DAY 1: Arrival at Addis Ababa

On your arrival at Addis Ababa bole international airport you will be welcomed by your tour guide from Landmark Ethiopia Tours. Then you will be transferred to your hotel. After a rest and refresh at the hotel, in the afternoon your guide will take you around the highlights of Addis. Founded in 1887 by Emperor Menelik II and Queen Taitu, Addis Ababa is the third highest capital of the world at an altitude of 2300-2500 m. with a pleasant climate. The tour starts with a visit to the National Museum to view a replica of the famous, 3.2 million-year-old fossilized hominid remains known to the rest of the world as “Lucy”. The visit also includes Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, the Holy trinity cathedral and you will enjoy a panoramic view of the capital with fresh air on top of Mount Entoto and end the tour with the bustling Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. Overnight- Hotel in Addis Ababa.

 

DAY 2: Addis Ababa → Bahir Dar (Flight)

Early the morning transfer to Addis Ababa bole airport and fly to Bahir Dar (45 minutes). Bahir Dar, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Tana , is the capital city of the Amhara Regional State. Upon your arrival, you will transfer and check in to your Hotel. Then a boat trip on Lake Tana, the largest in the country, to explore a selection of ancient monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Visit the Zege Peninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon drive out to visit the Blue Nile Falls (40 minutes from Bahir Dar). Although the power of the falls has been subdued by the hydroelectric plant, they are still an incredible sight. A lovely circular walk takes you over an ancient bridge built by the Portuguese in the 15th century, passing fantastic viewpoints of the falls, over a rope bridge and then up to top of the falls where you will cross by boat to meet your vehicle. Overnight- Hotel in Bahir Dar.

 

DAY 3: Bahirdar → Gondar (Drive)

This morning after breakfast you will drive 180 km asphalt road via a scenic route and marvelous landscape, to the royal city of Gondar. After check in to your hotel and have lunch you will start city tour. Gondar, Ethiopia’s capital during medieval times, Often referred to as the “Camelot of Africa” .This city was founded by Emperor Fasiladas in the early 17th-century. Your visit explores many of the castles he and his Descendant’s built within the Royal Enclosure, as well as his ceremonial bath (that is filled with water directly comes from the Keha river for the important Timikat (Epiphany), Ethiopian Orthodox’s most sacred annual celebration, once a year on January 19). The visit also takes you to the rectangular and fascinating Debre Berhan Selassie (Trinity at the Mount of Light) Church, which has ceilings decorated with beautiful winged Angels and renowned for its vivid and striking interior art and arguably one of the finest churches in the country. Overnight – Hotel in Gondar.

 

DAY 4: Gondar → Simien Mountains → Gondar (Drive)

Today you will have excursion trip to the Simen mountains national park. After breakfast, drive 100kms to Simien Mountains National Park which is the most marvelous of all Ethiopian landscapes and registered by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The Simien Mountain National Park constitutes many summits above 4000 m and culminates at Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia (4,620) and it is the home of the endemics gelada baboon, Ethiopian wolf and Walya ibex. Finish formalities at the Head Quarter of the park at Debarq and continue to drive another 20km inside the park then make a 2-3 hours walk/trek. Late in the afternoon drive back to Gondar for overnight stay. Overnight- Hotel in Gondar.

 

DAY 5: Gondar → Axum (Flight)

In the morning transfer to Gondar airport and fly to Axum. Up on your arrival you will be transfer to your hotel for check in. then you will start city tour of Axum. Today you will have the full day to explore one of the ancient towns in Africa, Axum. According to Ethiopian belief, Aksum was once the home of the legendary Queen of Sheba and is the current resting place of the Ark of the Covenant also recorded in UNESCO lists as a World Heritage Site. Your exploration Commences at the area’s most recognizable icons, the great stelae. Attributed to Various Axumite kingdom rulers from the 3rd century AD, these immense granite Obelisks exceeding 100 feet in length and with an estimated weight of over 500 tones. The tour continue with the Visit to the St. Mary of Zion church (house the Ark of Covenant) and archeological museum, the ruined palace of queen of Sheba and the 6th century tombs of king Kaleb and Gebre Meskel. They are a great example of the sheer sophistication of Axumite architecture and building techniques. Overnight- Hotel in Axum.

