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 → Debre Markos

Today After breakfast you will start your tour to North Ethiopia and drive to the town of Debre Markos, 325 kms asphalt road. En route you visit one of Ethiopia’s most holy sites: the Debre Libanos monastery founded in the 13th century by priest Tekla Haimanot (plant of a religion), today one of Ethiopia’s most renowned saints, the 16th century stone bridge believed to be built by the Portuguese soldiers and Continuing on from Debre Libanos to the main route, the road dropping more than 1000m, gradually winds down to the bottom of the Blue Nile Gorge, which is comparable in scale to American’s Grand Canyon cited to be the largest canyon in Africa. Overnight- Hotel in Debre Markos.

 

DAY 3: Debre Markos → Bahir Dar

Drive about 250kms to Bahar Dar, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Tana, through the beautiful landscape of Gojjam land, well-known for its Teff productivity and visit the Amhara people and their villages and stop at the beautiful lake Zengena. Transfer to your hotel and Have a lunch at Bahar Dar, the capital city of the Amhara Regional State. Afternoon, we make city tour of Bahir Dar that includes: Colorful market where someone could find the pottery, traditional hand-made woven clothes, etc. Visit Woito Basket market and Mount Bezawit where the palace of Emperor Haile Selassie is gracefully situated. This hilltop is the best viewing point for the town, Lake Tana and the Blue Nile River. Overnight- Hotel in Bahir Dar.

 

DAY 4: Bahir Dar

Today you will have a full day excursion in Bahir Dar. Morning after breakfast take 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. These monasteries boast an incredible collection of murals that offer unrivalled insights into medieval Ethiopia. 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 hydro electric 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 5: Bahirdar → Gondar

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 7: Gondar → Simien Mountains → Debark / Simen Lodge

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. Overnight- Inside the park at Simen Lodge or drive back to Debarq town.

 

DAY 7: Debark / Simen Mountains → Axum

Today you will take a scenic drive to Axum, capital of the ancient Axumite Empire. The road between the Simen Mountains and Tekeze river gorge is one of the most fascinating in the country. First you will take the zigzag road of Lima Limu with many hairpins and crossing a rough mountain landscape. Later you descend in to the impressive Takezze River gorge. Frequent stops to appreciate view points of Lima limo, Tekeze River Gorge. Overnight- Hotel in Axum.

 

DAY 8: 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. vernight- Hotel in Axum.

 

DAY 9: Hawzen

Today you will drive from Axum to Hawzen via Adwa and Adigrat. Adwa is important historical place in Ethiopian and African history because it is on the mountains surrounding this town that Emperor Menelik II defeated the conquering Italian army in March 1896. On the way you visit the temple at Ethiopia’s earliest known capital city of Yeha which is considered as the birthplace of the country’s earliest civilization. Another possible excursion is to Debre Damo monastery (only accessible for men). The Debre Damo Monastery is built on the flat- topped mountain of Debre Damo. The monastery is only accessible by climbing a rope which hangs down from a perpendicular rock, an adventure in itself. vernight- Hotel or Lodge in Hawzen.

 

DAY 10: Mekele

Today you will visit the rock-hewn churches of the Tigray region one of Ethiopia’s most enchanting and fascinating sites. Visit some of the most beautiful rock churches with their breathtaking view points. Abuna Yemata Guh, Debre Maryam Korkor or Abraha Atsbeha church, which are all situated near to the road between Mekele and Hawzen. You need to climb up to reach to these churches so that you should bring good walking shoes. vernight- Hotel in Mekele.

 

DAY 11: Hammed Ela

Meet support vehicles and cook and camping materials and drive to Hammed Ela via Berhale. Make camp, and see camel caravans passing against a backdrop of dramatic sunsets. Overnight – Camping at Hammed Ela.

 

DAY 12: Hammed Ela

Today you visit Lake Assale and Dallol. Visit Lake Assale and watch the salt workers as they cut bricks of salt from the lake bed which once used as local currency. The bricks are then sold on the market and loaded on camel caravans for transport to the highlands. Proceed to Dallol and view the dramatic and colorful geological formations caused by the hot springs rich in sulfur, potash, and salt. Dallol depression is one of the lowest places on our planet earth (116 meters below sea level). Follow up camel caravans and walk with the Afar and people from the highland. Discover the traditional way of extracting Salt bar, packing on the Camel. See how they prepare their traditional bread, how they travel, communicate & more. It is another unique experience. Overnight – Camping at Hammed Ela.

 

Day 13: Hammed Ela → Dodem → Erta Ale

Today you will drive to Dodem base camp and arrange the necessary materials to trek to Erta Ale active volcano. Around 5 pm 3 hours trek climb to Erta Ale volcano and overnight on the top of the mountain. Erta Ale is 613 meters tall, with a lava lake, one of only five in the world, at the summit. It is notable for being the longest existing lava lake, present since the early years of the twentieth century. Overnight- Camping on Erta Ale Summit.

