All Ethiopia Tours

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa at Bole International Airport An Insider will meet and greet you and your group at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay in Ghion Hotel.

Day 2: City Tour in Addis Ababa After having breakfast explore Addis Ababa beginning with the National Museum and the Ethnological Museum, which is the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie I. After lunch, take time to experience the Holy Trinity Cathedral and visit the Mercato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Overnight stay in Ghion Hotel Day

3: Drive to Bahir Dar After an early breakfast, drive north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Debre Libanos Monastery and the Portuguese bridge, known as the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge before stopping in Debre Markos for lunch. Overnight stay in Kuriftu Lodge.

Day 4: Tour in Bahir DarAfter breakfast, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to various island monasteries like those on the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gabriel (women are not allowed). In the afternoon, you will drive to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike to the falls. Overnight stay in Kuriftu Lodge.

Day 5: Drive to Gondar, City TourAfter breakfast, drive three hours north to Gondar. On the way, enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Amhara highlands. After arrival, visit the castle compound of Fasilides and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, one of Ethiopias most famous churches. Overnight stay Goha Hotel.

Day 6: Drive to Simien Mountains National ParkDepart early in the morning from Gondar, driving to Sankober, a campsite in the national park. On the way, Insider guides will handle park fees, local guides, and scouts. Shortly after, you will start a 3-4 hour hike from Buyit Ras to Sankober. Back in Sankober, enjoy beautiful views from the escarpment where you can observe the Gelada baboons and perhaps the Walia Ibex. In Sankober, an Insider will meet you with your supplies. Overnight stay in Simien Lodge.

Day 7: Drive to AxumIn the morning after having breakfast, depart north for Axum enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains on the way. After stopping for lunch in Adarky, proceed driving through the Tekeze Valley to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight stay in Yeha Hotel.

Day 8: Axum City TourExplore Axuma UNESCO World Heritage Siteand visit the ancient stele, granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian times. Visit the church compound of St Mary of Zion Church where the Ark of the Covenant is stored. Overnight stay in Yeha Hotel.

Day 9: Gheralta Mountains and Drive to MekelleAfter a early breakfast, drive four hours to the Gheralta Mountains where you will visit some of the rock-hewn churches of Tigray such as Abraha Atsbeha and the steep Abuna Yemata Guh (perched on the side of a cliff). Afterwards, proceed driving to Mekelle. Overnight stay in Axum Hotel.

Day 10: Drive to LalibelaAfter breakfast, drive all day to Lalibela. Lalibela contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century. These churches have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay in Hotel.

Day 11: Visit the rock-hewn churches of LalibelaSpend the day visiting the three groups of Lalibelas rock-hewn churches. Overnight stay in Hotel.

Day 12: Drive to KombolchaEarly in the morning, drive to Kombolcha via Woldia. On the way visit the Hayk Lake, visit the local monastery Estafanos and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Overnight stay in Sunny Side Hotel.

Day 13: Drive to Awash National ParkIn the morning after breakfast drive to Awash National Park through Bati. You will arrive in Awash National Park late in the afternoon where you can rest & relax after the long drive. Overnight stay in Awash Falls Lodge.

Day 14: Second Day in Awash National ParkAfter breakfast, visit the Awash National Park on game drive to see oryx and other animals, Awash Falls and birding potential to spot the Grey Hornbill, Somali Fiscal, Helmeted Guinea fowl, Blue-napped Mouse bird, Kori Bustard, among others. Overnight stay in Awash Falls Lodge.

Day 15: Drive to Dire DawaAfter breakfast, drive further east to Dire Dawa, a city of many cultures where almost all cultures from Ethiopia are displayed. Due to its stop on the former railroad between Addis Ababa and Djibouti, even the French, Bulgarians, Greeks, Armenian and Indians have left their marks reflected in the architecture. Overnight stay in Blossom Hotel.

