Introduction
Embark on a 12-day journey to uncover the hidden treasures of Ethiopia. This comprehensive tour package takes you on an adventure through the enchanting north and south regions, the fascinating Danakil Depression, and the historic city of Harar. Unveil the Richness of Ethiopia and experience the best the country has to offer.
Overview
Immerse in Ancient History: Explore the ancient wonders of Ethiopia as you visit iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the medieval castles of Gondar. Experience the mystique of these historical landmarks and gain insights into Ethiopia’s captivating past.
Witness Nature’s Marvel: Venture into the Danakil Depression, a geological wonderland unlike any other, located north in the Afar Triangle. Trek through the salt flats, gaze at the mesmerizing lava lakes, and witness the surreal landscapes that showcase nature’s extraordinary power and beauty.
Encounter Tribal Cultures: Dive into the vibrant cultures of the Omo Valley tribes. Interact with the Hamar, Mursi, Karo and Dassenech tribes, all known for their distinctive traditions, body adornments, and rituals. Gain a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups and their way of life.
Discover Harar’s Charms: Step into the UNESCO-listed walled city of Harar and be captivated by its ancient charm. Explore the narrow alleyways filled with colorful houses, visit traditional markets, and witness the unique hyena feeding ceremony, a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
ITINERARY
4 DAYS NORTH
Day 1 Tour Lalibela
Depart on an early morning flight to Lalibela (08:00), the most famous of all the Ethiopian historical sites.
After lunch, we will start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
You will first visit the Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women).
We will then visit the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos.
Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George.
–Stay the night in Lalibela.
Day 2 Fly to Gonder
We will take a morning flight to Gonder.
After briefly settling in your hotel, we will tour the city of Gondar, which was once the capital city of Ethiopia.
The city tour includes the medieval castles located in the Royal Enclosure, Fasilides Baths, a tour of Ras Gimb’s palace museum and finally the church of Debre Birhan Selassie with its wonderful murals.
Over Night in Gondar
Day 3 Simien mountains national park(day trip)
Drive from Gonder to Simien Mountains National Park early in the morning.
We will be trekking through the park, mostly following a trail at the top for a breathtaking scenery, at the height of the road there is a magnificent view of the strangely eroded foothills of the series, and we will most likely spot a bearded vulture and or Gelada baboons on this trek tour.
We will then drive back to Gonder and continue to Bahir Dar.
Overnight Bahir Dar
Day 4 Bahir Dar
After breakfast, we will take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit a selection of the monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake.
We will visit the Zege Peninsula, the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam, Ura Kidane-Mehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River.
We will then return to Bahir Dar, have lunch, and drive to visit the Blue Nile waterfall (32 km away from the town of Bahir Dar).
Then we will trek through the village side and across a 17th century bridge built by Portuguese explorers which will take about an hour to reach the waterfall.
Take time to enjoy the waterfall before driving back to Bahir Dar.
Finally, take a late flight to Addis.
Stay the night in Addis Ababa.
2 Day’s The Danakil Depression
Day 5 Addis to Semera
Take a morning flight from Addis to Semera for Danakil
We start our day by driving to Erta Ale (which means smoky mountain in Afar language). Erta Ale ranks top as one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions in Ethiopia.
Erta Ale, which is part of the Afar Triangle, is a basaltic shield volcano, which contains the world’s longest-living lava lake, a lava lake, one of only eight in the world.
We start early at 9:00 AM, by driving to Dodom (located at the base of Erta Ale). This may be one of the roughest roads in the world. The 80 km distance may take about 6 hrs. passing through a changing landscape of solidified lava, rock, sand, and occasional palm-lined oasis.
Stay the night in Erta Ale at a campsite.
Day 6 Dallol and lake Afdera
You will be driven through the beautiful lake Afdera and a breathtaking landscape and arrive in Dallol in the afternoon, Dallol (116 meters below sea level, one of the lowest places in the world),with colorful salt mining sites and then visit lake Asebo.
Asebo is the place where the salts are mined. You will get to observe the breaking of the salt from the ground, cutting into rectangular pieces and getting loaded onto camels.
We will then continue to Lake Assal, follow up camel caravans and walk with the Afar people, enjoy the sunset and the beautiful and colorful landscape.
(No camel caravan in July, August, and early September).
After lunch break, we will continue to Lake Afrera. Lake Afrera (in Italian Lake Giulietti) is a hypersaline lake located in Kilbet Rasu, Afar Region, it is one of the lakes of the Danakil Depression.
We will finally drive back to Semera to take a late afternoon flight to Addis.
Overnight in Addis
3 Days South
Day 7 Mursi and Ari tribes
Take a morning flight from Addis to Jinka
After checking in to our hotel, we will drive through the Mago National Park to a local village of the Mursi tribe. The Mursi are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates.
In the afternoon, after returning to Jinka, you will optionally visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes, or alternatively, take a hike in the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village.
Overnight in Jinka
Day 8 Karo and Hamer tribe
After breakfast, in the morning we will drive to Turmi to visit Kara and Hamer tribes.
The Kara tribe are known for their body decorations .They also have a unique way of life, marriage and eating habits. After that, we will drive back to Turmi .After lunch we will visit Hamar tribes. The Hamer are known for their body decorations and the clay and ochre that is used to create their unique hairstyles. Turmi is a very small town and nearby we explore a Hamer village and meet some of the locals.
overnight Turmi.
Day 9 Excursion to the town of Omorate
In the morning, drive to Omorate on a journey to visit the Dassenech tribe. Here you will cross the Omo River by boat and enter the village of Dassenech. Afterwards, we will return to Turmi (Monday is market day) for a visit to a local Hamer village.
One of the fascinating
If there is Jumping over Bulls, rite of passage ceremony, a tradition of the Hamer, that will be visited. Then we will drive back to Turmi and continue to Jinka to take a late afternoon flight to Addis.
Overnight Addis
Final 2 Day’s City of Harar
Day 10 Fly Addis Ababa-Dire Dawa
Fly from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa and travel by vehicle from Dire Dawa to Harar, which is 55 kilometers away.
On Arrival to Harar, we will check-in to our hotel. We will then dine and have a casual walk through the city. We will end the day, by attending the famous, hyena-man show, feeding hyena’s by hand, which you could try if you feel daring.
Overnight Harar.
Day 11 Harar
In the morning, after breakfast, we will start exploring the the rich history, culture, and landmarks that Harar has to offer.
The sightseeing and tour include delving into the Harari market that has exotic spices, food, cloth and many more. A tour of the captivating sites of the fortified walled town of Harar(Jegol/Jogol a UNESCO world heritage site , built between the 13th and 16th century AD). A visit to Ras Teferi Mekonnen’s house and the Harar Sherif museum.
We will visit the museum dedicated to French Poet Arthur Rimbaud, who was once a resident of the city.
Stay the night at Harar.
Day 12 Harar to Addis Ababa(Stop at Babile and Koremi)
Morning Drive from Harar to Babile Camel Market and Valley of Marvels.
Babile is the largest Camel Market in the region. It takes place every Monday and Thursdays. Somali and Oromo farmers will walk to Babile to sell their Camels, Goats, and cattle.
We will then drive further east of Babile, to the Valley of Marvels, the valley with rock towers and pillars carved and stacked in very unusual and intriguing shapes and forms.
On your way back to Dire Dawa we will visit ‘ Koremi’, which is a village older than Harar itself. Its houses are built of stone in a very old style that depicts the ancient architecture of the area. The People of Koremi plant a mild Narcotic plant called Qat(chat) and coffee.
Drive back to Dire Dawa airport to fly to Addis Ababa.