 

DAY 6: Axum→ Lalibela (Flight)

After breakfast, depart on a morning flight to Lalibela. Up on your arrival at Lalibela airport you will transfer to your hotel for check in. In the afternoon visit the first group of rock churches of king Lalibela. Situated high in the Lasta Mountains Lalibela is arguably one of the most important religious and historical sites in the entire Christian world. The town is famous for the 11 remarkable rock churches built by saint king Lalibela around 11 century. These elaborate edifices are each carved by hand entirely out of a single block of living granite rock and considered as ’the 8th Wonders of the World’, ‘The Newly Jerusalem’ and ‘The Petra of Africa’. This is a deeply spiritual place and quite rightly a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight- Hotel in Lalibela.

 

DAY 7: Lalibela

Another full day in Lalibela. Today in the morning you will go for an excursion to visit a rock church located outside of the town of Lalibela. make excursion to visit Asheton Mariam by mule or drive to 45km gravel road North of Lalibela to visit Yemrhane Christos church. In afternoon you will continue visiting the Second group of rock churches of Lalibela. Overnight- Hotel in Lalibela.

 

DAY 8: Lalibela → Addis Ababa (Flight) → Awassa

In the morning, transfer to Lalibela airport for the return flight back to Addis Ababa. Up on arrival you will meet with your driver and car for the omo valley and drive to Awassa through the Ethiopian rift valley region. The Ethiopian Rift Valley which is part of the famous East African Rift Valley comprises numerous hot springs, beautiful lakes and a variety of wildlife. The valley is the result of two parallel faults in the earth's surface between which, in distant geological time, the crust was weakened, and the land subsided. Ethiopia is often referred to as the “water tower" of Eastern Africa because of the many rivers that pour off the high tableland. The Great Rift Valley's passage through Ethiopia is marked by a chain of seven lakes. Today you will make a stop on some of the rift valley lakes. First stop will be at Debre Zeit town known for its 7 volcanic lakes, Lake Ziway to visit aquatic birds, Abijatta shalla national park and Lake Langano. Overnight – Hotel in Awassa.

 

DAY 9: Awassa → Arbaminch

In the morning visit the fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa which is famous for tilapia and cat fish, Amora Gedel Park to see monkeys and birds. And then proceed to Dorze, set in the highlands above Arba Minch. The Dorze people are known for their tall beehive-like houses and their fine cotton weaving. You will visit the village and learn about the daily lives of these industrious people. If today is market day (in Dorze village on Monday and Thursday and in nearby Chencha on Tuesday and Saturday), that will be visited. Overnight- Hotel or Lodge in Arbaminch.

 

DAY 10: Arbaminch → Turmi

In the morning, depart for a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the “crocodile market”, and the local hippos. Afterwards, depart from Arbaminch to Turmi. Pass through the village of Weyto (market day is Saturday), which is home to the Tsemai tribe. Continue through the Weyto Valley to Erbore, where you will have a brief visit to a local Erbore village (market day is Saturday). Finally, proceed to Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe. Overnight – Lodge or Camping at Turmi.

 

DAY 11: Turmi

In the morning, take a day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassench tribe who are living on the other side of the Omo River. Here you will cross the Omo River with a local boat and enter a Dassench village. Afterwards, return to Turmi for a visit to a local Hamer village. If there is jumping of the Bulls traditional Hamer coming-of-age ceremony that will be visited. Overnight – Lodge or Camping at Turmi.

 

DAY 12: Turmi → Jinka

Depart for Jinka, via Dimeka and Key Afar. If today is Tuesday or Saturday you visit the market in Dimeka, which is one of the most colorful markets in the area and is visited by many tribes, including Hamer, Benna and Karo. And also if today is Thursday you will have a chance to see another colorful market in Key Afer, where you will see the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods. Afterwards, continue to Jinka. Overnight- Lodge or Hotel in Jinka.

 

DAY 13: Jinka → Mursi →Jinka

In the morning, 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 visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes and Ari tribe village. Overnight- Lodge or Hotel in Jinka.

 

DAY 14: Jinka → Konso→ Arbaminch

After breakfast depart from Jinka to Arba Minch. On the way you will stop to visit the Konso people. The Konso people are known for their wooden statues, known as wakas, which are erected in honor of dead heroes as well as their innovative agricultural terracing. If today is Thursday you see the Key Afar market, where you will see the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods. This is another very popular market in the region. After the visit, proceed driving to Arba Minch. Overnight- Hotel or Lodge in Arbaminch.

