I thought that you all might be interested in what are are going to do our first week in Ethiopia before meeting Simret. We have planned a trip south to the Omo Valley.
Below was written by our guide Cheru about our adventure south...
February 4th, Monday:
Depart early from Addis south to Awassa via Butajira. On the way, you can visit the rock-hewn church of Adadi Maryam and the ancient stelae field of Tiya. You will also stop at Lake Ziway to see some of the great birdlife, and then at Wondo Genet to take a swim in the hot spring pools. Overnight in Awassa at Wabe Shebele Hotel 2.
February 5th, Tuesday:
After breakfast by Lake Awassa with the monkeys (watch your food!), you will continue driving to Arba Minch. On the way, you will stop in the Dorze village of Chencha, where there is a colorful market. The Dorze people are known for their very tall beehive-like huts. Also, Chencha is a famous place to buy some of Ethiopia’s best woven cotton shammas and gabis. After a visit at the market, you will continue to Arba Minch for overnight at Swayne’s Hotel.
February 6th, Wednesday:
In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the “crocodile market” and the hippos. Afterwards, depart from Arba Minch to Trumi via Erbore. At night time in Trumi, you can visit the Hamer tribe’s traditional night dancing, known as Evangadi. Overnight camping in Turmi.
February 7th, Thursday:
If there is the Jumping of the Bulls traditional Hamer wedding ceremony, you can visit this. Afterwards, you will depart Turmi to Jinka, via Dimeka and Key Afar. In Key Afar, there is a very colorful market on this day, where you can mingle with people from the Benna tribe. Overnight in Jinka at Jinka Resort.
February 8th, Friday:
In the morning, you will drive to Mago National Park and visit the Mursi tribes. The Mursi are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates. In the afternoon, after returning to Jinka, you can visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes. Overnight in Jinka at Jinka Resort.
February 9th, Saturday:
There is a market in Jinka on Saturdays, which is visited by the Mursi, the Benna, and the Ari tribes. If there is time, you can visit this market in the morning. After visiting, we will continue back toward Arba Minch via Weyto. On the way, you will visit the Konso people in the village of Konso. The Konso people are known for their totems erected in honor of Konso warriors after they die and their intricate agricultural terracing. Depending on the time, we will either spend overnight in Arba Minch at Swayne’s Hotel or in Sodo at the Bekele Mola Hotel.
February 10th, Sunday:
Today you will drive back to Addis, arriving late in the afternoon. End of tour.
February 11th, Monday:
We finally get to meet our daughter!
4 comments:
It sounds wonderful! I'll be the 11th is what you are looking forward to most! Bring me a monkey picture, preferably with it perched on Lance's lap...
Hi! My name is Susan and we're also adopting a baby from Ethiopia - through Children's House International.We'll be going to Ethiopia probably this summer to pick up our daughter, and I was wondering how you arranged your guide for the extra travel at the beginning of your trip?
Sounds absolutely amazing! I'm unbelievably jealous that it hurts a little. I want to hear all about it! Oh, I'm so glad that I get to hear about it from you IN PERSON! I'm super excited to meet you and your fam...and SIMRET! WHOOO HOOO!
The guy that runs the guided tours that I am working with is amazing! His name is Cheru Alemu. You can email him at: cheru_alemu@yahoo.com. He will help you find a trip that fits with how long you will be there and your interests. We are the outdoorzie type and we love to meet people and learn about their culture and heritage...that is why he has us going south. To meet some of the tribes and experience the wildlife and land.
Hope that helps!
jill
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