Day 1: Fly to Bahir Dar & Visit Lake Tana
Take a short internal flight in the morning to Bahir Dar. The city is located at the edge of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia, and is surrounded by 37 islands. Many of these islands have old monasteries that date back to between the 14th and 19th centuries. Bahir Dar has warm, Mediterranean-style weather. Palm trees line the streets, and the city is known as one of the prettiest in Africa. It is also the regional capital for the Amhara people.
After arrival, we drive for about an hour to the small village of Tissisat. We take a walk in the cool morning air. After crossing the Nile on the old Portuguese Bridge from the 17th century, we meet some locals on our way to the waterfalls. After seeing the falls, we take a small boat to cross the Nile and return to our vehicle.
In the afternoon, we take a boat across Lake Tana to visit the Zeghie peninsula. After a short walk, we visit two 14th-century monasteries: Azwa Mariam and Ura Kidane Mehret. These churches are built in the traditional Ethiopian Orthodox style, with round shapes, mud walls, and thatched roofs. The Zeghie forest is home to Columbus Baboons and many bird species.
Hotel stay for the night.
Day 2: Drive to Gondar (Camelot of Africa)
After breakfast, we drive 185 kilometers through the Amhara region to Gondar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gondar was home to many Ethiopian emperors during the 17th and 18th centuries and is the main entry point to the Simien Mountains.
We visit the famous castles in the town, which were once royal homes built by different kings. After lunch, we tour these castles again, then visit King Fasilidas’ bath, which is used during the Timkat Festival.
Timkat is one of Ethiopia’s most important holidays. It celebrates the baptism of Jesus. We also visit the Debre Berhan Selassie Church, known for its beautiful ceiling paintings. The angel faces painted here became a key part of Ethiopian art.
Hotel stay for the night.
Day 3: Explore Simien Mountains National Park
After breakfast, we drive to the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The road from Gondar to Debark is full of beautiful views. The park is home to many birds and animals, including the rare Ethiopian Gelada Baboon, Wattled Ibis, and Thick-billed Raven.
We go for a short hike to see the Gelada Baboons, which are also called “lion monkeys” or “bleeding heart baboons.” These animals are found only in Ethiopia and live in large groups in the Simien Mountains.
We return to Gondar and spend the night there.
Day 4: Simien Mountains National Park (Day Trip to Chenek Camp)
We spend the day visiting other parts of the Simien Mountains. The sharp peaks and deep valleys make this area unique. We drive to Chenek Camp, where we may see the Ethiopian Wolf and Walia Ibex.
After our visit, we return to Gondar.
Hotel stay for the night.
Day 5: Drive to Lalibela (Eight Wonders of the World)
After breakfast, we travel to Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lalibela is famous for its rock-hewn churches, often called “The New Jerusalem.” These churches are carved out of solid rock.
If there is time, we start visiting the churches in the southeastern group: Bet Abba Libanos, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanuel, and Bet Gabriel-Rufael.
Hotel stay for the night.
Day 6: Visit Lalibela Churches & Fly to Addis
After breakfast, we visit the churches carved into rock. These buildings are large and very detailed, showing the skill of the builders.
We visit the northwestern churches: Bet Danaghel, Bet Golgotha, Bet Mikael, Bet Maryam, Bet Medhane Alem, and Bet Meskel. Then we see the famous Bet Giyorgis, built to honor St. George, Ethiopia’s patron saint.
After visiting the churches, we fly to Addis Ababa.
Hotel stay for the night.
Day 7: Fly to Semera – Visit Dallol
After landing at Semera Airport, your guide will welcome you and explain the journey. We stop for lunch in Afdera town, then drive off-road through the desert to reach Ahmedela in the evening.
We see the Assale Salt Lake and the camel caravans that carry salt. The sunset over the lake is beautiful.
Camping outside for the night.
Day 8: Drive to Erta Ale Volcano
We visit Dallol in the morning. This area is full of colorful salt formations, hot springs, and geysers. We also see salt canyons and the hard work of locals who collect salt by hand.
We continue driving through the desert, over old lava rocks, to reach Erta Ale volcano. After a light dinner, we hike for 30 minutes to the summit crater.
We camp at a safe distance near the rim of the crater.
Camping overnight.
Day 9: Return to Semera & Fly to Addis
We enjoy the sunrise over the lava lake, then walk back to our cars. We drive to Lake Afdera, where we can relax in natural hot springs. After that, we continue to Semera for our flight to Addis Ababa.
Hotel stay for the night.
Day 10: Fly to Arbaminch & Visit the Dorze Tribe
We fly to Arbaminch in southern Ethiopia. After meeting our driver, we go to our hotel. In the afternoon, we visit the Dorze Tribe on Guge Mountain.
The Dorze are known for weaving cotton and for their houses made of natural materials. We learn about their daily life, see their weaving work, and visit their beehive-shaped huts.
Hotel stay in Arbaminch.
Day 11: Drive to Turmi & Visit Konso and Hammer Tribe
We drive to Turmi in the Omo Valley. On the way, we stop at Konso village, known for its stone terraces and wooden grave markers. Konso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After lunch, we continue to Turmi and visit the Hammer tribe. They are known for their hairstyles, jewelry, and clothing made of animal skins and beads.
Hotel stay in Turmi.
Day 12: Visit Dassenech & Kara Tribes
We drive to Omorate, near the Kenyan border, to visit the Dassenech tribe. We cross the Omo River by boat and walk to their village. The Dassenech are semi-nomadic and live by fishing and farming.
After lunch in Turmi, we visit the Kara tribe. They are known for their face and body painting. Men prepare for ceremonies by decorating themselves with clay and colorful patterns.
Hotel stay in Turmi.
Day 13: Drive to Jinka
We drive to Jinka, stopping at a local market where different tribes meet. We also visit the Ari tribe, who live near Jinka and grow coffee and fruit. Their villages are surrounded by avocado, mango, and banana trees.
Hotel stay in Jinka.
Day 14: Visit the Mursi Tribe & Drive to Arbaminch
In the morning, we explore Mago National Park, which has open grasslands and forests. It is home to many animals and birds. We visit a village of the Mursi tribe, known for the clay plates women wear in their lips.
We also visit the ethnographic museum in Jinka, which focuses on the languages of southern Ethiopia. Later, we drive to Arbaminch.
Hotel stay for the night.
Day 15: Drive to Awassa
After breakfast, we take a boat ride on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles, hippos, and birds. Then we drive through the green Wolayta and Sidama regions to Awassa.
Hotel stay in Awassa.
Day 16: Drive to Bale Mountains
In the morning, we drive to Bale Mountains National Park. As we near the park, we may see rare animals like the Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck. We also look for Serval Cats and caracals in the grasslands.
Hotel stay in Bale.
Day 17: Explore Sanetti Plateau & Harenna Forest
After breakfast, we visit the Sanetti Plateau. This is one of the best places to see the Ethiopian Wolf, the world’s most endangered canid. We also look for the giant mole-rat and other rodents.
We stop at Tulu Dimtu, the park’s highest point at 4,377 meters. In the afternoon, we drive to Harenna Forest. We take a walk to see waterfalls and a bamboo canyon.
Watch for Bale monkeys, warthogs, tree hyrax, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. We stay in Robe for the night.
Hotel overnight.
Day 18: Return to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, we leave Bale Mountains and drive back to Addis via the Asela Road. On the way, we stop briefly in Arsi Mountains National Park to see Greater Kudus.
In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant with music and dance. After dinner, we go to the airport for your international flight.
