Ethiopian Adventure: History, Nature, Culture

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - City Tour of Addis Ababa

We visit the National Museum, which houses some of the country’s historic treasures. The collection of fossils and bones of early hominids discovered in Ethiopia include the 3.5m-year-old remains of Lucy, the oldest hominid every found. We also visit the Holy Trinity Church, Ethiopia’s main cathedral and home to the remains of the last emperor, Haile Selassie. Visit the vibrant Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 2 - Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar

Today we take a spectacular flight to Bahar Dar. From the air, we can gaze across the extraordinary nature of the Ethiopian Plateau, repeatedly cut by immensely deep gorges.
Bahir Dar - Fly north to Bahir Dar, situated on the shores of Lake Tana. Upon arrival we head out onto the lake to visit some of the impressive monasteries tucked away on islands here. Boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the monastery of URA Kidane Mehret. We travel by boat to visit some of the more remote monasteries and churches, most of which date to the 13th century. The monasteries are fascinating and unlike any others outside Ethiopia, often decorated with bright mural paintings.

Afternoon continue to the Blue Nile Falls, Africa’s second largest waterfall, and explore the area on foot. Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or 'Smoke of Fire. The falls is still an intriguing sight.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Bahir Dar – Gonder

This morning we drive north to Gondar, the former capital of Ethiopia. Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient Imperial city, traveling through a fertile landscape of wide open fields; a perfect African tableau punctuated by undulating hillsides and valleys. After lunch, we explore Gondar and visit the castles, which were built in the 17th and 18th century by several generations of Ethiopian kings. Nearby is Debre Birhan Selassie church, which has a sensational angelic ceiling, and the bathhouse of Fasilides where thousands of Ethiopians celebrate Timkat festival every January. Our clifftop hotel has wonderful views over the town.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Gondar - Simien Mountains National Park

Simien Mountain National park a UNESCO World Heritage site is a three –hour drive from Gondar Simien Mountain national park, we drive up into the mountains for some spectacular views of this unique ecosystem. The highland plateau is capped by a dramatic skyline of jagged volcanic plugs and split by deep gorges and gullies. On a good day, the views are sensational and the striking towers and formations have been described as the chess pieces of the gods. it also has continual surprises by dozens of Gelada baboons; the area’s distinctive shaggy breed with red over their heart. The maximum altitude we reach is 10,660ft (3,250m).

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Simien Mountains - Axum

Drive through the mountain range offering extraordinary scenery of the Simiens as we descend towards the Tekeze Gorge. This scenic drive takes us from a height of 10,200 feet down to 4,600 feet. Drive through small villages dotted between the mountain massifs, where people somehow take out an existence in this unforgettable countryside.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Axum

Axum was the capital of the Kingdom of Axum, the origin of Christianity in Ethiopia and believed to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. The old church of St Mary of Zion was the first church built in Sub-Saharan Africa around 330 CE. Its ruins can be seen in the precinct of the church compound. We visit the monolithic stelae of Axum, the tallest still standing reaches more than 69ft (21m) and the greatest one of them all, once 111ft (34m) high, lies on the ground. It is still, however, the largest monolith ever put up by humans. The subterranean tombs, stone inscriptions of ancient Axumite kings and the small archaeological museum reveal Axumite history. We also visit the Queen of Sheba’s ruined palace who is said to have given birth to Menelik the First, fathered by King Solomon, the founder of Ethiopia's ruling family until Haile Selassie.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Axum - Hawzein

We leave for Wukro visiting some of the rock-hewn churches of eastern Tigrai on the way. We first pass through the Battlefield of Adwa, where the Ethiopians defeated the Italian colonial army in 1896, and then visit the pre-Christian Temple of Yeha, built in 500 BCE. We have lunch at Adigrat and visit Aba Gerima and Petros Paulos, two of the Tigray regions oldest and finest rock churches.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Hawzein – Mekele

This morning you will get the chance to discover some of the region’s wonderful rock-hewn churches. Visit Wukro Cherkos, a crooked cruciform sandstone church, which is semi-monolithic and believed to have been created during the 4th century. Continue on to the rock hewn church of Abreha Atsbeha, considered among the country's earliest churches and architecturally one of its finest. Enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Northern Tigray region.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Mekele – Ahmed Ela

Drive to Ahmed Ela via Berhaile visit the Ethiopian caravan and the old continuing tradition of mining the salt and enjoy the beautiful sunset in the depression. Arrive late afternoon and settle into your camp for the evening.

