11-Day Ethiopia, Historic Route & Omo Valley

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Arrive at Bole International Airport, meet your guide, and transfer to your hotel. After a short rest, begin exploring Addis Ababa with visits to the National Museum to see “Lucy,” the 3.2-million-year-old fossil, followed by the Holy Trinity Cathedral or the Ethnographic Museum. Continue to Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, where you can discover spices, textiles, and local crafts. Enjoy a welcome briefing about the journey ahead before relaxing for the evening. Overnight at Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar

Fly to Bahir Dar, a peaceful lakeside city on Lake Tana. Take a scenic boat trip to visit ancient island monasteries decorated with colorful murals and sacred relics. Learn about the traditions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity preserved for centuries. In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as “Tis Issat.” Take a short hike to enjoy panoramic views of the waterfall and surrounding landscape before returning to the city for rest. Overnight at Kuriftu Resort.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Kuriftu Resort & Spa Bahir Dar

• Luxury hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bahir Dar – Gondar

Drive to Gondar, the 17th-century imperial capital known for its grand stone castles. Explore the UNESCO-listed Royal Enclosure, featuring palaces, halls, and fortified walls. Visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie, admired for its ceiling of painted angels and colorful Biblical scenes. Continue to the historic bath of Emperor Fasilides, still used during the annual Timket celebrations. Spend the evening relaxing in Gondar before heading into the mountains the next day. Overnight at Goha Hotel.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gondar – Simien Mountains

Depart Gondar and drive to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO site known for dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and unique wildlife. After settling in, take a gentle acclimatization hike along the escarpment where you may encounter Gelada baboons, endemic birds, and stunning panoramic views. Your guide will explain the region’s ecology and geological formations. Enjoy fresh mountain air and breathtaking scenery as the sun sets over the highlands. Overnight at Simien Lodge.

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:

Simien Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Simien Mountains – Axum

After breakfast, travel toward Axum, crossing high mountain passes, small villages, and scenic landscapes shaped by centuries of agriculture. Enjoy stops for photos and cultural encounters along the way. Arrive in Axum, the ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire, known for its archaeological sites, legends of the Queen of Sheba, and iconic stelae. Spend the evening at leisure exploring the town or relaxing at your hotel after the long journey. Overnight at Sabean International Hotel.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Sabean International Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Axum City Tour

Begin your city tour with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Stelae Park, home to towering granite obelisks crafted more than 1,700 years ago. Continue to the Queen of Sheba’s Palace ruins and the historic bathing site associated with her legend. Visit St. Mary of Zion Church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant, and learn about Axum’s role in ancient trade and religion. See royal tombs and inscriptions that reveal the empire’s sophistication. Overnight at Sabean International Hotel.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Sabean International Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Axum – Lalibela

Fly or drive to Lalibela, home to Ethiopia’s world-famous rock-hewn churches. Begin exploring the first cluster of monolithic structures carved below ground level in the 12th century. Highlights include Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Golgotha. Discover symbolic architectural details, underground passageways, and active worship practices that continue today. Your guide will explain their construction and spiritual significance. Overnight at Maribela Hotel.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Maribela Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela – Second Cluster

Continue visiting Lalibela’s second cluster of churches, including Bete Amanuel, Bete Gabriel-Rufael, and Bete Abba Libanos, each showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and unique architectural styles. In the afternoon, walk to the iconic cross-shaped church of Bete Giyorgis, carved from a single block of rock and considered one of the world’s most impressive monolithic structures. Enjoy peaceful surroundings and sunset views over the mountains. Overnight at Maribela Hotel.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Maribela Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela – Addis – Arba Minch

Fly to Addis Ababa and connect to Arba Minch, the gateway to the Omo Valley. Upon arrival, visit the Dorze village, known for its beehive-shaped bamboo houses, vibrant weaving traditions, and cultural craftsmanship. Learn about their architecture, textiles, farming practices, and daily life. Enjoy panoramic views over the Rift Valley lakes before returning to your hotel for rest. Prepare for the deep cultural experiences awaiting in the Omo Valley. Overnight at Haile Resort Arba Minch.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Arba Minch – Konso – Jinka

In the morning, you can enjoy an optional boat trip on Lake Chamo to spot hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife (additional cost). Afterwards, drive to Konso, a UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape known for its stone terraces, clan structures, and waga wooden statues. Explore a traditional Konso village to learn about their sustainable farming and rich customs. Continue through Tsemay and Ari tribal regions toward Jinka, gaining insight into the cultural diversity of the Omo Valley. Overnight at Eco-Omo Lodge.

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:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mursi Tribe – Fly to Addis

Drive into Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people, known for their lip plates, scarification art, and distinctive cultural traditions. Your guide will explain their social structure and symbolic body decorations. Return to Jinka for a stop at the South Omo Research Center before heading to the airport. Fly to Addis Ababa and enjoy a traditional farewell dinner with cultural dance before your international departure. Overnight: No hotel included (departure).

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.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.