OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP
Combining History and culture with the magic scenery of simien mountains National park and the southern major attractions which includes rift valley Lakes, different tribes and national parks
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHT
Day 1. Arrival Addis Ababa. Depending on arrival time ther might be City tour .
Day 2. Full day city tour to Addis Ababa visiting museums and open markets
Day 3. Fly to Bahir Dar. In Bahr Dar visit Tana Monastery and the Blue Nile Gorge
Day 4. Drive to Gondar; on the way visit Amahara Village the seventeen century capital and its castle
Day 5. Fly to Axum and visiting the famous Axum obelisks
Day 6. Fly to Lalibela and visit the first part of the rock hewn churches
Day 7. Full day in Lalibela visit Ashton Mariam and Yimrahana Kirstos monastery
Day 8. Fly back to Addis in then drive to Langano to start the southern cultural and natural tour
Day 9. You will further headed to Arba Minch on the way visit Dorze tribes and the Nechsar national park
Day 10. Boat trip to the magnificent lake Chamo and visit the Erbore and other tribes
Day 11. Crossing the Omo River and Explore the Hamer Village and People
Day 12. visiting the endangers Karo Tribes
Day 13. Drive to Mago National Park and visit the Mursi Tribes
Day 14. Visiting the Tsemai , Benna and Ari Tribes
Day 15. Drive to Yabelo and Awassa on the way visit the Sidama village and the coffee plantation
Day 16. From Awassa on the way to Addsi Ababa in between visit the Tiya Steale
Day 17. Departure
ITINERARY MAP
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrive Addis Ababa
It is the day of your arrival in Addis Ababa. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is free to explore the city’s many wide tree-lined streets. Throughout the city there are shops that sell typical artisan wares, materials and antiques. Addis Ababa is one of Africa’s fastest growing cities and the fifth highest capital in the world; the altitude may fatigue you easily… so take it easy today. Another point to note is that, being relatively close to the equator, there are almost twelve hours of constant daylight no matter what time of year you visit. Overnight hotel.
Day 2 – Addis Ababa, city tour
After breakfast we have a full-day city tour, which departs at 9:00am from the hotel. We take time to explore the city and lunch out is included. We will visit the National Museum (home of the remains of the famous hominid fossil, “Lucy”) and the Ethnological Museum at the Addis Ababa University (housed in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie). We will also witness the bustle of the “Mercato” (market). This colourful market has an array of fascinating goods and curios, providing a great place for exploration and people watching. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3 – Fly to Bahir Dar
On this morning, we will depart around 7:00am on the first flight of the day from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar with Ethiopian Airlines (schedules subject to change). On arrival we take a boat trip on Lake Tana – Ethiopia’s largest lake, covering 3673 square kms and the source of the famous Blue Nile River. Many of the small islands scattered across this lake shelter monastic churches, some founded as early as the 14th Century. The walls of several of these churches are ornately decorated with stunning mural paintings. We will visit the most beautiful of these, the monastery of Ura Kidane Mehret on the Zeghie peninsula. In the afternoon, we will visit the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tissisat (“Water That Smokes”). One of Africa’s most spectacular waterfalls, the river plunges over a sheer chasm more than 45 meters in height and is 400 metres wide when in flood. (Please note, the sequence of events today may be reversed, depending on availability of the boat.) Overnight hotel.
Day 4 – Drive to Gondar
Another early start for the 185 km drives (approx 3 hours) to Gondar, the capital of Ethiopia in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Gondar is still one of Ethiopia’s most impressive cities, with its walled Royal Palace Enclosure (listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage monument). This enclosure lies at Gondar’s centre and contains several well preserved castles and other buildings. We take time this afternoon to tour these castles and churches, including the Royal Palace Enclosure, Emperor Fasilidas’ Bath and the beautiful church of Gebre Birhan Selassie, immersing ourselves in the history of this old capital. Overnight hotel.
