An ancient land of stunning sceneries, fascinating cultures and first-rate historic sites, Ethiopia numbers among Africa’s most rewarding tour destinations.
As we learn about the country’s long history with visits to castles built by various emperors over a 236-year timeframe, 11th century rock-hewn churches, pre-Christian buildings, ancient monuments and royal palaces, we travel through stunning sceneries of mist-shrouded mountain peaks and idyllic cascading waterfalls.
Our cultural exploration of this special destination includes spending time in villages isolated from the rest of the world in which fisherman still use papyrus boats, in local marketplaces where Ari women wear traditional skirts made of tree twigs and at tribal gatherings wherein stick-fighting contests, elaborate dress, lip plates and earlobe discs are commonplace.
Duration: 8 Days
Start: Addis Ababa
End: Addis Ababa
Category: Mini- adventure (shared)
Age Limit: no limit
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Addis Ababa
1 Hours Before Departure Time
Highlights
Our cultural exploration of this special destination includes spending time in villages isolated from the rest of the world in which fisherman still use papyrus boats, in local marketplaces where Ari women wear traditional skirts made of tree twigs and at tribal gatherings wherein stick-fighting contests, elaborate dress, lip plates and earlobe discs are commonplace.
Arrive in Addis Ababa Bole international airport and meet up and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time take, city highlights – Drive up to mount Entoto for a panoramic view of Addis, National Museum of Ethiopia, the Holy Trinity built during WWII, the Ethnographic Museum, Merkato, the biggest market in East Africa. Overnight at Sidra hotel in Addis Ababa.
Early morning drive south to Arbaminch through Gurage village. On the way visit Tiya stelea field which is one of the eleven Ethiopian world heritage sites registered by UNESCO. In the afternoon, visit the Dorze tribe and their village, famed for their beehive-shaped houses and their weaving skills. Weaving is a primary profession for many Dorze. They are also farmers, who prevent soil erosion by indigenous terracing of the mountainsides. Around their huts they have their own little garden with vegetables, spices; tobacco and Enset (false-banana or Musa Ensete) late afternoon continue driving to Arbaminch. Overnight at Haile resort hotel Arbaminch.
Morning drive south to Turmi via Weyto valley. On the way visit konso Cultural Centre, famous for old and unique terracing and unusual engraved wooden statues. Continue driving to Turmi visiting the tribal market in Keyafer village if today is Thursday, in Dimeka village if today is Saturday or in Alduba village if today is Tuesday. Overnight at Buska Lodge in Turmi.
Morning drive to Omorate and visit the Dasenech village and tribe on the other side of the Omo river then return to Turmi. In the afternoon visit the village of Hamar tribes. Or alternatively attend the Hamer tribe bull-jumping ceremony (this is a seasonal ceremony, so you will attend if available on the day. Entrance fee to attend the ceremony is 50 USD per person). Then proceed to Jinka. Overnight at Eco Omo lodge in Jinka
Early morning drive to Mursi village through Mago National Park. The Mursi woman is famous for wearing big clay discs in their lower lip which is considered as a sign of beauty. Then drive back to Jinka for lunch In the afternoon visit Jinka cultural museum displaying many more details about all tribes of Omo valley, including several very interesting documentary films. Overnight at Eco Omo lodge in Jinka.
In the morning drive to Arbaminch through Keyafer and Weyto valley. On the way visit the traditional market at Keyafer. Then proceed driving to Arbaminch. Overnight at Haile resort in Arbaminch.
In the morning, take a boat ride on Lake Chamo. Enjoy lake chamo aquatic life including the giant Nile crocodile, hippos and birdlife. Then drive back to Arbaminch town for lunch break. In the afternoon proceed driving to Hawassa through several villages including the colorful Halaba village. Overnight at Haile Resort in Hawassa.
In the morning visits the traditional fish market on lake Hawassa. Then drive to Addis Ababa through the Great rift valley and Abiata Shala national park. Have a shortstop in the park to visit animals such as warthog, gazelle, kudu, and the biggest African bird, Ostrich. Then proceed driving to Addis Ababa. Arriving in Addis Ababa, optional activities such as shopping is possible. Then dinner party at one of the traditional restaurants enjoying traditional Ethiopian music live from the stage. Finally, transfer to the airport for your international flight. End of the trip
