Ethiopia – Best of Ethiopia

Upon arrival at the airport you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight at Juniper International or Similar 4* Hotel

Fly from Addis to Bahir Dar and visit the Blue Nile Falls before lunch. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Ethiopia’s largest body of water – Lake Tana (3,600 Km Sq) to visit the island monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret (14th Century AD) and Azwa Mariam (14th Century AD).

Overnight at Abyminch lodge or similar

After breakfast, leave Bahir Dar and drive to Sankaber- the headquarters of Simien Mountains National Park- passing rural villages and crossing mountain passes with stunning vistas along the way. The Simien Mountains National Park occupies a surface area of 180 km sq. The park, situated between 4,430 and 1,900 meters (6,200 – 4,500 feet), boasts varied flora with three marked botanical areas. The highest areas have meadows with little vegetation, characteristic of afro alpine zones. Here we can find the endemic Lobelia rhynchopetalum, small groups of perpetual flowers, Helichrysum, and the striking Kniphofia foliosa. Spend the afternoon, walking near the lodge trying to spot the endemic Gelada baboon and appreciating the breathtaking scenery.

Overnight at Simien Lodge

After breakfast head out on a day hike with picnic lunch. Depart the lodge for Chenek where it’s possible to spot the endemic, Walia Ibex. The landscape in the area is remarkably picturesque with panoramic vistas overlooking the deep gorges of the Escarpment.

The excursion today will allow us to explore the pinnacles, valleys and wildlife of this stunning region. The beauty of the ranges can be discovered by following century old footpaths, and don’t forget to look out for the Gelada Baboons who reside here amidst the local pasture lands.

Overnight at Simien Lodge

After breakfast, drive to Gondar visiting the former village of the Felasha (African Jews), who have now migrated to Israel.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Royal Enclosure and its buildings. The fortress, which is surrounded by a 300-foot-long wall, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest and most impressive structure in the compound is the two-story palace of Emperor Fasilidas, built of solid basalt stones. Other royal buildings of interest include the library of Emperor Yohannes I, the House of Song where royal ceremonies took place, the elegant reception and banquet hall of Emperor Bakaffa, and the palace of the king’s wife. Also visit the nearby bath of King Fasiledes, where modern-day Timkat ceremonies are performed. Finally, view the Church of DebreBirhan Selassie, an imposing structure with brightly colored ceilings.

Overnight at Goha Hotel

In the morning, fly to Lalibela – home of the 12th century AD rock hewn churches of King Lalibela. And in the afternoon, visit the first group of churches of King Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Overnight at Roha Hotel or similar

In the morning, mule back ride to the hill top semi monolithic church of Asheton Mariam (13th century AD). Getting to the top of the hill rewards you with great and unforgettable scenery of the area. In the afternoon, visit the remaining second and the third group of the churches of Lalibela.

Overnight at Roha Hotel or similar

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Axum. This simple frontier town is in fact a city of great importance as the ancient capital of Ethiopia. According to local legend, Axum was home to Queen Sheba and the current resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. As we explore Axum, and its ancient relics, our sense of adventure and imagination guides us through this mysterious and historic place.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Axum which includes visiting the Archaeological museum of Axum, the famous stele park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the church of St. Mary of Zion which is believed to be the last resting place of the original Ark of the Covenant, the palace and tomb of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel (6th Century AD), and the ruin palace of the Queen of Sheba (9th Century BC).

Overnight at Sabean Hotel or similar

Fly back to Addis and drive 200 km south to the Rift Valley region visiting the chains of Rift Valley Lakes of Ziway, Langano, Abiyata and Shalla. Spot various birds at Lake Ziway, and enjoy swimming at Lake Langano.

Overnight at Sabana Beach Resort or similar

Drive from Langano to Arba Minch through the fertile land of Wolita and Alaba regions, The Alaba people are very famous for their beautiful home painting style. And on the way visit Sinkile Wild life Sanctuary, here you will see the endemic Swain’s heart best and other mammals.

Overnight at Paradise Lodge or similar

After breakfast drive to Chencha, to visit the Dorze village, the Dorze people are well known for their weaving tradition and their attractive elephant shaped traditional hut made from bamboo and false banana tree leafs. Here you will also see the daily activity of the Dorze people. Drive back to Arba Minch for lunch and in the afternoon you will take a boat trip on lake Chamo, one of the rift valley lakes, visiting the Crocodile Market where you can see large number of crocodiles, different aquatic birds and hippos.

Overnight at Paradise Lodge or similar

This day we drive south of Arba Minch on a rough road to Jinka, crossing the Weito Valley and visiting the Tsemay village and Woito people who live in the area around Woito River. We will visit the Konso village, which is recently registered as the 9th UNESCO World heritage site in Ethiopia. The Konso people are noted for their rock terracing and colorful hand woven cotton clothes. Drive on to Jinka, visiting the Ari village along the way.

Overnight at Eco Omo Lodge or similar

After breakfast, leave Jinka and drive to Mursi village to visit and appreciate the very attractive culture of the Mursi tribe. They are renowned for their custom, followed by their women who on reaching maturity, who have their lower lips slit and circular disks inserted.

Continue on to Turmi, the settlement of the Hamer people. The women of the Hamer are known particularly for their striking, adorned with thick plaits of ochre-colored hair hanging down in a heavy fringe, leather skirts decorated with cowries, a dozen or more copper bracelets fixed tightly around their arms. And the men are noted for the initiation ceremony of Jumping over the Bulls. Catching this interesting ritual is entirely a matter of chance.

Overnight at Buska Lodge or similar

In the morning, you will go on an excursion to Murulle – the village of the Karo people, who are the tribe with the least in number of members, and known for their body paintings they indulge before important ceremonies. The most striking thing about Karo people’s symbolic and ornamental expressions is the painted body and face decorations. In the afternoon, visit the Hamer village at Turmi.

Overnight at Buska Lodge or similar

After breakfast, transfer to Arbaminch to take the afternoon flight to Addis Ababa. We will have time for shopping in Addis Ababa.

In the evening before departure, you will be invited to a farewell dinner party at one of the best traditional restaurants in Addis where you will taste a variety of Ethiopian meals, and watch the folkloric dances of the Ethiopian people. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.