Tour Description

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Tour Code: AT017

Transportation: flight and drive

Tour Highlight

This tour combines the hottest and lowest place on earth; Danakil Depression and the world’s only permanent lava lake; Erta Ale. Erta Ale is 613 meters (2,011 ft.) high, with one or sometimes two active lava lakes at the summit which occasionally overflow on the south side of the volcano.

Day 1: Fly from Addis Ababa to Mekelle, drive to Erta Ale
Day 2: Drive to Aballa
Day 3: Day trip Danakil depression
Day 4: City tour at Mekelle city

Day 1: Fly from Addis Ababa to Mekelle, drive to Erta Ale

Drive to Erta Ale 5 hours. Then 3 hours hike to Erta Ale. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and 1km square caldera at its summit. Erta Ale contains the world’s only permanent lava lake. It is 613 meters, with a lava lake, one of only five in the world, at the summit. On this day you will sleep below sea level. Overnight camping

Day 2: Drive to Aballa

Early morning after having your breakfastyou will see sunrise, You will have lunch in Afdera; then drive to Aballa. Overnight Aballa

Day 3: Drive to Danakil depression

Early morning at 5:00am, you must be preparing for the excursion to Dallol, at 6:00am after breakfast you will visit The colorful landscape of Mount Dallol 1906 volcano eruption, The salt canyons, sulfuric acid yellow ponds, sulfuric acid black ponds traditional salt excavation, camels caravans, the salt lake, the Afar & Tigraians traditional salt excavating methods, Iron mountains The ruins of the potash company from 1952, then at around noon after lunch at Berhale; drive back to Mekelle and fly back to Addis Ababa. 

Day 4: City tour at Mekelle city

Early morning, start a city tour in the northern capital city of Ethiopia i.e. Mekelle city. The first stop will be the grand palace of Yohhnes IV, then head to the freedom monument by the Tigrean people’s liberation front at a place called locally “HAWLTI”. During lunch a brief tour and dine at an ancient royal house of Abraha Atsebeha.

Tour description

The Nearest Afro alpine vegetation from Addis

Duration: 5 days/4 nights

Tour Code: AT015

Transportation: Ground transportation

Tour Highlight

This voyage leads to Gussa Community Conservation Area to visit the endemic Gelada Baboon and Ethiopian Wolf.

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa

Day 2: Drive to Gussa Community Conservation Area (280 km) northeast by road

Day 3: Start Trek 5:00 – 6:00 hours Regreg to Atse Wiha

Day 4: Trek 4:00 – 5:00 hours Atse Wiha to Cheguarit

Day 5: Trek to meet your Vehicle get back to Addis

Tour Detail

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis and transfer to hotel optional city tour based on your choose. Overnight Hotel

Day 2: Drive to Gussa Community Conservation Area northeast (280 km) 

After getting entrance ticket, take a short trek to the nearby mountaintop; this idyllic spot offers genuinely stunning views over the Guassa plateau and the chance to spot the Ethiopian wolf. Along the trail, your guide will describe the natural surroundings as well as the local history and conservation efforts. You will end back at Regreg, where you’ll be briefed about the upcoming treks.

Day 3: Start Trek 5:00 – 6:00 hours Regreg to Atse Wiha

After an early breakfast, trek on foot or mule back for around five to six hours from Regreg to Atse Wiha Camping ground, walking through an Afroalpine meadow to “Lobelia Valley”, which is filled with thousands of these giant plants. The trail then winds its way into the moorland where visitors will experience the enormous highland flora as well as an impressive array of animal life including the endemic gelada and Ethiopian wolf.
Have a picnic lunch in the majestic surroundings, and keep an eye out for a rare and the graceful bird of prey - the lammergeyer, or bearded vulture. This raptor, considered the lord of the high plateau, can often be seen soaring in searching of food. In the late afternoon, the mules are sent back to their base and you’ll set up camp at Atse Wiha.

