$3,850 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Addis Ababa – Hawassa
Addis Ababa – Hawassa
Begin your journey driving south to Hawassa. En route, stop at Abijata-Shalla National Park to spot antelopes, ostriches, and stunning Rift Valley lakes, as well as natural hot springs that bubble at over 90°C. Continue to Hawassa, a charming city on the shores of Lake Hawassa. Take an evening stroll along the lake shore, enjoying the calm waters and scenic beauty. Overnight at Lewi Resort in a lake-view room.
- Main Destination:
- Awasa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Lewi Resort Hawassa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Hawassa – Arba Minch
Hawassa – Arba Minch
After breakfast, visit Hawassa’s vibrant fish market where fishermen haul in fresh catch, and watch monkeys and water birds. Then drive to Arba Minch, stopping to admire the changing landscapes. In the afternoon, ascend to Chencha to meet the Dorze, renowned for their weaving, beehive-shaped bamboo huts, and use of enset (false banana). Experience their daily life and traditions before returning to Arba Minch. Overnight at Mora Heights Lodge.
Day 3
Arba Minch – Konso
Arba Minch – Konso
This morning, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo, famous for its giant crocodiles, hippos, and rich birdlife. After this exciting wildlife encounter, drive to Konso. Visit the UNESCO-recognized Konso village, known for its terraced farming and unique stonework. Explore the cultural traditions of this hardworking community and admire their beautifully organized settlement. Overnight at Kanta Lodge, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Konso.
- Main Destination:
- Konso (Cultural Village)
- Accommodation:
- Kanta Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Konso – Turmi (Gnangatom & Hamar)
Konso – Turmi (Gnangatom & Hamar)
Drive south towards the Omo Valley to visit the Gnangatom tribe near the South Sudan border, crossing the Omo River by bridge. Known for colorful beads and distinctive attire, they offer a fascinating glimpse into valley life. Continue to Turmi to meet the Hamar people, celebrated for body decorations and lively markets. If lucky, witness traditional ceremonies. Overnight at Emerald Lodge in Turmi, with views of the surrounding valley.
- Main Destination:
- Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Emerald Lodge Turmi
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Turmi – Erbore – Turmi
Turmi – Erbore – Turmi
Head out to visit the Erbore tribe, living in one of the most remote corners of the valley. Their lifestyle and customs differ greatly from their neighbors, offering a unique cultural perspective. Spend time learning about their traditions and daily routines. Later, return to Turmi for a relaxed evening. Overnight at Emerald Lodge, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s cultural encounters.
- Main Destination:
- Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Emerald Lodge Turmi
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Turmi – Jinka (via Bena & Ari Tribes)
Turmi – Jinka (via Bena & Ari Tribes)
Today, drive from Turmi to Jinka, stopping at the Bena tribe villages, known for body painting and stick-fighting customs. In the afternoon, visit the Ari tribe who live in fertile highlands above Jinka. Walk through their villages, witnessing daily life, crafts, metalwork, pottery, and the making of injera. Their mountain setting provides stunning scenery. Overnight in Jinka at Nasa Hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Nasa Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Jinka – Mursi & Tribal Museum
Jinka – Mursi & Tribal Museum
Morning excursion to Mago National Park to meet the Mursi tribe, famous for the lip plates worn by women as a cultural tradition. This is among the most memorable encounters in the Omo Valley. Return to Jinka and in the afternoon, explore the South Omo Museum, an excellent resource for understanding the valley’s diverse tribes and traditions. Overnight again at Nasa Hotel in Jinka.
- Main Destination:
- Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Nasa Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Jinka – Bahir Dar (via Addis Flight)
Jinka – Bahir Dar (via Addis Flight)
After breakfast, fly from Jinka to Addis Ababa, then connect to Bahir Dar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the lake shore and nearby villages. Take in the relaxed charm of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia’s gateway to Lake Tana. Overnight at Lake Avenue Hotel, a comfortable lakeside property.
Day 9
Bahir Dar – Blue Nile Falls
Bahir Dar – Blue Nile Falls
Take a scenic drive to the famous Blue Nile Falls, also called Tis Issat or “Water that Smokes.” Marvel at the thundering cascade, particularly striking during the rainy season. Return to Bahir Dar for lunch, then explore the city’s colorful market, one of the liveliest in Ethiopia, with crafts and fresh produce. Overnight at Lake Avenue Hotel near Lake Tana.
- Main Destination:
- Bahir Dar (City)
- Accommodation:
- Lake Avenue Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries
Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries
Embark on a boat trip across Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake.
Visit centuries-old monasteries on its islands, decorated with vivid frescoes and treasured manuscripts. These holy sites are spiritual sanctuaries with tranquil surroundings. Return to Bahir Dar in the afternoon and enjoy dinner at a traditional local restaurant. Overnight again at Lake Avenue Hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Bahir Dar (City)
- Accommodation:
- Lake Avenue Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Bahir Dar – Lalibela driving
Bahir Dar – Lalibela driving
Morning drive from Bahirdar to Lalibela check in the hotel and begin exploring the famous rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the first cluster, known as Group A, marveling at the monolithic structures connected by tunnels and stairways. These 12th–13th century churches remain active centers of worship. Overnight at Top Twelve Hotel, offering stunning panoramic views.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Top Twelve Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 12
Lalibela
Lalibela
Continue your tour of Lalibela with the second cluster, Group B churches. Each church has its own story, architectural style, and spiritual significance. In the afternoon, participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a symbol of hospitality and culture. Overnight again at Top Twelve Hotel, where the views complement your day of exploration.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Top Twelve Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 13
Lalibela – Mekele (via Addis Flight)
Lalibela – Mekele (via Addis Flight)
Fly from Lalibela to Addis, then connect to Mekele. From here, drive to Chele Anka Waterfall, reached after a short hike through scenic landscapes and villages. Relax by the falls, enjoying the cool mist and natural pools. Return to Mekele for the evening and overnight in Mekele Planet Hotel, combining comfort with convenience.
- Main Destination:
- Mekele (City)
- Accommodation:
- Planet Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 14
Tigray Rock-Hewn Churches
Tigray Rock-Hewn Churches
Today, discover the awe-inspiring Tigray churches. Begin with Abuna Yemata Guh, perched high on a cliff, reached by a thrilling climb. Inside, admire colorful frescoes and sacred ambiance. Continue to Mariam Korkor and nearby Daniel Korkor, offering spectacular views of the Gheralta mountains. A picnic lunch on the heights completes the experience. Overnight at Gheralta View Lodge.
- Main Destination:
- Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)
- Accommodation:
-
Gheralta Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 15
Gheralta – Axum
Gheralta – Axum
After breakfast, drive north to Axum, one of Africa’s oldest cities. Visit the Northern Stelae Field with towering obelisks, the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace, and the Ezana Stone, inscribed in multiple ancient languages. Conclude at the Axum Archaeological Museum to see relics from Ethiopia’s earliest civilization. Overnight at Sabean International Hotel in Axum.
- Main Destination:
- Axum (City)
- Accommodation:
-
Sabean International Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 16
Axum – Addis Ababa (Flight)
Axum – Addis Ababa (Flight)
Spend your final day exploring Axum’s sacred treasures. Visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant, and explore the surrounding complex. See the Tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, then continue to the ruins of Dungur Palace, also called the Queen of Sheba’s Bath. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, ending your journey.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
