$7,500 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival Addis Ababa and City Tour
Arrival Addis Ababa and City Tour
Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy breakfast before beginning your city tour.
Entoto Maryam Church: Visit this historic Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo church on the Entoto Hills, associated with Emperor Menelik II and the establishment of Addis Ababa as Ethiopia’s capita
Entoto Hills: Enjoy panoramic views of Addis Ababa from approximately 2,900 meters above sea level. The hills offer insight into Ethiopia’s imperial history and provide a refreshing introduction to the country’s
National Museum of Ethiopia: Discover Ethiopia’s extraordinary archaeological history, including the famous fossil remains of Lucy, an Australopithecus afarensis specimen that transformed our understanding of human evolution.
Merkato: Explore one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, where merchants sell spices, textiles, traditional crafts, household goods, and much more.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Best Western Plus Pearl Addis
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Semera and Danakil depression
Semera and Danakil depression
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your heai to Semera, the gateway to the Danakil Depression.
Upon arrival, meet your local team and begin your journey into the Afar region. Travel through the dramatic desert landscape toward the Afdera area, known for its extensive salt deposits and Lake Afdera, a saline lake that supports traditional salt production.
Continue to Ahmed Ella, where you will settle into your desert campsite and prepare for the following day’s exploration.
Overnight: Camping at Ahmed Ella.
Note: The day’s driving route and activities will depend on road conditions, local arrangements, and current security guidance.
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Danakil Depression-Erta Ale Volcano
Danakil Depression-Erta Ale Volcano
Begin the day with an excursion into the extraordinary landscapes of the Danakil Depression.
Visit the Ragad area, also known as Asebo, where local Afar workers extract salt from the desert floor. Observe traditional techniques used to break the salt into blocks, prepare it for transportation, and load it onto camels.
Continue exploring the region’s striking geological formations and vast desert scenery before traveling toward the Erta Ale area.
Erta Ale is famous for its volcanic landscapes and historically active lava lake. Depending on current volcanic conditions, accessibility, weather, and official safety guidance, your team will arrange the appropriate visit.
Overnight: Camping in the Erta Ale area.
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Erta ale Volcano to Hawzien
Erta ale Volcano to Hawzien
After breakfast, begin the journey toward Hawzen, traveling through the dramatic landscapes of the Afar and Tigray regions.
Along the way, visit Abreha wa Atsbeha Church, an important Ethiopian Orthodox religious site known for its impressive traditional architecture, religious paintings, and historical significance.
The church is associated with the early Christian history of Tigray and offers insight into the region’s longstanding religious traditions.
Continue to Hawzen, situated in the heart of the Gheralta region, famous for its sandstone mountains, ancient churches, and spectacular scenery.
- Main Destination:
- Hawzen (Town)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Vision Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Climb yo Abun Yemtha Guh and drive to Axum
Climb yo Abun Yemtha Guh and drive to Axum
After breakfast, travel into the Gheralta Mountains to visit Abuna Yemata Guh, one of Ethiopia’s most remarkable rock-hewn churches.
Dedicated to Abuna Yemata, one of the Nine Saints associated with the spread of Christianity in Ethiopia, the church is renowned for its dramatic mountain location, ancient paintings, and remarkable architecture.
Reaching the church involves a steep ascent over exposed rock, including sections that require scrambling and climbing. A reasonable level of fitness, surefootedness, and comfort with heights are essential. The visit is subject to local conditions and safety guidance.
Later, visit Yeha Temple, one of Ethiopia’s most important pre-Aksumite archaeological sites. Dating to approximately the first millennium BCE, the temple features carefully cut stone blocks and provides valuable evidence of early South Arabian cultural influences in northern Ethiopia.
Continue to Axum, the historic center of the ancient Aksumite civilization.
- Main Destination:
- Axum (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
-
Sabean International Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Explore Axum and Return to Addis Ababa
Explore Axum and Return to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, explore Axum, one of Ethiopia’s most important historical cities and the center of an ancient civilization that flourished for centuries.
Your sightseeing includes:
* Church of St. Mary of Zion: Visit one of Ethiopia’s most sacred Orthodox Christian sites, traditionally associated with the Ark of the Covenant.
* Chapel of the Tablet: Learn about the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition concerning the Ark of the Covenant, which is believed to be housed within the church complex.
* Stelae Park: Discover the monumental granite obelisks erected by the ancient Aksumite civilization.
* Tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel: Explore important royal burial sites associated with Aksum’s Christian period.
* Ezana’s Inscriptions: See historical inscriptions that provide evidence of the Aksumite kingdom’s political and religious history.
* Queen of Sheba’s Palace ruins: Visit the archaeological remains traditionally associated with the legendary Queen of Sheba and retun Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Cassiopeia Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Bahir Dar and Explore to Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls
Bahir Dar and Explore to Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls
After breakfast, transfer Bahir Dar, a beautiful city situated on the southern shore of Lake Tana.
Upon arrival, begin exploring the region’s natural and cultural attractions.
