Focus: Adventure, Hiking, Tribes, Culture, Coffee Plantation, Nature & Wildlife
Destination: Jimma, CheberaChurchura National Park, Mizan, Surma, Omo National Park
Duration: 11 Days & 10 Nights
Transportation: Flight + Surface
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in southwestern Ethiopia, exploring the Kaffa Biosphere Reserve, a region where wild coffee grows in abundance. The journey takes you through lush forests, scenic grasslands, and African savannas, as you visit the Menit and Surma tribes, renowned for their unique customs and traditions. Highlights include hiking through the reserve’s intact evergreen forests, witnessing the stick fighting ceremony, and experiencing the vibrant culture of the Surma people. You’ll also trek to remote villages, cross rivers, and marvel at the stunning scenery, with optional visits to a coffee plantation and Jimma Museum. Throughout your journey, enjoy camping under the stars and savoring local cuisine, before returning to Addis Ababa with memories of a lifetime
Itinerary
Begin your journey with a morning flight to Jimma, where you'll be greeted by your driver and guide at the airport. From there, embark on a scenic drive to Bonga, followed by a short hike in the Kaffa Biosphere Reserve, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and untouched evergreen forests. This is the only place on earth where wild Arabica coffee grows abundantly. After taking in the reserve's splendor, continue driving to MizanTeferi, marking the beginning of your adventure in this unique region. Overnight in hotel/guest house
Following breakfast, travel west from MizanTeferi towards Kibish covering a distance of 193 kilometers. Take a break on the way to meet the Menit tribe and then cross the Akobo River to experience the African Savanna grasslands. Stop for a meal in Dimma before continuing your journey to Majito. Explore the lively weekly market in Maji upon arrival.Overnight in Camping
Today marks the beginning of our trek, where we'll embark on a 7-8 hour journey on foot, accompanied by mules carrying our luggage, cooking gear, and other essential items. Along the way, we'll have the opportunity to visit the Dizi and Surma tribes, gaining a glimpse into their traditional way of life. As we trek through the African Savannah grasslands, we'll immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings, with its rolling hills and vast open spaces.Overnight in Camping
Today, we'll undertake a 14-kilometer round-trip walk around the historic Kibish village, giving us a chance to explore more of the Surma tribe's villages and rich culture. We'll delve into their unique customs and traditions, including the striking practice followed by their women, where their lower lips are slit and adorned with circular or rectangular clay discs. If we're lucky, we'll also have the opportunity to witness the famous stick fighting ceremony. Overnight in Camping
After breakfast, we'll set out on a 5-hour trek to Tulgit, traversing gentle slopes and gorges within the Surma territory. The scenic journey will provide us with a chance to absorb the natural beauty of the area. In the afternoon, we'll visit nearby Surma villages near our campsite, giving us an opportunity to experience the daily life and customs of this fascinating tribe.Overnight in Camping
As we venture out today, we'll embark on a trek to the charming Kolu Village, which will take us across the picturesque landscape of mineral springs and sparkling waters. The scenic route will offer breathtaking views of the natural surroundings, making it a truly memorable experience. Overnight in Camping
Following breakfast, we'll set off on a hike to Yella, situated atop the village and offering a panoramic view of the Omo National Park. This ascent will provide us with a thrilling experience as we reach the summit, where we'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the park's vast expanse.Overnight in Camping
In the morning, we'll have an unforgettable journey to Omo National Park, winding our way through the lush grasslands, soothing hot springs, and dense riverine forests. Along the way, we'll have the privilege of spotting an array of wildlife amidst the stunning scenery, making for an exhilarating and visually stunning adventure Overnight in Camping
After our thrilling trek, we'll make our way back to Kibish, where we'll meet up with our drivers and their vehicles. From there, we'll embark on a comfortable drive to Mizan, enjoying the scenic views along the way as we make our way to our next destination. Overnight in hotel/guest house
This morning, we'll hit the road and make our way to Jimma, with a stop at Bebeka coffee plantation, Ethiopia's largest and most renowned coffee producer. Here, we'll gain insight into the country's rich coffee culture and perhaps even sample some of the finest blends. In the afternoon, we'll visit the impressive King Abba Jiffar Palace and Jimma Museum, offering a glimpse into the region's history and heritage. Overnight in hotel
Following a morning flight back to Addis Ababa, you'll have some time to indulge in some last-minute shopping or explore the city. In the evening, savor a farewell dinner at one of Addis Ababa's top restaurants, featuring authentic Ethiopian cuisine. The night will be capped off with a vibrant folkloric dance performance showcasing the country's rich cultural diversity. After dinner, you'll be transferred to your final destination, marking the end of our memorable journey.
