Five days trip into the Gurage region and the nature of the Gibe Sheleko National park; exploring an environment rich in wildlife and forests; enjoying the vernacular architecture of our traditional gurage hut and the contact with nature in our camp along the banks of the biggest tributary of Omo river.
Gurage region is about 230 km south west of Addis, at an average height of 2000 m asl; a mountain landscape rich in streams, forests and small villages. In one of these villages, a traditional Gurage hut – a masterpiece of vernacular architecture – has been organized to accommodate visitors. The hut is eight meters of diameter and has two central fireplaces and an open space with 4 beds; a dry toilette, a sink and hot shower are outside.
Following the course of Gibe River we enter in the natural and wild environment of the Gibe Sheleko National Park, on the road to Jimma. In this area a lots of endemic birds live, especially aquatic ones; and hippos, crocodiles, antelopes and several mammals. Our camp is on the riverside of Gibe river, under the shade of a big ficus and acacia trees
During the whole trip a cook will prepare meals with a mix of local dishes and products, and international cuisine. An English-speaking local guide is available for walks in the nature
Day 1. Addis Abeba – Endibir (200 km, 4.30 hours). We leave early in the morning from Addis Ababa and drive for 230 km up to a traditional Gurage village. On the way we will visit a magical forest. Lunch on the way; dinner and overnight in our traditional Gurage hut.
Day 2: Endibir. After breakfast departure for a circular tour through villages, rivers and waterfalls. We will pass through Gogor, Enchuware and Metrakal creek. Return to the village for lunch. In the afternoon, 2 hours walk through forests and villages. Back to the hut for sunset. A bonfire will be set up and a girl will prepare a coffee ceremony. Dinner and overnight in our traditional hut
Day 3: Endibir village- Gibe park (70 km, 1.30 hours) . In the morning walk to an “ensete plantation”. Women produce Gurage staple food (kotcho) from the false banana tree (ensete) and from the roots of the plant they make a flour that is used to prepare a kind of bread. Lunch, drive to Gibe Park and overnight in our tented camp
Day 4: Gibe Park. In the morning we will have a walk along the river for birdwatching: wattled ibis, hadeda ibis, white collar pidgeon… and many more. We will return to the campsite and after lunch we will take the car to reach another area of the park to spot aquatic antelopes and other mammals. An alternative program for the afternoon is fishing, with equipment at your disposal. Dinner around the bonfire and overnight in our tented camp
Day 5: Gibe Park – Addis Abeba (200km, 3 hours) . After breakfast walk along the Gibe river to spot hippos and crocodiles. Lunch and departure to Addis Ababa.
