15-Day Northern and Southern Ethiopia Tour

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Rrive to Addis Ababa- City Tour

Greetings from Ethiopia! Upon your arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, your tour guide and driver will greet you and assist in transferring you to your hotel. After enjoying breakfast, we will embark on a comprehensive city tour, departing from the hotel at 9:00 am. Addis Ababa ranks as the third highest capital worldwide, situated at an elevation of 2,500 meters in one of the loftiest sections of the Entoto mountain range. We will dedicate time to discover the city, visiting the National Museum, which houses the remains of the renowned hominid fossil known as "Lucy," as well as the Ethnological Museum located within Addis Ababa University, once the residence of Emperor Haile Selassie. Additionally, we will experience the vibrant atmosphere of a local market, filled with an interesting variety of products and trinkets, making it an excellent spot for exploration and observing the local culture.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Best Western Plus Pearl Addis

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela

At we will pick you up at lalibela where you stayed. Lalibela is considered one of the most significant religious and historical locations in Africa, and indeed throughout the Christian world. While it may not be well-known in the West, Ethiopia was the pioneer in establishing Christianity as the state religion. This occurred long before the Catholic Church was founded or established the contemporary structure we recognize today. Consequently, the foundations of Ethiopian Orthodox practices reflect both Jewish and Christian influences. The churches in Lalibela are believed to have been built during the reign of King Lalibela in the 12th and 13th centuries when the town, then called Roha, served as the capital of the Zagwe dynasty. According to legend, King Lalibela was exiled in Jerusalem and returned to create a New Jerusalem in Ethiopia. Many theories exist regarding the construction. In the evening, we will attend the church to witness the Christmas Eve celebrations.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela-Genna-Ethiopia Christmas

Ethiopian Christmas is marked by a distinctive celebration in rural regions compared to urban areas, particularly in Lalibela, where both priests and devotees engage in vibrant festivities. In numerous rural communities, the day is filled with various activities, such as horse racing among locals and traditional folk dances. A game resembling European hockey but uniquely Ethiopian takes place between youth teams from two sides. This contest is named after the holiday, referred to as “Yegena–Chewata. ”.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela-Gondar

At 9:30 today, you will head to the airport for your transfer. Upon arriving at Gondar Airport, a pick-up service will take you to your hotel.

Gondar served as the inaugural capital of the Ethiopian empire, which was established in 1632 during Fasilidas's rule. The city features numerous castles constructed by different emperors over a span of 236 years. Its appearance leans more towards European than African, and it showcases Islamic influences as well. In the afternoon, we will explore Fasilidas’s palaces, residences, and baths, and then proceed to the Debre Berhan Selassie church, situated atop a hill and encased in fortified walls. The church's interior is adorned with exquisite frescoes.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Gondar Hills Resort

• Mid-range resort located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gondar - Semien Mountain -Gondar

Gondar to Debark, From Debark, we will continue our journey to the park entrance, situated approximately 16 kilometers from the town. Following this, we will take a 10-kilometer drive to Sankaber camp, the first campsite within the national park.
This route offers breathtaking views over the foothills that drop 800 meters below. It is highly likely that we will come across troops of endemic gelada baboons and observe them from a close distance.
The main attraction during our trek is the Jinba waterfalls, which has an impressive sheer drop of 500 meters, making it the tallest waterfall in Ethiopia. From the opposite viewpoint, we can view a variety of vultures, including the Griffin Vulture, Hooded Vulture, White-backed Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, and Lammergayer perched along the cliffs. Such as the Abyssinian Catbird, which is endemic to Ethiopia. Once we finish exploring, we will return to the main road at Kavamesk, where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Gondar.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit September to December (Beautiful scenery)

High Season October to April (Lodges are busy)

Best Weather October to April

Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP

Gelada Monkey Abundant

Walia Ibex Occasional

Ethiopian Wolf Rare

Klipspringer Rare

Bushbuck Rare

Show more

Golden Jackal Rare

Hyena Rare

Accommodation:

Gondar Hills Resort

• Mid-range resort located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Gondar-Bahir Dar

This morning, we will embark on a three-hour journey to Bahirdar, traversing through rural villages and mountain passes that offer breathtaking views as we approach the magnificent monasteries on Lake Tana. Once we arrive and check into our hotel, we will freshen up before exploring Lake Tana. We will embark on a boat cruise across the lake to visit its ancient island monasteries, dating back to the 14th century. Lake Tana comprises 37 islands, housing twenty monasteries that are remnants of a rich, contemplative legacy. Due to their remote locations, these monasteries historically served as safe havens for treasures and religious artifacts from various regions of the country. Notably, these monasteries are renowned for their distinctive Ethiopian religious artwork, illuminated manuscripts, and other ancient ecclesiastical treasures. The specific monasteries we plan to visit are Kibran Gebriel, Ura Kidane Mihret, and Azua Mariam. Depend on the time i you may visit blue nile falls.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Sky Resort

• Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bahir Dar Addis Ababa- Awassa

Following a morning returning to Addis Ababa, we embark on a six-hour ride in a 4X4 vehicle through southern Ethiopia, heading towards the Rift Valley Lakes area. As we navigate along the edges of lakes Shala, Abiata, and Langano, we will enjoy stunning scenery while observing various aquatic birds and wildlife. Our trip concludes at a lovely resort situated by Lake Awasa.

