Serenity And Wilderness

Lake Langano And Lephis Forest Retreat

Introducing Serenity And Wilderness

Lake Langano And Lephis Forest Retreat

Indulge in a short escape from the demands of business and immerse yourself in the serenity of Lake Langano and the untamed beauty of Lephis Forest. This exclusive trip is designed for busy professionals seeking a rejuvenating retreat amidst Ethiopia's captivating landscapes.

Explore the natural wonders of Lake Langano, a peaceful oasis nestled against the backdrop of the Arsi Mountains. Witness the remarkable birdlife that graces its shores, including the striking Hemprich's hornbill and fascinating helmet-strikes.

Venture further into the Central Rift Valley to discover the pristine Lephis Forest, where you'll encounter majestic trees, endemic bird species, and a stunning waterfall. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural and natural heritage of the area as you embark on this unforgettable journey of tranquility and wilderness.

Destination Highlights

Highlighted Destinations

Tiya
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tiya, renowned for its peculiar engraved standing stone monoliths.
Lake Ziway
Discover the diverse aquatic bird species along the scenic shores of Lake Ziway, such as the confiding Great White Pelican and the impressive Marabou Stork.
Lake Langano
Experience the serene ambiance of Lake Langano, known for its bilharzia-free waters and abundant birdlife, including Hemprich's hornbill and helmet-strikes.
Lephis Forest
Embark on an excursion to the secluded Lephis Forest, marveling at the rare and enormous trees, endemic bird species, and the breathtaking Lephis Waterfall.
Cultural Immersion
Engage with local community guides who share their knowledge of the forest's history, culture, and conservation efforts, providing a deeper understanding of the natural surroundings.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 : Drive from Addis Ababa to Lake Langano, enjoying scenic views of the Arsi Mountains. Explore Lake Ziway's shores, observing a variety of aquatic bird species. Arrive at Lake Langano, unwind, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings. Overnight stay in Langano.
Day 2 : Early morning drive to Lephis Forest, located in the Central Rift Valley. Meet a local community guide at the Lephis Welcome Tukul and begin the Finchaa Trail on foot or horseback. Discover the forest's pristine natural beauty, encounter majestic trees, and observe endemic bird species and wildlife. Reach the magnificent Lephis Waterfall, a breathtaking highlight of the tour. Enjoy a break at the waterfall, relishing the refreshing mist, capturing photos, and savoring the scenic splendor. Return to Langano for an overnight stay.
Day 3 : Breakfast and birdwatching along the serene shores of Lake Langano. Depart for Addis Ababa, stopping at the stunning lakes of Abiata and Shalla en route. Embrace the serene beauty of the region's lakes before concluding the journey. Return to Addis Ababa, feeling rejuvenated and inspired by the tranquil retreat.

Detail tour Itinerary

DAY 1: DRIVE TO DRIVE TO LANGANO

An early morning departure takes you to south towards the Rift Valley. Your first stop is at Tiya, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, where we can see the northernmost example of a peculiar type of engraved, standing stone monolith that stretches across parts of southern Ethiopia. Continue your driving to Ziway, where you explore the shore for aquatic birds. It is here you will have a lunch stop.
Strolling along the lakeshore at Lake Ziway will allow you excellent views of the confiding Great White Pelican and the huge Marabou Stork, while dazzling Northern Carmine Bee-eater, migratory White and Western Yellow Wagtails (including some of the striking feldeggi race) and the less colorful Ethiopian Cisticola can be seen around the lake edge.
You eventually arrive at your destination for this evening, Lake Langano. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Arsi Mountains, the lake is a popular destination for weekenders.
Its muddy brown waters notwithstanding, it is one of the few lakes in the area that is reputedly bilharzia free. It is also a haven for birds that flock to the lake’s shore. You may well spot Hemprich’s hornbill here, as well as fan-tailed ravens and helmet strikes. Overnight in Langano.

DAY 2: EXCURSION TO LEPHIS FOREST

An early morning drive southward will take you to Lephis Forest. Located in Ethiopia’s Central Rift Valley, the forest is amongst the region’s most pristine and secluded natural wonders, with breathtaking views, endemic bird and wildlife species, and a natural waterfall.
After meeting a local community guide at the Lephis Welcome Tukul, visitors set off along the Finchaa Trail on foot or horseback. The trail begins in the cultivated Forest Enterprise forest, giving visitors the chance to learn about the Forest Enterprise, sustainable forestry, and local conservation efforts.
The trail then winds its way into the natural forest where visitors will encounter enormous, majestic trees that have now become a rarity in Ethiopia, as well as an impressive array of animal life including a number of endemic and near-endemic bird species, baboons, and monkeys. Along the trail, the local guide explains the natural surroundings as well as the history and culture of the area.
Emerging from beneath the dense forest canopy, you will be faced with the highlight of the tour: the beautiful Lephis Waterfall. A break at this magical spot offers visitors the opportunity to cool off in the refreshing mist of the cascade, take pictures, watch for nesting birds, and enjoy the area’s scenic beauty. Then head back to Langano overnight.

DAY 3: DRIVE TO ADDIS ABABA

Enjoy breakfast and short birding at the lake shore and afterward, drive towards Addis Ababa, visiting the region’s lakes en route. The lakes of Abiata and Shalla are particularly stunning.

How Can We Help You Create an Extraordinary Ethiopian Adventure?

At Sawla Tours, we are passionate about turning your travel dreams into reality. With years of hands-on experience in crafting unforgettable journeys to Ethiopia, we are your go-to experts in deciding when to travel, where to explore, and what to discover.

Whether you have a detailed itinerary in mind, seek professional advice, or simply don't know where to begin, we're eager to assist. Reach out to us today, and together, we'll create an extraordinary travel experience tailored just for you.