Day 5 – Fly to In Axum
Early in the morning fly to axum .The legends narrated in the Kebre Negest “Book of Kings” recount how the city of Axum as early as the 10th Century B.C was the city in which the Queen of Sheba resided. It is recounted that the song of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon brought the Ark of The Covenant to Axum and it remains there to this day, preserved in a sanctuary. Famous long before the time of Christ, Axum was the capital of the Axumite reign, one of the oldest African empires, and represented a crucial connecting -point between Africa and Asia for almost a thousand years. A visit is organized to the steles – granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian times and decorated with symbolic engravings. There is also a visit to the Church of Santa Maria of Zion, which contains the crowns of Ethiopian kings and other treasures. Overnight hotel.
Day 6 – Fly to Lalibela
Early in the morning we take a flight of about 1 hr from Addis Ababa over the Ethiopian plateau to Lalibela, located at an altitude of 2,600 meters above sea level. The city contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved out of the local pink granite rock; they have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each church has a unique architectural style and all are superbly carved. Most of them are decorated with fascinating and well-preserved paintings. On arrival in Lalibela we will have some time to relax. During the afternoon opening session we will spend time admiring and exploring the rock-hewn churches. Overnight hotel. (Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and availability)
Day 7 – Lalibela
Today is dedicated to visiting a hill-top monastery and the city itself. Lalibela is situated amongst a series of flat-topped mountains; there is a difference in altitude of 1500m between the lower lying airport and the city. This morning there is an excursion to the Church of Asheton Maryam, about 7km outside the city. After driving a short distance, the monastery itself (3150m) is reached on foot by means of a 3-hour return walk (some steep sections) or by riding on a mule (done at own risk and own expense). In the afternoon we will visit the market place, where a colorful mix of people from the surrounding region gathers. In the evening, an optional visit to a traditional music house can be arranged (own expense). Overnight hotel
Day 8 – Fly to Addis Ababa-drive to Lanagano
This morning we board our flight from Lalibela to Addis Ababa where the northern historic tour concludes in Addis Ababa depending on your arrival there might be lunch program , in the afternoon drive to Langano on the way visiting the rift valley crater lakes on debrezeit Continue driving to to Lake Langano in the Oromia region, the starting point of your Omo Valley exploration. Along the way, we will have several stops for some bird watching. Not far from Addis Ababa, this popular holiday resort area has a splendid beach dotted with acacia trees and pinkish volcanic water ideal for swimming. The lake is full of inhabitants; there are many birds, monkeys, baboons, and (occasionally) hippos along the lake side. Overnight at Sabanna Beach Resort (or similar). (Approx. 4-5 hours of driving today, not including visits) Lake Langano Elevation: 1,585 m / 5,200 ft
Day 9 – Arba Minch Dorze Region
On the road to Arba Minch, you will cross fertile land planted with bananas, cereals, and tobacco. On your way, you will visit the Alaba tribes in their village and the Dorze people at Chencha. The Omo River Valley is very special, because nowhere else in the world are there so many ethnic groups inhabiting such a small area. During the next couple of days, you will continue to see many of these people, all of whom have their own languages and, for the most part, have few interactions across groups. The Dorze people are famous for their textiles and their bamboo “beehive” houses, each surrounded by a small garden. Participate in a coffee ceremony with the Dorze, observe “enset,” a false banana tree used by the Dorze practically in its entirety from roots to leaves, taste the local alcoholic drink, “areki.” Arba Minch is known for its delicious fish, fresh from Lake Chamo, and its spectacular wildlife found in the NechiSar National Park. Overnight stay and dinner at the the Paradise Lodge or Swayne’s Hotel (or similar) in Arba Minch. (Approx. 5-6 hours of driving today, not including visits) Arba Minch Elevation: 1,219 m / 3,999 ft
Day 10 – Lake Chamo, Konso Village, Turmi