Overnight Camping (B, L, D)

Day 10 - Excursions to Lake Asale and Dallol

This morning you will visit Dallol, the lowest part of the Danakil Depression at 125metres below sea level, and the hottest inhabited area on earth. The acidic hot springs of sulphur, salt, iron oxide, and other minerals facilitate small gas geysers and pools of acid creating an unearthly, desolate and colourful landscape. Continuing on you can visit the salt mining area of Lake Asale. This precious stone salt or Amole was once used as a currency in Ethiopia. Today, hundreds of camel caravans can be found on the road daily transporting salt to the north western highlands of Ethiopia. Return to camp for some lunch before setting off for Mekele this afternoon.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 11 - Mekele – Lalibela

Today is a long day’s driving but the scenery, once again, is spectacular as we pass through mountains and river gorges, seeing for ourselves why the Ethiopian landscape is completely different to anywhere else. We eventually reach Lalibela, possibly the most famous site in Ethiopia.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 12 - Lalibela

Tour the most famous towns in Ethiopia, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site known for its incredible rock cut churches.

Lalibela the most famous town in Ethiopia known for its incredible rock cut churches. A must-see! You can’t go to Ethiopia without stopping at this pilgrimage hot spot. Tour the most famous towns in Ethiopia, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site known for its incredible rock cut churches.

Lalibela is famous uniquely for its 11 rock cut churches and therefore have the appearance of being underground. The most famous is Bete Giorgis (St George, patron saint of Ethiopia), carved in the form of a Greek cross. It is exceptionally well preserved and visually almost flawless. Although the churches are remote, they are not short of worshippers: most Ethiopians, certainly of the older generation, are devout Orthodox Christians.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 13 - Lalibela

For the morning we will go to one of Lalibela beautiful church to attend mass with all the local people and Today in Lalibela is a special day for the church of St Michael you can see how the people still devote. Then we have two choices: Take a morning hike with mules to Mount Asheton, with its 13th century rock-hewn monastery and great views of the town; - OR - Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will also give you the opportunity to view the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Following either option above continue with tour of Lalibela’s churches in the afternoon 5 churches.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 14 - Lalibela – Dire Dawa – Harar

Fly from Lalibela to Dire Dawa via Addis Ababa. Continue by vehicle to the 16th century walled city of Harar, the fourth most important city in the Islamic World. Stopping at a coffee plantation and the area’s largest “chat” plantation en route.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 15 - Harar

Harar is recognized as the fourth most holy Muslim city in the world, hosting pilgrims after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. The 16th century wall was built by Adere people to protect themselves from invaders. Visit the home of Arthur Rimbuad, renowned French poet who worked and lived in Harar as a "gun-runner" during the 19th century. Visit the National and Harari museums; the house of Ras Mekonnen (father of Haile Selassie); and a traditional Harari home. In the evening see the "Hyena Man" feeding the hyenas that gather nightly outside the town.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 16 - Harar - Awash National Park

Drive to Awash National Park where you can enjoy a late afternoon game drive. Making stops at the Rift Valley Lakes. Awash National Park encompasses a fascinating array of volcanic landscapes that has become a haven for a range of birdlife. See if you can spot colobus monkeys, golden jackals and spotted hyenas today. Lions and leopards are around but are rare sightings these days. There is also the option of visiting Awash River Falls on your safari.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 17 - Awash National Park – Langano

Today you'll continue drives towards Lake Langano with birding stops at Koka Dam, the Awash River, and Lake Ziway. Spot species such as; the African Pygmy Goose, Black-billed Woodhoopoe, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Northern Black Tit, Little Weaver, Yellow-billed storks, Collared Pratincole, Lesser Jacana, African Jacana, White Pelicans, Fish Eagles, and crowned and common cranes are seen here in impressive numbers. Relax at the Sabana Lodge. Lake Langano is safe for swimming.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 18 - Langano – Arba Minch

