Early morning arrival in Addis Ababa. Afterwards, we depart for an enjoyable tour of the Ethiopian capital. At the National Museum, we visit Lucy, who, at 3.2 million years old, is likely one of our oldest ancestors. From Entoto Mountain, we enjoy a panoramic view of the vibrant metropolis. For those interested, we will check our bikes with our first ride of around 10 km, mostly downhill, to test our bicycles and our fitness at the altitude of the Ethiopian highlands. (B,L,D)

Garden Hills Hotel

Bus journey time: 1 hour
Cycling (optional): 10–12 km (moderate, ↑200 m, ↓750 m)

In the morning, we leave Addis Ababa to reach a small forest just outside the capital. Here in Menagesha, we have various options for easy or more demanding rides; we are flexible depending on your interest, but it is usually a 4-5 hour ride covering about 20 km and almost 1,000 metres of climbing (which can be shortened as vehicles can accompany us for the entire route). It is also the first serious ride, aimed primarily at helping you gain confidence in cycling and adjust to the high altitude in Ethiopia. After lunch, we will be driven about 110 km from here to Wolisso, where we will check into our rooms at a resort with a swimming pool, spa, and a large garden full of monkeys. (B,L,D)

Negash Resort

Bus journey time: 4 h, 140 km
Cycling: 19 km (medium, ↑1000 m, ↓1050 m)

In the morning, there's a short (but optional) walk through a green valley with many streams and hot springs, after which we'll get on our bikes to begin cycling. The first part of the route follows the crater rim of Wenchi with pleasant paths on volcanic ash and beautiful views down into the crater. An exciting downhill section through Oromo villages and farmland brings you back to Wolisso for the second night at the lush gardens of the Negash Resort. (B,L,D)

Negash Resort

Travel time by bus: 1 h, 40 km
Cycling: 45 km (Difficulty: medium, Elevation gain: ↑500 m, ↓1550 m)

After breakfast at the resort, we set off by car, leaving the Oromia region and making our way to the Gurage Zone, which is one of the greenest places in Ethiopia. Muslims and Christians live peacefully together here, following traditions that are centuries old. For our first cycling tour in this area, we'll undertake a moderate route starting at Wolkite University (Gubre) to reach the lodge we'll use for the next two days: Desalegn Lodge in Agenna. (B,L,D)

Desalegn Lodge

Bus journey time: 1.5 h, 60 km
Cycling: 36 km (Difficulty: easy, Elevation gain: ↑550 m, ↓250 m)

A challenging but rewarding and scenically beautiful day trip through typical Gurage landscape awaits us. The beauty of the surroundings is complemented by the warmth and hospitality of the local people. This tour gives you the opportunity to visit the homes of these people, whose only complaint on our previous visit was: „Why didn't you tell us beforehand so we could have prepared a ceremony for you?!“. Gurage is also famous for some unique and special Ethiopian dishes such as Kitfo or Kocho. (B,L,D)

Desalegn Lodge

Cycling: 47 km (Difficulty: challenging, Elevation gain: ↑1000 m, ↓1000 m)

After breakfast, we check out of the lodge and head towards one of the highest mountain ridges in the Gurage region. On partially asphalted roads, you'll be able to cycle a portion of the way before the highlight of the day: we say goodbye to Gurage with a rapid descent from 3350 to 2050 m altitude. This breathtaking descent into the Great African Rift Valley will be one of the highlights of your holiday. After lunch near Butajira or Ziway, we drive to Hawassa (3-4 hours), where we will check into a lodge right on the lake. (B,L,D)

Haile Resort

Bus travel time: 3.5–4 h, 170 km
Cycling: 37 km (Difficulty: medium, Elevation gain: ↑400 m, ↓1600 m)

We leave the lodge by car, which brings us uphill to the Sidama Plateau, where we will start cycling. Here we will find great trails among enset plantations on red dirt roads as we set off to explore the green surroundings. We will stop for a packed lunch or at a simple restaurant, drinking local tea or coffee. Afterwards, we head to the southern part of the Senkele Wildlife Reserve before descending on exciting, yet somewhat challenging trails back towards the lakeshore. Pick up by car or cycling back to the lodge. Alternatively, for those who do not have experience with descents or singletracks, there is an alternative and easy route back via a wide gravel road. (B, L, D)

Haile Resort

Bus journey time: 1 hour, 45 km
Cycling: 54 km (Difficulty: challenging, Elevation gain: ↑600 m, ↓800 m)

After a 2–3 hour transfer southeast, we unload the bicycles and explore the highlands around Garanba Mountain. We'll first cycle on the plateau with small ascents and descents before finally descending to Yirgalem, known for its green, fertile land and coffee plantations. In the evening, a hyena feeding takes place right at the lodge. (B,L,D)

Aregash Lodge

Bus travel time: 2–3 hours, 70 km
Cycling: 31 km (Difficulty: medium, Altitude difference: ↑450 m, ↓1650 m)

In the morning, we have a transfer of approximately 4–5 hours. Before Dinsho, we unload the bicycles to ride on a gravel road into the Bale Mountains National Park, specifically through the Gaysay grasslands, where we might see some wildlife such as Nyala antelope, warthogs, and dikdiks. For those who wish to cycle more, and if time permits, there is the option to continue part of the route on an asphalt or gravel road to our hotel. (B,L,D)

Nurobe Hotel

Bus journey time: 4–5 h, 200 km
Cycling: 35 km (Difficulty: medium, Altitude difference: ↑500 m, ↓1000 m)

Today we reach the highest point of the entire trip, which is well over 4000m above sea level. To avoid the long ascent to the so-called Sanetti Plateau, we load the bikes onto the vehicle again. In addition to cycling, on the Sanetti Plateau we will also see the Ethiopian wolf and some other wild animals. Those interested can climb Tullu Dimtu, which at 4377m is the highest peak in the Bale Mountains. Afterwards, a long and beautiful descent of more than 2000 vertical metres takes us back to Robe. (B,L,D)

Nurobe Hotel

Bus travel time: 1.5 hours, 40 km
Cycling: 63 km (Difficulty: medium, Elevation gain: ↑700 m, ↓2300 m)

Today is our last cycling day and we will take it easy. We will cycle into Abijatta-Shalla National Park and hope to spot some wildlife such as flamingos, warthogs and ostriches. For sure we will see some hot springs where locals wash and cook food. In the afternoon, after returning to the lodge we will just relax by Lake Langano which is one of the few lakes in Ethiopia that is suitable for swimming. (B,L,D)

Sabana Beach Resort

Bus journey time: 5–6 hours, 300 km
Cycling: 18 km (Difficulty: medium, Altitude difference: ↑200 m, ↓200 m)

After some pleasant moments by the lake, including a boat trip and lunch at Lake Ziway, today's drive takes us back to Addis Abeba, from where your return flight likely departs late in the evening. If there is still enough time before departure, we will visit a market or a shop in Addis Abeba to buy souvenirs. Finally, there will be a shared traditional Ethiopian dinner with music and dance performance. End of the trip and departure depending on flight times. (B,L,D)

Travel time by bus: 4.5–5 h, 230 km