Nairobi to Addis

24 days
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Small Group Tour
Encounter fascinating cultures, iconic wildlife and beautiful scenery on this enthralling journey across northern Kenya and into Ethiopia. From heading out in search of Africa's Big Five in Lake Nakuru National Park to travelling across the black lunar landscape of Marsabit and soaking in the natural hot springs of Wondo Genet, this little-visited region is a...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Discover the flamingo-filled expanse of Lake Nakuru
    • Explore the pristine wilderness of Samburu National Reserve
    • Meet friendly tribespeople in the Omo Valley
    • Visit the Awassa Children's Project
    • Look for the elusive Simien red fox in Bale Mountains National Park

What's this trip about?

    Encounter fascinating cultures, iconic wildlife and beautiful scenery on this enthralling journey across northern Kenya and into Ethiopia. From heading out in search of Africa's Big Five in Lake Nakuru National Park to travelling across the black lunar landscape of Marsabit and soaking in the natural hot springs of Wondo Genet, this little-visited region is a wellspring of diversity. Meet friendly Rastafarians in the spiritual movement's original home, proud warriors in the Samburu National Reserve and the truly remote tribespeople of the Omo Valley. Raw, rugged and well off the beaten track, this small group adventure stands as an atypical yet elementary part of the African travel experience.

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 22 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityNairobi
End CityAddis Ababa

Travel Themes

  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Overland Journeys

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Ethiopia
  • Kenya

Attractions

  • Addis Ababa
  • Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Mt. Kenya
  • Nairobi
  • Rift Valley
  • Victoria
  • Victoria Falls

Activities

  • Land expedition
  • Wildlife viewing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Nairobi

Border Information: If joining in Nairobi, you will most likely enter Kenya at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. There will be a group meeting at the joining hotel at 6:00pm. Please look out for a note from your tour leader at the reception when you arrive ...

Day 2 Lake Naivasha

This morning our journey begins with a short drive to Lake Naivasha, a beautiful calm lake in the Great Rift Valley. Here we will have the chance to take an optional boat trip on the lake to spot hippos and African fish eagles, and also to visit the Elsamere Born Free...

Day 3-4 Lake Nakuru

This morning we will have some free time in Naivasha to relax at the lake, go on an optional early walk in the Crescent Lake Wildlife Sanctuary or hire bicycles to explore the nearby Hell's Gate National Park! After lunch we will make our way to Nakuru, our base for t...

Day 5-6 Mt Kenya

Today we will head through the hills of central Kenya, through the area's beautiful scenery and tea plantations, to arrive at the small village of Naro Moru at the base of Mount Kenya. Estimated Drive Time - 6 hours. On the next day, we will have a free day in Naro Mo...

Day 7-8 Samburu National Reserve

Today we will travel to the Samburu region near to the small town of Archer's Post, where we will visit a Samburu village. Here we will be shown around the village and their homes, play with the children and learn all about the way of life here for the Samburu people!...

Day 9-10 Marsabit/Moyale

Over the next two days we will be travelling through the very rarely-visited region of northern Kenya, crossing the infamous Marsabit-Moyale road to the very northern border town of Moyale. Both days will be fairly long hard driving, and the road can be incredibly bum...

Day 11 Konso

Border information: Exit Kenya at Moyale, enter Ethiopia at Moyale. For those on a longer combination trip starting in Cape Town or Victoria Falls, please play special attention to the visa notes in the information below. Today we will cross the border into Ethiopia a...

Day 12-14 Omo Valley

Over the next 4 days/3 nights we will be exploring the remote and rarelyvisited tribal areas of the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia. We will keep these days on a flexible itinerary so that we can react to news of special events being hosted by particular villages or t...

Day 15-16 Arba Minch

Today we will exit the Omo Valley region and arrive in the town of Arba Minch, a small town overlooking Lake Chamo. Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours. On the next day, we will have a free day for some well-earned rest after the Omo Valley, or to take an optional boat t...

Day 17-18 Wondo Genet/Awassa

Today we will head north to the small town of Awassa, where we will visit the Awassa Children's Project in the afternoon. This is a home for local children orphaned by the HIV epidemic, and we will be shown around and see how public donations and the support of Dragom...

Day 19-21 Bale Mountain National Park

Today we will leave Wendo Genet and drive to the stunning Bale Mountains National Park. Estimated Drive Time - 7 hours. We will enjoy 2 full days to explore the National Park. We will keep one day completely free to head out for guided walks - there are several possib...

Day 22 Lake Ziway

Today we will leave the Bale Mountains and head to the small town of Ziway. After lunch we will take a boat tour across Lake Ziway to Tulu Gudo Island, where we will have a short guided tour of the ancient monastery there and view some of the old religious manuscripts...

