Tour Code: ETTA-SP-04
Duration: 11Nights (12 Days)
Transportation: Land (4WD)
Accommodation: Hotel & Tent
Day 1: Arrival/ Addis Ababa & City Tour of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is centered at the heart of the country. Addis Ababa in Amharic language means “New Flower”. It was founded by Emperor Menelik in 1886. Addis is graced as Africa’s diplomatic capital with the presence of the head quarter for the African Unity, a seat for numerous embassies and is the port of entry for most travelers. In the morning, arrive at Addis Ababa bole International Airport, meet with us and transfer to your Hotel then after Breakfast, we drive to the Entoto Mountain (3300m) for a panoramic view of Addis, Entoto Museum with historical and royal exhibit, The Church of St. Mary, built in 1885 and the old palace of emperor MenelikII. Take some images at Mount Entoto.
We drive back to Addis for Ethnological Museum (in Addis Ababa University) that exhibits the culture and handicrafts of various Ethiopian ethnic groups, the National Museum in which you are visiting different archaeological findings (including Lucy’s replica Skeleton). Afternoon, visit the Trinity Cathedral, Mausoleum of emperor MenelikII at Bààta Church (you will discover many turtles that have been here since before Addis Ababa was established in1886) and finally Merkato – the largest open market in Africa. During evening, you will be attending the amazing shoulder to shoulder dances (northern culture) and other many live dances at best cultural restaurants in Addis (Habesha restaurant or Yod Abyssinia). Overnight – Hotel – Addis Ababa
Day 2: Drive from Addis Ababa to Chebera Churchura National park (470km)
After breakfast, drive from Addis Ababa to Chebera Churchura National park via Jimma(346 asphalted + 124km dirt road , totaled 470km from Addis Ababa), the main city in Kaffa province. Kaffa is the homeland of Coffee. It was here where coffee discovered by a shepherd named Kaldis then planted everywhere in the world. Lunch in Jimma and proceed to Chida – Amaya – then to the head office. Overnight – Tented camp – CCNP head office
Day3: Hippopotamus and Cape buffalo nearby Lake Bulo
Drive until we can go on vehicle and walk towards Lake Bulo for the African elephant, hippopotamus, Cape buffalo, lion, and leopard. Maximum trek time until Lake Bulo is 4hrs. Overnight: tented camp – nearby Lake Bulo
Day4: Filwuha Trek back to Filwuha Campsite.
Fil-Wuha in Amharic stands for hot water. At this site, Buffalos, Elephants and Lions will come during night time. Buffalos and Elephants are coming to drink and for bathing but lions to hunt buffalos. So, discover the park until Nech – Wuha (white water) site during day time and the Fil-Wuha during night time. 4hrs trek or on mule back. Overnight – Tented camp – Fil-Wuha
Day 5- Kerbela Lake
Drive and game view towards Shoshuma forest for elephants and bush pigs. Then drive and descend to Kerbela Lake for crocodiles and dense forest. Overnight – tented camp – Kerbela Lake
Day6: Eastern Part of the park for landscapes and lakes – Gudumu (park’s office)
Ascend the Hill of Kerbela Lake and drive to Gudumu via Dawaro -Waka Town (junction Road) and to Essera Wereda (province) then to Bale small town then finally drive to Gudumu( park’s office). Full day drive. Overnight – tented camp – Gudumu (park’s office)
Day7: Chofre Lake Trek to Lake Chofre for 4hours on foot (the trekking route is densely forested).
Wildlife: possibly lion, Antelopes: waterbuck, crocodile and hippopotamus. Overnight – tented camp – Lake Chofre
Day8: Churchura Forest Trek to Churchura forest (5hrs trek or on mules back).
Churchura forest is immensely beautiful. Landscape view is fabulous. This site is main area for buffalos, waterbuck and Gazelles. Overnight – tented camp –Churchura campsite
Day9: Gudumu (park’s office)
Trek back or on mules back to Gudumu (park’s office) for about for 6hrs. Overnight – tented camp – Gudumu (park’s office)
Day10: Maze National Park Drive to Maze National Park via Sodo – Maze 290km).
Maze National Park is covered by savannah grassland. The park is primarily designed to protect the endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest’s population. Mammals such as Orbi, Bohor, red buck, warthog, bushbuck, waterbuck, greater kudu, bush pig, Anibus baboon, vervet monkey, leopard, and wild cats are much probable to seen. Visit Maze National Park after collecting entrance ticket. Overnight – tented camp – MNP
Day11: Addis Ababa via Butajira road Discover the park in the morning once again and drive back to Addis Ababa via Sodo – Butajira Road.
Overnight – Hotel – Addis Ababa
Day12: Departure
Based on departure time, transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for departure (end of the trip)
This tour can be amended upon request