SURMA TRIBES | DISCOVER SURMA – 9 DAYS

TOUR TYPE: CULTURE AND HISTORIC
DURATION: 9 DAYS/ 8 NIGHTS
MEANS OF TRANSPORT: DRIVE & FLIGHT

TRIP OVERVIEW

Surma are people of Nilotic origin, similar to Mursi, who live on the western shore of the river Omo, at the border of the Omo Park. The itineraries we propose combine the trekking in this far region of Ethiopia with a journey by off road vehicles through the Keffa areas, Illubabor and Welega regions or with the more classic Mago Park and the Rift Valley. A journey in regions almost unknown to tourism: the coffee and the ancient Sidamo Kingdom region, the region of the subtropical wood and of the Nuer and Anuak tribes.

DAY 1: Drive Addis Ababa- Ambo

Drive Addis Ababa- Ambo. On the way visit the Menagesha state forest and have a short hike through the beautiful old forest. See the Mariyam church and the museum in Addis Alem. This town was supposd to be the new capital under Emperor Menelik II, because of shortage of firewood in Addis Ababa. When fast-growing Eukalyptus was brought from Australia, the capital was moved back to Addis Ababa. Arrival in Ambo, the origin of the famous Ethiopian mineral water. Visit the Gouder Falls in the vicinity of Ambo.

DAY 2: Drive Ambo- Weliso

Drive Ambo- Weliso. Have a hike or even a horse ride at the Wenchi crater lake and take a boat trip to the Cherkos monastery island. Drive on to Weliso. Dinner and overnight in a lodge with thermal pool.

DAY 3: Drive Weliso- Jimma via Welkite

Drive Weliso- Jimma via Welkite, passing all around the scenic Gibe dam. City tour in Jimma with visit of the Jimma museum, the Abba Jiffar palace and the fascist architecture.

DAY 4: Drive Jimma- Mizan Teferi

Drive Jimma- Mizan Teferi. On the way have a short hike in the beautiful surroundings of Bonga and visit the Wushwush tea plantation.

DAY 5: Drive Mizan Teferi- Bebeka coffee plantation

Drive Mizan Teferi- Bebeka coffee plantation. After a short drive you reach the biggest and oldest plantation of Ethiopia. Have a guided tour through the coffee plantation and facilities and stay overnight in the coffee plantation’s beautiful guesthouse.

DAY 6: Drive Bebeka

Drive Bebeka- Metu via Tepi on a scenic route through wild forests and tea and coffe plantations.

DAY 7: Visit the Sor Waterfalls within a short drive

Visit the Sor Waterfalls within a short drive and a small hike and drive on further west into the hot humid lowlands of Gambela.

DAY 8: Full day excursion into the Gambela National Park

Full day excursion into the Gambela National Park. Within a safri drive you will probably see different wild animals like elephants, leopards , buffaloes and many other species of mammals and birds. On the way visit some of the villages of the local tribes anuak and nuer, famous for their body scarifications.

DAY 9: Short city tour in Gambela and flight back Gambela

Short city tour in Gambela and flight back Gambela- Addis Ababa (not daily). Free afternoon or city tour in Addis Ababa