16 Days 15 Nights NORTH AND SOUTH ETHIOPIA
Duration: 16 Days/15 Nights
Transportation: Surface and Flight
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Jinka
Fly from Addis Ababa to jinka, where you will be meet by our company representative. Depending on your arrival time, visit the ethnological museum for brief introduction to the various tribal groups residing in the Omo valley, and explore the local market. Overnight at a hotel or lodge.
DAY 2: Jinka – Mursi – Turmi
Drive to the Mursi Village, famous for its women who wear large lip plates and ear lobe decorations. After lunch, return to Turmi and visit the Hamer market, one of the most colorful markets in the region. Overnight at a hotel or lodge.
Day 3: Turmi – Omorate – Turmi
Take an excursion to Omorate, where you can observe the unique scarifications of the local tribes. Continue to the Keyafer or Alduba market, where various tribes of the Omo valley, such as the Hamer, Ari, Benna and Tsemai come together to socialize, trade, and sell their goods. To this colorful market is a great place to witness the mixing of different cultures. Overnight at a hotel or lodge.
Day 4: Turmi – Konso
In the morning, visit the Karo tribe, the smallest number in the region. Known for their elaborate body decoration, especially during ceremonies, you will see intricate body painting and other cultural activates. Afterward, drive to konso to learn about their highly specialized agricultural practices, including their indigenous terracing techniques and explore the natural wonders of the area. Overnight at a hotel or lodge.
Day 5: konso – Addis Ababa
Drive to Arba Minch and take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the crocodile market where you can observe large crocodiles basking on the shores. Then, drive to chencha to visit the Dorze people and learn about their unique culture and traditions. Finally, fly from Arba Minch to Addis Ababa. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 6: Addis Ababa – Bahar Dar
Drive to Bahar Dar via Debre Markos, along the way, visit the Debre Libanos monastery and the historic Portuguese Bridge. After lunch break, continue your journey through the scenic Blue Nile Gorge. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 7: Bahar Dar
Take a boat trip on Lake Tana, the source of Blue Nile, to explore the Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam monasteries. After lunch, embark on an excursion to the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tiss Isat, meaning ‘Water that Smokes’ Overnight at a Hotel.
Day 8: Bahar Dar – Gondar
Drive to Gondar, the 17th century Former Capital, passing through small Towns, along the way. Begin your City Tour with a visit to the Castel Royal compound (Fasil Ghebbi) and the Debre Brhane Selassie church. Overnight at a Hotel.
Day 9: Gondar – Simien Mountain National Park
In the early morning, drive approximately 100 km to Debark, where you will meet your scout, guide and trekking team. Continue Driving about 30 km to Sankaber. Where you will experience the stunning natural Beauty of the highland region. Look out for Gelada Baboons also known as the Bleeding Heart Baboons. After visiting the Waterfall, Drive back to Debark for an Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 10: Debark – Aksum
Drive to Aksum, the historical center of Administration, Religion, commerce and the residence of kings, elites and common Aksumites. The journey will take you through the extraordinary Simien Mountain and the Tekeze River valley, passing through small towns. Overnight at a Hotel.
Day 11: Aksum
Explore Aksum, a dream destination for archaeologists. Visit the massive multi-storied gigantic stelae, Ruin of ancient palaces, royal tombs, archaeological museum and see the famous stone inscription known as the ‘’Ethiopian Rosetta stone’’ continue to St. Marry Zion church, believed to be the home of the Ark Covenant. Note that only men are allowed to enter the old church. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 12: Aksum – Yeha – Debre Damo – Aksum
Drive to Yeha via the spectacular mountain of Adwa, where the Battle of Adwa took place the largest and most significant defeat of a colonial power in Africa, which preserved Ethiopia’s independence. Visit the Yeha temple, dating back to the 7th century BCE, and then proceed to the ancient monastery of Debre Damo. The monastery is accessible only by a15-meter leaser rope, with assistance from a monk at the top. Note that women are not allowed to enter. Afterward drive back to Aksum for an Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 13: Aksum – Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela, home to the most famous of all the historical site in Ethiopia. Begin exploring the 11 rock-hewn churches commissioned by king Lalibela. Visit Start the first group of churches, including Bieta medhanialem (House of the holy Savior), Bieta Maryam (House of Mary), bieta Denagl, bieta meskel. Finally, explore the double church of Bieta Golgotha and Debre sina. Overnight at a Hotel.
Day 14: Lalibela
Take a mule ride or Walk to the Ashenten Mariam monastery. Later, visit the second group of Rock-hewn churches, which include Bieta Gabriel, Raphael, Merquorious, Emmanuel, Aba libanos and Concludes with a visit the most remarkable of them all the church of St. George, a massive monolithic structure carved in the shape of a cross. Overnight at a Hotel.
Day 15: Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Harare
Fly to Addis Ababa, then continue to Dire Dawa after a lunch break. Depending on your arrival time, visit one of the best Collections and largest Markets in the area. Then drive to Harare and in the evening, witness the famous hyena men who feed the hyenas every night just outside the city walls. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 16: Harare – Addis Ababa
After breakfast, explore Harare, one of the greatest city in the Islamic world. Visit the walled city of Jegol, the national museums, and the numerous mosques and shrines. On the way, stop at chat market. Later fly back to Addis Ababa. There will be time for shopping before enjoing a special Ethiopian farewell Dinner at a traditional venue, complete with a cultural dance show featuring performance from various ethnic groups. Afterward, transfer to the airport for your departure, marking the end of the trip.
N.B:- The tour program can be Modified, Rearranged, and Combined with other Itineraries. It can also be extended or shortened based on your interest, time and budget.