After breakfast drive to the lake Awassa to visit the colorful water birds and Fish market, where people are buying fresh fish from Fisher men; Minch then we drive along a very scenic route to the mountain village of Chencha, home of the Dorze people. Renowned for their cotton weaving, called Shammas. And their distinctive house- towering beehive shaped structures made from bamboo. You will see the cultivation and production of the false banana tree from which the Dorze make their traditional Bread (kotcho).And you could also try how to make Kocho.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 19 - Arba Minch – Jinka

This morning you will embark on a remarkable boat trip on Lake Chamo, known to be amongst the most beautiful in Ethiopia. One can spot many hippos and the world's most spectacular concentration of giant crocodiles (locally called "Crocodile Market.”) The water birds are substantial and the scenery is truly unforgettable. We then drive to Jinka, passing through lands inhabited by the Benna, Tsemay and Ari tribal groups and visit the weekly Key Afer market (Thursday) allowing us a good opportunity to appreciate the differences between these people.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 20 - Jinka – Mago National Park

Today you drive through the Mago National Park to visit the isolated Mursi tribes settled in Mago National Park, home to a number of Mursi communities. The Mursi are among the most famous of Ethiopia's ethnic tribes due to the distinctive lip plates worn by their women. There will be an opportunity to visit their villages and learn more about their fascinating way of life. In the afternoon visit the Omo Valley Cultural Museum which is found in Jinka, which will give you a good introduction to the different tribes in this area and alternatively, take a hike in the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 21 - Jinka – Turmi

Today after breakfast heading south to the town of Turmi via Dimeka and Key Afer the settlement of the Hamer people. Tuesdays and Saturdays are market days in Dimeka, which is one of the most colorful markets in the area and visited by many tribes, including Hamer, Benna and Karo. Afterwards, continue to Turmi this afternoon, spend some time visiting a Hamer village. Thought to be descended from the ancient Egyptians, the Hamer are pastoralists by custom. The women wear thick copper bracelets and create welts on their bodies by cutting themselves and treating the wounds with ash and charcoal. They have become known for their extraordinary Bull Jumping Ceremony where a naked man jumps from the back of one bull on to another as part of an initiation rite.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 22 - Turmi – Omorate

Turmi is our new base as we explore the region and meet the different tribes who share this valley but live a life uniquely their own. In the morning drive to the quirky town of Omorate, and we cross the Omo River by local boat to visit the Dassanech people, where Bruce Parry of ‘Tribe’ spent some time. Afterward, return to Turmi (Monday is market day)
If there is Jumping of Bulls we will witnessed the extraordinary Bull Jumping Ceremony where a naked man jumps from the back of one bull on to another as part of an initiation rite.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 23 - Murele and Kangatan Excursion

Early morning depart from Turmi to the village of Kangatan. You will cross the Omo River and take a short walk through the local fields to visit a village of the Nyangatom tribe, live on sorghum, maize, beans, and tobacco cultivation. The Nyangatom are known for their “oratory” gifts and songs. Continue towards Murele and visit the Karo people. The Karo are traditionally pastoralists, and are famous for their flamboyant hairstyles and body painting. The men have tight hair buns, paint their bodies with chalk and wear colourful facemasks, while the women dye their hair with ochre. Return to Turmi for evening.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 24 - Turmi – Konso

Leaving Turmi head north-west towards Dimeka and Key Afar. Tuesdays and Thursdays are market days in Dimeka. From here cross the Weyto Valley and head for Konso (market days are Mondays and Thursdays). The Konso are known for their tradition of Konso Waga, a warrior worship revolving around the carving of wooden effigies and they have been likened to the Dogon of Mali in this respect.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 25 - Konso – Arba Minch – Addis Ababa

In the morning after relaxed breakfast you can visit the “natural New York Village”, named after the tall sand formations resembling skyscrapers. Then drive for 1:30 hour to Arba Minch then fly back to Addis Ababa.

*Optional shopping in the evening you will attend a folkloric dinner where you will have a chance to taste several national dishes and watch dances of the various ethnic groups of Ethiopia. The traditional coffee ceremony will also be served. Then according to your departure schedule, you will be transferred to the airport.

(B, L, D)