Login to use
Seven Days of Lakes, Highlands, Forests & Rare Wildlife
Location
Duration
Addis Ababa is more than a gateway city....
Three Days in Ethiopia’s Elephant Country
Tour Overview
- Duration:2 days 1 night
- Travelers:8 guests
- 2 PAX SHARING:USD 2,743.00 PER PERSON
- GROUPS OF 10 PAX OR MORE:USD 2,405.00 PER PERSON
This three-day retreat is designed for travellers who want to go beyond Ethiopia’s familiar routes and encounter a wilder, more secluded side of the country. From Addis Ababa, a short domestic flight leads to Jimma, followed by a scenic overland journey into Chebera Churchura National Park.
Chebera Churchura is celebrated for its important elephant and buffalo populations, diverse habitats, rivers, streams, crater lakes, and rich birdlife. The result is an intimate wilderness experience where the landscape itself becomes part of the story: riverine forest gives way to open savanna, rolling hills, wetlands, and quiet valleys alive with movement.
The experience is intentionally compact yet immersive—combining comfortable lodge accommodation, guided wildlife viewing, and a sense of discovery that is difficult to find on more travelled itineraries.
Chebera Churchura is celebrated for its important elephant and buffalo populations, diverse habitats, rivers, streams, crater lakes, and rich birdlife. The result is an intimate wilderness experience where the landscape itself becomes part of the story: riverine forest gives way to open savanna, rolling hills, wetlands, and quiet valleys alive with movement.
The experience is intentionally compact yet immersive—combining comfortable lodge accommodation, guided wildlife viewing, and a sense of discovery that is difficult to find on more travelled itineraries.
MEALS & DEPARTURE Breakfast and lunch; dinner or onward meal arrangements subject to the departure schedule. Return road transfer to Addis Ababa. |
Accommodation
Noora Beynouna Village Eco Lodge is a nature-led retreat designed around comfort, wellness, and open space. Rooms feature modern amenities, air conditioning, private bathrooms, balconies, and—in selected rooms—fireplaces. The property also offers restaurants, swimming facilities, natural hot spring pools, outdoor recreation, and a cinema experience.
The resort’s setting is central to its appeal. Fruit orchards, lawns, flowering plants, shaded walkways, nearby Lake Beseka views, and farm experiences create a peaceful environment in which guests can move between restorative treatments and gentle discovery. It is an ideal base for travellers who want a soft landing, a wellness reset, and an accessible taste of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley.
Important Travel Notes
- The road journey from Addis Ababa to Beynouna Village is approximately 180 kilometres and takes around three to four hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Spa treatments, Moroccan baths, hammam rituals, massages, Sunday brunch, cinema access, and recreational facilities are subject to property availability, operating times, and the selected service.
- Awash National Park wildlife sightings are naturally dependent on season, weather, habitat conditions, and animal movement; no sighting can be guaranteed.
- The programme is intentionally flexible so guests can balance guided exploration with rest and wellness. Final sequencing may be adjusted to preserve comfort and operating practicality.
- Kenyan passport holders do not require an Ethiopian visa for this package, subject to current immigration and entry requirements. Travellers of other nationalities should confirm their requirements before booking.
- Carry comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sun protection, insect repellent, a light sweater, and a small day bag for the park and hot-spring excursions.
Itinerary
Expand allDAY 01 | ADDIS ABABA – JIMMA – CHEBERA CHURCHURA
Meet at the airport early in the morning for Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa to Jimma, scheduled for 08:25–09:30. The recommended meeting time is 06:30.
On arrival in Jimma, meet the private 4WD vehicle and safari team before beginning the approximately 120-kilometre journey to Chebera Churchura National Park. The drive takes approximately three to four hours and includes a gravel-road section, offering a gradual transition from city life into the wilderness.
Chebera Churchura lies on the western side of the central Omo Gibe basin between the Dawro zone and Konta Special Woreda. Its rivers, streams, crater lakes, forest, savanna, and bushland support a remarkable concentration of wildlife and bird species.
Arrive at Chebera Safari Lodge, settle in, and enjoy the first evening surrounded by the sounds and stillness of the park.
Meals: lunch and dinner. Overnight at Chebera Safari Lodge.
DAY 02 | THE ELEPHANT COUNTRY OF CHEBERA CHURCHURA
Depart early for Shoshuma, recognised as one of the park’s strongest wildlife-viewing areas. This is the moment to look for African elephants moving in family groups through the natural habitat.
With patience and an experienced guide, guests may also encounter buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck, warthog, primates, and a wide range of birdlife. Sightings remain naturally dependent on wildlife movement and conditions.
Return to the lodge for lunch and a period of rest during the warmer part of the day.
Later, venture towards the area around Lake Bulo, where hippopotamus and Cape buffalo may be observed. The afternoon light brings a different mood to the park, with the landscape often becoming especially atmospheric.
Return to Chebera Safari Lodge for a relaxed evening and second night in the wilderness.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight at Chebera Safari Lodge.
