15-Day North & South Ethiopia Cultural Discovery Tour

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

Addis Ababa City Tour

Start your adventure with a city tour of Addis Ababa, exploring its rich history and cultural landmarks, including the National Museum of Ethiopia. Continue to the lively Mercato market, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, where you can experience local daily life and vibrant trade. Enjoy traditional Ethiopian cuisine and coffee during your cultural experience in the capital. End the day with a visit to Mount Entoto and the Menelik II Palace, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views over Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Triple-E Hotel and Spa

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

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar and Visit Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls

Catch a flight to Bahir Dar, located by Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. Take a boat ride to visit the beautiful monasteries on the islands of Lake Tana, and then head to the Blue Nile Falls, one of Ethiopia’s most famous natural attractions. The spectacular waterfall and its surrounding lush scenery are a perfect way to begin your journey through northern Ethiopia.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

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

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly Bahir Dar to Gondar and Visit Gondar Castles & Debre Birhan Selassie Church

Fly from Bahir Dar to Gondar, known for its medieval architecture and historical significance. Explore the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including the impressive Gondar Castles, and visit the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its beautiful ceiling murals. Discover Gondar’s rich history as you wander through the city’s ancient streets.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

AG Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive Gondar to Sankaber and Visit Chimpanzee Baboon

Embark on a scenic drive to Sankaber, located on the edge of the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a trek to spot the iconic Gelada Baboon, known for its colorful chest and unique behavior. The stunning landscape of the Simien Mountains offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy Ethiopia’s rugged beauty and wildlife.

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:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Chenek, Visit Walia Ibex, Jinbar River & Return to Gondar

Early in the morning, drive to Chenek, one of the best spots for wildlife watching in the Simien Mountains. Visit the Walia Ibex, a wild goat found only in Ethiopia, and explore the Jinbar River, where you can enjoy breathtaking views. In the afternoon, return to Gondar for an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

AG Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly Gondar to Lalibela, Visit First & Second Group Churches

Fly to Lalibela, famous for its rock-hewn churches that are considered one of Ethiopia’s greatest architectural wonders. Begin your visit by exploring the first and second groups of churches, including the iconic Church of St. George. These ancient monolithic structures, carved into the mountains, provide a fascinating glimpse into Ethiopia's rich religious heritage.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Mountain View Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Visit the 3rd Group of Churches and Fly Back to Addis Ababa

Continue your exploration of Lalibela with a visit to the third group of churches, each with its unique historical and spiritual significance. Afterward, catch a flight back to Addis Ababa, where you can relax and reflect on the wonders you’ve seen. This evening is free for leisure or additional exploration in the capital city.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Triple-E Hotel and Spa

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly Addis Ababa to Semera and Drive to Hamdella, Visit Lake Afdera

Fly to Semera, the capital of the Afar region, and embark on a drive to Hamdella. En route, stop by Lake Afdera, a saline lake known for its striking landscape and salt extraction activities. Enjoy a sunset view of the lake and the surrounding desert, a stunning contrast to Ethiopia's lush northern highlands.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Early Morning Sunrise at Lake Asale, Visit Dallol Minerals & Erta Ale Volcano

Wake up early to catch the sunrise at Lake Asale, one of the lowest points on Earth, before heading to the Dallol depression to marvel at its colorful mineral deposits and bubbling hot springs. In the afternoon, drive to the Erta Ale volcano, an active lava lake that offers an extraordinary experience. Witness the volcanic activity up close, one of the most unique natural phenomena on the planet.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Semera & Fly Back to Addis Ababa

In the morning, drive back to Semera, passing through the striking desert landscapes of the Afar region. Afterward, take a flight back to Addis Ababa, where you can relax or enjoy a cultural evening in the capital. Reflect on your incredible journey through Ethiopia’s most remote and rugged regions.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Triple-E Hotel and Spa

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly Addis Ababa to Jinka, Visit Mursi & Hamar Villages

Fly to Jinka, located in the heart of the Omo Valley, and begin your exploration of the local tribes. Visit the Mursi people, known for their iconic lip plates, and then head to the Hamar tribe, famous for their bull-jumping ceremony. Immerse yourself in the unique traditions and lifestyles of these fascinating groups.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Emerald Lodge Turmi

• Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive from Turmi to Dassanech Tribes & Karo Villages

Drive from Turmi to visit the Dassanech tribe, who live near the border of Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan, and learn about their nomadic culture. Continue to the Karo people, known for their intricate body painting and elaborate rituals. This day offers a deep dive into the diversity of Ethiopia’s southern tribes.

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)

Drive from Turmi to Konso, Visit Villages

Travel from Turmi to Konso, a region known for its terraced hills and well-preserved cultural heritage. Explore the Konso villages, where traditional practices, including unique architecture and agricultural techniques, have been maintained for centuries. Discover the rich history and resilience of the Konso people, who have adapted to a challenging environment.

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)

Visit Lake Chamo & Dorze Villages

Begin your day with a visit to Lake Chamo, where you can take a boat trip to spot crocodiles, hippos, and abundant birdlife. Later, head to the Dorze villages, famous for their beehive-shaped homes and traditional weaving techniques. Enjoy learning about the Dorze people’s way of life, which has remained largely unchanged for generations.

Main Destination:

Lake Chamo

Accommodation:

Wubete Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Visit Forty Springs and Drive to Airport for Flight to Addis Ababa

On your final day, visit the Forty Springs area near Arba Minch, a place of natural beauty and cultural importance. Take a leisurely stroll through the springs, surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife. In the afternoon, drive back to the airport and catch your flight back to Addis Ababa, bringing an end to this unforgettable Ethiopian adventure.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner 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.