Explore Ethiopia: Journey Through the Ancient Northern Route and Experience the Diverse Cultures of Omo Valley

Exploring The Wonders of Ethiopia: A Comprehensive Itinerary

The Northern Circuit: History and Scenery Unfold

Nature, History, Religion, Culture, and so much more are included in this package. The tour begins at the capital where you will visit the most important museums, open-air markets, beautifully designed cathedrals, and others. On the second day, there will be a drive to Bahir Dar, a destination attractive for its island monasteries found on Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls. Gondar is the next city on your historical trip to North Ethiopia. The Royal Enclosure and Debre Berhan Selassie church will be visited on the same day during your drive from Bahir Dar. Hundred and a half kilometers from Gondar is Simien Mountains National Parks. You will have a highlighted visit to this Park. Drive back to Debark for overnight. Drive to Axum on day 6, and the city tour will be on the next day. The city has attractions like St. Mary Zion Church, the last residence of the ark of the Covenant, North Stelae Field, and ruins of ancient palaces. Proceed to Mekele on the same day. The final destination of the north circuit is Lalibela, the home of the rock-hewn churches. It commonly takes 2 days to drive back to Addis Ababa from Lalibela. You will have en-route overnight in Dessie. On Day 11, you will have a return drive to Addis Ababa.

The Southern Adventure: Tribal Lands and Natural Wonders

The first day (12) of the southern trip is going to be the longest drive (nearly 550 km from the capital). On this day, you will have en-route stops nearby Arba Minch: Alaba and Dorze Villages. After visiting these tribes which are known for bamboo bee-hives and weaving, you will proceed driving to the town overnight. Day 13 is spent on a boat trip on Lake Chamo and a game drive to Nechi Sar National Park. The lake is good for encountering Crocodiles and hippos whereas the park is rich with wild zebras and some other wildfires. Drive to Jinka via Konso on the fourteenth day. You may also attend a market at Key Afer (Thursdays) on the way. A day excursion to Mago National Park enables you to visit the Mursi tribe whose women are famous for their lip plates. On the sixteenth day, you will travel to Turmi so as to visit the Bena tribes. Just like most of the indigenous tribes in the Lower Omo Valley, the Bena practice ritual dancing and singing. The men often have their hair dressed up with a colorful clay cap that is decorated with feathers. Both the men and women wear long garments and paint their bodies with white chalk. Today (Day 17), you will cross the Omo River and visit Dassanech tribes. During a ceremony, the Dassanech men dance with large sticks, and the women hold wooden batons. A Dassanech man blesses his daughter's fertility and future marriage by celebrating the Dimi. During the Dimi 10 to 30 cattle are slaughtered. Both men and women wear fur capes while they feast and dance.

Inclusions

• 17 Nights Accommodation in a shared room. $268.00pp for Single Room Supplement;
• Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle;
• 18 Breakfasts;
• Professional English Speaking Driver Guide;
• Bottle of Water;
• From and to Airport Transfers;
• Hotel Pickup and Drop Off;
• All Entrance Fees;
• Applicable Local Guide;
• Service Charge and Tax.

Exclusions

• Accommodations on the last day;
• Gratitude, tips and porter fees;
• All lunches and dinners;
• International flights;
• Bull jumping fee;
• Photography fees;
• what is NOT included on the Included List.

Embark on a journey through the heart of Ethiopia, blending nature, history, religion, and culture into an unforgettable experience. Venture south to explore Ethiopia's diverse cultures and natural wonders. Notes:

• Nature, History, Religion, Culture included in the package
• Tour starts in the capital with visits to museums, open-air market, cathedrals
• Day 2: Drive to Bahir Dar for island monasteries on Lake Tana, Blue Nile Falls
• Gondar visit includes the Royal Enclosure, Debre Berhan Selassie church
• Visit Simien Mountains National Park, return to Debark for overnight
• Day 6: Drive to Axum, city tour next day with attractions like St. Mary Zion Church, North Stelae Field, ancient palace ruins
• Proceed to Mekele, then Lalibela to see rock-hewn churches
• 2 days drive back to Addis Ababa from Lalibela with overnight in Dessie
• Day 12 starts the southern trip with a 550 km drive to Arba Minch, stops at Alaba and Dorze Villages
• Day 13: Boat trip on Lake Chamo, game drive in Nechi Sar National Park
• Drive to Jinka via Konso, potential market visit at key Afer
• Visit Mago National Park and Mursi tribe, famous for women's lip plates
• Travel to Turmi to visit Bena tribes, known for ritual dancing, singing, body painting
• Day 17: Visit Dassanech tribes, observe Dimi ceremony with dancing, feasting