Embark on an unforgettable 15-day journey through the heart of Ethiopia, exploring its most iconic destinations. This comprehensive tour takes you from the historic Lalibela rock churches to the vibrant Omo Valley, offering a deep dive into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Day 1: Arrival – Sightseeing of Addis Ababa
As soon as you set foot at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be welcomed and transfer to your reserved hotel followed by Addis Ababa city tour and later a short brief about Lalibela & Omo valley. Visit National museum, have an insight into the past and present history, culture, economy and art of the nation.
Among other things you will visit the oldest hominid known as Lucy “Dinknesh ” dated back to 3.2 million years. Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral built by Emperor Haile Silassie II. It is one of architecturally decorated, spacious, splendid stained-glass windows and well-designed churches in Ethiopia. Visit is Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Visit mount Entoto the highest peak of the city at an altitude of 3200 meters above sea level, offering panoramic view of Addis Ababa city. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar
In the morning, fly to Bahir Dar, the capital of Amhara regional state, located on the shore of Lake Tana, the biggest lake in Ethiopia and source of the mighty Blue Nile River. Take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 14th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Maryam located on Zege peninsula. In the afternoon, drive to the village of Tis Abay to see the Blue Nile falls (the volume of the falls could be minimal during the dry season). Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 3: Bahir Dar – Gondar
In the morning drive to Gondar through agricultural fields and beautiful countryside. Gondar was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fassiladas and has served as the capital of Ethiopia for 250 years. In the afternoon explore the city of Gondar; visit Fasiladas Castle, Debre Birhan Selassie church and Fasiladas bath. Overnight in Gondar.
Day 4: Excursion to Simien Mountains National Park
Take an excursion to Sanqaber and Geech, a segment of the Simien Mountains National Park and the most spectacular of all Ethiopian landscapes. Take 3 to 4 hours hiking enjoying the magnificent scenery and wild animals such as Gelada baboons. Visit other fauna and flora of this beautiful park and the highest waterfalls in Africa. (Note: the volume of water could be minimal during dry seasons). Late in the afternoon drive back to Gondar. Overnight in Gondar.
Day 5: Gondar – Lalibela rock churches
Late in the morning fly to Lalibela. Visit the 12th century Lalibela rock-hewn churches often called the 8th wonders of the world. This afternoon, visit five churches of the northern group namely; Biete Golgotha Mikael, Biete Mariam, Biete Denagel, Biete Maskal, and Biete Medhani Alem. Conclude the day with a visit to the famous and purely monolithic church of St. George with a spectacular sunset view.Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 6: Excursion to Asheton Maryam (one of the 7 Lalibela rock churches)
In the morning, visit the remaining five churches of the southern group namely; Biete Lehem, Biete Gabriel Rafael, Biete Abba Libanos, Biete Amanuel, and Biete Qeddus Mercoreus. In the afternoon take an excursion to Asheton Maryam monastery located on the outskirts of Lalibela at an altitude of more than 3000 meters and believed to be the first work of King Lalibela. Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 7: Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Langano
In the morning, time to go through souvenir shops as Lalibela is a great place to look for authentic souvenirs. Late in the morning fly back to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, drive to Langano and spent the day relaxing around Lake Langano. Overnight in Langano.
Day 8: Langano
Visit the Great Rift Valley region of central Ethiopia. In the morning, visit Abiata – Shala National Park and the park’s wildlife such as Flamingos, Pelicans, Cormorants, Antelopes, Kudus and Warthogs. In the afternoon, visit Lake Shala and its large population of Pelicans. Overnight in Langano.
Day 9: Langano – Arba Minch
In the morning drive to Arba Minch. On the way visit the village of Dorze tribes who are experts in traditional weaving skills called Shamma. The shape of their house looks Elephant, in order to remember the existence of the animal around the area many years ago. Enset “false banana tree” is the staple food for these tribes. Overnight in Arba Minch.
Day 10: Arba Minch – Jinka
In the morning take a boat ride on Lake Chamo, the third biggest Lake in Ethiopia. Visit the giant Nile crocodiles, hippos and other aquatic life of the lake. Afterwards, drive to Jinka. On the way, visit the 900 years old fortified Konso traditional village, one of UNESCO sites in Ethiopia known for its agricultural terracing and unique social and cultural significance. Overnight in Jinka.
Day 11: Jinka – Turmi
In the morning, visit the Mursi village. The Mursi are one of the exotic ethnic groups in Ethiopia. They live in very low huts made from grass. The women like to wear terra cotta on their enormously stretched lower lips and earlobes. In the afternoon drive to Turmi. On the way visit colorful tribal markets if today is Thursday, Tuesday or Saturday. On the way also visit stick walking boys from Bana tribes, who walk on high rise sticks to patrol their fields Overnight in Turmi.
Day 12: Excursion to Karo and Nyangatom Tribes
Take an excursion to the village of the Karo and Nyangatom tribes. First visit the Nyangatom tribes known by their long and lean bodies. The Nyangatom women wear numerous necklaces and richly decorated long skirts made from goatskins. Then visit the Karo tribes famous for their decoration and body painting. They are often called the masters of body painting. Late in the afternoon, visit the village of Hamar tribes, known for their rite of passage called Bull Jumping which every Hamar man has to perform to become a full man. Bull jumping is a seasonal occurrence and you witness it if available during your visit. Overnight in Turmi. Overnight in Turmi.
Day 13: Turmi – Yabello
In the morning drive Yabello. On the way visit the Arbore tribes, a pastoral group with a total population of about 7,000 people. The Arbore are known for their traditional mediation skills. Overnight in Yabello.
Day 14: Yabello – Yirgalem
In the morning drive to Yirgalem. On the way, visit the coffee plantation center. One of the best coffees in Ethiopia comes from this region. Overnight in Yirgalem.
Day 15: Yirgalem – Addis Ababa
In the morning drive to Addis Ababa. On the way visit the traditional fish market at Lake Hawassa. Then drive back to Addis Ababa. On the way, also visit Abiata – Shala National Park and the park’s wildlife such as Flamingos, Pelicans, Cormorants, Antelopes, Kudus and Warthogs. In the evening attend a folkloric farewell dinner. Experience the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia with a traditional dance performance live from stage. Transfer to airport for your departure.
What is included in the price quote?
- All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
- All entrance fees according to the program
- Accommodations
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
- Multilingual professional guide
- Government tax
Price Excludes?
- Any flight (Domestic Flights can be arranged upon request)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Travel insurance
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned under what’s included section
