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Tour: The Great Rift Valley Lakes Explorer with Sof Omar Caves Tour Code: VETF410 Duration: 9 days/ 8 nights Transportation: surface-4x4 Group Size: Max. 15, Min. 2. Please contact us for individual or other group size rates. Tour dates and Price per Adult: Please have a look on the price detail section (bottom of page) for what is included
Introduction This tour includes: The Bale Mountains of south-central Ethiopia which supports the most extensive area of Afro alpine and sub alpine Ericaceous vegetation in Africa. They have the highest rate of endemic animals of any terrestrial habitat in the world, which was the principal reason for the creation of the Bale Mountains National Park in 1970. Sof Omar: One of the most spectacular and extensive underground cave systems in the world. Formed by the Wabi River as it changed its course in the distant past and carved out a new channel through limestone foothills, the Sof Omar system is an extraordinary natural phenomenon of breathtaking beauty. The Awash National Park: Lying in the lowlands at the east of Addis Ababa and striding the Awash river, the Awash National Park is one of the finest reserves in Ethiopia. The hot springs and the dramatic Awash falls, as the river tumbles into its gorge, is the sight not to be missed in the national park Tour Highlights: Cultural tours, game viewing, hiking, historical tours mountain climbing, wildlife viewing…
Day-to-day program
Day 1: Addis Ababa City Tour Addis Ababa, founded more than a century ago, means 'New Flower' in Amharic. At an Elevation of 2400m, the third highest capital in the world, the climate is pleasantly cool. The city mixes past and present. Statues from the imperial times coexist with placards from the former Marxist Regime all over the city. Overnight stay at a chosen hotel
Day 2: Drive to Langano visiting the Great Rift Valley Lakes We will drive to Langano admiring the Great Rift Valley Lakes on the way. After heading east 94 km from Addis, we will find Mojo then precede our drive to Lake Ziway which is surrounded by blue volcanic hills covering a massive 425sq km. It is the largest of the north group of Rift valley lakes and known for its bird life. We will continue our drive to the twin lakes of Abiyata and Shala, which form part of the 887 sq km Lake Abiata-Shala National Park
Day 3: Visit Wondo Genet- A natural spot Wondo Genet (also transliterated Wendo Genet) is a resort town in Ethiopia and is truly a breath of fresh air. Located southeast of Shashemene in the Sidama zone of the Southern Nations, Wondo Genet is surrounded by dense forest, birdsong, a variety of larger wildlife and – in season – fruit and honey. We will treat ourselves with a relaxing swim in the natural hot springs known for their therapeutic powers. The forest walks, the beautiful Colobus monkeys and the surrounding Sidama village with false Banana culture and coffee plantation are promises to rejuvenate your soul.
Day 4: Wondo Genet - Dinsho - Goba After breakfast, we will drive to the Bale Mountains. En-route we will pass through Dodola, resting between Shashemene and the Bale mountain National Park. More than any other national park in Ethiopia, the Bale Natonal Park is known for its wild life. Over 60 mammals and species and 260 bird species have been recorded here. Red capped Lark, Augur and Steppe Buzzards, Long legged Buzzard, White head Vulture, Gambaga Flycatcher, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, stone chat, Tawny and Steppe Eagles, African black Duck, Black- headed Sis kin, the beautiful Spot-breasted Plover, African snipe, Abyssinian Long claw, Chest nut napped Francolin, Slender billed and Red winged starlings are some of the species we will be encountering. The elegant endemics of Mountain Nyala and Menelik's Bushbuck are the beauty of the Bale Mountains NP. We will reach at Dinsho, the park HQ, late in the afternoon and then we will continue our drive to spend the night at Goba.