 

DAY 15: Arbaminch → Addis Ababa & Departure

Early in the morning after breakfast drive to Addis Ababa from Arba Minch. On the way you visit UNESCO registered the 600 – 800 years old Tiya stelae field and the interesting Melka-Kunture archeological site where thousands of Stone Age tools are found and they are displayed in a small but interesting museum. Arrive in Addis Ababa and in the evening you will have fare well dinner in one of the Ethiopian cultural restaurant with tasty Ethiopian food and cultural dances from the different ethnic groups. Then transfer to the airport for flight back home. The tour ends here.

On your arrival at Addis Ababa bole international airport you will be welcomed by your tour guide from Landmark Ethiopia Tours. Then you will be transferred to your hotel. After a rest and refresh at the hotel, in the afternoon your guide will take you around the highlights of Addis. Founded in 1887 by Emperor Menelik II and Queen Taitu, Addis Ababa is the third highest capital of the world at an altitude of 2300-2500 m. with a pleasant climate. The tour starts with a visit to the National Museum to view a replica of the famous, 3.2 million-year-old fossilized hominid remains known to the rest of the world as “Lucy”. The visit also includes Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, the Holy trinity cathedral and you will enjoy a panoramic view of the capital with fresh air on top of Mount Entoto and end the tour with the bustling Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. Overnight- Hotel in Addis Ababa.

Early the morning transfer to Addis Ababa bole airport and fly to Bahir Dar (45 minutes). Bahir Dar, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Tana , is the capital city of the Amhara Regional State. Upon your arrival, you will transfer and check in to your Hotel. Then a boat trip on Lake Tana, the largest in the country, to explore a selection of ancient monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Visit the Zege Peninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon drive out to visit the Blue Nile Falls (40 minutes from Bahir Dar). Although the power of the falls has been subdued by the hydroelectric plant, they are still an incredible sight. A lovely circular walk takes you over an ancient bridge built by the Portuguese in the 15th century, passing fantastic viewpoints of the falls, over a rope bridge and then up to top of the falls where you will cross by boat to meet your vehicle. Overnight- Hotel in Bahir Dar.

This morning after breakfast you will drive 180 km asphalt road via a scenic route and marvelous landscape, to the royal city of Gondar. After check in to your hotel and have lunch you will start city tour. Gondar, Ethiopia’s capital during medieval times, Often referred to as the “Camelot of Africa” .This city was founded by Emperor Fasiladas in the early 17th-century. Your visit explores many of the castles he and his Descendant’s built within the Royal Enclosure, as well as his ceremonial bath (that is filled with water directly comes from the Keha river for the important Timikat (Epiphany), Ethiopian Orthodox’s most sacred annual celebration, once a year on January 19). The visit also takes you to the rectangular and fascinating Debre Berhan Selassie (Trinity at the Mount of Light) Church, which has ceilings decorated with beautiful winged Angels and renowned for its vivid and striking interior art and arguably one of the finest churches in the country. Overnight – Hotel in Gondar.

Today you will have excursion trip to the Simen mountains national park. After breakfast, drive 100kms to Simien Mountains National Park which is the most marvelous of all Ethiopian landscapes and registered by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The Simien Mountain National Park constitutes many summits above 4000 m and culminates at Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia (4,620) and it is the home of the endemics gelada baboon, Ethiopian wolf and Walya ibex. Finish formalities at the Head Quarter of the park at Debarq and continue to drive another 20km inside the park then make a 2-3 hours walk/trek. Late in the afternoon drive back to Gondar for overnight stay. Overnight- Hotel in Gondar.

In the morning transfer to Gondar airport and fly to Axum. Up on your arrival you will be transfer to your hotel for check in. then you will start city tour of Axum. Today you will have the full day to explore one of the ancient towns in Africa, Axum. According to Ethiopian belief, Aksum was once the home of the legendary Queen of Sheba and is the current resting place of the Ark of the Covenant also recorded in UNESCO lists as a World Heritage Site. Your exploration Commences at the area’s most recognizable icons, the great stelae. Attributed to Various Axumite kingdom rulers from the 3rd century AD, these immense granite Obelisks exceeding 100 feet in length and with an estimated weight of over 500 tones. The tour continue with the Visit to the St. Mary of Zion church (house the Ark of Covenant) and archeological museum, the ruined palace of queen of Sheba and the 6th century tombs of king Kaleb and Gebre Meskel. They are a great example of the sheer sophistication of Axumite architecture and building techniques. Overnight- Hotel in Axum.

