16-Day Ethiopia Ultimate Discovery-North &South Adventure

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

Addis Ababa Arrival & City Highlights

Your journey begins in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s bustling capital. After arrival and hotel transfer, enjoy an afternoon city tour that introduces the country’s rich history and culture. Visit the National Museum, home to Ethiopia’s greatest treasure – the 3.2-million-year-old fossil “Lucy.” Explore the Ethnological Museum, housed in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, where fascinating exhibits reveal the traditions of Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups. End the day at the grand Holy Trinity Cathedral, adorned with beautiful stained-glass windows and serving as the resting place of Ethiopia’s last emperor.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From addis flight to jinka-Journey to omo vally Cultures & Landscapes

Departing from Jinka, the journey to Turmi passes through the vibrant Omo Valley. Along the way, you will stop at one of the region’s famous weekly markets, depending on the day of travel. On Tuesday, experience the lively Alduba Market, where Ari, Banna, and Hamer people gather for trade. On Thursday, visit the bustling Key Afer Market, known for its diversity and colorful atmosphere. On Saturday, the road leads to Dimeka Market, a lively center of Hamer culture and tradition. After the market visit, continue the scenic drive through local villages and landscapes until reaching Turmi. In the evening, visit a Hamer community and enjoy an unforgettable sunset experience, discovering their unique customs and way of life.

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:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Omo Valley cultural tours

Today is dedicated to a full-day immersion in the Omo Valley, one of Africa’s most culturally diverse regions. Visit the Dasenech people near the Omo River, known for their unique customs and riverine lifestyle. Continue to the Karo tribe, famous for their striking body painting and elaborate scarification practices. Later, meet the Hamer community, renowned for their traditional hairstyles, colorful attire, and energetic dances. If the timing is right, you may also witness the bull-jumping ceremony, a fascinating rite of passage that marks the transition into adulthood. This day offers rare opportunities for cultural exchange, photography, and deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s living traditions.
Overnight in a lodge.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Emerald Lodge Turmi

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Konsos Cultural Landscapes & Lakeside Escape

Begin the day with a scenic drive to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its centuries-old terraced farmlands and stone-walled villages. Explore the Konso people’s traditional compounds, famous for their wooden grave markers (waka) and intricate cultural practices that have been preserved for generations. En route, visit the Erbore community, known for their distinct attire and pastoral lifestyle. In the afternoon, continue your journey to a peaceful lakeside town, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere after a day rich in cultural exploration.
Overnight in a lakeside lodge.

Main Destination:

Konso (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Mora Heights Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lake Chamo & Dorze Village Discovery -hawassa

Start your day with a morning boat ride on Lake Chamo, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife in their natural habitat. Next, enjoy a peaceful walk through ancient forests, discovering Ethiopia’s unique flora and serene landscapes, including the scenic Forty Springs. Later, visit the Dorze Village, famous for its woven textiles, bamboo houses, and traditional way of life. In the afternoon, drive to Hawassa, a beautiful lakeside town, and take an evening boat trip to watch the sunset and observe local wildlife.
Overnight in Hawassa.

Main Destination:

Lake Chamo

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Hawassa

• Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive from Hawassa to Addis Ababa via the Rift Valley lakes then take a flight from Addis to Semera

After breakfast, depart Hawassa and journey through picturesque parks and highland landscapes, keeping an eye out for birdwatching opportunities along the way. The drive showcases Ethiopia’s stunning countryside, dotted with villages and local markets. In the evening, take a short flight to the northern gateway, the starting point for your Danakil Depression adventure. Settle into your hotel near the desert region and prepare for the extraordinary landscapes that await.
Overnight hotel in semera.

Main Destination:

Abijatta-Shalla National Park

Best Time To Go October to February (Flocks of flamingo)

High Season October to January (The park is never busy)

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Dini Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Erta Ale Volcano – Fire & Desert Wonders

Rise early for an unforgettable 4x4 desert adventure into the heart of the Danakil Depression. Stop at Lake Afdera, famous for its vivid mineral-rich waters, where you can take a refreshing swim. Continue deeper into the desert toward Erta Ale, one of the world’s most active lava volcanoes. As evening falls, witness the glowing lava lake under the stars, an awe-inspiring spectacle that few ever experience. Camp overnight in the desert for a truly immersive adventure.

