$2,585 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Addis Ababa, the political and diplomatic capital of Africa, sits at an altitude of over 2,300 meters and offers a pleasant climate. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel or enjoy a short orientation walk. Your guide will brief you on the journey ahead, covering the historical north and the culturally rich Omo Valley. Overnight at a comfortable hotel, preparing for the adventure ahead.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Triple-E Hotel and Spa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar | Blue Nile Falls & Lake Tana
Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar | Blue Nile Falls & Lake Tana
After breakfast, take a morning flight to Bahir Dar, a charming lakeside city on the shores of Lake Tana. Visit the magnificent Blue Nile Falls (Tississat Falls), especially impressive during the rainy season when the river roars through dramatic gorges. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake, visiting historic island monasteries known for ancient manuscripts, murals, and religious treasures. The day combines natural beauty, history, and spiritual heritage. Overnight at a hotel in Bahir Dar.
Day 3
Bahir Dar – Gondar | Castles & Churches
Bahir Dar – Gondar | Castles & Churches
Today you drive north to Gondar, once the imperial capital of Ethiopia in the 17th century. In the afternoon, explore the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring impressive castles, palaces, and banqueting halls that reflect Ethiopian and European architectural influences. Continue to Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its beautifully painted ceiling of winged angels. This visit provides deep insight into Ethiopia’s imperial past and Orthodox Christian traditions. Overnight at a hotel in Gondar.
- Main Destination:
- Gondar (City)
- Accommodation:
-
Goha Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Gondar – Lalibela | Rock-Hewn Churches (First Group)
Gondar – Lalibela | Rock-Hewn Churches (First Group)
Take a morning flight to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most sacred destinations. In the afternoon, begin exploring the first group of Lalibela’s extraordinary rock-hewn churches, carved entirely from solid volcanic rock in the 12th century. These UNESCO-listed monuments remain active places of worship and pilgrimage. Your guide will explain their symbolism, architectural ingenuity, and spiritual importance. Walking through trenches and tunnels, you experience one of the greatest religious achievements in the world. Overnight at a hotel in Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Hill Top Lodge Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Lalibela – Addis Ababa | Second Group of Churches
Lalibela – Addis Ababa | Second Group of Churches
After breakfast, continue with the second group of Lalibela churches, including the remarkable Church of St. George, carved in the shape of a Greek cross. The visit completes your understanding of Lalibela as a “New Jerusalem.” After lunch, transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for rest and relaxation. The day beautifully concludes your journey through Ethiopia’s ancient Christian heritage. Overnight at a hotel in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Triple-E Hotel and Spa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Addis Ababa City Tour
Addis Ababa City Tour
Today is dedicated to exploring Addis Ababa. Begin with a drive to Entoto Mountain, offering panoramic views over the capital and insight into where the city was founded. Visit the National Museum, home to the 3.2-million-year-old fossil “Lucy.” Continue to Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of Ethiopia’s most important religious sites and the burial place of Emperor Haile Selassie. This city tour provides historical, cultural, and political context before heading south. Overnight at a hotel in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Triple-E Hotel and Spa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Addis Ababa – Arba Minch – Dorze Village
Addis Ababa – Arba Minch – Dorze Village
Fly south to Arba Minch, located in the Great Rift Valley. In the afternoon, drive to Dorze Village, home of the Dorze people, famous for their towering beehive-shaped houses and exceptional cotton weaving skills. Learn about their traditional lifestyle, weaving techniques, and local customs. Enjoy spectacular views of the Gughe Mountains along the way. This visit offers an authentic cultural encounter, untouched by mass tourism. Overnight at a hotel in Arba Minch.
- Main Destination:
- Arba Minch (City)
- Accommodation:
- Arbaminch Tourist Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Lake Chamo & Nech Sar National
Lake Chamo & Nech Sar National
In the morning, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Chamo, known for its large crocodiles, hippos, and abundant birdlife. Afterward, visit Nech Sar National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most scenic protected areas. Explore grasslands and savannahs while spotting wildlife such as zebras, Swayne’s hartebeest, kudu, dik-dik, and various bird species. The park offers stunning views between Lakes Abaya and Chamo. Return to Arba Minch in the afternoon. Overnight at a hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Arba Minch (City)
- Accommodation:
- Arbaminch Tourist Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Arba Minch – Konso – Turmi
Arba Minch – Konso – Turmi
Drive south toward Turmi, passing through diverse landscapes and ethnic regions. Stop to visit the Konso people, a UNESCO-listed cultural group known for their terraced farming, wooden statues, and strong community traditions. Continue through areas inhabited by the Derase, Tsemay, and Erbore peoples, observing daily life along the route. Arrive in Turmi, the heartland of the Hamer tribe, known for their elaborate hairstyles and adornments. Overnight at a lodge in Turmi.
- Main Destination:
- Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Turmi Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Omo River – Dasenech & Karo Tribes
Omo River – Dasenech & Karo Tribes
In the morning, drive to the Omo River and cross to visit the Dasenech tribe, who live along the riverbanks and depend on fishing and flood-retreat agriculture. In the afternoon, continue to the Karo tribe, famous for their intricate body painting using chalk and natural pigments. Visit a Karo village perched dramatically above the Omo River, offering breathtaking views. Enjoy a guided walk along the river, spotting birds and possibly crocodiles. Overnight at a lodge.
- Main Destination:
- Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Turmi Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Turmi – Jinka via Key Afer
Turmi – Jinka via Key Afer
Drive to Jinka, stopping at Key Afer, a lively market town where several tribes gather on market days. Visit the Ari and Buna peoples, learning about their farming practices, pottery, and daily life. The drive showcases the cultural diversity of the Omo Valley and its varied landscapes. Arrive in Jinka in the afternoon and relax at your hotel after an eventful day of cultural exploration. Overnight at a hotel in Jinka.
- Main Destination:
- Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Nasa Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 12
Mago National Park – Mursi – Addis Ababa
Mago National Park – Mursi – Addis Ababa
Early in the morning, drive into Mago National Park, home to diverse wildlife including antelope, buffalo, and numerous bird species. Continue to visit the Mursi people, known for their distinctive lip plates and strong cultural identity. Learn about their traditions and way of life in a respectful, guided visit. In the afternoon, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Addis Ababa, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through Ethiopia’s history, culture, and tribal heritage.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