DAY 03 | CHEBERA CHURURA – JIMMA – ADDIS ABABA
Enjoy a slower morning at the lodge, taking in the surrounding landscape before the return journey.
Transfer by 4WD to Jimma Airport for Ethiopian Airlines flight to Addis Ababa, scheduled for 15:05–16:10.
On arrival in Addis Ababa, the journey concludes with onward arrangements made according to the client’s international flight schedule.
| FLIGHT PLAN
Outbound domestic sector: Addis Ababa – Jimma, ET231, 08:25–09:30. Flight schedules are subject to airline confirmation and operational changes. |
Highlights
- Travel into one of Ethiopia’s most important elephant landscapes and look for herds moving through their natural habitat.
- Search for African buffalo, hippopotamus, lion, leopard, waterbuck, bushbuck, warthog, and a variety of primates.
- Explore a rich mosaic of highland and riverine forest, savanna, bushland, rivers, wetlands, valleys, and rolling hills.
- Visit Shoshuma, one of the park’s most rewarding areas for elephant and wildlife viewing.
- Discover Lake Bulo and the surrounding habitats, with opportunities to observe hippopotamus and Cape buffalo.
- Enjoy the atmosphere of a remote safari lodge surrounded by pristine vegetation and wilderness sounds.
- Experience a rare, off-the-beaten-path Ethiopian safari designed for guests who value authenticity and quiet discovery.
Includes/Excludes
- Return international economy-class flight tickets from Nairobi to Addis Ababa, subject to airline availability.
- One night at Haile Grand Addis Hotel or a confirmed alternative of comparable standard.
- Breakfast at the hotel, airport meet-and-assist, airport transfers, and private surface transportation.
- English-speaking national guide and the core sightseeing programme.
- ETT Coffee Ethiopian coffee ceremony and tasting experience.
- Visa costs as incorporated in the package price, subject to passport eligibility and current requirements.
- Local taxes and service charges for included services.
- Bush Escapes Safaris itinerary design, booking coordination, and pre-travel support.
- Personal expenses, shopping, souvenirs, laundry, minibar purchases, and telephone calls.
- Optional Marcus Addis dinner and optional Golden Plate lunch.
- Room upgrades, additional nights, early check-in, late check-out, or upgraded flights.
- Travel insurance, medical expenses, evacuation, and costs arising from illness or lost property.
- Excess baggage, seat-selection fees, airline upgrade fees, or post-ticketing flight changes.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel teams, and other service providers.
- Any activity or attraction not expressly listed in the confirmed programme.
- Costs arising from delays, closures, traffic, weather, official events, or circumstances beyond reasonable control.
Extra Services
Airport transfers
Enjoy convenient and comfortable transfers between the airport, your accommodation and selected destinations.
Photography
Capture the special moments of your safari with professional photography services arranged upon request.
Souvenir package
Take home a thoughtfully selected collection of keepsakes that celebrate your African journey.
Loading available options...
Overview
- Duration:2 days 1 night
- Travelers:8 guests
- 2 PAX SHARING:USD 2,743.00 PER PERSON
- GROUPS OF 10 PAX OR MORE:USD 2,405.00 PER PERSON
This three-day retreat is designed for travellers who want to go beyond Ethiopia’s familiar routes and encounter a wilder, more secluded side of the country. From Addis Ababa, a short domestic flight leads to Jimma, followed by a scenic overland journey into Chebera Churchura National Park.
Chebera Churchura is celebrated for its important elephant and buffalo populations, diverse habitats, rivers, streams, crater lakes, and rich birdlife. The result is an intimate wilderness experience where the landscape itself becomes part of the story: riverine forest gives way to open savanna, rolling hills, wetlands, and quiet valleys alive with movement.
The experience is intentionally compact yet immersive—combining comfortable lodge accommodation, guided wildlife viewing, and a sense of discovery that is difficult to find on more travelled itineraries.
Chebera Churchura is celebrated for its important elephant and buffalo populations, diverse habitats, rivers, streams, crater lakes, and rich birdlife. The result is an intimate wilderness experience where the landscape itself becomes part of the story: riverine forest gives way to open savanna, rolling hills, wetlands, and quiet valleys alive with movement.
The experience is intentionally compact yet immersive—combining comfortable lodge accommodation, guided wildlife viewing, and a sense of discovery that is difficult to find on more travelled itineraries.
Highlights
- Travel into one of Ethiopia’s most important elephant landscapes and look for herds moving through their natural habitat.
- Search for African buffalo, hippopotamus, lion, leopard, waterbuck, bushbuck, warthog, and a variety of primates.
- Explore a rich mosaic of highland and riverine forest, savanna, bushland, rivers, wetlands, valleys, and rolling hills.
- Visit Shoshuma, one of the park’s most rewarding areas for elephant and wildlife viewing.
- Discover Lake Bulo and the surrounding habitats, with opportunities to observe hippopotamus and Cape buffalo.
- Enjoy the atmosphere of a remote safari lodge surrounded by pristine vegetation and wilderness sounds.
- Experience a rare, off-the-beaten-path Ethiopian safari designed for guests who value authenticity and quiet discovery.