Blue Nile Falls: Visit Tis Abay, meaning “Great Smoke,” one of the region’s best-known natural attractions. The falls are located on the Blue Nile River, downstream from Lake Tana. The walking route and the volume of water visible will depend on seasonal conditions.
Boat Trip on Lake Tana: Take a boat excursion across Ethiopia’s largest lake, the source of the Blue Nile River. Visit Ura Kidane Mehret, a historic monastery on the Zege Peninsula known for its traditional circular architecture, religious artifacts, and colorful murals depicting biblical stories and Ethiopian saints.
Return to Bahir Dar in the afternoon.
- Main Destination:
- Blue Nile Falls (Highlight)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Drive to Gondar and Visit the Royal palace
Drive to Gondar and Visit the Royal palace
After breakfast, drive to Gondar, Ethiopia’s historic royal capital, founded by Emperor Fasilides in the 17th century.
Upon arrival, begin exploring the city’s remarkable historical landmarks.
Fasil Ghebbi Royal Enclosure: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site containing castles, palaces, and other historic structures built by successive Ethiopian rulers. The complex reflects a distinctive architectural style influenced by Ethiopian, Portuguese, and other regional traditions.
Debre Birhan Selassie Church: Visit one of Gondar’s most famous churches, renowned for its colorful wall paintings and ceiling decorated with rows of angelic faces.
Fasilides’ Bath: Explore the historic royal bathing enclosure, an important cultural landmark associated with the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Timkat, or Epiphany.
After sightseeing, return to your hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Gondar (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
-
Goha Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Excursions to Simine Mountain National Park
Excursions to Simine Mountain National Park
After breakfast, travel from Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most spectacular natural attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park is famous for its dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, towering peaks, and remarkable wildlife.
Upon arrival, enjoy a guided hike through the park, taking in panoramic mountain views and opportunities to observe endemic wildlife, including the Gelada monkey. With luck, you may also spot other highland species.
The length and difficulty of the hike can be adjusted according to your fitness level, available time, weather, and local conditions.
In the afternoon, return to Gondar.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Goha Hotel
Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Gondar to Lalibela and Explore the Churchs
Gondar to Lalibela and Explore the Churchs
After breakfast Heading to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most celebrated historical and religious destinations.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy lunch before beginning your exploration of the extraordinary rock-hewn churche
Bete Maryam: One of the most celebrated churches in Lalibela, featuring intricate architectural details and religious paintings.
Bete Meskel: A small rock-hewn chapel associated with the Bete Maryam complex.
Bete Denagel: A chapel traditionally associated with the commemoration of Christian virgins and martyrs.
Bete Medhane Alem: One of Lalibela’s most impressive churches, known for its monumental size, numerous columns, and remarkable rock-hewn architecture.
Bete Golgotha-Mika’el: A religious complex associated with some of Lalibela’s most sacred traditions,
Bete Giyorgis: Dedicated to Saint George, this iconic cross-shaped church is carved into the rock and is widely regarded as one of Lalibela’s most striking architectural masterpieces.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Tabor Hotel Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Hike to Asheten Mariyam Rock Hewn Churchs
Hike to Asheten Mariyam Rock Hewn Churchs
After breakfast hike Asheton Maryam Church, situated high in the mountains overlooking Lalibela.
The journey offers beautiful views of the surrounding highlands and rural landscapes. At the church, learn about its religious history and explore its traditional Ethiopian Orthodox heritage.
Return to Lalibela in the afternoon and continue the remaining rock hewn church’s.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Tabor Hotel Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 12
Attend mass services and Remianing Church
Attend mass services and Remianing Church
After breakfast, continue exploring Lalibela’s remarkable rock-hewn churches, particularly those in the southeastern cluster.
Highlights include:
* Bete Gabriel-Rufael: A remarkable rock-hewn religious complex associated with the archangels Gabriel and Raphael.
* Bete Emmanuel: Known for its carefully executed stonework and architectural features.
* Bete Abba Libanos: A church carved into the rock and associated with the religious heritage of King Lalibela’s period.
* Bete Marqorios: Another historic church forming part of Lalibela’s extensive sacred landscape.
Your guide will explain the architectural techniques, religious traditions, and historical significance of these extraordinary monuments.
After the visit, transfer to Lalibela Airport and retune to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Cassiopeia Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 13
Drive to Hawessa via Abijatta -Sahlla National Park
Drive to Hawessa via Abijatta -Sahlla National Park
After breakfast, depart Addis Ababa and travel south toward Hawassa, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Ethiopian Rift Valley.
Along the way, visit Abijatta-Shalla National Park, a protected area featuring two striking alkaline lakes surrounded by grasslands, acacia woodland, and open savanna.
The park supports a variety of wildlife and bird species, including gazelles, warthogs, ostriches, and numerous resident and migratory birds.
Enjoy opportunities for wildlife observation, birdwatching, and photography before continuing to Hawassa.
