Essence Ethiopia Tours

5.0/5 – 64 Reviews

$3,300 pp (USD)

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Start Date
Age at the end of the tour
*This tour does not accept children under 5.
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 |City Tour

Arrival in Addis Ababa |City Tour

Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will receive a warm welcome from our representative and be transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, begin a guided city tour of Ethiopia’s vibrant capital.
Visits may include the National Museum (home of the famous hominid fossil Lucy), the Ethnological Museum housed in the former imperial palace, and Holy Trinity Cathedral. If time permits, enjoy a panoramic city view from Mount Entoto or explore local markets for a first encounter with Ethiopian daily 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 Lalibela | Rock-Hewn Churches Tour

Fly to Lalibela | Rock-Hewn Churches Tour

Take a morning flight to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin exploring the remarkable rock-hewn churches, carved from solid rock in the 12th century.
Visit the first church cluster, including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Golgotha-Mikael, followed by the iconic Bete Giorgis (St. George’s Church), considered the architectural masterpiece of Lalibela.
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 3

Rural Farming Tour & Traditional Coffee Ceremony

Rural Farming Tour & Traditional Coffee Ceremony

Today is dedicated to authentic cultural interaction. Visit nearby rural farming communities, where you will learn about traditional Ethiopian agriculture, crop cultivation, and rural livelihoods.
In the afternoon, experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a deeply rooted cultural ritual symbolizing hospitality, respect, and community. Enjoy freshly roasted coffee, local snacks, and cultural storytelling.
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 4

Trek to Asheton Maryam & Remaining Lalibela Churches

Trek to Asheton Maryam & Remaining Lalibela Churches

In the morning, enjoy a gentle trek or mule-assisted journey to Asheton Maryam Monastery, perched high above Lalibela with panoramic views of the surrounding highlands.
Later, visit the remaining eastern group of churches, including Bete Amanuel, Bete Abba Libanos, and Bete Merkorios, showcasing advanced medieval engineering and religious symbolism.
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 5

Fly to Gondar | Imperial Castles & Historic Churches

Fly to Gondar | Imperial Castles & Historic Churches

Fly to Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia. Begin your city tour at the Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 17th-century castles and palaces.
Continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its stunning wall paintings and iconic ceiling decorated with angelic faces.
Overnight: Gondar.

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

Day 6

Drive to Simien Mountains National Park

Drive to Simien Mountains National Park

After breakfast, drive to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dramatic landscapes and endemic wildlife.
Enjoy scenic views of deep gorges, rugged escarpments, and highland plateaus. Upon arrival, settle into your campsite and take a short walk to observe Gelada baboons and admire the sunset over the mountains.
Overnight: Camping (Simien Mountains).

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

Accommodation:
Budget camping
  • Inside Simien Mountains NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Exploration of Simien Mountains

Exploration of Simien Mountains

Spend a full day exploring the Simien Mountains, often referred to as the “Roof of Africa.” Guided walks lead you along breathtaking viewpoints such as Imet Gogo or nearby escarpments.
Wildlife sightings may include Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and diverse bird species. Walks are flexible and adapted to your comfort level, with no strenuous trekking unless desired.
Overnight: Camping (Simien Mountains).

Main Destination:
Simien Mountains National Park
Accommodation:
Budget camping
  • Inside Simien Mountains NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8

Morning Visit & Drive Back to Gondar

Morning Visit & Drive Back to Gondar

Morning Visit & Drive Back to Gondar
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning walk or wildlife observation in the Simien Mountains. Then drive back to Gondar, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.
The afternoon is free to relax or explore the town at leisure.
Overnight: Gondar.

Main Destination:
Simien Mountains National Park
Accommodation:
HaZ Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Drive Gondar to Bahir Dar | Lake Tana Monasteries

Drive Gondar to Bahir Dar | Lake Tana Monasteries

Drive to Bahir Dar, passing through fertile countryside and traditional villages.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Visit historic island or peninsula monasteries such as Ura Kidane Mehret, known for its vibrant murals and ancient manuscripts.
Overnight: Bahir Dar.

Main Destination:
Lake Tana
Accommodation:
Lake Avenue Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10

Blue Nile Falls | Fly to Addis Ababa

Blue Nile Falls | Fly to Addis Ababa

Visit the impressive Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat) in the morning, especially dramatic during high-water seasons.
Later, transfer to Bahir Dar airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. The evening is free for rest or optional cultural dining.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:
Blue Nile Falls (Highlight)
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 11

Fly to Jinka | Ari Villages & Omo Cultural Center

Fly to Jinka | Ari Villages & Omo Cultural Center

Fly to Jinka, the gateway to Ethiopia’s Omo Valley. Visit Ari villages, known for their farming lifestyle, pottery, and metalwork traditions.
Continue to the South Omo Research Center (Omo Cultural Center) to gain an introduction to the diverse ethnic groups of the region and their customs.
Overnight: Jinka.

Main Destination:
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Nasa Hotel
  • Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 12

Visit Mursi & Hamar Villages | Drive to Turmi

Visit Mursi & Hamar Villages | Drive to Turmi

In the morning, drive to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people, famous for their distinctive cultural traditions.
Later, continue to Turmi to visit Hamar villages, known for their vibrant attire, body adornment, and rich ceremonial life.
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 13

Explore Dassanech & Karo Communities

Explore Dassanech & Karo Communities

Travel south to explore the Dassanech people, who live along the Omo River near the Ethiopian-Kenyan border.
Later, visit the Karo people, renowned for their elaborate body painting and riverside settlements. If timing allows, explore a local market for lively cultural interaction.
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 14

Drive to Jinka | Fly to Addis Ababa | Departure

Drive to Jinka | Fly to Addis Ababa | Departure

Drive to Jinka | Fly to Addis Ababa | Departure
At the morning After breakfast, drive back to Jinka for your flight to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, connect with your international departure or enjoy a brief stop depending on flight schedules.
End of Services.

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

  • We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why)
  • 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

Next: Request a Quote

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.