Day 4: Trek 4:00 – 5:00 hours Atse Wiha to Cheguarit

This scenic trail to Cheguarit Meda (four to five hours) offers splendid views of the untouched juniper forest of yegana, now become rare in Ethiopia. These trails offer a variety of interesting attractions including endemic bird species and wildlife and scenic overlooks down to the lowlands.
Before the final ascent towards the camp, discover a cluster of stone houses in the traditional Menz village at Tebab. The Menz people are famous for their two storey stone huts with thatched roofs, and their woven wool rugs and traditional blankets are considered to be some of Ethiopia’s finest weaving work. Before returning to camp, you’ll sip coffee with villagers. The evening will be most memorable as everyone gathers around a campfire to attend a traditional Menz dance ceremony!

Day 5: Trek to meet your Vehicle get back to Addis

Enjoy a short trek to the main road, where there will be a vehicle waiting for you to drive back to Addis Ababa.

Tour description

Tour code: AT006

Duration: 7 days/6 nights

Mode of transportation: Flight and drive

Tour Highlight

This tour combines the best of Ethiopia’s historical sites and scenery; the island monasteries that decorate Lake Tana like emeralds in pool of gold, the mighty Blue Nile Falls, the Castles of Gondar “African Camelot”, the stunning view of Semien mountain national park, the magnificent Rock hewn churches of Lalibela, the great Stelae of Axum, St. Mary of Zion church, the fabled Queen of Sheba ruined palace, Temple of Yeha, the remarkable rock churches of Tigray.

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa

Day 2: Fly to Bahir Dar

Day 3: Drive to Gondar

Day 4: Day trip to Semien mountain National park

Day 5: Fly to Axum

Day 6: Fly to Lalibela

Day 7: Drive to the 2nd and 3rd churches then transfer out to Airport

Day 8: Addis Abeba then transfer out for departure

Tour Detail

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis Ababa Bole international airport; meet your guide and check-in to hotel. On free time (may be exchange money, briefing of the itinerary and be ready for the tour). Overnight Caravan hotel

Day 2: Fly to Bahir Dar

1hour flight to Bahir Dar; after check-in to hotel, make a boat trip on Lake Tana, to visit the monasteries of Ura Kidane Meheret, Kibran Gebriel and Azoa Mariam. Ura Kidane Meheret and Kibran Gebriel host important religious icons from the 16th century and interesting museums. These monasteries are known for the colorful frescoes of religious scenes, different ancient types of crosses, paintings, murals and an impressive display of illuminated Bibles written in Ge’ez, Ethiopia’s oldest language. In the afternoon drive to the Blue Nile Falls around 31 km from the town the majesty Blue Nile Falls locally known as “Tiss Issat” (smoking water) returns to the city. Overnight Soliyana hotel

Day 3: Drive to Gondar

Drive to Gondar and have lunch; afternoon visit the royal compound palace King Fasilidas ‘Fasil Ghebbi’ (Registered as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979). Make a city tour in Gondar which includes the royal enclosure which contains several stone-built castles of different emperors. The most impressive building is Fasilidas castle; King Fasil who established Gondar as a powerful cultural and religious center. After that see the bath of Fasil, filled with water once a year for the Timket celebration. Then visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity) which is located at the summit of a hill and surrounded by fortified walls decorated with beautiful frescos and paintings. Overnight Goha/Florida hotel

Day 4: Day trip to Semien mountain National park

After breakfast, drive 100km to Debark, where you registered before entering to the Semien Mountain National Park and have lunch in Debark. In the afternoon drive almost 30km to Michibi then you will start your hiking for almost 2 hours around the park entrance to spot the endemic mammal Gelada Baboon then; meet your vehicle to return to Gondar. Overnight Goha/ Florida hotel

Day 5: Fly to Axum

Early morning after breakfast, fly to Axum (which is Registered as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980) and visit the archeological and historical attractions in Axum include: monolithic Stelae/obelisks, its famous museum which contain the crowns of Ethiopian kings and other treasures, the tombs of King Kaleb the 6th century ruler and King Gebre Meskel, the legendary Bath and the ruins of ancient palace of the Queen of Sheba, relic of Ark of covenant palace and 16th century Emperor Fasilidas cathedral of St. Marry Zion church. Afternoon after lunch, excursion to the south Stelae compound, visit Archeological museum , famous inscription of Ezana which is written in three language (Greek, Sabbean, Geez). Overnight Sabean hotel