Arrive in Hawassa in the late afternoon and check in at your hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Abijatta-Shalla National Park
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Haile Resort Hawassa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 14
Fish Market and drive to Arba Minchi via Dorzy Village
Fish Market and drive to Arba Minchi via Dorzy Village
After breakfast, visit Lake Hawassa, a scenic Rift Valley lake known for its birdlife and attractive lakeside setting.
Enjoy time exploring the lakeshore and observing local fishing activities and wildlife.
Later, travel toward the highlands to visit the Dorze people, renowned for their traditional weaving, distinctive architecture, and agricultural practices.
Discover their famous bamboo houses, traditionally constructed with tall, curved roofs that resemble elephant heads. Learn about the production of traditional cotton garments, known as shammas, and the importance of enset, often called false banana, in their traditional food culture.
After the visit, continue to Arba Minch.
- Main Destination:
- Arba Minch (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Haile Resort Arba Minch
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 15
Lake Chamo Boat Trip and Drive to Konso
Lake Chamo Boat Trip and Drive to Konso
After breakfast, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo, one of Ethiopia’s major Rift Valley lakes.
The excursion offers opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of aquatic bird species. The lake’s northern shores are particularly well known for sightings of large crocodiles resting along the water’s edge.
After the boat trip, continue south toward the Konso cultural landscape.
Visit a traditional Konso village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its distinctive settlement patterns, agricultural terraces, and traditional stone-walled communities.
Learn how the Konso people have developed sophisticated terracing systems to protect their soil, conserve water, and support agriculture in a challenging environment. Discover the traditional social organization of their villages and the cultural importance of generation poles and carved wooden memorial figures.
Continue to your lodge in Konso.
- Main Destination:
- Konso (Cultural Village)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Kanta Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 16
Drive Turmi via Arbore Tribes
Drive Turmi via Arbore Tribes
After breakfast, depart Konso and travel toward the lower Omo Valley.
Along the way, visit an Arbore village, where you will learn about the community’s traditional pastoral lifestyle, cultural identity, clothing, and customs.
The Arbore people traditionally depend on livestock and live in the lowland areas surrounding Lake Chew Bahir. Their language belongs to the Omotic language family.
Continue to Turmi, home to the Hamar people, one of the best-known cultural communities in the Omo Valley.
Learn about Hamar traditions, including distinctive hairstyles, decorative beadwork, leather clothing, and body adornment. The Hamar are also known for the bull-jumping ceremony, a traditional rite of passage that marks a young man’s transition into adulthood.
If a ceremony takes place during your visit, your guide can advise you about the possibility of attending. Such events are not guaranteed and depend on local circumstances.
- Main Destination:
- Arbore (Lower Omo Valley)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Emerald Lodge Turmi
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 17
Visit Nyangatom and Karo communities
Visit Nyangatom and Karo communities
After breakfast, travel through the landscapes of the lower Omo Valley, characterized by open savanna, acacia trees, and traditional pastoral settlements.
Visit the Nyangatom people: Travel toward Kangaten to learn about the Nyangatom community, whose traditional livelihoods are closely connected to livestock herding and agriculture. Discover their distinctive clothing, decorative necklaces, cultural identity, and social traditions.
Later, continue to the Omo River to visit a Karo village near Kolcho.
The Karo people are particularly well known for their elaborate body and face painting, which often incorporates natural pigments and intricate patterns. Their artistic traditions play an important role in cultural expression and special occasions.
Enjoy opportunities to learn about local life, observe traditional artistic practices where welcomed, and photograph the surrounding river landscapes in accordance with community customs.
Return to Turmi in the afternoon.
Day 18
Visit Dassanech in Omorate and Drive to jinka
Visit Dassanech in Omorate and Drive to jinka
After breakfast, drive to Omorate, a settlement near the Omo River and the gateway to the traditional lands of the Dassanech people.
Cross the Omo River by boat, subject to local river conditions, and visit a Dassanech community.
The Dassanech have traditionally depended on pastoralism, fishing, and agriculture, adapting their livelihoods to the challenging conditions of the lower Omo region.
During your visit, learn about their cultural traditions, distinctive forms of adornment, and ways of life along the river.
After the excursion, return across the river and continue driving toward Jinka through the landscapes of southern Ethiopia.
Arrive in Jinka and check in at your hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Nasa Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 19
Visit Ari Villag and Addis Ababa
Visit Ari Villag and Addis Ababa
After breakfast, visit a village of the Ari people, one of the largest ethnic communities in the lower Omo Valley.
The Ari traditionally inhabit the highland areas around Jinka and Key Afer, where communities engage in agriculture, livestock keeping, pottery, weaving, and other traditional crafts.
During the visit, learn about their agricultural practices, everyday life, traditional houses, and local crafts while gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural diversity of southern Ethiopia.
After the excursion, transfer to Jinka Airport to Addis Ababa Ababa.
Upon arrival, your tour concludes, with onward arrangements depending on your international home schedule.
End of Tour.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
