Ethiopia in Depth: History, Nature

Addis Ababa - Day 01 Addis Ababa
Explore the Ethnographic Museum, an excellent introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. Visit the Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, and Trinity Cathedral, the resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 02 Addis Ababa - Bahar Dar

Bahir Dar - Fly to Bahar Dar with Ethiopian Airlines. Explore the marketplace in Bahar Dar. Enjoy a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and visit ancient island monasteries.
Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 03 Bahar Dar - Gondar

Gonder - Travel through the countryside to Gondar. Visit the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site with five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian kings starting in the early 17th century. These castles, having withstood several wars, including air raids during World War II, are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty empire. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, renowned for its religious art and iconic ceiling depicting angels.
Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 04 Gondar - Simien Mountains National Park

Debark - Travel to Sankabar, the gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy some light hiking in the afternoon in the park and spot wildlife such as the endemic Gelada baboon.
Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 05 Drive to Lalibela

Lalibela - Drive along a scenic route to Lalibela. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the sunset from the terrace.
Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 6 Lalibela

Lalibela - Explore the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings.
Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 7 Lalibela

Lalibela - In the morning, choose between a 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 also offers views of the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Continue with a tour of Lalibela’s churches in the afternoon.
Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 8 Lalibela - Addis Ababa - Langano

Langano - Fly to Addis Ababa and then drive to the Rift Valley Lake Langano. Relax at the Sabana Lodge. Lake Langano is safe for swimming.
Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 9 Lake Langano - Arba Minch

Arba Minch - Drive to Arba Minch via Melka Kunture, a stone-age archaeological site; Adadi Mariam, a 12th-century rock-hewn church; and Tiya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its mysterious stelae, thought to be grave markers, dating from the 12th century. Also, visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location.
Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 10 Arba Minch - Jinka

Jinka - Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. Drive to Jinka visiting various peoples such as the Gamo and Derashe. Stop at Key Afar’s weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods.
Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 11 Mago National Park Excursion

Mago National Park - Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka.
Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 12 Jinka - Turmi

Turmi - Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of “bull-jumping” which every young man must accomplish prior to marriage. En route to Turmi, visit the Benna and Ari people.
Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 13 Omorate Excursion

Omorate - Excursion to Omorate to visit the Dassanech people, known for their elaborate body-painting. Cross the famous Omo River by canoe. Return to Turmi for the evening.
Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 14 Turmi - Konso

Konso - Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages.
Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 15 Konso - Hawassa

Hawassa - Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. Relax and recover from your journey at one of Hawassa’s fine resorts.
Overnight Resort (B, L, D)

Day 16 Hawassa - Bale Mountains

Bale Mountains National Park - Visit the Hawassa fish market in the morning. Drive to the Bale Mountains National Park arriving in the afternoon. Take a leisurely afternoon hike spotting some of the park’s endemic mammals and birds.
Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 17 Bale - Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa - Drive to Addis Ababa via the Arsi/Bale region, home to many of Ethiopia’s famous distance runners. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s many ethnic groups. Transfer to the airport for late-night departure if needed.
(B, L, D)

• Accommodation
• Local guide
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast included
• All fees and taxes covered

• DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
• Lunch and dinner

Embark on an intimate 21-day tour of Ethiopia, taking in the must-see sites of this captivating nation. Highlights include Lake Tana, the origin of the Blue Nile, the breathtaking ancient fortresses of Gondar, and the stunning rock-cut churches of Lalibela, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the opportunity to trek the Semien Mountains. Furthermore, you’ll have the chance to encounter various ethnic groups and tribes who reside in the Omo Valley, such as the Mursi tribe and the Turmi community, renowned for their distinctive hair styling.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.