Western Ethiopia Tours – 6 Days

Description

This tour explores the still widely unknown Western part of the country, where not only Ethiopia’s last rain forests are found but also the famous Coffee Arabica is said to have its origin. Only few travelers would expect such lush vegetation in Ethiopia.

• Exploring the capital Addis Ababa.
• Hiking in Menagesha Suba Forest National Park.
• Hiking (or horseback) at Wenchi Crater Lake in stunning nature.
• Visit of the palace of the former Kafa king Ras Abba Jifar II in Jimma.
• Rain forest of Kafa biosphere with rich flora and fauna, hot springs, stunning waterfalls and more.
• Excursion to the Alem Gonna wetlands.
• Visit of a local family with their own honey production.

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa and City Tour

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be met by a Welcome Ethiopia Tours representative and be taken to your reserved hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we have various sightseeing options:
Mount Entoto with the best views over the capital.
Institute of Ethiopian Studies, where you can see a variety of artifacts from all the different regions reflecting the history and culture of the country National Museum which among other exhibits the 3.5-million-year-old bones of Lucy. Trinity Cathedral: this is the burial place of members of the imperial family and noted patriots; the cathedral is the most magnificent of its kind in the country, ornamented with carvings, mosaics and other artistic works. The Mercato, the largest open-air market in Africa
Accommodation: Hotel, Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Addis Ababa – Menagesha Suba National Park – Wolliso (185 km)

We start our journey from Addis Ababa westward to Wolliso. Our first stop is the Menagesha Suba Forest National Park, 20km west of the capital. Menagesha comprises 25km2 of juniper, African redwood and yellowwood trees, as well as Mount Wechecha, an extinct volcano that rises to 3,385m and is the highest mountain in the Addis Ababa area. The forest can be explored along a network of stunning trails that extend from the national park headquarters. Wildlife includes the striking black and white Colobus monkey, the endemic Menelik bushbuck and the bold Anubis baboons, all of which are frequently seen by hikers. Menagesha is also a particularly important site for endemic forest birds. We’ll take a pleasant hike here before continuing out journey to Wolliso.
Accommodation: Negash Resort, Wolliso

Day 3: Hiking in Wenchi Crater Lake

From Wolliso it takes us approx. 2 hours to reach the rim of the Wenchi crater. The views are breath-taking here and we undertake a pleasant trekking (optionally also on horseback) through stunning nature. From the rim of the crater, we descent into a beautiful valley abundant with rivers. We may also cross the crater lake in a traditional boat and explore the nearby hot springs. In the afternoon, we return to Wolliso where we spend another night.
Accommodation: Negash Resort, Wolliso

Day 4: Wolliso – Jimma – Bonga (345 km)

After breakfast, we continue westward via Jimma to Bonga. On the way, we will visit the palace of the former Kafa king Ras Abba Jifar II overlooking the town and the adjacent coffee forests. The palace is a relic of a glorious past when coffee trade gave the king wealth and power. The then economically strong region remained independent from the Ethiopian empire until 1930. After our visit in Jimma, we continue to Bonga (120 km). We will reach the small town of Bonga located in the heart of the Kafa region and surrounded by fantastic mountainous rain forest in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse, Bonga

Day 5: Full Day in the Kaffa Region

Today we start with an excursion to the Alem Gonna wetlands. An early morning visit not only pays off because of the many bird species and De Brazza monkeys, but also because of the mystical atmosphere created by the landscape shrouded in mist. We walk through the wetland during sunrise and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast picnic. After a short stop in Bonga, we will go on a short trek to the Barta waterfall (approx. 1h). The waterfall is over 70m high surrounded by basalt walls in the middle of the rain forest. On our way back, we will stop at the house of Mirutse, a local bee-keeper producing here organic forest honey. He will give us some interesting information on bee-keeping and local plants. For those with plenty of energy left after lunch, we have an option of another interesting walk to some hot springs located in the middle of the rain forest (10 km walks back and forth). However, there are also less strenuous options in this incredibly diverse area.
Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse, Bonga

Day : Bonga – Jimma – Addis Ababa (flight)

After breakfast, we drive back to Jimma (approx. 100 km / 2 hrs), where you will take your flight to Addis Ababa. You will be transferred from the airport in Addis Ababa to your hotel ( a day room will be provided until 6 pm). In the evening, you are invited to a traditional Ethiopian dinner with dance show at a renowned restaurant of Addis Ababa. After dinner, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure or, if you are still staying in Addis Ababa overnight, back to your hotel.
Departure or Individual Extension