 

Day 14: Erta Ale → Mekele

Early in the morning descend down from Erta Ale to Dodem and have breakfast. Then drive to Mekele. In Mekele visit the 17th century palace-museum of Emperor Yohannes IV. Overnight –Hotel in Mekele.

 

DAY 15: Mekele → Lalibela

After an early breakfast start the journey to Ethiopia’s most prized destination, Lalibela. Here you will pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people and small Amhara villages along the way there will be plenty of opportunities for photo stops. Overnight- Hotel in Lalibela.

 

DAY 16; 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 the 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. Today you will visit these intriguing monuments to discover more about Ethiopia’s enigmatic past and sophisticated architectural techniques. Overnight- Hotel in Lalibela.

 

DAY 17; Lalibela

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

 

DAY 18; Lalibela → Kombolcha

Today you leave Lalibela and drive through the Ethiopian dramatic landscape. En route visit lovely Lake Hayk and its 13th Century Istafanos monastery, which is only accessible for men. If it is a market day you will have a good experience for Bati Color full market where you are going to find the Oromo, Amhara and Afar people after that continue to Kombolcha. Overnight- Hotel in Kombolcha.

 

DAY 19; Kombolcha → Awash

After breakfast drive to Awash town. Enjoying the great east African rift valley and chain of mountains from the top of the northern highlands. If today is a market day you will visit one of the most colorful markets in the north Bati. Bati is the market of Oromo and Afar people and it is mainly a livestock market especially camel. Overnight- Hotel or Lodge in Awash.

 

Day 20; Awash → Harar

In the morning drive from Awash Sebat Kilo to the exotic ancient Muslim town Harar. You will be driving through the Hararghe Mountains and we will see plenty of coffee and ‘chat’ fields. The region is well known in growing one of the best qualities of coffee in the country. You will arrive in Harar early in the afternoon. Overnight- Hotel in Harar.

 

Day 21; Harar

Harar is ancient eastern Ethiopia Muslim town which is surrounded by a big wall and once an important trade centre and is famous for its ancient Arabic structures, great city walls, and the French poet Rimbaud's house. Harar is an Islamic centre with at least 99 mosques, and is considered to be the fourth holiest Islamic city, after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. Today you will explore this exotic city and visit the colorful Muslim and Christian markets, the museum and the traditional Hararie houses situated within the famous welled city and in the evening visit the hyena man while he feeds the hyenas with a piece of stick on his mouth. Overnight- Hotel in Harar.

 

Day 22; Harar → Awash Park

Drive to Awash National Park. Awash Park is the oldest and home to 392 species of birds and many mammals including Oryx, gazelles and antelopes. The River Awash runs through a spectacular gorge and it creates a beautiful fall. Visit the Awash Fall and Take an evening game drive in Awash National Park and visit an area frequented by hyenas. Overnight- Hotel or Lodge in Awash.

 

Day 23; Awash Park → Langano

Drive to Langano, one of the Rift Valley Lakes for relaxation at the shore of the lake. Lake Langano is Bilharzia free and safe for swimming and has fantastic birdlife. On the way you visit another rift valley lake, Ziway. vernight- Lodge around Lake Langano.

 

Day 24; Langano → Bale Mountains Park

After breakfast visit Abijatta shalla park and drive to bale mountains via the town of shashemene, a town where dreadlocked Rasta settlers, many born in the Caribbean, have now made their home. The Rastas declare the last king of Ethiopia to be the Messiah, or “Jah”. Selassie pre-coronation name, Ras Tafari Makonnen, was adopted to name their movement. You will proceed driving and arrive at Dinsho, the head quarter of the bale mountains national park. you will have time to make a short hike along the woodland part of the national park where you will have a chance to spot endemic Mountain Nyala, Menelik Bushbuck, Bohor Reedbuck and bird species. Overnight – Hotel in Goba.

 

Day 25; Goba → Sanetti Plateau → Harenna Forest→Goba

Today early in the morning head to the Sanetti plateau; as sun rises the most endangered canid in the world –the Ethiopian wolf begins hunting. The Sanetti plateau is the best place in Ethiopia too see this elegant animal and it the winding road in Africa. The plateau is crawling with rodents, the largest being the Giant Mole rat found only in Bale Mountains. Look on the sky for soaring birds of prey such as Golden Eagle, Tawny Eagle and Verreaux Eagle as well as the Bearded Vulture (Lammergeyer), Lanner falcon and Augur buzzard. With the car you will drive to Tullu Dimtu or” Red Mountain” just 4km from off the main road. This is the second highest point in Ethiopia at 4377metres above sea level. As you reach the end of the plateau, you enter Harenna escarpment plunging more than 2000metre towards a vast tropical rain forest in just 8km and drive in the forest to see primate species such as endemic Bale monkey, Colobus monkey and so much more. Late in the afternoon drive back to Goba. Overnight- Hotel in Goba.