Includes/Excludes
- Return international economy-class flight tickets from Nairobi to Addis Ababa, subject to airline availability.
- One night at Haile Grand Addis Hotel or a confirmed alternative of comparable standard.
- Breakfast at the hotel, airport meet-and-assist, airport transfers, and private surface transportation.
- English-speaking national guide and the core sightseeing programme.
- ETT Coffee Ethiopian coffee ceremony and tasting experience.
- Visa costs as incorporated in the package price, subject to passport eligibility and current requirements.
- Local taxes and service charges for included services.
- Bush Escapes Safaris itinerary design, booking coordination, and pre-travel support.
- Personal expenses, shopping, souvenirs, laundry, minibar purchases, and telephone calls.
- Optional Marcus Addis dinner and optional Golden Plate lunch.
- Room upgrades, additional nights, early check-in, late check-out, or upgraded flights.
- Travel insurance, medical expenses, evacuation, and costs arising from illness or lost property.
- Excess baggage, seat-selection fees, airline upgrade fees, or post-ticketing flight changes.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel teams, and other service providers.
- Any activity or attraction not expressly listed in the confirmed programme.
- Costs arising from delays, closures, traffic, weather, official events, or circumstances beyond reasonable control.
Cancellation policy
You can cancel up to 48 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Itinerary
Expand allDAY 01 | ADDIS ABABA – JIMMA – CHEBERA CHURCHURA
Meet at the airport early in the morning for Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa to Jimma, scheduled for 08:25–09:30. The recommended meeting time is 06:30.
On arrival in Jimma, meet the private 4WD vehicle and safari team before beginning the approximately 120-kilometre journey to Chebera Churchura National Park. The drive takes approximately three to four hours and includes a gravel-road section, offering a gradual transition from city life into the wilderness.
Chebera Churchura lies on the western side of the central Omo Gibe basin between the Dawro zone and Konta Special Woreda. Its rivers, streams, crater lakes, forest, savanna, and bushland support a remarkable concentration of wildlife and bird species.
Arrive at Chebera Safari Lodge, settle in, and enjoy the first evening surrounded by the sounds and stillness of the park.
Meals: lunch and dinner. Overnight at Chebera Safari Lodge.
DAY 02 | THE ELEPHANT COUNTRY OF CHEBERA CHURCHURA
Depart early for Shoshuma, recognised as one of the park’s strongest wildlife-viewing areas. This is the moment to look for African elephants moving in family groups through the natural habitat.
With patience and an experienced guide, guests may also encounter buffalo, waterbuck, bushbuck, warthog, primates, and a wide range of birdlife. Sightings remain naturally dependent on wildlife movement and conditions.
Return to the lodge for lunch and a period of rest during the warmer part of the day.
Later, venture towards the area around Lake Bulo, where hippopotamus and Cape buffalo may be observed. The afternoon light brings a different mood to the park, with the landscape often becoming especially atmospheric.
Return to Chebera Safari Lodge for a relaxed evening and second night in the wilderness.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight at Chebera Safari Lodge.
DAY 03 | CHEBERA CHURURA – JIMMA – ADDIS ABABA
Enjoy a slower morning at the lodge, taking in the surrounding landscape before the return journey.
Transfer by 4WD to Jimma Airport for Ethiopian Airlines flight to Addis Ababa, scheduled for 15:05–16:10.
On arrival in Addis Ababa, the journey concludes with onward arrangements made according to the client’s international flight schedule.
| FLIGHT PLAN
Outbound domestic sector: Addis Ababa – Jimma, ET231, 08:25–09:30. Flight schedules are subject to airline confirmation and operational changes. |
Tour maps
Open in Google MapsExtra Services
Airport transfers
Enjoy convenient and comfortable transfers between the airport, your accommodation and selected destinations.
Photography
Capture the special moments of your safari with professional photography services arranged upon request.
Souvenir package
Take home a thoughtfully selected collection of keepsakes that celebrate your African journey.
from$ 2,743.00 /person
Have a question before booking? Message us to learn more.
You might also like...
Login to use
Seven Days of Sacred Landscapes, Royal Cities & Living Heritage
Location
Duration
Addis Ababa is more than a gateway city....
Login to use
Seven Days of Living Culture, Landscapes & Connection
Location
Duration
Addis Ababa is more than a gateway city....
Login to use
Five Days Through Ethiopia’s Living Heritage
Location
Duration
Addis Ababa is more than a gateway city....
Login to use
Four Days Into Ethiopia’s Otherworldly Frontier
Location
Duration
Addis Ababa is more than a gateway city....
Login to use
Three Days of Wellness, Nature & Sustainable Hospitality
Location
Duration
Addis Ababa is more than a gateway city....
Login to use
Two Days of Lakeside Leisure, Wildlife, Wine & Ethiopian Culture
Location
Duration
This is Ethiopia at its most restorative: a...
Login to use
Two Days of History, Culture, Coffee & Contemporary Ethiopia
Location
Duration
Addis Ababa is more than a gateway city....