Day 16: Excursion outside Dire DawaAfter breakfast, drive further east to Dire Dawa, a city of many cultures where almost all cultures from Ethiopia are displayed. Due to its stop on the former railroad between Addis Ababa and Djibouti, even the French, Bulgarians, Greeks, Armenian and Indians have left their marks reflected in the architecture. Overnight stay in Blossom Hotel.

Day 17: Drive to HararAfter breakfast drive a short distance to Harar to visit the Walled City of the Jugol, the house of French poet Arthur Rimbaud and Emperor Haile Selassies home. Later that evening visit the Hyena Man. Overnight stay in Heritage Plaza.

Day 18: Drive to Debre ZeitAfter breakfast turn westwards and return towards Addis Ababa. Visit the Crater Lakes of Debre Zeit. Overnight stay in Debre Zeit.

Day 19: Drive back to Addis AbabaOn your last day in Addis Ababa, go shopping in Merkato, visit local art galleries, and jeweler s shops in Piassa. In the late afternoon enjoy a Farewell dinner and check in for the flight back home.

Tour Package Name: Historical and cultural Tours Package Code: UE 1ET Duration: 24 days and 23 nights Category: North & South Ethiopia Combination TourDay

1: Arrival in Addis Ababa at Bole International Airport
An Insider will meet and greet you and your group at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay in Ghion Hotel.

Day 2: City Tour in Addis AbabaAfter having breakfast explore Addis Ababa beginning with the National Museum and the Ethnological Museum, which is the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie I. After lunch, take time to experience the Holy Trinity Cathedral and visit the Mercato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Overnight stay in Ghion Hotel

Day 3: Drive to Bahir DarAfter an early breakfast, drive north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Debre Libanos Monastery and the Portuguese bridge, known as the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge before stopping in Debre Markos for lunch. Overnight stay in Kuriftu Lodge.

Day 4: Tour in Bahir DarAfter breakfast, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to various island monasteries like those on the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gabriel (women are not allowed). In the afternoon, you will drive to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike to the falls. Overnight stay in Kuriftu Lodge.

Day 5: Drive to Gondar, City TourAfter breakfast, drive three hours north to Gondar. On the way, enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Amhara highlands. After arrival, visit the castle compound of Fasilides and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, one of Ethiopias most famous churches. Overnight stay Goha Hotel.

Day 6: Drive to Simien Mountains National ParkDepart early in the morning from Gondar, driving to Sankober, a campsite in the national park. On the way, Insider guides will handle park fees, local guides, and scouts. Shortly after, you will start a 3-4 hour hike from Buyit Ras to Sankober. Back in Sankober, enjoy beautiful views from the escarpment where you can observe the Gelada baboons and perhaps the Walia Ibex. In Sankober, an Insider will meet you with your supplies. Overnight stay in Simien Lodge.

Day 7: Drive to AxumIn the morning after having breakfast, depart north for Axum enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains on the way. After stopping for lunch in Adarky, proceed driving through the Tekeze Valley to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight stay in Yeha Hotel.

Day 8: Axum City TourExplore Axuma UNESCO World Heritage Siteand visit the ancient stele, granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian times. Visit the church compound of St Mary of Zion Church where the Ark of the Covenant is stored. Overnight stay in Yeha Hotel.

Day 9: Flight to LalibelaTake an early morning, short flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival you will visit the 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved into the bedrock. These churches have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay in Hotel.

Day 10: Full Day in LalibelaAfter breakfast, continue visiting the churches or hike to Asheten Mariam, a rock-hewn church in the mountain above the town. In the afternoon, you will visit the Nakutelab Rock Hewn Church, built under a natural cave. Overnight stay in Hotel.

Day 11: Morning flight to Addis and the afternoon for sights seeingAfter breakfast you a short flight takes you back to Addis Ababa, arriving in time for lunch. The afternoon is free for leisure and shopping. Overnight stay in Ghion Hotel.