Day 5: Drive Sanattie plateau to visit animals, birds and plants Today, we have a full day binding in the forests near Goba and on Sanattie plateau. Sanattie is the largest moorland tract in the whole Africa and it is the home to the rare Ethiopian Wolf and the Giant mole Rats. Abyssinian Woodpecker, Abyssinian catbird, White backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Yellow crowned Canary, Somali chestnut winged starling, Olive Pigeon, Mountain Buzzard, African snipe, Thekla Lark, Malachite sunbird, Mottled and Alpine swifts, Moorland Francolin, Golden Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Watteled Crane, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Ruddy shelduck, Verreaux's' Eagle, Yellow bellied and common waxbills, Tropical Bouboo, Rufous breasted. Sparrow Hawk, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Black winged Lovebird, Bale Parisoma and Slender billed Starlings are amongst of interesting birds of the Bale Mountains National Park. The beautiful Ethiopian Wolf (endemic), Abyssinian Hare, Klipspringer, Giant Mole Rats and different species of grass rats are some of the mammals that we expect in this magnificent moorland region. We return to Goba this evening.
Day 6: Visit Sof Omar caves The labyrinth of cavers stretched some 16 km through limestone hills; however, only the first 1.7 km can be explored on foot. Luckily, the walk able portion houses the remarkable formations known as the chamber of columns, the dome, and the balcony. The cave has been an important religious site since ancient times and despite being greatly venerated by Muslim in the area, due to shake Sof Omar reputedly taking refuge here in the early days of Islam, many pagans rites and ceremonies seem to carry on. Evening drive back to Goba for overnight stay.
Day 7: Drive to Awash National Park
Day 8: Visit palm spring and Fentale volcanic rim After breakfast, we will drive to Fentale. The creator rim lies around 25 km from park head quarter, and west of the park at 2700m above sea level. With its terrific vistas, total quite and cool air it is a great place for a picnic. After lunch, game drive and visit the Awash river falls. The best time to see the great number of animals is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. At noon, many animals retire to the shade of the trees
Day 9: Drive to Addis Ababa On this day, we will drive back to Addis Ababa passing through Ziway, Mojo and Debre Zeyit. Complimentary farewell dinner party from VIVA ETHIOPIA will follow in one of the most renowned cultural restaurant in Addis to test the cultural food and drinks, enjoying dances from the different ethnic groups. The tour ends at the end of the farewell dinner party on day 10. You may choose to fly out that same evening/night or you have the choice of spending one more night in Addis. The preceding morning can be used for souvenir shopping, taking walks on the main streets of Addis, and discovering Addis’ bustling outdoor markets, exotic dishes, espresso bars and patisseries, which are reminiscent of Rome and the Mediterranean ...End of tour... Remarks: Start/End: Tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa. Upon arriving in Addis Ababa you will be introduced with your guide and driver. A detailed itinerary and map will be provided for every member. Flexibility: This itinerary is subject to certain degree of flexibility and changes as per the group’s interest and ground conditions that may prevail. Accompanies: experienced group leader, expert 4x4 drivers, local guides, boat men, mule tenders, village leaders and cooks… Communication: mobile telephone will be provided to communicate with our base in Addis Ababa. Group Size: Max. 15, Min. 3.Pplease contact us for individual or other group size rates. Transport: fully insured 2010/11 Nissan patrol and/or Toyota land cruiser or Toyota Coaster Bus and 2010 Double AC Toyota HIACE for city tour. Three group members in one 4x4 basis. Accommodation: This tour assumes four-star accommodations in Addis and the best available outside of Addis Ababa. This tour also assumes twin bed room arrangement. Hotel names are available upon request. My Own Room: please do advice while booking if you are seeking a single room arrangement throughout the trip. Personal activities: please write to us your personal interests and more activities you want to add in this tour and we will be very happy to incorporate them in the tour. Local Currency: Ethiopian Birr. Fixed Departure Dates and price per Adult
Please have a look on the price detail section for what is included. Price includes:
Price excludes
A final copy of your Trip Details, local cost over view, Joining Instructions, Emergency Contact, What to Take, Checklist, Money Exchange and other practical information available upon inquiry
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