 

Day 26; Goba→ Awassa

After an early morning breakfast you will drive to Awassa. Awassa is the capital of Sothern Nation Nationalities and peoples region and located 276km from the capital. The city is famous for its beautiful lake. You can have a walk around the lake to see different birds like Heron, Storks, Cormorants, King fisher and Goose. Overnight- Hotel in Awassa.

 

Day 27; 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. vernight- Hotel or Lodge in Arbaminch.

 

Day 28; 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. vernight – Lodge or Camping at Turmi.

 

Day 29; 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 30; 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 31; 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 32: 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 33; 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.

Today After breakfast you will start your tour to North Ethiopia and drive to the town of Debre Markos, 325 kms asphalt road. En route you visit one of Ethiopia’s most holy sites: the Debre Libanos monastery founded in the 13th century by priest Tekla Haimanot (plant of a religion), today one of Ethiopia’s most renowned saints, the 16th century stone bridge believed to be built by the Portuguese soldiers and Continuing on from Debre Libanos to the main route, the road dropping more than 1000m, gradually winds down to the bottom of the Blue Nile Gorge, which is comparable in scale to American’s Grand Canyon cited to be the largest canyon in Africa. Overnight- Hotel in Debre Markos.

Drive about 250kms to Bahar Dar, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Tana, through the beautiful landscape of Gojjam land, well-known for its Teff productivity and visit the Amhara people and their villages and stop at the beautiful lake Zengena. Transfer to your hotel and Have a lunch at Bahar Dar, the capital city of the Amhara Regional State. Afternoon, we make city tour of Bahir Dar that includes: Colorful market where someone could find the pottery, traditional hand-made woven clothes, etc. Visit Woito Basket market and Mount Bezawit where the palace of Emperor Haile Selassie is gracefully situated. This hilltop is the best viewing point for the town, Lake Tana and the Blue Nile River. Overnight- Hotel in Bahir Dar.

Today you will have a full day excursion in Bahir Dar. Morning after breakfast take 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. These monasteries boast an incredible collection of murals that offer unrivalled insights into medieval Ethiopia. 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 hydro electric 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.

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. Overnight- Inside the park at Simen Lodge or drive back to Debarq town.

Today you will take a scenic drive to Axum, capital of the ancient Axumite Empire. The road between the Simen Mountains and Tekeze river gorge is one of the most fascinating in the country. First you will take the zigzag road of Lima Limu with many hairpins and crossing a rough mountain landscape. Later you descend in to the impressive Takezze River gorge. Frequent stops to appreciate view points of Lima limo, Tekeze River Gorge. Overnight- Hotel in Axum.

Today you will visit the rock-hewn churches of the Tigray region one of Ethiopia’s most enchanting and fascinating sites. Visit some of the most beautiful rock churches with their breathtaking view points. Abuna Yemata Guh, Debre Maryam Korkor or Abraha Atsbeha church, which are all situated near to the road between Mekele and Hawzen. You need to climb up to reach to these churches so that you should bring good walking shoes. vernight- Hotel in Mekele.

Meet support vehicles and cook and camping materials and drive to Hammed Ela via Berhale. Make camp, and see camel caravans passing against a backdrop of dramatic sunsets. Overnight – Camping at Hammed Ela.

Today you visit Lake Assale and Dallol. Visit Lake Assale and watch the salt workers as they cut bricks of salt from the lake bed which once used as local currency. The bricks are then sold on the market and loaded on camel caravans for transport to the highlands. Proceed to Dallol and view the dramatic and colorful geological formations caused by the hot springs rich in sulfur, potash, and salt. Dallol depression is one of the lowest places on our planet earth (116 meters below sea level). Follow up camel caravans and walk with the Afar and people from the highland. Discover the traditional way of extracting Salt bar, packing on the Camel. See how they prepare their traditional bread, how they travel, communicate & more. It is another unique experience. Overnight – Camping at Hammed Ela.

Today you will drive to Dodem base camp and arrange the necessary materials to trek to Erta Ale active volcano. Around 5 pm 3 hours trek climb to Erta Ale volcano and overnight on the top of the mountain. Erta Ale is 613 meters tall, with a lava lake, one of only five in the world, at the summit. It is notable for being the longest existing lava lake, present since the early years of the twentieth century. Overnight- Camping on Erta Ale Summit.

Early in the morning descend down from Erta Ale to Dodem and have breakfast. Then drive to Mekele. In Mekele visit the 17th century palace-museum of Emperor Yohannes IV. Overnight –Hotel in Mekele.

