» Package: 9 Days West - Jimma, Gambella, Lake Wenchi

Day 1
Depart from Addis Ababa to Jimma via Weliso, which is home to the Gurage tribe, known as “the hardest working people in Ethiopia”.  On the way you will pass through beautiful landscapes as you drive through the Gibe River Valley.  Overnight in Jimma (hotel).

Day 2
After a morning visit the the Palace of Abba JIffar, the former King of Jimma, continue your drive to Mizan Tefari via Bonga.  Bonga is in ancient Kingdom of Kaffa, the birthplace of coffee.  You will have an opportunity to visit a traditional Kaffa house and learn about the culture of the Kaffa people.  You will also pass through the Belete Forest, where you can visit the Colobus monkeys.  Overnight in Mizan Teferi.

Day 3
Departing Mizan Teferi, proceed driving to Metu.  On the way, stop for a hike to visit the Sor Waterfall.  Overnight in Metu.

Day 4
Continue from Metu to Gambella via Bure.  After passing Bure, you will descend into the Baro Valley to the steamy Western Lowlands, finally arriving in the town of Gambella, set on the banks of the Baro River.   Overnight in Gambella (hotel).

Day 5
Today you will explore the Gambella National Park, heading south to Lake Alwara and Lake Tata.  Gambella National Park is the most remote National Park in Ethiopia and is full of interesting and unique wildlife including the shoebill stork as well as elephants, baboons, buffalo, lion, antelope and monkeys.  Lake Tata is home to local Anuak people, and you will camp nearby their village.

Day 6
Today you will explore more of the Gambella National Park and its inhabitants - the Anuak and Nuer people.  Return to Gambella for overnight (hotel).

Day 7
Departing from Gambella, we return to the highlands to the town of Nekemte.  On the way you will pass through the Didesa Wildlife Sanctuary, home to many large mammals.  Overnight in Nekemte.

Day 8
From Nekemte, continue to Ambo.  With several waterfalls in the area, this is a nice area for small hikes and fresh air.  Overnight in Ambo, where you can soak in the therapeutic hot spring pool.

Day 9
Today we depart from Ambo to Addis Ababa, stopping at Lake Wenchi for the day.  Lake Wenchi sits in the collapsed crater of Mt. Wenchi and is home to an island monastery - Cherkos which can be visited by local boat.  Finally, return to Addis Ababa.