Main Destination:

Awasa (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Hawassa

• Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Awasa-Arbaminch

In the morning, we head to the fish market, bustling with activity at this hour, and make our way to Arbaminch via Dorze. Passing through Chencha village, we take the opportunity to engage with the Dorze community. They have fascinating customs, including their bamboo homes and their methods of farming the false banana, which they use to produce their traditional bread, known as Kotcho.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

• Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Arbaminch

In the morning, we will explore Nech Sar Park, offering breathtaking vistas of the lakes and a variety of wildlife, including the endemic Swayne’s hartebeest, zebras, lesser kudu, and more. Lunch will follow in Arbaminch.

In the afternoon, we will embark on a boat ride on Lake Chamo, where we can observe crocodiles and hippos. Notably, some crocodiles here are among the longest in Africa, measuring six meters and more. Our morning starts with a visit to Nech Sar Park, nestled between Lakes Chamo and Abaya, where gazelles and zebras can be spotted. We will then head back north toward the rift valley lakes.

The Rift Valley, a significant geological fissure stretching over 6,000 kilometers from the Middle East to Mozambique, showcases evidence of recent substantial and violent shifts in the Earth’s tectonic plates. This area features an impressive array of lakes rich in fish and supporting hundreds of bird species.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

• Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Arba Minch- Jinka

Travel to Jinka while enjoying the sights of the fascinating Konso, Derashe, Ari, Benna, and Tsemay communities, known for their distinctive hairstyles, rich culture, and traditional ornaments that adorn their bodies. The Konso people are particularly renowned for their incredible terraced farming techniques and their villages.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Eco Omo Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Jinka

Mago-Mago National Park is situated on the eastern shore of the Omo River, with altitudes varying from 450 to 2,528 meters above sea level. After a challenging two-hour journey along a rough road, we reach our campsite, where we will sleep in a tent for the night. This camping area is nestled in a scenic clearing surrounded by tall trees that offer shade, close to the Neri River. We take a trip to the village of the Mursi people, known for their tradition of enlarging their lower lips with progressively larger disks. These individuals cultivate land and raise animals, living in near total seclusion from the outside world. Upon our return to the campsite, we notice that few animals are active during the day within the park; however, at night, we are enveloped by a chorus of sounds, including the distant trumpeting of elephants.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Eco Omo Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Jinka-Turmi

Following breakfast in Turmi, you will begin your journey south for 72 kilometers to the town of Omo Rate, home to the Dassanech tribe. This location marks the southern boundary with Kenya, where your visa will be checked at an immigration post. The renowned Omo River, after which the area is named, will be nearby, and vehicles will be parked there. You will cross the river using a local dugout canoe. A 20-minute walk will lead you to the village, where you will have the opportunity to engage with the Dassanech people and observe a brief tribal dancing ceremony featuring both boys and girls from the ethnic group. After enjoying lunch and some relaxation at your lodge, you will head to a Hamar village near Turmi in the late afternoon. There, a Hamar family will welcome you to partake in the traditional coffee ceremony known as "Shoforo," which will take place inside their customary hut.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge Turmi

• Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Turmi - Kara - Jinka

This morning, we will set off for Kara village. The Kara tribe, comprising just 3000 individuals, is one of the smallest tribes in the region. They have established their community on the west side of the Omo River and are renowned for their exceptional body painting skills, which they employ for decoration. Today, you will have the opportunity to engage with this unique community in Dus, their second largest village, which is located further away and not frequently frequented by tourists. This village holds great significance for the Kara people. You will spend some time interacting with them, and afterward, you will return to Jinka. Before reaching Jinka, however, you will stop at Alduba, where you can experience one of the largest and most vibrant weekly tribal markets. This market is a gathering place for over three distinct tribal groups, each with their own unique reasons for attending.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Eco Omo Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Turmi-Konso-Arba Minch

We head towards Konso through Woito. The journey takes us across the savannah, running parallel to the Men mountains, and then ascends the Karkerte Mountains, which offer breathtaking panoramic views, until we arrive at the gentle, terraced hills of Konso. During our trip, we encounter the fascinating Derase, Ari, Benna, and Tsemay communities, renowned for their distinctive hairstyles and rich cultural traditions, marked by the adornments covering their bodies. The Konso people are particularly known for their terraced farming practices and the customs of their villages. Continuing our drive to Arbaminch along the edge of Lake Chamo, we take a moment to visit the lake. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the same hotel as before.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge Turmi

• Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Arba Minch-Addis Ababa

This morning, we will set off for Kara village. The Kara tribe, one of the smallest in the region, has a population of just 3,000 individuals. They have made their home on the western bank of the Omo River and are renowned for their expertise in body painting, which they apply for decorative reasons. Today, you will have the opportunity to interact with these authentic people in one of their larger villages, known as Dus, which is relatively remote and not frequently visited by tourists. This location holds great significance for the entire Kara community. You will spend some time engaging with the Kara tribe. Once you finish, the journey will continue back to Jinka. However, before reaching Jinka, you will stop at Alduba, where one of the largest and most vibrant weekly tribal markets takes place, featuring participation from various tribal groups, each with their own unique purposes.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.