9-Day Rift Valley Lakes Itinerary
(Nature, Wildlife & Culture Experience)
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Lake Ziway
- Morning drive from Addis Ababa (2 hrs)
- Stop at Lake Ziway – boat trip to see hippos, water birds, and monastery islands
- Visit local fish market
- Overnight at a lakeside lodge
Day 2: Lake Ziway – Lake Langano
- Drive to Lake Langano, the only Rift Valley Lake safe for swimming
- Relax at resort beach, enjoy swimming, birdwatching, and water activities
- Optional: short hike in Lake Langano Forest Reserve
- Overnight at Lake Langano resort
Day 3: Lake Langano – Abijatta-Shalla National Park
- Morning excursion to Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park
- Visit flamingo sites, hot springs, and dramatic twin crater lakes
- Afternoon leisure at resort
- Overnight at Langano
Day 4: Langano – Awassa (Hawassa)
- Short drive to Lake Awassa (Hawassa)
- Visit the lively fish market and enjoy fresh catch at lakeside restaurants
- Boat trip for hippos & birds
- Evening: stroll around lakeside boulevard
- Overnight in Awassa
Day 5: Awassa – Wondo Genet – Shashemene
- Morning drive to Wondo Genet for forest walks, hot springs & birdwatching
- Continue to Shashemene, known for the Rastafarian community
- Cultural interaction & local food experience
- Overnight in Shashemene
Day 6: Shashemene – Arba Minch (via Sodo)
- Scenic drive south through Wolayta highlands to Arba Minch
- Evening rest at lodge overlooking Lake Chamo & Lake Abaya
- Overnight in Arba Minch
Day 7: Arba Minch – Nechisar National Park & Dorze Village
- Morning boat trip on Lake Chamo (crocodiles, hippos, water birds)
- Afternoon excursion to Dorze Village
- Experience weaving, bamboo huts, traditional food, coffee & cultural dance
- Overnight in Arba Minch
Day 8: Arba Minch – Lake Abaya Sunset
- Visit Nechisar National Park by safari vehicle
- Wildlife spotting: zebra, kudu, baboons, gazelles
- Late afternoon: relax & sunset view over Lake Abaya (Bridge of God)
- Overnight in Arba Minch
Day 9: Arba Minch – Addis Ababa (Flight/Drive)
- Morning flight or scenic drive back to Addis Ababa
- Stopovers for local markets & viewpoints along the way
- Evening: Traditional farewell dinner with cultural music & dance show