Day 6: Fly to Lalibela

In the morning fly to Lalibela (Registered as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978 as defined as the 8th wonder of the world). After check-in to hotel, you will start your visit to Bet Medehanealem; is the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world, Bet Mariam. Bet Golgotha and Bet Mikael contain many important religious items. Bet Giorgis is the last one of the churches, built after St. George appeared in the dream of King Lalibela. In the afternoon you will Visit the eastern group of rock-hewn churches of Lalibela; Bet Amanuel, Bet Merkorios, Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Gebriel-Rafael. They hosted the royal family before becoming churches. Overnight Mt.view hotel/Maribela hotel/Lalibela lodge

Day 7: Drive to the 2nd and 3rd churches

Start drive early in the morning to visit the other the 2nd and 3rd churches of St. Lalibela remarkable churches; church Yemerhana Christos/Naakutolaab/Asheton Mariam monastery by mule and transfer to airport then fly back to Addis Ababa. Caravan Hotel

Day 7: Addis Ababa

In the morning visit the National Museum, it is famous for its collections of numerous priceless antiques and archeological findings, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the last resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie I and the Ethnological Museum. Have lunch in a beautiful restaurant. In the afternoon drive to Entoto Mountains to see the panoramic view of the city, visit St. George Cathedral and Merkato, the largest open air market in East Africa. In the evening you will have a traditional farewell dinner in the traditional restaurant. Overnight Caravan hotel or Departure

Tour Description

Duration: 5 days/ 4 nights

Tour Code: AT0013

Transportation: Ground transportation & hiking

Tour Highlight

Bale Mountain National Park is home to several endemic birds: Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted lapwing/plover, Yellow-fronted parrot, Abyssinian Long claw, Abyssinian catbird, Ethiopian/Black-headed siskin and mammals: Ethiopian wolf, Mountain Nyala, Giant mole rat and Menelik’s bushbuck.

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa

Day 2: Drive to Dinsho

Day 3: Day trip and Trek on Harena Forest

Day 4: Trek to Sanetti plateau

Day 5: Drive back to Addis Ababa

Tour detail

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis Ababa Bole international airport and depends on arrival city tour in Addis Ababa. Overnight at hotel

Day 2: Drive to Dinsho

Drive to Dinsho, Bale Mountain National Park head quarter through the Gaysay grassland; The northernmost area, the Gaysay Grassland, near the park headquarter at Dinsho, consist of grassy, riverine plains, bush land, wildlife and beautiful scenery. The altitude of the area ranges from 3000m to 3500m; pushing the upper limit for tree growth, which includes Hagenia Abyssinica, Juniperus procera, St. John wort. In the afternoon, you will hike around the head quarter to see the endemic Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, Grey duiker, Warthogs and many others. Overnight at lodge/community lodge

Day 3: Day trip and Trek on Harena Forest

In the morning after having a breakfast then drive to Northern grasslands which is known as the second-largest remaining forest in Ethiopia, Harena escarpment splits the park in two which is running fracture-like from east to west. It’s a home to enormous podocarpus, fig trees and also wild coffee grew her. And the seventy- eight mammals’ species that reside here shows its rich in wildlife such as Menelik’s bushbucks, Bohor reedbucks, grey duikers, black and white colobus monkey endemic to Ethiopia and others. Overnight at hotel or lodge

Day 4: Trek to Sanetti plateau

Heading to North of the escarpment, the high-altitude plateau known as the Sanetti plateau (4000m) south from Wasema consists of Bale’s highest and second highest mountain in Ethiopia known as Tullu Deemtu. And is home to the continent’s largest swathe of Afro-alpine plants, due to the altitude, plant diversity is low. However the dominant tree in the area is Erica arboreal and giant lobelia; the wildlife spotted here are mammals such as the giant molerats and rarest canid known as Ethiopian wolf. Overnight at hotel or lodge

