14-Day Historic Route & Omo Valley Cultural Discovery

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour

Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you’ll be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy a guided city tour of Ethiopia’s capital, founded by Emperor Menelik II in 1886 and set at an altitude of 2,400m. Visit the National Museum, home to the fossilized remains of “Lucy,” one of humanity’s oldest ancestors. Continue to the Ethnographic Museum to explore Ethiopia’s diverse cultures, and then visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. Depending on time, explore Mount Entoto for panoramic city views or shop for handicrafts before returning to your hotel for dinner and rest.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Caravan Hotel

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Falls

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bahir Dar, a picturesque city on the southern shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake. Upon arrival, embark on a relaxing boat trip across the lake to explore its historic island monasteries, including Ura Kidane Mihret on Zeghie Peninsula—famed for its vibrant frescoes and ancient manuscripts written in Ge’ez. In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tissisat or “the water that smokes,” located about 32km south of town. Depending on the season, you may witness the falls in full force, especially from September to November. Return to Bahir Dar for a lakeside dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by serene natural beauty.

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
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Gondar – Exploring Castles and Ancient Churches

After breakfast, drive through scenic landscapes to Gondar, the 17th-century royal city founded by Emperor Fasilides. Often called the “Camelot of Africa,” Gondar is known for its magnificent medieval castles and stone churches. Visit the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring several castles built by successive emperors. Continue to the beautifully decorated Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its angel-filled ceiling frescoes, considered among the finest examples of Ethiopian art. You’ll also explore the ancient bathing pool of Emperor Fasilides, still used for the annual Timkat (Epiphany) celebration. End the day enjoying sunset views from your hotel terrace overlooking the city.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Gondar

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Simien Mountains National Park

After breakfast, depart Gondar for a scenic drive to the Simien Mountains National Park, often called the “Roof of Africa.” The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its dramatic highland scenery, jagged peaks, and deep valleys. Upon arrival, you’ll meet a local guide and scout before entering the park. Spend the afternoon exploring the viewpoints around Sankaber, where breathtaking vistas open over the escarpments. You’ll also encounter unique wildlife such as the endemic Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and various bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst stunning views before continuing to Simien Lodge, Africa’s highest hotel. Relax in the evening with dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by mountain tranquility.

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:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Return to Gondar – Scenic Drive through the Highlands

After breakfast, begin the journey back to Gondar, retracing the scenic mountain roads from the Simien highlands. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of deep valleys, rugged cliffs, and rural villages that showcase Ethiopia’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Stop for lunch end route and take short photo breaks at panoramic viewpoints. Upon arrival in Gondar, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening. You may choose to revisit local sites, explore small craft shops, or simply unwind at the hotel terrace while watching the sunset over the historic city. Dinner and overnight stay in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Gondar

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly to Lalibela – Discover the Rock-Hewn Churches

After breakfast, transfer to Gondar Airport for your short flight to Lalibela, home to the world-famous rock-hewn churches carved from solid volcanic rock. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in and lunch. In the afternoon, begin your exploration of the northern cluster of Lalibela churches, including Bet Medhane Alem (the largest monolithic church in the world), Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, and Bet Danaghel. These incredible structures, connected by a network of tunnels and trenches, were built in the 12th century under King Lalibela’s reign and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay with spectacular sunset views.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Tabor Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lalibela – Second Cluster of Churches & Local Experience

After breakfast, continue exploring Lalibela with a visit to the southern cluster of churches, which includes Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanuel, and Bet Abba Libanos—each with unique architectural styles and symbolic significance. The highlight of the day is Bet Giyorgis (St. George’s Church), a masterpiece carved in the shape of a perfect cross and the most iconic of all Lalibela churches. In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural experience by visiting a local family home for a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and to learn about daily life in the highlands. You may also explore local markets or art shops before returning to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Tabor Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly to Addis Ababa and Drive to Lake Langano

After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, meet your driver and continue south along the Great Rift Valley, enjoying the scenic landscape dotted with beautiful lakes, farmlands, and acacia trees.

