala, Bale monkeys and giant mole rats, to abundant serval and hyenas – some of which can only be found in the Ethiopian Highlands.

Set out on safari as you go in search of an active wolf den site, watching as the pack gathers for their morning dawn patrol. Spend the remainder of the day using your helicopter to visit the geological highlights of this area, from the Rafu Lava Flow rock formations to the mountain lakes and the Sanetti Plateau. Travel to the Sof Omar Cave system, walking into these caverns and exploring the underground world, before culminating your journey in the majestic Harenna Forest, spending your final night settled in around the glowing campfire, sharing stories of this unforgettable adventure.

 

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