Day 5: Drive back to Addis Ababa

En-route visit Abijata-Shalla National Park, which form part of the 8872 km. The two lakes seems identical but not: Shalla’s 4102 km surface site and depth exceed 260m in some area makes it the deepest lake in Ethiopia and Abijata is highly alkaline water no more than 14m depth. In the evening enjoy a traditional farewell dinner with Ethiopian cultural music and dancing presentations. Departure

Package detail

Tour name:The oldest Rock-hewn churches of Tigray
Duration: 7 days/ 6 nights
Tour code:AT023
mode of transportation: flight and drive

Tour Highlight

This program combines to visit the oldest rock-hewn churches of Tigray, which is divided into four different clusters: Teka Tesfa Cluster, Astibe Cluster, Gheralta Cluster and Tembien cluster. Some of the churches can be visited as a day trip from Mekelle.

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa
Day 2: Fly to Mekelle
Day 3: Drive to Geraltha
Day 4: Daytrip to Abune Yemata Guh
Day 5: Drive to Wukro
Day 6: Drive to Mekelle
Day 7: Fly back to Addis Ababa

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Tour Detail

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis Ababa Bole international airport; meet your guide at the airport then transfer to the hotel for check-in followed by city tour (optional based on your choice). Overnight hotel

Day 2: Fly to Mekelle

Morning flight to Mekelle; the regional capital of Tigray National region then drive to Adigrat (125km) on the way you will visit the famous rock-hewn churches of Tigray. Wukero Cherkos, it lies about 56 km from Mekelle, it is one of the rock hewn churches of Tigray region. Medehane Alem Adi Kasho, it is the finest rock-hewn church in Teka Tesfa cluster by its size and complex architecture. The interior has a cathedral like atmosphere, and the magnificent roof is dense with patterned etchings. Petros and Paulos rock church and Mikel Melehayzenghi. It lies between Medehane Alem Adi Kasho and Petros and Paulos, it is very different from other rock-hewn churches of Tigray Mikel Melehayzenghi is entered via a low doorway, which gives way to a surprisingly large interior with a finely carved dome almost 3m in height. Overnight Lodge

Day 3: Drive to Geralhta

After having breakfast; drive 70km to visit the Gheralta cluster of churches which includes Debre Mariam Korkor and Daniel korkor, it lies on a small plateau at altitude of 2480 m, you can reach by car on the foot of the mountain then hike to the church almost an hour and half the footpaths rises steeply through a natural rock passage. The interior is very atmospheric and large, almost 10m wide, 17 m deep and 6m high. Architectural features include 12 cruciform pillars with bracket capitals. If the day is Wednesday there is a colorful market in Hawzien. Overnight Lodge

Day 4: Day trip to Abune Yemata Guh

After having breakfast a short drive to Abune Yemata Guh Rock-hewn church, it is the most spectacularly situated rock-hewn church anywhere in Ethiopia. Hike up to the church takes an hour, climbing roughly the 500m in altitude. The last part of the ascent to the church involves clambering up a sheer cliff face using handgrips and footholds. The interior of the church reached via a small crack in the rock, is notable for its extensive and perfectly preserved wall and roof murals, thought to date from the 15th c. Overnight Lodge

Day 5: Drive to Wukro

After having breakfast a short drive to Wukro. On the way you will visit Dugum Selassie, it is located 17km from Hawzien on the main road to Wukero, it is a small rock-hewn church, unusual in that it is situated on the plain rather than high in the mountains. Dugum Selassie is curved into a granite outcrop within the compound of the built up church; there is a bath of Holy Water and underground tomb, which reminiscent of King Kaleb’s Tomb in Axum. Abune Abraham Debre Tsion is a monastic cliff church, curved into a rusty sandstone face high above the village of Dugum. The interior of the church is fairly large, and consists of four bays with decorated domed roofs, supported by pillars and walls covered in murals of various Old Testament figures. Continue to Abrha Astbeha, it is located 17km from Wukero and it is the finest rock-hewn church of Tigray. The interior is very large 16m wide, 13m deep and 6m high and cruciform in shape with a beautifully carved roof supported by 13 large pillars and several decorated arches. The walls are beautifully decorated with mural paintings and till well-preserved. Overnight hotel

