Essence Ethiopia Tours

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$1,870 pp (USD)

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Age at the end of the tour
*This tour does not accept children under 1.
Travelers

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

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

Day 1

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional team and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and a short refresh, begin exploring Addis Ababa, the political and cultural capital of Africa.

Depending on your arrival time, visits may include the Ethnological Museum (located within the former imperial palace), the historic Holy Trinity Cathedral, or a walk through the vibrant Mercato, one of the largest open-air markets on the continent. This first day provides an excellent introduction to Ethiopia’s history, diversity, and everyday life.

Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:
Addis Ababa (City)
Accommodation:
Sun View Addis Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2

Fly to Jinka | Mursi & Hamar Peoples | Drive to Turmi

Fly to Jinka | Mursi & Hamar Peoples | Drive to Turmi

After an early breakfast, take a domestic flight to Jinka, the main gateway to the Omo Valley. Upon arrival, drive toward Key Afer to visit the Mursi tribe, renowned for their strong cultural identity and distinctive traditions.

Continue south to explore Hamar villages, famous for their elaborate hairstyles, colorful clothing, and rich ceremonial life. In the late afternoon, drive to Turmi, a small town that serves as the cultural center of the Hamar region.

Overnight: Turmi.

Main Destination:
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Emerald Lodge Turmi
  • Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Dasanech & Karo People's Exploration

Dasanech & Karo People's Exploration

Today is devoted to discovering two remarkable ethnic groups living along the lower Omo River.
In the morning, travel to visit the Dasanech People's, who inhabit the remote riverbanks near the Kenya–Ethiopia border and are known for their adaptive lifestyle and creative use of natural materials. Later, continue to the Karo ethnic groups, one of the smallest but most visually striking communities in the Omo Valley, celebrated for intricate body painting, scarification, and dramatic riverside village settings.

After a culturally rich day, return to Turmi.

Overnight: Turmi.

Main Destination:
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Emerald Lodge Turmi
  • Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Key Afer Market | Fly Back to Addis Ababa

Key Afer Market | Fly Back to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, drive to Key Afer, home to one of the most vibrant weekly markets in Southern Ethiopia. The market attracts multiple ethnic groups—including the Hamar, Bena, Ari, and Tsemay—creating a colorful and lively atmosphere ideal for cultural observation and photography.

After the market visit, transfer back to Jinka Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Sun View Addis Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Fly to Lalibela | Rock-Hewn Churches

Fly to Lalibela | Rock-Hewn Churches

After breakfast, fly north to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Begin exploring the legendary rock-hewn churches, carved from a single block of volcanic rock in the 12th century during the reign of King Lalibela. Today’s visits include the first group of churches such as Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and Bet Golgotha, each connected by tunnels and trenches and still active places of worship.

Overnight: Lalibela.

Main Destination:
Lalibela (Town)
Accommodation:
Tabor Hotel Lalibela
  • Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Remaining Churches of Lalibela | Fly Back to Addis Ababa – Departure

Remaining Churches of Lalibela | Fly Back to Addis Ababa – Departure

In the morning, continue visiting the remaining churches, highlighted by Bet Giyorgis (Church of St. George), the most iconic and beautifully preserved of all Lalibela’s churches.

Later, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa, where you will connect with your international departure or conclude your unforgettable Ethiopian journey.

Main Destination:
No major destination visited
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

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

Interested in This Tour?

Request a Quote

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  • Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Essence Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Essence Ethiopia Tours.