$2,640 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. After airport pickup, transfer to your hotel and relax. In the afternoon, explore the city’s highlights including the National Museum, home to Lucy’s fossil, and the Ethnological Museum, showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse cultures. Stroll through Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. Enjoy your first Ethiopian dinner, sampling traditional dishes like injera and doro wat, while absorbing the city’s lively atmosphere. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Addis Ababa to Hawassa via Rift Valley
Addis Ababa to Hawassa via Rift Valley
After breakfast, drive south to Hawassa, a scenic city on Lake Hawassa. En route, stop at Abiyata-Shala National Park to observe ostriches, antelopes, and striking landscapes. Walk around the lakes and enjoy photo opportunities, and if time allows, visit natural hot springs. Arrive in Hawassa in the late afternoon. Explore the lake shore, watch fishermen at work, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings as the sun sets over the Rift Valley. Overnight in Hawassa.
- Main Destination:
- Awasa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Lewi Resort Hawassa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Sidama Coffee & Village Tour
Sidama Coffee & Village Tour
After breakfast, drive to Yirgalem to visit a local coffee farm. Participate in a traditional coffee ceremony and learn about Ethiopian coffee cultivation from planting to roasting. Explore nearby Sidama villages and observe locals preparing kocho from false banana trees. Discover traditional farming practices, food preparation, and cultural rituals. Return to Hawassa in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing walk along the lake shore, spotting endemic birds and soaking in the tranquil scenery. Overnight in Hawassa.
- Main Destination:
- Awasa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Lewi Resort Hawassa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Hawassa to Arba Minch & Dorze Village
Hawassa to Arba Minch & Dorze Village
Drive to Arba Minch, passing scenic highlands and valleys. Stop in Chencha to visit the Dorze people, known for their tall beehive-shaped bamboo huts, colorful weaving, and traditional crafts. Learn about their food and alcohol preparation, including honey and banana-based drinks. Explore the village, observing daily life, community practices, and weaving techniques. Take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains before continuing to Arba Minch for overnight stay.
Day 5
Arba Minch to Konso via Lake Chamo
Arba Minch to Konso via Lake Chamo
Drive to Konso, stopping at Lake Chamo for a boat trip among crocodiles and hippos. Arrive in Konso and visit the UNESCO-listed terraced villages, famed for their stone-walled farms, intricate rituals, and hardworking communities. Walk through the village, interact with locals, and witness traditional life, from farming to crafts. Capture stunning photographs of the terraced landscapes and ceremonial sites. Overnight in Konso, immersed in the rich cultural heritage of southern Ethiopia.
- Main Destination:
- Konso (Cultural Village)
- Accommodation:
- Kanta Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Turmi Nyangatom & Hamar People
Turmi Nyangatom & Hamar People
Drive toward Turmi, visiting the Nyangatom tribe near the South Sudan border. Observe their distinct attire, colorful necklaces, and traditional customs. Continue to the Hamar region and explore a Hamar village and market, learning about ceremonial practices, hairstyles, and stick-fighting rituals. Engage with the locals and experience their vibrant culture firsthand. Spend the evening in Turmi, enjoying the lively tribal atmosphere and preparing for further Omo Valley exploration. Overnight in Turmi.
- Main Destination:
- Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Turmi Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Visit Erbore & Bena People
Visit Erbore & Bena People
After breakfast, visit the Erbore tribe, one of the most remote and unique Omo Valley communities, known for their distinctive clothing and traditional lifestyle. Continue to the Bena tribe, famous for body painting, stick-fighting, and ceremonial dances. Explore village life, interact with elders, and witness daily rituals and cultural practices. Return to Turmi for overnight stay, reflecting on the rich diversity and deep traditions of the Omo Valley tribes. Overnight in Turmi.
- Main Destination:
- Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Turmi Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Ari & Mursi People in Jinka
Ari & Mursi People in Jinka
Drive from Turmi to Jinka, visiting Ari villages along the way. Observe traditional highland farming, handicrafts, and daily village routines. In the afternoon, meet the Mursi tribe, renowned for the lip plates worn by women and striking body decorations.
Explore their unique cultural practices and traditions. End the day at the South Omo Research Center & Museum, learning about the diverse tribal communities of the Omo Valley. Overnight in Jinka.
- Main Destination:
- Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Nasa Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Fly from Jinka to Addis Ababa
Fly from Jinka to Addis Ababa
Fly from Jinka to Addis Ababa, then connectto Lalibela, famous for its rock-hewn churches. Upon arrival, visit Asheten Maryam Church, a monastery with intricate carvings and historical significance. Explore the surrounding area and enjoy panoramic views of the highlands. Learn about the religious practices and local history of Lalibela. Overnight in Lalibela, preparing for a full day of exploring Ethiopia’s spiritual treasures. Overnight Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Sora Lodge Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Visit Lalibela Churches
Visit Lalibela Churches
Spend a full day exploring Lalibela’s remarkable rock-hewn churches. Visit the Northern Cluster, including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Golgotha Mikael, then the Eastern Cluster, including Bete Amanuel and Bete Giyorgis (St. George). Walk through connecting tunnels and stairways while learning about centuries-old religious practices, local legends, and architectural ingenuity. Capture unforgettable photos of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight in Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Sora Lodge Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Neakuteleab Church & Surrounding Villages
Neakuteleab Church & Surrounding Villages
Drive to Neakuteleab Church, located just outside Lalibela, and explore its historical significance and unique design. Visit nearby villages to witness traditional farming, cooking, and crafts. Participate in local activities like injera-making and engage with villagers to learn about their daily lives and customs. Enjoy scenic landscapes, interact with local families, and return to Lalibela for overnight stay.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Sora Lodge Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 12
Lalibela to Axum
Lalibela to Axum
Fly from Lalibela to Axum, the ancient Axumite capital. Visit the Northern Stelae Field, the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. Explore tombs of ancient kings and the archaeological museum. Learn about Axum’s historical significance, trade routes, and religious heritage. Overnight in Axum, absorbing the city’s spiritual and cultural richness. Overnight axum.
- Main Destination:
- Axum (City)
- Accommodation:
-
Sabean International Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 13
Axum Exploration & Departure
Axum Exploration & Departure
After breakfast, continue exploring Axum’s remaining churches, archaeological sites, and local markets. Discover ancient inscriptions, religious relics, and historical architecture, reflecting the legacy of the Axumite Empire. Capture final memories of this culturally and historically rich region before transferring to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, end of the trip.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