En route, you will have the opportunity to stop at Lake Ziway to observe a variety of aquatic birds, including pelicans, herons, and African fish eagles. Continue driving to Lake Langano, known for its brown-colored but clean waters, safe for swimming. The lake is surrounded by stunning views and offers a peaceful retreat after your northern adventure.

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed time by the lakeshore or visit the Abijatta-Shalla National Park, where you can spot ostriches, gazelles, and numerous bird species.

Overnight: Sabana Beach Resort or similar, Lake Langano.

Main Destination:

Lake Langano

Accommodation:

Sabana Beach Resort

• Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Arba Minch & Visit Dorze Village

After breakfast, drive to Arba Minch through Sodo and the fertile southern highlands. In the afternoon, head to the Guge Mountains to visit the Dorze and Chencha villages. Once known as warriors, the Dorze are now skilled weavers, producing some of Ethiopia’s finest cotton textiles. Their distinctive beehive-shaped huts, built entirely from organic materials, can last for decades. Enjoy meeting the villagers, watching traditional weaving demonstrations, and learning about their daily life and farming practices. Return to Arba Minch in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay overlooking the twin lakes of Abaya and Chamo.

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
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Jinka via Konso (UNESCO) and Key Afer Market

After breakfast, drive south to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique terraced agriculture, fortified villages, and carved wooden grave markers called waga. Meet the Konso people, skilled farmers who have adapted ingeniously to the dry, hilly terrain. Continue toward Key Afer, where you can visit the vibrant weekly market (if it’s Thursday) that attracts several tribes, including the Ari, Bena, and Hamer. Experience the colorful attire, hairstyles, and beadwork that define their identities. Later, continue to Jinka, the gateway to Mago National Park, for dinner and overnight stay in a peaceful natural setting.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Jinka Resort

• Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Visit the Mursi Tribe in Mago National Park & Drive to Turmi

Early in the morning, drive into Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribe, famous for their striking lip plates worn by women and elaborate body decorations. Learn about their customs, social structures, and symbolic traditions while observing daily life in their highland villages. After lunch in Jinka, continue your journey through the Omo Valley to Turmi, home of the Hamer people. The Hamer are known for their intricate hairstyles, ochre-colored braids, and traditional “bull-jumping” ceremony, which marks a young man’s transition to adulthood. Arrive in Turmi by evening and check in at your lodge for dinner and rest.

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
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Excursion to Murulle – Visit the Karo Tribe

Today you’ll drive to the Murulle area along the banks of the Omo River to visit the Karo tribe, renowned for their elaborate body and face paintings. Using natural pigments, the Karo create intricate designs as expressions of beauty and identity. Men often sculpt their hair into dramatic styles adorned with ostrich feathers, while women decorate themselves with colorful beads and cowrie shells. Enjoy panoramic views of the Omo River and observe village life along its banks. Return to Turmi in the afternoon, where you may encounter the vibrant Dimeka market or a local Hamer cultural performance, depending on the schedule. Dinner and overnight at Buska Lodge.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge Turmi

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive Back to Arba Minch – Boat Trip on Lake Chamo

After breakfast, drive north through Konso and return to Arba Minch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Chamo, one of Ethiopia’s most scenic Rift Valley lakes. The lake is home to huge Nile crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of aquatic birds, including pelicans and kingfishers. The northern shores, known as “Crocodile Market,” offer close-up encounters with these impressive creatures basking in the sun. Enjoy the cool lake breeze and the backdrop of the forested mountains before returning to your lodge for a relaxing evening and overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive Back to Addis Ababa – Farewell Dinner & Departure

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Addis Ababa, passing through the Great Rift Valley lakes and scenic farmlands. Stop en route at the UNESCO-listed Tiya Stele field to view mysterious ancient stone carvings dating back to the 12th century. Arrive in Addis Ababa in the afternoon for some final souvenir shopping at local markets. In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner at one of the city’s traditional restaurants, featuring cultural dances and Ethiopian cuisine. Later, transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable 14-day adventure through Ethiopia’s historic and cultural heartlands.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.