After breakfast, depart on a morning flight to Lalibela. Up on your arrival at Lalibela airport you will transfer to your hotel for check in. In the afternoon visit the first group of rock churches of king Lalibela. Situated high in the Lasta Mountains Lalibela is arguably one of the most important religious and historical sites in the entire Christian world. The town is famous for the 11 remarkable rock churches built by saint king Lalibela around 11 century. These elaborate edifices are each carved by hand entirely out of a single block of living granite rock and considered as ’the 8th Wonders of the World’, ‘The Newly Jerusalem’ and ‘The Petra of Africa’. This is a deeply spiritual place and quite rightly a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight- Hotel in Lalibela.

Another full day in Lalibela. Today in the morning you will go for an excursion to visit a rock church located outside of the town of Lalibela. make excursion to visit Asheton Mariam by mule or drive to 45km gravel road North of Lalibela to visit Yemrhane Christos church. In afternoon you will continue visiting the Second group of rock churches of Lalibela. Overnight- Hotel in Lalibela.

In the morning, transfer to Lalibela airport for the return flight back to Addis Ababa. Up on arrival you will meet with your driver and car for the omo valley and drive to Awassa through the Ethiopian rift valley region. The Ethiopian Rift Valley which is part of the famous East African Rift Valley comprises numerous hot springs, beautiful lakes and a variety of wildlife. The valley is the result of two parallel faults in the earth's surface between which, in distant geological time, the crust was weakened, and the land subsided. Ethiopia is often referred to as the “water tower" of Eastern Africa because of the many rivers that pour off the high tableland. The Great Rift Valley's passage through Ethiopia is marked by a chain of seven lakes. Today you will make a stop on some of the rift valley lakes. First stop will be at Debre Zeit town known for its 7 volcanic lakes, Lake Ziway to visit aquatic birds, Abijatta shalla national park and Lake Langano. Overnight – Hotel in Awassa.

In the morning visit the fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa which is famous for tilapia and cat fish, Amora Gedel Park to see monkeys and birds. And then proceed to Dorze, set in the highlands above Arba Minch. The Dorze people are known for their tall beehive-like houses and their fine cotton weaving. You will visit the village and learn about the daily lives of these industrious people. If today is market day (in Dorze village on Monday and Thursday and in nearby Chencha on Tuesday and Saturday), that will be visited. Overnight- Hotel or Lodge in Arbaminch.

In the morning, depart for a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the “crocodile market”, and the local hippos. Afterwards, depart from Arbaminch to Turmi. Pass through the village of Weyto (market day is Saturday), which is home to the Tsemai tribe. Continue through the Weyto Valley to Erbore, where you will have a brief visit to a local Erbore village (market day is Saturday). Finally, proceed to Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe. Overnight – Lodge or Camping at Turmi.

In the morning, take a day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassench tribe who are living on the other side of the Omo River. Here you will cross the Omo River with a local boat and enter a Dassench village. Afterwards, return to Turmi for a visit to a local Hamer village. If there is jumping of the Bulls traditional Hamer coming-of-age ceremony that will be visited. Overnight – Lodge or Camping at Turmi.

Depart for Jinka, via Dimeka and Key Afar. If today is Tuesday or Saturday you visit the market in Dimeka, which is one of the most colorful markets in the area and is visited by many tribes, including Hamer, Benna and Karo. And also if today is Thursday you will have a chance to see another colorful market in Key Afer, where you will see the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods. Afterwards, continue to Jinka. Overnight- Lodge or Hotel in Jinka.

In the morning, 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 visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes and Ari tribe village. Overnight- Lodge or Hotel in Jinka.

After breakfast depart from Jinka to Arba Minch. On the way you will stop to visit the Konso people. The Konso people are known for their wooden statues, known as wakas, which are erected in honor of dead heroes as well as their innovative agricultural terracing. If today is Thursday you see the Key Afar market, where you will see the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods. This is another very popular market in the region. After the visit, proceed driving to Arba Minch. Overnight- Hotel or Lodge in Arbaminch.

Early in the morning after breakfast drive to Addis Ababa from Arba Minch. On the way you visit UNESCO registered the 600 – 800 years old Tiya stelae field and the interesting Melka-Kunture archeological site where thousands of Stone Age tools are found and they are displayed in a small but interesting museum. Arrive in Addis Ababa and in the evening you will have fare well dinner in one of the Ethiopian cultural restaurant with tasty Ethiopian food and cultural dances from the different ethnic groups. Then transfer to the airport for flight back home. The tour ends here.