Tribes & Wildlife of the Rift

24 Days - from $1630

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.

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.

Itinerary:

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 National Park for hiking or mule/horse trekking Nights 6 - 9 Ethiopian Rift Valley Overland through Ethiopia's Rift Valley along the shores of Lake Abaya 2 night stay at Arba Minch to explore the market or nearby Lake Chamo and its crocodiles Nights 10 - 14 Southern Ethiopia Visit to tribal region near Omo River, seeing Hamer, Banna and Dascench tribes Overnight in Konzo, centre of the Konso people Nights 15 - 19 Southern Ethiopia & Northern Kenya Wildlife safari in Samburu National Park: elephants, lions, Grevy's zebra and numerous other animals Remote overland journey through the wilds and deserts of southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya Visit to Samburu tribal community and cultural project with local Samburu tribespeople Nights 20 - 23 Kenyan Rift Valley Overnight in Kenya's capital city, Nairobi Visit to Elsamere Born Free foundation at Lake Naivasha Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park, excellent for rhino

Optional Extras

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

Accommodation: Campsites, some wildcamps, small hostel/hotel.(75% camping, 25% hotels)
Meals: All food is covered by the kitty while camping.
Vehicles: Overland expedition vehicle, jeeps
Crew and Guides: 2 crew, local guides as necessary.
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.
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.