In the morning, you will take a boat trip on Lake Chamo, populated with the largest crocodiles in Africa (7 meters) and hippos. You’ll also spot many birds, including the African Fish Eagle. This afternoon you drive through the villages of the Konso and the Erbore tribes on your way to the small town of Turmi. The Konso boast a rich culture and a highly-specialized agricultural economy. Their beautifully-constructed buttressed stone terraces have allowed them to carve out a living from the dry and unyielding land around them. You may see totem poles erected on the tombs of their dead. The Erbore are a group of about 4,000 who subsist as agropastoralists, growing maize and sorghum and practicing animal husbandry. Living along the River Woyto, they have developed an elaborate irrigation system for their crops and, during the annual dry season, are able to supply neighbors with grain in exchange for livestock, coffee, tobacco, honey, and pots. To the southeast of the Konso village are the Borena, who are semi-nomadic shepherds. Their lives revolve around their cattle, and they take extraordinary steps to ensure a water supply for them during the dry season. (Note: the Borena Oromo Tribes cannot be visited on this day, as they live far from Konso, but will be seen on coming days.) Overnight stay and dinner at Buska Lodge (or similar). (Approx: 6-7 hours of driving today, not including visits) Lake Chamo Elevation: 1,235 m / 4,052 ft
Day 11 – Omorate / Turmi Market
Today you will drive to Omorate, a town a few hours north of the Omo valley, crossing the Omo River on a wooden boat to visit the Dasanech people. Although they originally led an almost totally nomadic lifestyle, the abundant water frontage and fertile soil of their present territory has subsequently led them toward a more diverse agricultural economy. Despite these changes, their nomadic roots are still clearly visible in their traditional villages comprised of small, domed huts, reminiscent of the impermanent structures of other nomadic peoples. Drive back to Turmi for lunch and a visit to the weekly Hamer market. The Hamer, one of the largest groups in the valley, cultivates millet, vegetables, tobacco, and cotton, as well as raising cattle and goats. They are known for their fine pottery and remarkable hairstyling. Most dramatic of all are the clay hair buns with ostrich feathers that the men don after killing a fierce animal, something they then wear for 3-6 months at a time! The women wear beaded necklaces and iron coils around their arms, and their skin is decorated with cowry shells. These decorations indicate the wealth and prestige of a woman’s husband. Dinner and overnight at Buska Lodge. (Approx. 4 hours of driving round trip, not including visit to Dasenach)
Day 12 – Karo Tribe
In the morning, drive to Korcho Village to visit the Karo people and then drive to Jinka. The Karo are one of the most endangered tribes of the region, with only about 1,000 people who inhabit the eastern bank of the Omo. Formerly herders, they have since turned to agriculture because many of their cattle have been wiped out by disease. These people are masters at body decorating during festival time, using chalk to imitate the spotted plumage of the guinea fowl and making unique jewelry from most everything they find. Dinner and overnight at Jinka Resort Hotel (or similar).
(Approx. 5 hours of driving today, not including visits)
Day 13 – Mursi Tribe
On this day you will drive through the Mago National Park to meet the Mursi tribes. The Mursi are perhaps the best known of the tribal peoples in the Omo Valley due to the many documentaries made about them. They are nomadic pastoralists that move with the season and live in very low huts made of straw leaves. The most famous Mursi traditions include the lip and ear plates worn by the women and the hairstyles and fierce stick fighting done by the men. In the afternoon, visit the Ari village to meet the locals, especially the blacksmiths and potters. You’ll also visit the museum at Jinka to learn more about the tribes of the Omo Valley. Dinner and overnight at the Jinka Resort or similar. (Approx. 4 hours of driving round-trip, not including visits)
Day 14 – Jinka / Key Afer / Borena Tribe/ Yabelo
Today you will drive to Key Afer, where you’ll visit the colorful market to meet the Tsemai, Benna, and Ari trips. Hundreds of tradesmen from the Konso, Benna, and Tsemay tribes meet here to exchange their goods and to buy whatever their families or villages need. The market starts around 11:00 am and affords a great opportunity to meet these people and take some wonderful photographs. You will then drive to Yabelo, passing through the Borena Oromo villages, meeting people along the way. You’ll spot many birds along your drive as well. Overnight at the Yabelo Motel or similar.