Day 23 Addis Ababa

Today we will travel to the bustling Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, where we will have a free afternoon to explore the city. In Addis Ababa we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities. Estimated Drive Time - 4 hours. About Addis Ababa: Referred to mo...

Day 24 Addis Ababa

Border Information: if you are finishing in Addis Ababa, you will most likely exit Ethiopia from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Today is a free day to explore the sights and museums of Addis Ababa! Please note that you are leaving the trip here, there is no a...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,164
Price per day$90
Last Updated: 12/3/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt),Camping (with basic facilities) (5 nts),Camping (with facilities) (7 nts),Guesthouse (1 nt),Hotel (6 nts),Lodge (3 nts),

Transportation & Flights

Overland vehicle,

Transportation & flights

Overland vehicle
Guides
DRAGOMAN OVERLAND On all of our Dragoman-operated Overlanding trips you will be accompanied by two Western crew members who are responsible for the group and the overall organisation of the trip. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad knowledge of the places visited and to offer suggestions of things to do and see. Dragoman trips use local guides who may stay with us for just a few hours or will actually travel with us for some or all of the journey. In these cases they become a third crew member and are able to offer their local knowledge as well as a real insight into the lives of the local people. Our crew are chosen for their leadership skills, and most importantly have a passion for the region and its people. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader and crew; however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders On any Overland trip, there are a number of tasks that need to be done. Our overland trip leaders will organise the group into smaller groups of two or three who will take turns in the daily shopping and cooking, vehicle cleaning, disposing of rubbish, etc. There are also a number of other jobs that need doing e.g. collecting water and firewood, luggage loading, supervising the kitty and food stores, which may be assigned to particular people or on a rota system according to group size, make-up, and so on. You must come prepared to 'pull your weight' and share in these duties; you will become very unpopular with other group members if they have to do your share. The more you put into a trip, the more you'll benefit.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Visa requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. ETHIOPIA: Most nationalities require a visa for entry to Ethiopia. Please see this website to find your closest embassy or consulate: http://www.embassiesabroad.com/embassies-of/Ethiopia. If you are flying into Addis Ababa you can obtain a visa on arrival. You'll need two passport photos and approximately US$40. You may be asked for proof of a return ticket - please carry your tour notes as proof that you are leaving overland. If you are entering at any border other than Addis Ababa airport you MUST obtain your visa in advance. KENYA: Australia: Yes - Visa required Belgium: Yes - Visa required Canada: Yes - Visa required Germany: Yes- Visa required Ireland: Yes - Visa required Netherlands: Yes - Visa required New Zealand: Yes - Visa required South Africa: Yes - Visa required if travelling for more than 30days Switzerland: Yes - Visa required United Kingdom: Yes - Visa required USA: Yes - Visa required Visas can be obtained either on arrival in to Kenya or as an e-Visa online prior to travel. Single-entry visas (business or tourism) are US$50 and a transit visa (valid for three days) US$20. The single entry visa allows for multiple entries in to Kenya for a period of 90 days provided you have not left East Africa. The four-step e-Visa procedure is completed through the immigration website: www.ecitizen.go.ke and requires visitors to submit an application form and passport-sized photo. e-Visas can take around seven working days to process. Visitors will then be required to present their printed eVisa upon entry to Kenya. **IMPORTANT** If you are travelling on one of our itineraries that reenters Kenya, you will need to take multiple copies of your eVisa - one to present at each border crossing.
Health & Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. SWIMMING POOLS: You may stay at hotels with unfenced pools and no life guard on duty. UNFENCED CAMP SITES: On some trips you will at times stay in unfenced camp sites within national parks. While this is a fantastic experience, there are a few safety rules to follow. While staying in national parks it's important that you listen to any advice given by your tour leader and the park rangers regarding responsible and safe behaviour. SCAMS: We have become aware of passengers being approached outside of our starting point hotels by 'helpful' locals who want to show you where to go or claiming to be Intrepid employees selling Urban Adventures or Intrepid trips. These people are not employees of Intrepid nor registered guides and will try and get as much money from you as they can. A friendly 'no thank you' should suffice. If this does happen to you, please advise your leader or the reception of your hotel immediately so that the person can be reported to the appropriate authorities. BALCONIES: Some hotel balconies don't meet western standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. LIFE JACKETS: While life jackets are generally available on water craft, there may be occasions where they are not provided and child size life jackets are not always readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us/safety TRAVEL ADVISORY: Where we use a local partner to fully operate one of our itineraries, we use the travel advisory of the country where that operator is based rather than the Australian DFAT advisory. This itinerary is operated by our local partners Dragoman, and as such will follow the British Government (FCO) Travel Advice. To view these travel advisories please log on to:
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Sarem International Hotel
  • Belay Zeleke Street (around Semien Mazegaja)
  • Addis Ababa
  • Addis Ababa
  • ETHIOPIA
  • Phone: +251 11 126 2088
Trip ID
intrepid-YDOF

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