The Historic North,National Parks and Omo Valley; 17 Days / 16 Nights

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Ethiopia in Depth: History, Nature
1 stop
1
Addis Ababa
Day 01 Addis Ababa Visit the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. Tour the Mercato, one of Africa's largest outdoor markets, and Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Day 02 Addis Ababa - Bahar Dar
1 stop
2
Bahir Dar
Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Visit the marketplace in Bahar Dar. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile and tour ancient island monasteries. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Day 03 Bahar Dar - Gondar
1 stop
3
Gonder
Drive through the countryside to Gondar. Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty empire. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Day 04 Gondar - Simien Mountains National Park
1 stop
4
Debark
Drive 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)
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Day 05 Drive to Lalibela
1 stop
5
Lalibela
Drive on a scenic road to Lalibela. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the sunset from the terrace. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Day 6Lalibela
1 stop
6
Lalibela
Tour 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)
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Day 7 Lalibela
1 stop
7
Lalibela
For the morning you 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. paintings. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Day 8 Lalibela - Addis Ababa - Langano
1 stop
8
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)
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Day 9 Lake Langano - Arba Minch
1 stop
9
Arba Minch
Drive to Arba Minch via Melka Kunture, a stone-age archeological 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)
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Day 10 Arba Minch - Jinka
1 stop
10
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)
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 11
Day 11 Mago National Park Excursion
1 stop
11
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)
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 12
Day 12 Jinka - Turmi
1 stop
12
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)
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 13
Day 13 Omorate Excursion
1 stop
13
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)
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 14
Day 14 Turmi - Konso
1 stop
14
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)
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 15
Day 15 Konso - Hawassa
1 stop
15
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)
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 16
Day 16 Hawassa - Bale Mountains
1 stop
16
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)
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 17
Day 17 Bale - Addis Ababa
1 stop
17
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 airport for late night departure if needed. (B, L, D)
9 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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