Day 6: Drive to Mekelle

After having breakfast a short drive (43km) to visit one of the Atsbi cluster rock-hewn church of Mikael Imba, it is the most impressive exterior of any other rock-hewn churches in Tigray. Mikael Imba looks more like a transplant from Lalibela than it resembles any other Tigraian church, which was excavated around the 12th c. in the late afternoon drive to Mekelle. Overnight hotel

Day 7: Fly back to Addis Ababa

In the morning sightseeing in Mekelle; Yohannes castle, Abrha castle and Hawelti then fly back to Addis Ababa. In the evening you will have a traditional farewell dinner in the traditional restaurant. Overnight hotel or Departure

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package description

Tour code: AT006

Duration: 7 days/6 nights

Mode of transportation: Flight and drive

Tour Highlight

The following itinerary feature will get an opportunity to visit Ethiopian Great Rift Valley region and its chains of Lakes for birding and scenery, Mago and Abijata-Shalla National Parks for wildlife, Omo valley for the untouched tribal groups (such as: The Mursi known for their lip plate, Hamer, Dassenech, Tsemay, Benna, A’ari, Gamo, Dorze and Wolayita).

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa and Sightseeing

Day 2: Drive to Arba Minch

Day 3: Drive to Jinka (248 km)

Day 4: Drive to Mursi Village

Day 5: Drive to Turmi (147km)

Day 6: Day trip to Omorate (140km)

Day 7: Drive to Arba Minch (210km)

Day 8: Drive to Addis Ababa

Tour Detail

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa and Sightseeing

Arrive in Addis Ababa Bole international airport; met your guide and transfer to hotel after check-in to the hotel. City tour in Addis Ababa (New Flower), which includes National Museum, Ethnological Museum, situated in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie I, St. George Cathedral and Holy Trinity Cathedral. After lunch drive to Mount Entoto to see the panoramic view of the city and Merkato. Overnight Caravan hotel/similar

Day 2: Drive to Arba Minch

After breakfast drive to Arba Minch via Butajira. You will pass through the wonderful panoramic landscape of the Hadiya and Wolayita People. En-route take a short detour to the Chincha Mountain to visit the highland people of Dorze. If the day is Monday or Saturday you will visit their colorful market. Overnight Paradise lodge/similar

Day 3: Drive to Jinka (248 km)

After breakfast boat trip on Lake Chamo to spot crocodiles and hippos then precede your drive to Jinka en-route visit the Cushitic speaking Tsemay people in the Weyto Valley. Passing through a small town called Key Afer (“red ground”). If the day is Thursday there is a colorful market where you can meet the Tsemay, Ari, Bena and Hamer people all at once. Dinner and overnight Jinka resort/Nasa Pension

Day 4: Drive to Mursi Village

In the morning drive through Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribe, Mursi people are very colorful with a lot of body decoration, Ornaments and most remarkable characteristic is the lip disk for which they are famous over the world. Dinner and overnight Jinka resort/Nasa Pension

Day 5: Drive to Turmi (147km)

Drive 147km to Turmi passing through the small towns of Key Afar and Dimeka, if the day is Thursday or Saturday you will visit the colorful market of Key Afar or Dimeka. Then continue driving to Turmi. It is the biggest town in the area of the Hamer people, one of the biggest and most beautiful tribes of the south. On Mondays a big colorful market takes place, where people from the whole region gather. Overnight Turmi lodge /Paradise lodge

Day 6: Day trip to Omorate (140km)

This village lies at the banks of Omo River, just near to the Kenyan border. Cross over the river by traditional boat to visit some villages of the Dassenech people. After coming back to Turmi explore the area in a small hike. If you are lucky, you can go to see the “bull jumping” a traditional initiation ritual. In addition, you will have the chance to see the traditional Hamer dance, called “Evangadi” in the evening. Overnight Turmi lodge /Paradise lodge

Day 7: Drive to Arba Minch (210km)

The road passes alongside the mountains, providing splendid panoramic views. On the way you will visit the Konso people with their maze like villages and terraced hills. Overnight Paradise lodge/similar

