15-Day Northern Heritage and Omo Valley Expedition

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

Arrive in Addis Ababa

Arrival and warm welcome to Ethiopia’s vibrant capital, set at 2,400m above sea level. After check-in, begin your city tour with the National Museum, home to the famous fossil “Lucy,” one of the oldest human ancestors ever discovered. Continue to Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important religious and historical site, then explore Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, full of colors, spices and daily life. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with live music, dance and a coffee ceremony. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Ethiopian Skylight Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Addis Ababa - Bahirdar

Fly to Bahir Dar, a picturesque town set along the shores of Lake Tana—the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the legendary Blue Nile. Upon arrival, embark on a scenic boat excursion across the tranquil waters to explore centuries-old island monasteries, renowned for their vibrant religious murals and rich spiritual heritage.
In the afternoon, continue with a drive to the impressive Blue Nile Falls (seasonal), where the river plunges dramatically through lush green landscapes, offering a memorable natural spectacle. As the day winds down, enjoy a peaceful sunset stroll along the lakeside, soaking in the calm atmosphere and charm of this beautiful destination. Optional activities are available at additional cost. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Blue Nile Resort Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gondar

Drive through the countryside to Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia. Visit the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO-listed complex of castles built in the 17th century, often called the “Camelot of Africa.” Continue to Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its ceiling covered with painted angels and beautiful biblical murals. Learn about Ethiopia’s royal history and cultural heritage while exploring this fascinating historic city. Overnight in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Simien Mountain National Park

After breakfast journey to the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its dramatic escarpments, jagged peaks, and deep, sweeping valleys. Upon arrival, set out on a guided trek along scenic mountain trails, where every turn reveals spectacular panoramic viewpoints across one of Africa’s most striking highland landscapes.
Along the way, encounter unique endemic wildlife, including the charismatic Gelada baboon, the rare Walia ibex, and a variety of highland bird species. The crisp mountain air and awe-inspiring scenery create an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
After the excursion, return to Gondar or opt to stay near the park for an overnight experience. Optional activities are available at additional cost.

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:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lalibela

Fly from Gondar to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual and religious heart. Visit the first cluster of extraordinary rock-hewn churches, carved directly from solid rock in the 12th century under King Lalibela. These architectural masterpieces remain active places of worship and pilgrimage. Walk through narrow passageways and tunnels connecting the churches while learning about their history and symbolism. Experience the sacred and peaceful atmosphere. Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Hill Top Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lalibela

Explore the second group of Lalibela’s remarkable churches, including the iconic, cross-shaped Church of St. George, one of Ethiopia’s most photographed landmarks. Observe local worshippers dressed in white traditional garments. Optional hike to Asheton Maryam Monastery for panoramic views of the surrounding highlands. Enjoy time interacting with the local community and learning about ancient Christian traditions that continue to thrive today. Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Lalibela Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Addis Abeba

Fly back to Addis Ababa. The afternoon is free for relaxation, souvenir shopping, or visiting additional museums and cafés. You may explore local art galleries or enjoy traditional Ethiopian cuisine. In the evening, optional cultural dinner with music and dance performance. Prepare for your journey to southern Ethiopia. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Jano Hotel

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Flight to Arba Minch

Fly early from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch. After breakfast, visit Forty Springs and the Crocodile Market. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, and birdlife. After lunch, explore Dorze Village with its beehive-shaped huts and weaving culture. Return to Arba Minch for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Arbaminch - Konso village Turmi

After breakfast, depart for Turmi with a stop en route at the remarkable Konso Village. Enjoy lunch along the way before exploring one of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed settlements, celebrated for its terraced landscapes, cultural heritage, and symbolic wooden generation markers.
Following your visit, continue your journey to Turmi, the cultural heart of the Hamer people.
Overnight: Hotel or Lodge in Turmi.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Turmi Lodge

• Budget lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Dassanech Villages – Jinka

Travel to Omorate in the morning and cross the Omo River by local boat to visit the Dassanech community. After returning to Turmi for lunch, continue to Dimeka to explore its vibrant weekly market, where Hamer, Bena, and Kara communities gather.
If not experienced earlier, there may be another opportunity to witness the bull-jumping ceremony here. Continue onward to Jinka and, if time permits, visit the local museum for insights into the cultures of the Omo Valley.
Overnight: Hotel or Lodge in Jinka.

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:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly from Jinka - Addis Ababa

Mursi Village – Return to Addis Ababa Set out early in the morning for a visit to a Mursi village, known for its distinctive cultural practices, including lip plates and elaborate body adornment. After the visit, return to Jinka for lunch before flying back to Addis Ababa. overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly from Addis Ababa - Semera - Erta Ale

Addis Ababa – Semera – Erta Ale Volcano
After an early morning flight from Addis Ababa to Semera, meet your Afar guide and security escort. Travel by 4×4 through the arid Afar landscape toward Erta Ale, one of the world’s few permanently active lava lakes.
Arrive at base camp in the late afternoon. After dinner, hike to the summit of Erta Ale volcano to observe glowing lava bubbling inside the crater under the night sky. Overnight Erta Ale campsite.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Erta Ale - Hamedela

Travel to the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. Visit the colorful hydrothermal fields of Dallol with their bright yellow, green, and orange mineral formations. Observe traditional salt mining caravans crossing vast salt flats. The surreal volcanic landscape offers a truly otherworldly experience. Overnight camping near the volcano.

Main Destination:

Hamad Ela (Village)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Dallol - Lake Assale - Semera

Today you will explor Dallol – Lake Assale – Semera, depart very early to visit Dallol, one of the hottest places on Earth and the lowest point in Africa. Explore its surreal landscape of colorful sulfur springs, salt canyons, and mineral formations created by volcanic and geothermal activity.
Continue to Lake Assale (Karum Salt Lake) before beginning the long drive back to Semera in the afternoon.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly from Semera - Addis Ababa

Return to Addis Ababa. Enjoy last-minute shopping or relaxation depending on your international flight time. We will assist you to enjoy your time then wi will transfer you to the airport for international departure, concluding your unforgettable Ethiopian cultural and adventure journey.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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