18-Day Northern Historical Route & Omo Valley Tour

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour

Welcome to Addis Ababa, the vibrant capital city of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided city tour including the National Museum, home of the famous fossil Lucy, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and panoramic views from Mount Entoto. You will also experience the lively atmosphere of Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets.

Overnight: Crescent Hotel Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Crescent International Hotel

• 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)

Flight to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries

Take a morning domestic flight to Bahir Dar, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Tana. After check-in, enjoy a relaxing boat trip across the lake to visit the historic Ura Kidane Mehret Monastery, famous for its colorful religious paintings and ancient manuscripts. Later, explore the lakeside city and local markets.

Overnight: Jacaranda hotel Bahir Dar.

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)

Blue Nile Falls – Drive to Gondar

In the morning, visit the magnificent Blue Nile Falls, locally known as “Tis Issat,” meaning “Smoking Water.” Enjoy a short scenic walk around the falls before returning to Bahir Dar. After lunch, drive through the beautiful Ethiopian highlands to Gondar, the former royal capital of Ethiopia.

Overnight: Goha Hotel-Gondar.

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 -Simien Mountains National Park

Drive to the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s most dramatic mountain ranges and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy spectacular scenery, deep valleys, cliffs, and unique wildlife. During the excursion, you may encounter Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and various endemic bird species while enjoying short hikes and panoramic viewpoints.

Overnight: Lodge in 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 Historical Tour

Early in the morning, enjoy a short hike and sunrise views in the Simien Mountains before driving back to Gondar. In the afternoon, explore the famous royal enclosure of Fasil Ghebbi and visit the beautifully painted Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its angel-covered ceiling and religious artwork.

Overnight: Goha Hotel Gondar.

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)

Flight to Lalibela – First Cluster Churches

Take a morning flight to Lalibela, home to Ethiopia’s most famous rock-hewn churches. In the afternoon, visit the first cluster of churches carved directly into solid rock during the 12th century. Learn about the fascinating history, architecture, and spiritual importance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight: Mountain View Hotel Lalibela.

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)

Explore Lalibela & Yimrehane Kristos

Drive approximately 42 km through beautiful mountain scenery to visit Yimrehane Kristos Church, an impressive medieval church built inside a cave. Return to Lalibela in the afternoon to continue exploring the second cluster of churches, including the iconic Bete Giyorgis.

Overnight: Mountain View Hotel Lalibela.

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)

Flight to Axum

Fly to Axum, the ancient center of the Axumite Kingdom and one of Africa’s oldest civilizations. Visit the impressive stelae field, archaeological sites, royal tombs, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed by many Ethiopians to house the Ark of the Covenant.

Overnight: Yared Hotel Axum.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Yared Zema International Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Around Axum – Yeha Temple

Today, drive to visit Yeha Temple, Ethiopia’s oldest standing structure dating back over 2,500 years. Continue exploring ancient churches and archaeological remains around Axum while learning about Ethiopia’s rich historical and religious heritage.

Overnight: Yared Hotel Axum.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Yared Zema International Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Axum – Mekele via Wukro

Drive south toward Mekelle through spectacular mountain scenery and traditional villages. Along the route, stop to visit the remarkable Wukro Chirkos Church, one of Tigray’s famous rock-hewn churches carved into sandstone cliffs.

Overnight: Planet Hotel Mekele.

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 – Hawzen – Gheralta Mountains

Depart Mekele and journey toward the dramatic Gheralta Mountains, known for their rugged sandstone formations and ancient cliff monasteries. After lunch, visit churches such as Abuna Yemata Guh or Mariam Korkor, famous for their challenging climbs, ancient frescoes, and spectacular panoramic views.

Overnight: Vision Hotel-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)

Exploring Gheralta Monasteries

Spend the day exploring additional hidden monasteries and rock churches across the Gheralta region. Visits may include Abreha we Atsbeha, Debre Tsion, and Petros and Paulos. Enjoy cultural encounters with local priests and villagers while photographing the dramatic mountain landscapes.

Overnight: Lodge in Gheralta.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Gheralta Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Tigray

Meals & Drinks:

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

Gheralta – Mekele – Addis Ababa

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning in the mountains before driving back to Mekele. Along the way, stop for scenic photography opportunities and local village visits. In the afternoon, take a domestic flight back to Addis Ababa.

Overnight: Crescent International Hotel Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Crescent International Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Addis Ababa – Arba Minch

Take a morning flight to Arba Minch. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic boat excursion on Lake Chamo to visit the famous “Crocodile Market,” where large Nile crocodiles, hippos, and abundant birdlife can be seen. Later, continue to Nechisar National Park for a game drive before visiting the Dorze people in the Guge Mountains, known for their bamboo houses and weaving traditions.

Overnight: Paradise Lodge Arba Minch.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge

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

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Arba Minch – Konso – Turmi

After breakfast, drive through scenic Rift Valley landscapes toward Turmi. En route, visit the UNESCO-listed Konso Cultural Landscape, famous for its stone terraces and traditional villages. Continue to Turmi, home of the Hamer people, recognized for their colorful clothing, unique hairstyles, and cultural traditions.

Overnight: Paradise Lodge Turmi.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge Turmi

• Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Kara & Nyangatom Tribes

Today, explore the rich tribal cultures of the Omo Valley. Visit the Kara (Karo) people along the Omo River, famous for elaborate body painting and scarification traditions. Continue to meet the Nyangatom tribe, semi-nomadic pastoralists with a strong traditional identity. Along the route, enjoy beautiful landscapes, birdlife, and cultural photography opportunities.

Overnight: Paradise Lodge Turmi.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge Turmi

• Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Dasanech or Arbore Tribe – Jinka

After breakfast, visit either the Dasanech tribe near the Omo River or the Arbore tribe depending on local accessibility and conditions. Learn about their pastoral lifestyle, traditions, and unique cultural identity. Afterwards, drive to Jinka through scenic landscapes. If your visit falls on Thursday, stop at the colorful Key Afer tribal market where different ethnic groups gather for trade.

Overnight: Omo Eco Lodge.

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:

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

Mursi Tribe – Fly Addis Ababa – Departure

Early in the morning, drive into Mago National Park to visit the famous Mursi Tribe, known for the women’s clay lip plates and strong cultural traditions. Enjoy authentic cultural interaction and photography opportunities before returning to Jinka Airport for your afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional farewell dinner with Ethiopian music and dance performances before your international departure flight.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (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.