Day 8: Drive back to Addis Ababa/ Fly Arba Minch to Addis Ababa

Start driving back to Addis Ababa along the stunning views and scenery. Refreshing along the way before reaching in Addis Ababa. Enjoy a traditional farewell dinner with Ethiopian cultural music and dancing presentations. Overnight Caravan hotel or Departure

Ornithological Tour

Duration: 10 days/ 9 nights

Tour Code: AT021

Transportation: by car

Tour Description: A Haven for Birdwatchers

Blue Nile gorge and Debre Libanos Monastry

Duration: Day trip

Tour Code: AT004

Transportation: By ground transportation

Tour Description: Blue Nile Gorge and Debre Libanos Monastery

The Blue Nile Gorge found at 210 km North of Addis Ababa, is one of the most spectacular gorges in the world; bigger, wider and dipper than the Grand Canyon of USA; After 100km drive from Addis Ababa a short detour to the right to the 13th Century Monastery of Debre-Libanos. Here one of the endemic mammals of our country, The Gelada Baboon is also found in the cliff.

A few Kilometers from the monastery is the 16th century Portuguese Bridge also worth a visit. Continue to drive through the Stelae or Shewan plain and farm lands till you reach the Gorge. After having picnic lunch on either side of the river; drive back to Addis Ababa.

Tour description

Cultural Treasures

Duration: 14 days/ 13 nights

Tour Code: AT009

Transportation: By car

Tour Highlight

The following itinerary feature will get an opportunity to visit the Melka Kunture Archeological site, the 12th century Tiya Stelae, the southern most remarkable rock church of Adadi Mariam, Ethiopian Great Rift Valley Region and its chains of Lakes for birding and scenery, Nechsar, Mago and Abijata - Shalla National Parks for wildlife, the Omo valley for the untouched tribal groups (such as: The Mursi- known for their lip plate, Hamer, Dassenech, Tsemay, Benna, A’ari, Gamo, Dorze, Wolayita, Borena and Sidamo).

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa and Sightseeing

Day 2: Drive to Butajira

Day 3: Drive to Arba Minch

Day 4: Drive to Neche-sar National Park

Day 5: Drive to Jinka (248 km)

Day 6: Drive to Mursi Village

Day 7: Drive to Turmi (147km)

Day 8: Day trip to Omorate (140km)

Day 9: Day trip to Murulle (130km)

Day 10: Drive to Konso (200km)

Day 11: Drive to Yabello (200km)

Day 12: Drive to Yirga Alem (280km)

Day 13: Drive to Lake Langano

Day 14: Drive back to Addis Ababa (230km)

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa and Sightseeing

Arrive in Addis Ababa Bole international airport; meet your guide and transfer to hotel; after check-in city tour in Addis Ababa (New Flower), which includes National Museum, Ethnological Museum, situated in the former palace of Haile Selassie, St. George Cathedral and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Drive to the Entoto Mountains to see the panoramic view of the city and Merkato. Overnight Caravan hotel/similar

Day 2: Drive to Hosanna

After breakfast drive to Hosanna on the way, visit Melka Kunture Archaeological site (50 km south west of A.A.) this Archaeological site dating back to over 1.5 million years old, believed to be the home of Neolithic man., Adadi Mariam church (90 km south of A.A.) this cave church, dating back to the Lalibela era., Tiya stelae an Archaeological site contains 36 monuments, including 32 carved Stelae on which symbols are en graved, registered in the world Heritage list of the UNESCO. Then precede your drive through a beautiful landscape to reach the small town of Hosanna. Overnight Lemma International Hotel

Day 3: Drive to Arba Minch

Morning drive to Arba Minch; pass through the wonderful panoramic landscape of the Hadiya and Wolayita People. En-route take a short detour to the Chincha Mountain to visit the highland people of Dorze. Enjoy their colorful market. Overnight Paradise lodge/similar

Day 4: Drive to Nechisar National Park

Morning game drive to Nechisar National Park (64km). After having lunch make boat trip on Lake Chamo to spot crocodiles and hippos. Overnight Paradise lodge/similar

Day 5: Drive to Jinka (248 km)

