17-Day Amazing Nature and Culture Experiences in Ethiopia

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

Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

Arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa where your guide warmly welcomes you and transfers you to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy an introductory city tour including the famous National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the 3.2-million-year-old fossil “Lucy.” Later experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and learn about the country’s rich culture and hospitality. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Caravan Hotel

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

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

Travel to Bahir Dar located on the southern shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake. In the afternoon enjoy a relaxing boat trip to ancient island monasteries decorated with colorful religious paintings. Later visit the impressive Blue Nile Falls where the Blue Nile plunges dramatically into a deep gorge. The peaceful lakeside atmosphere makes Bahir Dar one of Ethiopia’s most beautiful towns.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

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

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Bahir Dar to Gondar

Drive to the historic city of Gondar, once the capital of the Ethiopian Empire. Explore the fascinating castles and palaces of the Fasil Ghebbi royal complex, often called the “Camelot of Africa.” Later visit the famous Debre Berhan Selassie Church, known for its beautiful ceiling covered with painted angels. Gondar offers a unique glimpse into Ethiopia’s medieval history and architecture.

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 to Simien Mountains National Park

Drive to the breathtaking landscapes of Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic cliffs and deep valleys. Enjoy scenic hikes while spotting endemic wildlife such as Gelada monkeys and Walia ibex. The park offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in Africa. Continue to Debark for overnight, the gateway town to the 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

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 – Gondar – Addis Ababa

After breakfast enjoy a final morning walk in the Simien Mountains, admiring the panoramic views and unique wildlife. Later return to Gondar and take a flight back to Addis Ababa. In the evening you may explore local restaurants, experience Ethiopian cuisine, or enjoy cultural music and dance performances that highlight the country’s rich traditions.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Caravan Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Addis Ababa to Axum

Fly to the ancient city of Axum, one of Africa’s oldest civilizations and the former capital of the Axumite Kingdom. Visit the famous Obelisks of Axum, towering granite monuments carved nearly 2,000 years ago. Explore archaeological sites, royal tombs, and ancient ruins that reveal the glory of this powerful empire.

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 Exploration

Spend the day exploring Axum’s historic and religious landmarks. Visit the sacred Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, believed by many to house the Ark of the Covenant. Continue to the ruins of the legendary Queen of Sheba Palace and other archaeological remains. Axum’s rich history and spiritual importance make it one of Ethiopia’s most fascinating destinations.

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 to Mekele

Drive through dramatic mountain scenery and traditional villages toward Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region. Along the journey enjoy impressive landscapes of rugged hills, rocky outcrops, and agricultural terraces. Stop in small villages to observe local life and rural culture. Evening arrival in Mekelle with time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this lively regional city.

Main Destination:

Mekele (City)

Accommodation:

Planet Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Mekele (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Mekele to Addis Ababa

Fly from Mekelle back to Addis Ababa. The rest of the day is free for relaxation, shopping, or optional sightseeing. Visit local craft markets to purchase Ethiopian coffee, traditional textiles, and handmade souvenirs. Addis Ababa offers a vibrant mix of modern culture and traditional heritage.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Caravan Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Addis Ababa to Lalibela

Fly north to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most remarkable historical destinations. Begin exploring the extraordinary Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved directly from volcanic rock in the 12th century. Walk through tunnels and passageways connecting these incredible churches while learning about their religious and historical significance.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Top Twelve Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Lalibela

Continue exploring Lalibela’s remaining churches including the iconic Bete Giyorgis, famous for its perfect cross-shaped design carved into solid rock. Enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and interact with local priests and residents to learn about Ethiopian Orthodox traditions and daily life in this historic town.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Top Twelve Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Lalibela to Addis Ababa

After breakfast in Lalibela, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. Visit local markets for traditional handicrafts and Ethiopian coffee, relax at a café, or experience authentic cuisine at a traditional restaurant. This relaxing day offers a pleasant break before continuing your journey to southern Ethiopia’s fascinating tribal regions.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Caravan Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Addis Ababa to Jinka

Fly to Jinka, the gateway to the fascinating Omo Valley. Visit the local ethnographic museum to learn about the many indigenous tribes of the region. Explore nearby villages and observe traditional lifestyles that have remained largely unchanged for generations.

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)

Jinka – Karo – Turmi

Travel through scenic landscapes to visit the villages of the Karo Tribe, known for elaborate body painting and decorative traditions. Continue to Turmi, home of the Hamar people. Experience their unique customs, colorful clothing, and lively cultural traditions.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Turmi Lodge

• Budget lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Turmi – Omorate – Konso

Cross the Omo River to visit the Dassanech Tribe near Omorate, where people live in a harsh desert environment relying on fishing and livestock. Continue to Konso, a UNESCO cultural landscape known for impressive stone terraces and unique village architecture.

Main Destination:

Konso (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Kanta Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Konso (Cultural Village)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Konso – Dorze – Arba Minch

Travel toward Arba Minch with a stop in Dorze village. The Dorze people are famous for tall bamboo houses shaped like elephant heads and for their traditional weaving skills. Enjoy spectacular views of the Rift Valley and learn about the unique cultural traditions of southern Ethiopia.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

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

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Arba Minch – Lake Chamo – Addis Ababa

Take a morning boat trip on Lake Chamo to see hippos, large Nile crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. The lake offers one of the best wildlife experiences in southern Ethiopia. Later fly back to Addis Ababa for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your international departure.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch 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.