(Approx. 7 hours of driving today, including market and tribe visits)
Day 15 – Around Yabelo and Awassa
Today you will drive around Yabelo to see the singing well where local people get water for their cattle and themselves. Then continue on to Awassa, passing through the coffee plantations and the Sidama villages, meeting locals along the way. Arrive in Awassa around 5:30 pm, where you will overnight at the Haile Resort Hotel.
(Approx. 4 hours of driving today, not including visits)
Day 16 – Awassa / Tiya Stele / Addis Ababa
Early in the morning, visit the Fish Market at Lake Awassa and then drive to Addis Ababa, passing through the Gurage villages. Here you’ll visit the Tiya Stele (World Heritage site) in the afternoon and then arrive in Addis Ababa around 5:00 pm. Transfer to your hotel and then have a farewell dinner at Yod Abyssinia, one of the best folkloric restaurants in Ethiopia, with traditional Ethiopian dishes, music, and dances from different regions of the country. Overnight at the Bole Ambassador Hotel. (Approx. 6.5 hours of driving today, not including visits)
Day 17 – Addis Ababa and departure
You have the morning free to explore and do some last-minute shop before Being transferred to the airport for your flight home.
AVAILABLE DATES:
February 3-19, March 1 – 17
April 1 11 – 26, August 7 -23
September 4 – 20, October 11 – 27
Nov ember 13 – 29, December 5 – 21
January 2 – 18,
Need more information? Please visit:
http://www.vacationethiopia.com/ethiopia-history-culture-and-nature-tours
Be welcomed by your guide or representative on arrival at Addis Abeba Bole international Airport, and transfer in to your hotel. Beginning of the tour in Addis Ababa, Morning free (may be exchange currency, when necessary briefing of the itinerary and be ready for the tour). Afternoon, tour of the capital: visit Entoto Mountains with spectacular views over the capital and the National museum. Overnight chosen hotel
In the morning drive to Arbaminch on the way visit Alaba village and their unique way of home decorating style. O/N in hotel or lodge at Arbaminch
In the morning drive to Chencha village, to visit the Dorze ethnic group with their unique home building style and traditional weaving. (Visit their market if it is a market day), drive back to Arbaminch. After lunch, boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles (at Crocodile Market), aquatic birds and hippos. O/N Arbaminch
Drive to Jinka on the way visit the Tsemay, Bena and the Ari ethnic groups with their untouched culture (if it is Thursday you will visit the colorful market of Key Afer). O/N Jinka in a hotel or resort
After breakfast drive to Mago national park and proceed to Mursi village to visit the Mursi people, whose females put lip plates on their lower lip. Drive back to Jinka for lunch, after lunch visit the Ari village or the museum in the town. O/N Jinka in a hotel or resort
After breakfast drive to Turmi-On the way visit the Tsemay ethnic group and the most Colorful market in the Omo valley- Key Afer market if it is Thursday and the Dimeka market if it is Tuesday. O/N Turmi in a lodge or hotel
In the morning drive to Omorate and after crossing the Omo Rive by traditional boat visit the Dassenech ethnic group with their untouched culture. Drive back to Turmi, in the late afternoon visit one of the Hammer villages in Turmi. O/N lodge or hotel in Turmi
In the morning drive to Murule to visit the Karo Ethnic group who are very well known for their body painting and their fascinating houses. Drive back to Turmi for overnight, and visit market of Turmi if the day is Monday or Market of Dimeka if it is Tuesday. O/N lodge or hotel in Turmi
In the morning drive to Yabello on the way visit the Cushitic-Elbore tribe, and the Konso village who are famous for terracing and unique way of living, before arriving to Yabello you will see the Borena Oromo people. O/N hotel in Yabello
After breakfast drive to the beautiful fish market on the shore of Lake Awassa with many aquatic birds, and then continue driving to Addis, on the way to Addis you will visit Ziway Lake which is rich in aquatic bird life or the Abjata shala Nationa Park. If you don’t have any program to visit Lalibela DET have a tip for you here to visit the Adadi Maryam rock hewn church believed to be constructed by Lalibela on the way back to Addis. O/N Addis in a choosen Hotel
Morning rest may be shopping and packing for check out to overnight flight. Afternoon, Visit of the Ethnographic museum and the Merkato, biggest open air market in Africa and evening traditional dinner with folkloristic dances as a Farewell night party. Evening or next day will be departure.
