Welcome to the “Discover Northern and Southern Ethiopia” tour! Ethiopia is a land of wonders—a country where ancient history and vibrant traditions come alive. This carefully curated tour will take you on a spectacular adventure through Ethiopia’s iconic destinations: the historic treasures of Lalibela, Gondar, and Bahir Dar, the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains, and the rich cultural mosaic of the Omo Valley tribes.
In addition to its cultural and historical splendor, the journey also explores Ethiopia’s natural beauty: Lake Tana, Blue Nile Falls, the Rift Valley lakes, and the tribal markets of southern Ethiopia. Experience Ethiopia’s incredible diversity, from its heritage to its people, as we guide you through this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Itinerary
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and we will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel In Addis for overnight stay.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Spend the morning exploring Addis Ababa, including visits to the National Museum, home of the famous hominid fossil “Lucy,” the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Mercato, Africa’s largest open-air market.
Enjoy panoramic views of the capital from Entoto Hills before transferring to the airport for a flight to Bahir Dar.
Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Start your day with a boat trip on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, to visit Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery and Abune Betre Mariam on the lush Zege Peninsula.
Along the way, enjoy sights of waterbirds, coffee plantations, and hippos. In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Nile Falls, where the water plunges 45 meters, creating a breathtaking natural wonder.
Return to Bahir Dar for an overnight stay.
In the morning drive to Gondar. The drive will take about 3 to 4 hrs. on a beautiful landscape of the countryside.
Then a city tour of Gondar including a visit to the Royal Compound, where enchanting 17th century castles stand. Also, visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church meaning Trinity at the Mount of Light and The King fasile Bath where we celebrate the epiphany (timket) holiday.
Overnight in Gondar.
Head north to the UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes, deep gorges, and endemic wildlife like the Gelada Baboons.
We drive up to Sankaber (3’220m) and admire the impressive scenery with its deep gorges and valleys and the highest waterfall in Ethiopia.
This day spent the day discovering the park with lunch picnics , then drove back to Gonder for overnight.
Fly to Lalibela, renowned for its 12th-century rock-hewn churches carved into the rugged mountainsides. Spend the afternoon visiting the first cluster of these awe-inspiring churches.
Overnight in Lalibela.
In the morning, visit Yimrehane Kirstos, a beautifully constructed cave church set amidst the mountainous Lasta region, or explore Nakuto La’ab Cave Church nearby.
In the afternoon, discover the second group of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, including the iconic Bete Giorgis (St. George's Church), celebrated for its architectural brilliance.
Overnight in Lalibela.
Fly back to Addis Ababa and continue exploring the city based on your schedule.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.
This morning transfer to airport and fly to Jinka. upon arrival in Jinka Airport transfer to hotel.
In the afternoon embark on a day excursion to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi village, home to one of Ethiopia's most distinct ethnic groups. The Mursi are famous around the world for their instantly recognizable 'lip plates'. They are pastoralists who keep herds of cattle and goats and are most famed for
the lip-piercing custom of their women who, at the coming of age insert clay disks into incisions made in their lower lips. In addition, they are the warrior tribe of the Omo Valley.
Overnight Jinka in hotel
Drive from Jinka to Turmi, stopping at Alduba Market to experience the vibrant Benna tribal marketplace. Continue to the villages of the Karo tribe, known for their elaborate body and face paintings.
After immersing yourself in their culture, return to Turmi for an overnight stay.
Visit Omorate, a border town with Kenya, to meet the Dassanech tribe, who inhabit the delta region.
Return to Turmi in the afternoon to explore the Hammer villages and witness the traditional bull-jumping ceremony, a unique initiation into manhood.
Overnight in Turmi.
Drive to Konso, stopping at the Key Afar tribal market, a bustling hub of the Banna tribe, known for their agro-pastoral lifestyle.
In Konso, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed village, famous for its terraced landscapes, traditional stone-walled villages, and coffee production.
Overnight in Konso.
Drive to Arba Minch and enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife at the crocodile market.
In the afternoon, visit the Dorze village to experience the culture of the Dorze people, renowned for their weaving skills, elephant-shaped bamboo huts, and traditional food.
Overnight in Arba Minch.
Travel to Hawassa through the scenic Rift Valley, passing by Sidama villages and coffee plantations.
Spend the afternoon relaxing by Lake Hawassa, where you can enjoy aquatic birds, fresh fish, and possibly spot wild hippos.
Overnight in Hawassa.
Begin your day at Hawassa’s vibrant fish market, where you can watch local fishermen at work. Drive north toward Addis Ababa, stopping at Abijatta-Shalla National Park, home to flamingos, pelicans, and ostriches. On the way, visit Lake Ziway, a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
Arrive in Addis Ababa for a farewell dinner featuring Ethiopian cultural dances, music, and traditional cuisine.
After dinner, transfer to the airport for your departure.
End of Tour
