Overview
This Fifteen-day tour to Northern Ethiopia and the Omo Valley offers an incredible blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This itinerary combines the ancient historical sites of northern Ethiopia with the vibrant tribal cultures of the Omo Valley in the south.
Itinerary
Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. Followed by Addis Ababa city tour. Visit the National Museum, Merkato, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from Entoto mountain before driving back to your hotel. Overnight at Aya hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar In the morning, take an early flight to Bahir Dar, a city on the shores of Lake Tana. Late Morning, drive 37KM to the village of Tis Abay to visit the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay). In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Tana, to visit Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam monasteries. Overnight at Jacaranda hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning drive to Gondar (approximately 3 hours) and explore Gondar city, the Camelot of Africa. Visit Fasilides Castle, Iyasu's Palace, the Banquet hall and stables which offers insights into Gondar's royal history. In the afternoon, visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church and Fasilides' Bath. Overnight at Goha hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning drive to SMNP. Then enjoy a scenic trek to viewpoints like Geech waterfall and Bwahit Pass, spotting wildlife such as gelada monkeys and Walia Ibex. Enjoy the dramatic landscapes of jagged peaks and deep valleys. Overnight at Simien Mountains lodges or camping.
In the morning hike to Imet Gogo (3,926m). Imet Gogo is situated in the heart of the Simien Mountains, it offers the most spectacular views in the park. In the afternoon, return to Gondar for overnight stay. Overnight at Goha hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
Late morning, fly from Gondar to Lalibela and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit northern group of Lalibela rock-hewn churches, namely: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete, Bete Golgotha, Bete Mikael, Bete Meskel and Bete Denagel. Late afternoon, visit the purely monolithic standalone Church of Bete Giyorgis, with spectacular sunset view. Overnight at Top Twelve hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning, visit the southern group of churches namely; Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Amanuel, Bete Abba Libanos and Bete Lehem. Late morning, transfer to Lalibela airport for your flight to Mekele via Addis Ababa. Overnight at Axum hotel or in the hotel your choice.
In the morning drive to Hawzen, the gateway to the Gheralta Mountains. On the way visit Abreha Atsbeha rock-hewn church. In the afternoon, hike to the 5th century Abune Yemata Guh church. The church is perched on a cliffside at an altitude of 2,580 meters (8,460 feet). The hike is challenging and requires good physical fitness. Overnight at Vision hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning, hike to the churches of Mariam and Daniel Korkor another rock-hewn churches in the Gheralta mountains. The hike to the churches takes about 2 hours and involves a moderate climb, which requires a reasonable level of fitness. In the afternoon, drive to Axum on the way enjoy the dramatic landscape of Tigray. Overnight at Consular hotel or hotel of your choice.
Spend your day exploring Axum city, the ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire. Visit the Stelae Park, home to towering obelisks that are symbols of Axum’s ancient civilization. Explore the Church of St. Mary of Zion, where the Ark of the Covenant is said to be housed. Visit king Ezana’s inscription and Tombs of different kings. In the afternoon, walk through the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace and learn about Axum’s rich history. Overnight at Consular hotel or at the hotel of your choice Axum.
In the morning fly from Axum to Arba Minch, a gateway to the Omo Valley. In the afternoon, visit the Dorze tribe, known for their unique bamboo huts and weaving traditions. Overnight at Mora Heights Hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles and hippos. Then drive to Turmi. On the way visit the village of Konso tribe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their terraced farming and unique villages. On the way you will also visit traditional tribal markets if your travel date aligns with market days (Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday). Late afternoon, visit the village of Hamer tribe known for their traditional ceremonies called Bull Jumping. If the day aligns, witness a bull-jumping ceremony, a significant rite of passage for Hamer men. Overnight at Emerald Lodge or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning visit the village of Nyangatom and Karo tribes. The Nyangatom tribes are known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, fierce warrior traditions, and deep connection to their cattle. While the Karo tribes are known for their intricate body painting, scarification, and unique cultural practices, the Karo tribes are a small but highly distinctive community. In the afternoon, drive to Jinka. On the way visit Bena stick walking boys. Overnight at Nasa pension or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning visit the Mursi tribes, famous for their lip plates and body painting. In the afternoon visit Ari tribes known for their agricultural lifestyle, craftsmanship, and vibrant cultural traditions. If time permits, visit Jinka museum to learn more about other Omo valley tribes you did not cover on this tour. Overnight at Nasa pension or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning transfer to Jinka airport for your back to Addis Ababa. You can use afternoon time for final pack and shopping. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant with traditional music and dance performances. Followed by transfer to the airport for your flight back home. End of the trip.
Price Includes
- All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
- All entrance fees according to the program
- Accommodations with Breakfast
- Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
- Multilingual professional guide
Price Excludes
- Any flight (Domestic Flights can be arranged upon request)
- Lunch and Dinner
- Alcoholic drinks
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned under what’s included section
FAQs
Among the thirty-seven islands over lake Tana about 19 of them have monasteries on them. The remains of ancient Ethiopian emperors and treasures of the Ethiopian Church are kept in this isolated island. Some of this monasteries are said to have housed the Ark of the Covenant before it was moved to Axum.
Lake Tana has been the political and spiritual centre of the Ethiopian Christian faith for many centuries. It is made up of 37 Islands, around 27 of which have monasteries, churches, and ruined of palaces which are the oldest age and considerable historical important.
The best way to get to the Simien Mountains National Park is via a domestic flight into the nearby town of Gondar, followed by a 2-hour drive into the park through scenic highland landscapes. Most visitors will spend a night or two in Gondar to explore the town before heading into the Simiens.
If faith is a mystery, there are few places in the Christian world where the mystery is deeper than in Lalibela. Eight hundred years ago, an Ethiopian king ordered a new capital for Christians. At 8,000 feet, on the central plateau of Ethiopia, stand 11 churches, each carved from a single, gigantic, block of stone.
