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 centers 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.

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 marginalized 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 neighbors. This evening, head out on a boat trip in search of crocodiles, hippo, colobus monkeys and the coveted Pel’s fishing owl.

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.