Essence Ethiopia Tours

5.0/5 – 78 Reviews

$1,650 pp (USD)

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Breakdown of Costs
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Start Date
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

Welcome to Addis Ababa, the vibrant gateway to Ethiopia. Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in and refreshment.
Your exploration of the capital begins with a guided city tour, offering insight into Ethiopia’s rich history and culture:
Visit the renowned National Museum of Ethiopia, where you will encounter the 3.2-million-year-old fossil “Lucy,” one of the oldest hominid remains ever discovered.
Explore Mercato, Africa’s largest open-air market, a bustling hub of commerce where locals trade everything from spices to handmade crafts.
Drive up to Entoto Hill for panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into Addis Ababa’s historical origins.
This day provides a perfect introduction to Ethiopia’s past and present.
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 Dire Dawa – Drive to Harar

Fly to Dire Dawa – Drive to Harar

Take a morning flight to Dire Dawa, known for its unique blend of Ethiopian, Arabic, and colonial influences. From here, embark on a scenic drive through changing landscapes toward the ancient city of Harar.
In the afternoon, begin exploring Harar’s fascinating old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site:
Wander through the narrow alleyways of the historic Jugol, the walled city that has preserved its character for centuries.
Visit traditional Harari homes, known for their distinctive interior design and cultural symbolism.
Discover local markets and cultural landmarks, where daily life unfolds in vibrant color.
Overnight: Harar.

Main Destination:
Harar (Town)
Accommodation:
Ferej Hotel
  • Budget located in Harar (Town)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

FullDay in Harar & Hyena Feeding

FullDay in Harar & Hyena Feeding

Spend a full day immersed in the cultural and spiritual atmosphere of Harar.
Your exploration includes:
Visits to Harar’s historic mosques and sacred shrines, reflecting its reputation as the “City of Saints.”
A stop at the former residence of Arthur Rimbaud, offering insight into the life of the famous poet who once lived and traded here.
Time to explore vibrant markets and artisan quarters, where traditional crafts and local life thrive.
In the evening, experience one of Ethiopia’s most unique traditions—the hyena feeding ritual. Under the guidance of local “hyena men,” you will witness (and optionally participate in) the feeding of wild hyenas by hand, a centuries-old practice rooted in coexistence and folklore.
Overnight: Harar.

Main Destination:
Harar (Town)
Accommodation:
Ferej Hotel
  • Budget located in Harar (Town)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Drive to Dire Dawa – Fly to Addis Ababa – Mekelle

Drive to Dire Dawa – Fly to Addis Ababa – Mekelle

After breakfast, drive back to Dire Dawa for your return flight to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, connect with your onward flight to Mekelle, the gateway to the remarkable rock-hewn churches of Tigray. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short orientation of the city.
Overnight: Mekelle.

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

Day 5

Mekelle – Gheralta Mountains – Abune Yemata Guh

Mekelle – Gheralta Mountains – Abune Yemata Guh

Today, journey to the dramatic landscapes of the Gheralta Mountains, known for their sandstone cliffs and hidden ancient churches.
Visit the extraordinary Abuna Yemata Guh, one of the most iconic and adventurous sites in Ethiopia:
Ascend a steep rock face with the assistance of local guides
Traverse narrow ledges with breathtaking views over the surrounding valleys
Enter the cliff-top church, where beautifully preserved frescoes and ancient religious artifacts reveal centuries of devotion
This experience combines physical adventure with deep spiritual and historical significance.
Overnight: Hawzen.

Main Destination:
Hawzen (Town)
Accommodation:
Vision Hotel
  • Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Visit Negash Mosque – Return to Addis Ababa

Visit Negash Mosque – Return to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, visit the historic Negash Mosque, considered one of the earliest Islamic sites in Africa. It is closely associated with the first migration of followers of Prophet Muhammad to Ethiopia, highlighting the country’s long-standing tradition of religious tolerance.
After the visit, drive back to Mekelle for your return flight to Addis Ababa.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:
Mekele (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 7

Free Time & Departure

Free Time & Departure

Enjoy a relaxed day in Addis Ababa before your departure.
Options include:
Shopping for souvenirs such as handicrafts, coffee, and textiles
Visiting local cafés to experience Ethiopia’s renowned coffee culture
Optional cultural activities or short excursions depending on your schedule
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure, marking the end of your memorable 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.