Day 12: Drive to Awassa through the Great Rift Valley LakeAn early morning drive after breakfast will take you to Awassa, while on the way you will visit Lake Ziway. In the city of Awassa, enjoy the life of a vibrant city with diverse ethnic mix and walk through the daily market where colorful villagers negotiate for fish. Overnight stay in Lewi Resort.

Day 13: Drive to Dorze Village (near Arbaminch) via Wolayta SodoIn the morning, visit the fish market on Lake Awassa and see hippos, grivet monkeys, and colobus monkeys. Birdwatchers will especially enjoy the silvery-cheeked hornbill, black-winged lovebird, and Abyssinian black-headed oriole. Arrive to Dorse and visit the local village. Overnight stay in Dorze Lodge.

Day 14: Visit Nech Sar National Park and Boat Trip on Lake ChamoEarly in the morning after breakfast drive to Nech Sar National Park to see savanna wildlife such as Swaynes hartebeest, lesser and greater kudu, and Bruchells zebra. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on Lake Chamo to visit the crocodile market and hippo pods. Overnight stay in Paradise Hotel.

Day 15: Drive to Turmi (Hamer Tribe) via ArboreDrive to Turmi via Arbore through the Weyto valley, try to arrive on a Friday (market day) in Arbore to see local life in a market at a crossroads for several tribes. Overnight stay in Turmi Lodge.

Day 16: Morning trip to Kolcho, the Karo tribeAn early morning drive after breakfast will take you an excursion trip to Murulle to visit the Karo people. The Karo adorn their bodies with different paintings, done for dance, feast, or celebration. After lunch you will return to Turmi and visit a Hammer village featuring a tribal dance. Overnight stay in Turmi/Buska lodge.

Day 17: Excursion to Omorate, the Dessanech tribeAnother early morning drive after breakfast to Omorate where you will cross the river in a dugout canoe to visit a Dassenech village. Omorate lies on the eastern bank of the Omo River and is almost totally isolated from the rest of Ethiopia. Witness how the Dessanech people live on the banks of the Omo river where they bathe and wash their clothes. Afterwards drive back to Turmi. Overnight stay in Turmi Lodge.

Day 18: Drive to JinkaDepart from Turmi to Jinka. On the way, stop in Dimeka for the local market, which takes place on Tuesdays and Saturday. This is one of the most colorful markets in the South Omo and is visited by Hamer, Benna, Karo, Tsemai and Ari tribes. Overnight stay in Jinka Resort.

Day 19: Day excursion to the Mursi tribe through the Mago National ParkAn early drive after breakfast takes you to meet the Mursi tribe after passing through the Mago National Park, located on the banks of the Omo River. Visit the Mursi in their traditional village, and see the Mursi women and their custom of expanding their lower lips with wooden and clay discs. Overnight stay in Jinka Resort Hotel.

Day 20: Drive to KonsoDrive to Konso via Key Afar and visit the Benna tribe at the local market in Key Afar, which takes place on Thursdays. Afterwards, continue driving to Konso, which has markets on Thursday. The Konso people are known for their totems erected in honor of the dead and their intricate agricultural terracing techniques. Overnight stay in Kanta Lodge.

Day 21: Visit the Konso Village and drive to YabeloIn the morning, visit a local Konso village and drive to Yabelo with stops to visit natural sand formations on the way. If there is time, visit the Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary. Overnight stay in Yabelo Motel.

Day 22: Visit El Sod and drive to Wondo GenetVisit El Sod, which is home to a large salt deposit called the House of Salt. There are several deep crater lakes here from which salt is extracted. You will also visit a local village of the Borena people. After the visit, proceed driving to Wondo Genet, where you can swim and relax in the hot spring pools. Overnight stay in Wondo Genet.

Day 23: Drive to Langano

After breakfast, drive a short distance to nearby Lake Langano, one of the Rift Valley Lakes, and the only lake that you can swim in. You will also visit Abiatta-Shala National Parks two lakes: Shala is a very deep crater lake (over 260 meters deep!) and Abiatta, a soda lake attracting thousands of flamingos. Overnight stay in Sabana Beach Resort.

