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trip details for tribes & wildlife of the rift (ZEN)

The trip you requested will be changing due to annual improvements to our itineraries. To give you the widest choice, we've also included the closest alternative trips to your selection. We have listed all departures that are still to run from our previous brochure. Please download the trip notes for exact itinerary of any given departure.


Map of Tribes & Wildlife of the Rift (ZEN)

Route: Addis Ababa to Nairobi or v.v.

Length of Section: 23 Nights

Comfort Zone:   5 out of 5     [what's this?]

Physical Rating: 4 out of 6     [what's this?]

Crew: 2 crew, local guides as necessary.

Vehicle: Overland expedition vehicle, jeeps

Accommodation: Campsites, some wildcamps, small hostel/hotel. (75% camping, 25% hotels)

Why not add one of these trips to the start or end of your adventure:
Kilimanjaro Marangu Route (7 days)
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route (8 days)
Kilimanjaro Machame Route (8 days)
Madventurer Kenya Volunteer Project (a 2, 4 or 6 week building and teaching project)
Madventurer Tanzania Volunteer Project (a 2, 4 or 6 week building and teaching project)

Africa's Rift Valley is home to some remarkable tribal groups, and on this adventurous trip we'll seek them out, heading deep into southern Ethiopia's Omo Valley. It's a challenging region to travel in, and overlanding provides the only real access to these isolated communities. We'll meet the Hamer, who practice bull jumping as an initiation rite, the Banna and the Arbore, whose lifestyles have changed little for centuries, and visit a fascinating Rastafarian project. Crossing southern Ethiopia we reach the Kenyan border, through semi-desert to Samburu National Park for some game viewing. The Samburu people live here, and we'll spend time learning about their culture before going on safari in Lake Nakuru, ending our trip in Nairobi.

what's included?

Nights 1 - 5: Ethiopian Rift Valley & Mountains

  • Addis Ababa, the northern Rift Valley and Lake Langano
  • Visit the Rastafarian community and educational project at Shashemene
  • Visit to Lake Abiyata, and see the flamingos near Shashemene
  • 3 nights in the wilds of Bale Mountains NP for hiking or mule/horse trekking

Nights 6 - 9 Ethiopian Rift Valley

  • 2 night stay at Arba Minch to explore the market or nearby Lake Chamo and its crocodiles
  • Overland through Ethiopia's Rift Valley along the shores of Lake Abaya

Nights 10 - 14 Southern Ethiopia

  • Overnight in Konzo, centre of the Konso people
  • 4 night jeep visit to tribal region near Omo River, seeing Hamer, Banna and Dascench tribes

Nights 15 - 19 Southern Ethiopia & Northern Kenya

Nights 20 - 23 Kenyan Rift Valley

  • Visit the spectacular Thomson Falls at Nyahururu
  • Relax and explore Nairobi, Kenya's capital city
  • Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park, excellent for rhino
  • Visit to Elsamere Born Free foundation at Lake Naivasha

what can I do on the way?

(Activities available at extra costs)

  • Walking safaris with big game in Naivasha
  • Lake Chamo NP to see the crocodile 'market' - not a real market but where loads of crocs live
  • Horse/mule treks or guided hikes through Bale Mountain NP

General Notes:

Because of the nature of this tour, the itinerary may well vary from that published. This trip will involve crossing remote areas and there will be an element of discomfort. This is a tough but very rewarding trip.

Kitty does not cover food while staying in hotels and hostels.