community town of runners trekking wildlife
The Land of Runners Community is designed to give a glimpse of the real Ethiopia. The usual tourist destinations will not be found on this itinerary, but during our jaunt through the land of runners, you will, literally, run in the footsteps of champions – both past and future. Alongside your Ethiopic guide, local guides and local people will greet you and accompany you on what will surely be an awe inspiring journey.
The tour route starts in the rift valley, and turns upwards into the Arsi Highlands, which has produced the best runners ever to lace up a pair of spikes, including: the Dibaba sisters, Keninisa Bekele, Derartu Tulu, Meseret Defar, and the great Haile Gebreselassie.
| DATES | Tours |
| UPCOMING TOUR DATE | Thursday, January 12, 2017 through Saturday, January 21, 2017 |
| COST | $1900 per person. Book now or contact info@ethiopicrunning.com for inquiries about payment options. *Please refer to the FAQs on our website for our cancellation and refund policy |
| INCLUDED | Advice on flight booking, packing, and thoughtful consideration and timely responses to any and all concerns you might have Airport pickup Transportation: vehicles, fuel and drivers Accommodation for nine nights Entrance fees and guide fees Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pad) Boat trip tour Seven guided runs and/or training sessions A team of expert Ethiopic Running and local Ethiopian guides All meals, snacks, water, coffee, tea, soda, and beer (within reason) Ethiopic Running Experience tech shirt |
| NOT INCLUDED | International flight Visa Liquor Tips Travel Insurance Personal purchases/souvenirs |
| OPTIONAL UPGRADES AND EXTENSIONS | Lalibela Extension: $1000 4 nights |
| GROUP SIZE | There will be a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 10 runners. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so early deposits are recommended! |
| TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS | US citizens require a visa to enter Ethiopia. The visa costs $50 and can be easily obtained upon arrival in Addis Ababa. |
| CONTACT | Feel free to contact Drew Gamble at Drew@EthiopicRunning.com with any questions! |
Day 1 – Arrive and Orientation to Ethiopia
Arrive and stay the night in Addis Ababa, while being briefed on the week’s activities
Day 2 – Drive to Rift Valley Lakes
Depart Addis Ababa early in the morning south towards Lake Ziway and take a boat ride en route to the historic Tulu Gudo Island. The island inhabitants, the Zay community, ancient protectors of the ark, will greet you in the Zay language, which is only spoken on this island. Following the morning tour, relaxation at a beach resort just south of Ziway will provide a contrast that is uniquely Ethiopic. Optional evening run around Langano 4-6 miles
Day 3 – Abijatta Shalla National Park and Lephis Forest (camping)
Next to Ziway and Langano are the other two rift valley lakes – Abijatta and Shalla – a national park and home of 10,000 resident flamingos. A morning run through the park will be followed by a stay in Lephis Forest where we will drop items at the tent camp before hiking around the forest in search of rare wildlife, like the endemic Nyala and near endemic Turaco. 7 mile morning run
Day 4 – Lephis to Hawassa
After a 6.5 mile morning run around Lephis Forest, we will depart for the small rift valley city Hawassa. The day will be spent relaxing in the lakeside city. Guests will be able to choose between market tours (fish market), lake tours, or just drinking their favorite local beer, while indulging in the catch of the day. If wanted, we can also take the guests on a run around the lakeside. 6.5 miles run in the forest
Day 5 – Dodola Trekking
The lakeside of Hawassa provides some spectacular running, so, after indulging in an easy morning run, we will make our way out of the rift valley and into the foothills of the Bale Mountains. Either on horseback or on foot the Dodola Eco-Tourism Guide Association will take us on one of the most spectacular treks in the country, finally arriving at a hut in the middle of the highland forest and farmland. We’ll spend the night camped out deep in the southern Ethiopian wilderness, but don’t worry –guards will be nearby. 3-10 mile morning run
Day 6 – Dodola Return and Bekoji
Breaking camp early in the morning, we will return to the town of Dodola and drive to Bekoji – the heart of Ethiopian running. An Ethiopian family will welcome us on our arrival to the Town of Runners, and they will host us – providing a real taste of Ethiopian Culture. Rest day and acclimatize to elevation
Day 7 – Bekoji Training Day
At least 100 runners flood the streets and surrounding forests of Bekoji every morning in pursuit of their running dreams. You will make it 101, as you experience a day in the life of an aspiring Ethiopian athlete. Workout with Bekoji runners – distance varies
Day 8 – Dherra Park and Sodere
Departing Bekoji in the morning, we’ll head to Dhera Park – an Acacia forest teeming with kudu, warthogs, and other wildlife. We’ll descend downhill, running alongside wildlife then zigzagging through irrigation fields. Finally, a porter will escort us across the Awash River to our final oasis destination, the Sodere Hot Springs. 10 mile downhill run
Day 9 – Addis Day
A short trip from Addis, the final day of the tour will be spent in the capital city shopping, indulging in luxuries and optional city tours. Rest
Day 10 – Entoto and Departure
A morning visit to the mountain to the immediate north of the city, we’ll get a final run before departure. Some of the top Ethiopian athletes can be found zigzagging through the Eucalyptus forest and founding spot of Addis Ababa. 5-10 mile in the forest
Tour Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Leave a Review