Day 24: Drive back to Addis Ababa and departureAfter a morning relaxing around Lake Langano, drive back to Addis Ababa. After farewell dinner, check-in for flight back home.

Tour Package Name: Historical Tours Package Code: UE 1ET Duration: 20 days and 19 nights Category: North & South Ethiopia Combination Tour

Day 01: Fly to Bahir Dar 07:15 and check in to the hotel, you will visit Lake Tana and take a boat trip to visit a selection of the monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Visit the Zege Penninsula and the monasteries of Azwa Mariam and Ura Kidane Mihret and the island monasteries of Debre Mariam near the outlet of Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, drive to Blue Nile Falls to visits the 17th century Portuguese bridge and the falls. Afterwards, drive back to Bahir Dar for overnight at Abyminich Lodge.

Day 02: Drive to Gondar around 3-4 through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. Gondar is best known for its 17th century castles and palaces. So, you will visit the royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Furthermore, visit the Fasiledess Pool, still used the Timiket celebration, Ras Gimb Palace museum and most notably the fantastically decorated church of Debrebirhan Selasse. Overnight: Taye Hotel.

Day 03: Early in the morning depart to Sankober in the Simien Mountain national parks. From here you will go for an easy hike to the Geech Abyss, where you will see a large waterfall where the Jinbar River plunges into the abyss. This area is also a great place for viewing the endemic gelada baboon, also known as the bleeding heart baboon due to the red patch of skin on its chest. Overnight: Simien Lodge.

Day 04: In the morning, start trekking to Chenek, through the Simien Mountain scenery and appreciate the different afro alpine plant species, where you will have opportunities to admire the local wildlife, such as the gelada baboons, lammergeyers, and the rare endemic Walia ibex. Then return to Gondar. On the way back to town you will visit the Falasha Village, home of the last remaining Ethiopian Jews and the Ploughshare Womens Training Center. Overnight: Taye Hotel.

Day 05: Early in the morning fly to Axum at 07:45. After check in to your hotel, you will have a full day visit sites including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum, the Queen of Shebas Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezanas enscription, King Kalebs tomb, King Bazens tomb, and the Queen of Shebas Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Overnight: Brana Hotel.

Day 06: In the morning fly to Lalibela at 08:00 the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. After lunch, you visit the first group rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). Overnight: Mountain View Hotel.

Day 07: After breakfast, you will visit the church of Yimrehane Kristos. The most popular of the churches outside of Lalibela, this church is built with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern. Then, return to Lalibela for lunch and, in the afternoon, visit the second group Southeastern Cluster of churches  Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches  Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint (Saint George).Overnight: Mountain View Hotel

Day 08: In the morning proceed to the airport for the return flight back to Addis Ababa at 11:50. Continue on a flight to Dire Dawa at 16:00. In Dire Dawa, you will meet at the airport and will transfer to Harar. Overnight: Harar Heritage Plaza Hotel.

Day 09: After breakfast, will be a day tour out of Harar to Babile and the Valley of Marvels. The Valley of Marvels has wonderful landscapes, famous for its balancing rock formations. Additionally, the town of Babile has a very large market on Saturdays and a camel market on Mondays and Thursdays. Afterwards, continue to the village of Koremi, an old village set on a plateau consisting of stone houses and home to the Argoba people. Overnight: Harar Heritage Plaza Hotel.

Day 10: After breakfast, you will have a full day city tour of Harar, which is the 4th Islamic holiest city of the world and listed as world heritage site by UNESCO. You will see colorful markets, countless mosques and shrines and unique Harari people and homes. Sites to visit include: the House of Rimbaud, Ras Tafaris House, Ras Mekonnens Palace, the Harari National Cultural Center, and the tomb of Emir Nur, who built the famous Jugol, as the wall is known locally. At night you will visit the hyena man, who feeds the hyenas every night just outside the walls of the city. This tradition was started long ago to prevent these wild hyenas from hunting for food in the town. Guests are welcome, and encouraged, to feed the hyenas themselves. Overnight: Harar Heritage Plaza Hotel.