Start driving after having breakfast, On the way visit the Cushitic speaking Tsemay people in the Weyto Valley. Passing through a small town called Key Afer (“red ground”). If the day is Thursday there is a colorful market where you can meet the Tsemay, Ari, Bena and Hamer people all at once. Dinner and overnight Jinka resort/Nasa Pension

Day 6: Drive to Mursi Village

In the morning drive through Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribe, Mursi people are very colorful with a lot of body decoration, Ornaments and most remarkable characteristic is the lip disk for which they are famous over the world. Dinner and overnight Jinka resort/Nasa Pension

Day 7: Drive to Turmi (147km)

Drive 147km to Turmi passing through the small towns of Key Afar and Dimeka, if the day is Thursday or Saturday you will visit the colorful market of Key Afar or Dimeka. Then continue driving to Turmi. It is the biggest town in the area of the Hamer people, one of the biggest and most beautiful tribes of the south. On Mondays a big colorful market takes place, where people from the whole region gather. Overnight in Turmi Lodge

Day 8: Day trip to Omorate (140km)

This village lies at the banks of Omo River, just near to the Kenyan border. Cross over the river by traditional boat to visit some villages of the Dassenech people. After coming back to Turmi explore the area in a small hike. If you are lucky, you can go to see the “bull jumping” a traditional initiation ritual. In addition, you will have the chance to see the traditional Hamer’s dance, called “Evangadi” in the evening. Overnight in Turmi Lodge

Day 9: Day trip to Murulle (130km)

Drive to Murulle, Here lives the Karo tribe and it is possible to meet them along the river. Visit one of their villages, located on a hill just on top of the Omo River. Karo people are master of body painting and Ornaments. Overnight in Turmi Lodge

Day 10: Drive to Konso (200km)

The road passes alongside the mountains, providing splendid panoramic views. After having lunch you will visit the Konso people with their maze like villages and terraced hills. Dinner and overnight in Kanta Lodge

Day 11: Drive to Yabello (200km)

Drive to Yabello and meet the Borena-Oromo people and their singing wells and El Sod Crater Lake. Dinner and overnight in Yabello Motel / similar

Day 12: Drive to Yirga Alem (280km)

After having your breakfast then get back on the paved main road across fertile land, you can find many types of fruit sold along the roadside. Also this is one of the main regions for coffee plantations; visit a coffee farm. You will reach Yirga Alem in the afternoon. Dinner and Overnight in Aregash Lodge

Day 13: Drive to Lake Langano

In the morning visit the fish market in the Shore of Lake Hawassa and proceed to Langano en-route make a detour to the mountainous forests of Wendo Genet, to watch birds and enjoy hot springs. Dinner and overnight in Sabana Beach Resort

Day 14: Drive back to Addis Ababa (230km)

Visit the national park of the lakes Abijata-Shalla, two lakes which, despite of being just a short distance away from each other, are very different in their natural habitats. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Addis Ababa. Enjoy a traditional farewell dinner with Ethiopian cultural music and dancing presentations. In the evening transfer to the airport and flight of return

Tour Description

Duration: 15 days/ 14 nights

Tour Code: AT007

Mode of Transportation: By car

Tour Highlight

This tour combines the best of Ethiopia’s historical sites and scenery; the island monasteries that decorate Lake Tana like emeralds in pool of gold, the mighty Blue Nile Falls, the Castles of Gondar “African Camelot”, the magnificent Rock hewn churches of Lalibela, the great Stelae of Axum, St. Mary of Zion church, the fabled Queen of Sheba ruined palace, Temple of Yeha, the remarkable rock churches of Tigray.

