Ethiopia: Hiking in the Heart of Africa, Between the Omo Valley and the Buska Mountains

First day

Departure from Italy to Addis Ababa. Overnight stay on board.

Second day

Domestic flight to Arba Minch, in southern Ethiopia. Upon arrival, we’ll begin exploring this lively little town, whose name means “forty springs.” A walk will take us right among the numerous springs that flow in the area, nestled in tropical vegetation. A first taste ofsouthern Ethiopia, with nature and landscapes completely different from what we’re used to. Overnight stay at a lodge.

Third day

Morning departure for Alduba, where an important market is held, frequented by the the Banna people and the surrounding communities. The market is one of the best opportunities to observe daily life in the Omo Valley: people, animals, local products, and trade bring this weekly event to life. At the end of the day, we’ll head to our campsite, set up in a Banna village.

Fourth day

Now begins the most adventurous part of the trip: the trek through the Buska Mountains. Transfer to the village of Lala, where we’ll start our hike. The trail follows a ridge and leads to the village of Buska, passing through a rural and sparsely populated landscape. Upon arrival, we’ll find our campsite, set up near the village chief’s hut. Overnight stay at the campsite.

Fifth day

Left by Buska we’ll continue up the ridge, gaining elevation until we reach about 2,000 meters. From the top, sweeping views of the Turmi plain. Along the way, we’ll come across the traditional wells used by the Hamer people and the distinctive local burial sites. A day of hiking immersed in a landscape completely different from the more familiar image of Ethiopia. Arrival in Kufri, where we’ll set up camp for dinner and the night. Overnight stay in camp.

Sixth day

From Kufri we’ll begin our descent, accompanied along the way by the herds and villages of the Hamer people. At the end of the trek, we’ll meet our vehicles to travel to Turmi, one of the most important towns in the area and home to a lively local market. If time permits, we’ll visit the market before heading to the lodge, where you’ll finally be able to enjoy a shower and some well-deserved relaxation.

Seventh day

Departure from Turmi toward the Karo village of Korcho, overlooking the Omo River Valley. The road will take us through ever-changing landscapes until we reach one of the most picturesque areas of the trip. After visiting the Karo village, we’ll head back to Turmi, stopping at the Demeka Market, where the region’s various communities gather. Overnight stay at a lodge.

Eighth day

A day dedicated to exploring the area around Omorate, in the far south of Ethiopia, along the Omo River. We’ll travel through the Omo Valley to reach the territories inhabited by the Desanech people, who live in the river delta region. This excursion offers a chance to discover another side ofsouthern Ethiopia, characterized by wide-open spaces, villages, and river landscapes. Return to Turmi and overnight stay at a lodge.

Ninth day

Let's leave Turmi to head back toward Arba Minch, with a long day of travel through the landscapes of southern Ethiopia . Along the way, we’ll stop at a village of the Arbore people, a community living in the region between the Woito River and the lower reaches of the Sagan River. The road winds through ever-changing scenery—including plains, villages, and landscapes of the Rift Valley—until we return to Arba Minch.

Tenth day

In the morning, we set out for the territories of the Dorze people, known for the distinctive architecture of their traditional dwellings and for the agricultural culture that has developed in the mountains surrounding Arba Minch. Return to Arba Minch and, in the afternoon, a boat excursion on Lake Abaya, the largest lake in the area. A more relaxed moment after the days of trekking and traveling through the Omo Valley, with the chance to enjoy the scenery from the water. Overnight stay at a lodge.

Eleventh day

Transfer to the airport and domestic flight from Arba Minch to Addis Ababa. Arrival in the capital and check-in at the hotel for a short day use. We’ll have time for a first tour of the city before dinner.
In the evening, transfer to the airport and departure on the return flight to Italy.

Twelfth day

arrival in Italy.