Day 11: Early in the morning, depart from Harar to Awash National Park. After lunch, you will take a drive to visit the wonderful birdlife and wildlife, such as oryx, baboons, greater and lesser kudu, warthogs, gazelles, Columbus monkeys. You will have an opportunity to visit wild animals and birds like leopards, lions, and other cats. The landscapes in the park are beautiful, looking over the Awash Gorge. Overnight: Awash National Park Awash Falls Lodge.

Day 12: After Breakfast, you will visit the park as it wakes up and wildlife is at its most active. Afterwards, drive from Awash to Lake Langano. On the way you can stop in Sodere to take a shower in the therapeutic hot springs waters. Overnight: Lake Langano Savanna Beach Resort.

Day 13: Swim in the lake, proceed driving to Dorze, set in the highlands above ArbaMinch. The Dorze people are known for their tall beehive-like houses and their fine cotton weaving. You will visit the village and learn about the daily lives of these industrious people. If today is market day (in Dorze village on Monday and Thursday and in nearby Chencha on Tuesday and Saturday), that will be visited. Drive back to Arba Minch for overnight at Paradise Lodge.

Day 14: In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the Crocodiles, Hippos and water birds. Afterwards, depart from ArbaMinch to Turmi. On the way you will pass through the village of Weyto (market day Saturday), which is home to the Tsemai tribe. Continue through the Weyto Valley to Erbore, where you will have a brief visit to a local Erbore village (market day is Saturday). Finally, proceed to Turmi, home of the Hammar tribe. At night, you can see the traditional night dancing of the Hammar tribe, known as evangadi.Overnight: Turmi at Buska Lodge.

Day 15: In the morning, take a day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassenech tribe. Here you will cross the Omo River by local boat and enter a Dassenech village. Afterwards, return to Turmi (Monday is market day) for a visit to a local Hammar village. If there is jumping of the Bulls traditional Hammar coming-of-age ceremony that will be visited. Overnight: Turmi at Buska Lodge.

Day 16: Depart for Jinka, via Dimeka and Key Afar. Tuesdays and Saturdays are market days in Dimeka, which is one of the most colorful markets in the area and is visited by many tribes, including Hamer, Benna and Karo. Afterwards, continue to Jinka. Overnight: Jinka at Eco Omo Lodge.

Day 17: In the morning, drive through the Mago National Park to a local village of the Mursi. You can see their interesting culture, they are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates. In the afternoon, after returning to Jinka, you can visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes. Alternatively, take a hike in the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village. Overnight: Jinka at Eco Omo Lodge.

Day 18: After breakfast, depart from Jinka to Konso, via Key Afar. Thursday is market day in Key Afar, where you will see the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods. This is another very popular market in the region. After the visit, proceed to Konso (market days are Mondays and Thursdays). The Konso people are known for their wooden statues, known as wakas, which are erected in honor of dead heroes as well as their innovative agricultural terracing which is classified by UNESCO as a World Hertage Site. Today you will have the opportunity to visit a local village and the cultural museum displaying many waka statues. Time permitting; you can also visit the natural New York Village, named after the tall sand formations resembling skyscrapers. Overnight: Konso at Kanta Lodge.

Day 19: After breakfast, depart from Konso to Awassa. On the way you will visit the Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary, which was established to protect the endemic Swaynes Hartebeest.Overnight: Awassa at Haile Resort.

Day 20: In the morning, visit the fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa. Afterwards, depart north to Addis Ababa. On the way, you may visit the Abijata-Shalla National Park. Lake Shalla, with its deep blue waters is the deepest lake in Ethiopia at 236m. Lake Abijata is a soda lake at which thousands of flamingos can be seen at various times of the year.