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11 Days Nairobi to Addis Ethiopia Group Tour
Cultural

11 Days Nairobi to Addis Ethiopia Group Tour

11 Days cultural Kenya, Ethiopia

Duration

11 Days

Max Guests

20 People

Destinations

Kenya, Ethiopia

Type

cultural

Pricing: On request — send us your dates and group size for a tailored quote.

About This Tour

Leaving Nairobi behind, the road heads northward as the landscape changes and a sense of adventure takes hold. Crossing into Ethiopia, the group explores Addis Ababa's markets and culture before continuing to Hawassa for a boat ride on Lake Hawassa and the healing waters of Wondo Genet. In the Omo Valley, encounters with the Konso and Dorze communities reveal traditions handed down over generations, with a traditional coffee ceremony at Yirga Chefe.

Highlights

Overland journey from Nairobi to Addis Ababa
Boat ride on Lake Hawassa
Wondo Genet healing hot springs
Konso and Dorze communities in the Omo Valley
Ethiopian coffee ceremony at Yirga Chefe
Addis Ababa city tour and Mercato market

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1
Day 1

Nairobi – Marsabit
Approx. 530 km. Meet in Nairobi CBD next to International Life House, City Hall Way, opposite the High Court parking, at 3:45am, with a strict 4:00am departure. Depart very early for Marsabit town via Nanyuki and Isiolo; the last half of the journey covers one of Kenya's most scenic northern routes. Spend the night at Marsabit in readiness for Ethiopia the following morning.
2
Day 2

Marsabit – Yabelo (Ethiopia)
Approx. 465 km. Depart early for the northern frontier, passing the Gof Redo crater and through the treacherous and unforgiving Dida Galgallo desert before rising the northern mountains of Moyale. Go through customs and immigration before crossing to the Ethiopian side; the 100-metre crossing brings drastic changes in culture, currency, brands, fashion and appearances, language, cuisine and even the side of the road driven on. The Ethiopian calendar is seven years behind, so you are now seven years younger. After clearance and exchanging currencies, drive across the Borana countryside to the Borena town of Yabello, where the night is spent in this small and isolated local town.
3
Day 3

Yabelo – Arba Minch
Approx. 200 km. After breakfast, head towards the Omo Valley outskirts, going up and down winding roads, and at Konso take the direction of Arba Minch. As you near the destination, Nech Sar National Park lies on the right and ahead is a steep climb that delivers you to the town of the day. Arba Minch is nestled on a hill with a view of two lakes and Nech Sar National Park with 40 springs. On arrival, take an optional visit to the Dorze tribe to see their elephant-head-shaped huts, experience their culture and enjoy their signature local drink. Return to Arba Minch and spend the night here.
4
Day 4

Arba Minch – Hawassa
Approx. 250 km. This morning, an optional boat tour to the crocodile market can be made before returning to Arba Minch. Drive to Hawassa, the capital of Southern Ethiopia Nationalities, via Wolaita Sodo where you stop for lunch. In the evening, take a boat ride on Lake Hawassa and spend the night in the city. Cosmopolitan, vibrant and serene, with a big university within, Hawassa offers a real Ethiopian experience; take an evening or afternoon walk around Fikr hike and the shores of the lake and enjoy some Bunna, Ethiopian coffee.
5
Day 5

Hawassa
A full day in Hawassa to enjoy Ethiopia's most relaxed and hospitable metropolitan city and make local interactions. Take an excursion to the healing hot springs of Wondo Genet and take part in an arranged meeting with internationally born Jamaican reggae artist Ras Teddy Dan, who now lives in Shashemene (subject to his availability). In Shashemene, also visit Teddy Dan's Roots Art Gallery, Ethiopia World Federation HQ, Rastafari 12 Tribes of Israel HQ and more. Return to Hawassa for the night.
6
Day 6

Hawassa – Addis Ababa
Approx. 275 km. Drive past Lakes Langano, Abijata and Shala to the resort city of Bishoftu, which has five spectacular crater lakes that can be explored if time allows, including the sacred Lake Abagada. Gadaa is an Oromo traditional democratic system with elections held every eight years from the early sixteenth century. Finally, drive to Addis Ababa.
7
Day 7

Addis Ababa
A city tour including Haile Selassie Palace, Menelik Palace and the famous Mercato market, plus Entoto Mountain. In the evening, go out for dinner with Ethiopian music and dance; discuss plans and activities for tomorrow with the crew if assistance is needed. Later in the night, enjoy some Ethiopian nightlife.
8
Day 8

Addis Ababa
A free day to explore the city independently and with friends made on the trip, whether shopping around, meeting friends or visiting places of interest. The crew has the day off to refresh ahead of the return leg, but remains readily available on call for last-minute assistance, consultations or emergencies. Dinner is not provided today.
9
Day 9

Addis Ababa – Yirgachefe
Approx. 440 km. Leave early and drive to Yirgachefe town in the Sidamo Region, passing Hawassa and Dilla as you approach Yirga Chefe, the region where Kaldi discovered coffee, and enjoy an Ethiopian coffee ceremony here. Arrive in the evening and spend the last night in Ethiopia here. The town is small and busy, and accommodation may be arranged across nearby hotels.
10
Day 10

Yirgachefe – Moyale – Marsabit
Approx. 650 km. A long and busy day covering a huge distance and going through the border process. After breakfast, drive via Hagere Mariam town (St. Mary's) and Yabelo back to the Moyale border, where you cross back into Kenya, then drive to Marsabit town and spend the last night of the trip there.
11
Day 11

Marsabit – Nairobi
Approx. 530 km. After breakfast, embark on the last drive of the trip back to Nairobi with unforgettable Ethiopian memories. Stop for lunch at Nanyuki before proceeding back to Nairobi.

Included

  • Transport in an overland safari truck
  • Accommodation in budget rooms
  • Two meals in a day (breakfast and dinner)
  • Menelik palace entry
  • City tour transport
  • Wondo Genet healing hot spring
  • Visit to Ras Teddy and Roots art gallery
  • Boat ride in Lake Hawassa

Excluded

  • Drinks and souvenirs
  • Optional activities
  • Lunches while on safari
  • All items of a personal nature
  • Anything not mentioned above

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