Be welcomed by your guide on arrival at Addis Abeba Bole international Airport, and transfer in to your hotel.Beginning of the tour in Addis Ababa, Morning free (may be exchange foreign currency,when necessary briefing of the itinerary etc and be ready for the tour). Afternoon, tour of the capital: visit Entoto Mountains with spectacular views over the capital, the National museum and Trinity church. Overnight, O/N chosen hotel
Fly to Bahir Dar. Take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit 13th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret which is the most famous of Zege Peninsula monasteries and Mahal Zeghie Gyorgis . In the afternoon, you will be taken to the village of Tis Isat to see the Blue Nile fall or “Tiss Issat” fall. O/NBahir Dar in a hotel
Drive to Gondar Visit the castles and churches built by the Emperor Fasiledes and his descendents, later proceeds to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie Church, one of the world’s heritage. O/N in a hotel
Drive to Sanka Ber a segment of the Semein Mountains. This is sight, which is termed as the most wild and spectacular of all Ethiopian landscape also termed as the ‘Roof of Africa’. Observe the magnificent Scenery. O/N in a hotel
Early in the morning, drive to the ancient town of Axum through the chains of Semien Mountains and the Tekeze River Valley. O/N in a hotel
After early breakfast, visit Stelae Park, St. Mary’s Church the Sanctuary Chapel which is the repository of the Arc of the Covenant, the Coronation yard, Queen of Sheba’s Palace Ruins, Axum Museum and the Quarry where stelae used to be made. O/N in a hotel
In the morning, drive to Mekele visiting the 8-5th Century Temple of Yeha. The temple is believed to be the oldest standing building in the country. Proceed to the 6th century famous Monastery of Debre Damo established by Abune Aregawi one of the seven Saints came in Ethiopia in the 6th century in the reign of King Kaleb to spread Christianity in different parts of the country. O/N in a hotel
Drive to Lalibela via Ambalage chains of Mountains. O/N Lalibela in a hotel
Visit the magnificent Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela: Bete Giorgis, Bete Medahne Alem, Bete Meskel, Bete Mariam, Bete Denagel, Bet Golegota, and Debresina, Bete Gebriel-rufael, Bete merkorewos, Betelehem, Bete Emanuael and Bete Aba Libanos.) O/N, hotel
After breakfast hike (or ride mules) up the church of Ashetun Mariam we pass small villages on the way up and there are marvellous views from the top of the surrounding countryside. In the afternoon, take a trip by car to the beautiful cave
After an early breakfast, leave Lalibela en route visit the monastery of Nakuto Leaband Genete Mariam and proceed to Dessie. O/N Dessie in a Hotel
Drive back to Addis Ababa via charming landscape of North Shewa. O/N Hotel
Morning rest may be shopping and packing for check out to overnight flight. Afternoon, Visit of the Ethnographic museum and the Merkato, biggest open air market in Africa and evening traditional dinner with folkloristic dances as a Farwell night party. Evening or next day will be departure.
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