After an early breakfast start the journey to Ethiopia’s most prized destination, Lalibela. Here you will pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people and small Amhara villages along the way there will be plenty of opportunities for photo stops. Overnight- Hotel in 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 the 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. Today you will visit these intriguing monuments to discover more about Ethiopia’s enigmatic past and sophisticated architectural techniques. Overnight- Hotel in Lalibela.

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

Today you leave Lalibela and drive through the Ethiopian dramatic landscape. En route visit lovely Lake Hayk and its 13th Century Istafanos monastery, which is only accessible for men. If it is a market day you will have a good experience for Bati Color full market where you are going to find the Oromo, Amhara and Afar people after that continue to Kombolcha. Overnight- Hotel in Kombolcha.

After breakfast drive to Awash town. Enjoying the great east African rift valley and chain of mountains from the top of the northern highlands. If today is a market day you will visit one of the most colorful markets in the north Bati. Bati is the market of Oromo and Afar people and it is mainly a livestock market especially camel. Overnight- Hotel or Lodge in Awash.

In the morning drive from Awash Sebat Kilo to the exotic ancient Muslim town Harar. You will be driving through the Hararghe Mountains and we will see plenty of coffee and ‘chat’ fields. The region is well known in growing one of the best qualities of coffee in the country. You will arrive in Harar early in the afternoon. Overnight- Hotel in Harar.

Harar is ancient eastern Ethiopia Muslim town which is surrounded by a big wall and once an important trade centre and is famous for its ancient Arabic structures, great city walls, and the French poet Rimbaud's house. Harar is an Islamic centre with at least 99 mosques, and is considered to be the fourth holiest Islamic city, after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. Today you will explore this exotic city and visit the colorful Muslim and Christian markets, the museum and the traditional Hararie houses situated within the famous welled city and in the evening visit the hyena man while he feeds the hyenas with a piece of stick on his mouth. Overnight- Hotel in Harar.

Drive to Awash National Park. Awash Park is the oldest and home to 392 species of birds and many mammals including Oryx, gazelles and antelopes. The River Awash runs through a spectacular gorge and it creates a beautiful fall. Visit the Awash Fall and Take an evening game drive in Awash National Park and visit an area frequented by hyenas. Overnight- Hotel or Lodge in Awash.

Drive to Langano, one of the Rift Valley Lakes for relaxation at the shore of the lake. Lake Langano is Bilharzia free and safe for swimming and has fantastic birdlife. On the way you visit another rift valley lake, Ziway. vernight- Lodge around Lake Langano.

After breakfast visit Abijatta shalla park and drive to bale mountains via the town of shashemene, a town where dreadlocked Rasta settlers, many born in the Caribbean, have now made their home. The Rastas declare the last king of Ethiopia to be the Messiah, or “Jah”. Selassie pre-coronation name, Ras Tafari Makonnen, was adopted to name their movement. You will proceed driving and arrive at Dinsho, the head quarter of the bale mountains national park. you will have time to make a short hike along the woodland part of the national park where you will have a chance to spot endemic Mountain Nyala, Menelik Bushbuck, Bohor Reedbuck and bird species. Overnight – Hotel in Goba.

Today early in the morning head to the Sanetti plateau; as sun rises the most endangered canid in the world –the Ethiopian wolf begins hunting. The Sanetti plateau is the best place in Ethiopia too see this elegant animal and it the winding road in Africa. The plateau is crawling with rodents, the largest being the Giant Mole rat found only in Bale Mountains. Look on the sky for soaring birds of prey such as Golden Eagle, Tawny Eagle and Verreaux Eagle as well as the Bearded Vulture (Lammergeyer), Lanner falcon and Augur buzzard. With the car you will drive to Tullu Dimtu or” Red Mountain” just 4km from off the main road. This is the second highest point in Ethiopia at 4377metres above sea level. As you reach the end of the plateau, you enter Harenna escarpment plunging more than 2000metre towards a vast tropical rain forest in just 8km and drive in the forest to see primate species such as endemic Bale monkey, Colobus monkey and so much more. Late in the afternoon drive back to Goba. Overnight- Hotel in Goba.

After an early morning breakfast you will drive to Awassa. Awassa is the capital of Sothern Nation Nationalities and peoples region and located 276km from the capital. The city is famous for its beautiful lake. You can have a walk around the lake to see different birds like Heron, Storks, Cormorants, King fisher and Goose. Overnight- Hotel in Awassa.

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. vernight – Lodge or Camping at 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. vernight – 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.

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.

In the morning, visit the nearby monastery of Na’akuto La’ab, set on the side of a cliff. After the visit, proceed to the airport for the return flight back to Addis Ababa. Time for shopping at the souvenir shops. Then 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.

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.