Day 1: Arrival in Gambela & Afternoon Game Drive
Start your adventure with a transfer from your hotel in Addis Ababa to Bole International Airport for your domestic flight to Gambela. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and driver and transfer to your hotel in Gambela town. Check in and have lunch at the hotel or a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive into Gambela National Park. Explore the northern and central sections of the park, focusing on areas known for wildlife sightings. Look out for various antelope species like topi, Lelwel hartebeest, and waterbuck. Keep an eye out for larger mammals such as elephants, buffalo, and potentially even lions or leopards if you’re lucky. Return to your hotel in Gambela town for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: White-Eared Kob Migration, Nile Lechwe & Cultural Immersion
Begin your day with an early morning game drive to witness the spectacular white-eared kob migration, one of Africa’s largest mammal migrations. This is a seasonal event, so sightings depend on the time of year. Continue your exploration of Gambela National Park, keeping an eye out for the rare Nile lechwe, a unique antelope species found in the region.
In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural immersion experience by visiting a local village. Learn about the traditional way of life of the Anuak and Nuer people, two of the main ethnic groups in the Gambela region. Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Local Market, Italian Fort & Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the local market in Gambela town. This bustling hub offers a glimpse into daily life and the chance to find unique local crafts. Next, visit the historic Italian Fort, a colonial-era structure that offers a glimpse into the region’s past. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for a final brief activity or simply relax at the hotel.
Have lunch at your hotel or a local restaurant in Gambela town. In the afternoon, transfer to Gambela Airport for your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure or to your hotel.