Day 1: Drive Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

Day 2: Blue Nile Waterfalls and Lake Tana

Day 3: Drive to Bahir Dar Gondar and continue to Semien MT.NP

Day 4: Trek to Sankaber (3250 MASL)

Day 5: Drive SMNP to Axum

Day 6: Drive to Geraltha

Day 7: Drive to Mekelle

Day 8: Drive to Lalibela

Day 9: Lalibela site seeing

Day 10: Drive to Kombolcha

Day 11: Drive to Addis Ababa

Tour Detail

Day 1: Drive Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

After breakfast drive 565km to the town of Bahir Dar, set at an altitude of 1830m on the southern shore of Lake Tana. Passing by Mount Entoto through the Sululta plain en-route visit the monastery of Debre Libanos and precede your drive through the spectacular scenery of the Blue Nile Gorge. Overnight Soliyana hotel/similar

Day 2: Blue Nile Waterfalls and Lake Tana

In the morning make a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the monasteries of Ura Kidane Meheret, Kibran Gebriel and Azoa Mariam. Ura Kidane Meheret and Kibran Gabriel host important religious icons from the 16th century and interesting museums. Azoa Mariam is also known for its mural paintings. In the afternoon drive to visit the majesty Blue Nile Falls around 33 km from the town, locally known as “Tiss Issat” (smoke of fire) return to the city have dinner. Overnight Soliyana hotel/similar

Day 3: Drive to Bahir Dar Gondar and continue to Semien MT.NP

After breakfast drive (180 km) to the town of Gondar through the Fogera plain and mountains of Addis Zemen. In the afternoon, drive (122 km) to Semien Mountain National Park and check-in the Lodge, in the late afternoon you will have a hiking around the lodge to see the endemic Gelada Baboon and the breathtaking landscape. Overnight Florida hotel/similar

Day 4: Trek to Sankaber (3250 MASL)

After breakfast, drive 100km to Debark, where you registered before entering to the Semien Mountain National Park and have lunch in Debark. In the afternoon drive almost 30km to Michibi then you will start your hiking for almost 2 hours until the first camping site of Sankaber. Overnight Semien mountain lodge/ similar

Day 5: Drive SMNP to Axum

Drive (280 km) to the northern Ethiopia ancient city of Axum, regarded as the cradle of Ethiopian culture and religion, passing through the chains of the Semien Mountains and the Tekeze River valley. Overnight Sabean hotel/similar

Day 6: Drive to Geraltha

After breakfast drive to Geralhta through the escarpments of Adwa Mountains & Scenic landscapes en-route visit the 6th century B.C Pre-Christian Temple of Yeha and the oldest church of Debre Damo Monastery. Overnight Geraltha lodge/similar

Day 7: Drive to Mekelle

Drive to Mekelle and en-route visit the famous rock hewn churches of Tigray of Abrha and Atsbha and Wukero Cherkos rock-hewn church. Overnight Planet hotel/similar

Day 8: Drive to Lalibela

Drive to Lalibela through dramatic highland scenery. Lalibela, perched at an altitude of 2630 m, among wild craggy mountains and vast rocky escarpments, Lalibela is a strikingly singular town famed for its 11 rock-hewn churches excavated in the beginning of the 13th century. Overnight Lalibela lodge/similar

Day 9: Lalibela

In the morning visit the northern group of churches and Bet Giyorgis, built after St. George appeared in the dream of King Lalibela. It displays the finest architecture in a good state of preservation. Each church (“Bet”) has a unique architectural style. All are superbly carved and most of them are decorated with well-preserved paintings. The northern group of churches includes Bet Medehane Alem is the largest monolithic rock-hewn building in the world, supported by 72 pillars. Through a short tunnel you pass on to Bet Mariam. Bet Golgotha and Bet Mikael contain many important religious items. In the afternoon drive 7 km from the town to visit the cave church of Naakuto Laab, built inside a natural cave. Overnight Lalibela lodge/similar

Day 10: Drive to Kombolcha

Drive (325km) to the town of Kombolcha passing through the breathtaking landscape of Yeju Wodela Delanta en-route visit Hayk Estifanos Monastery, dedicated to St. Stephanie. Overnight hotel

Day 11: Drive to Addis Ababa

After breakfast drive (374 km) to Addis Ababa through Shoan plateau and en-route short stop at “Gemasa Gedel” to enjoy the view and to see the separation land marks of the North Western highlands and the Ethiopian Rift valley as well as you can see the endemic Gelada Baboon. In the evening you will have a traditional farewell dinner in the traditional restaurant. Overnight Caravan hotel/similar hotel or Departure