Overnight camping in the Erta Ale under the beautiful stars.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Ahmed Ela Camp

• Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Colors of Dalol – Sulfur Springs & Salt Flats

Today, explore the Dalol Depression, one of the most otherworldly landscapes on Earth. Marvel at the vivid sulfur springs, colorful hydrothermal formations, and acid pools, capturing surreal photographs at every turn. Later, visit the expansive salt flats, where local Afar people continue the ancient tradition of salt mining. As the sun sets, watch the landscape transform into a stunning palette of colors, offering a truly unforgettable desert experience.

Overnight camping at saba near by the river under palm tree.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Sunrise over Salt Flats & Afar Villages then drive to mekele

Begin the day with a breathtaking sunrise over the vast salt flats, capturing the ethereal beauty of the Danakil Desert in the soft morning light. Visit local Afar salt-mining villages, observing traditional methods that have remained unchanged for centuries. Experience the vibrant culture and daily life of the desert communities before embarking on an afternoon drive to Mekele, a regional city that serves as your gateway back to northern Ethiopia’s highlands.

Overnight in a hotel in Mekele.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Libanos Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Ancient Rock-Hewn Churches & Heritage Sites

Today, explore Ethiopia’s historic northern treasures. Visit ancient rock-hewn churches, marveling at the incredible monolithic architecture carved directly from stone. Learn about the religious traditions, architectural ingenuity, and cultural significance of these sacred sites. Walk among centuries-old monuments that tell the story of Ethiopia’s rich Christian heritage and discover the artistry and devotion that have preserved these sites for generations.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Libanos Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From mekele drive to Axum – The Ancient Capital of Kings

Journey to Axum, the legendary capital of the ancient Axumite Kingdom. Explore the famous Stelae Fields, where towering obelisks tell the stories of a civilization that once ruled much of the region. Visit ancient palaces, early Christian churches, and other historic sites, learning about Axum’s pivotal role in religion, trade, and Ethiopian history. Experience the blend of myth, history, and culture that makes Axum one of Ethiopia’s most remarkable destinations.

Overnight in Axum.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Brana Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Simien Mountains – Trekking & Wildlife Wonders

Today, venture into the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic cliffs and deep valleys. Enjoy scenic trekking through rugged landscapes while spotting Ethiopia’s unique wildlife, including Gelada baboons, ibex, and possibly the elusive Ethiopian wolf. Capture unforgettable photos of the towering peaks, panoramic valleys, and cascading waterfalls, experiencing the raw natural beauty of northern Ethiopia.
Overnight camping in 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:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive From Simien Mountains to Gondar – Waterfalls & Royal Heritage

Begin the day with a trek to the scenic Jinbar Waterfall, capturing spectacular views of cascading waters framed by dramatic cliffs. After the trek, drive to Gondar, a city steeped in history and once the capital of Ethiopia’s emperors. Explore the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring castles, palaces, and fortresses. Visit the Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its beautifully painted ceilings and religious murals.
Overnight in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Gondar Hills Resort

• Mid-range resort located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Flight from Gonder to Lalibela – The Rock-Hewn Marvels

Take a morning flight to Lalibela, home to Ethiopia’s world-famous rock-hewn churches. Begin exploring these architectural wonders, carved directly from solid rock, and learn about their spiritual significance and historical legacy. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of sites like Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Giyorgis, and Bet Maryam, each reflecting centuries of devotion and Ethiopian Christian heritage.
Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Tabor Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lalibela Full-Day Exploration – Spiritual & Scenic Wonders

Spend a full day discovering Lalibela’s extraordinary rock-hewn churches in greater depth. Visit Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Giyorgis, Bet Maryam, and nearby monasteries, learning about their unique architecture and spiritual importance. For those who enjoy hiking, optional trails lead to panoramic viewpoints, offering breathtaking vistas of the town and surrounding highlands. Immerse yourself in the rich history, religious traditions, and serene atmosphere that make Lalibela one of Ethiopia’s most iconic destinations.

Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Tabor Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Lalibela to Addis Ababa – Farewell Ethiopia

Take a midday flight back to Addis Ababa for your final experiences in Ethiopia. Enjoy a half-day of sightseeing, exploring vibrant local markets, art shops, and cultural centers, perfect for picking up souvenirs and gifts. In the evening, savor a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with live music, celebrating the memories of your 16-day adventure. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your departure, concluding your unforgettable journey through Ethiopia’s landscapes, cultures, and history.

Overnight: Departure.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.