Ethiopia sits in the middle of these distinctive regions and takes on a cultural mosaic and aesthetic that’s tangibly distinct. On this 21-day tour. You’ll see just what we mean with Christian churches hewn from solid rock, national park’s vivid, green peaks, and fascinating cities where luxury sports cars and assorted livestock hang out together in perfect harmony.
Duration: 21 Days
Departure Date: Every Day
Category: Mini- adventure (shared)
Single supplement: $910
Departure point: Mombasa accommodation pick- up
Arrival point: Mombasa accommodation drop- off
Special instructions: please contact Across Africa Tours & Travel to confirm your departure information at least one week before your first day of travel.
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Addis Ababa
1 Hours Before Departure Time
Highlights
Early morning head north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the 16th century Portuguese bridge and the gorgeous Blue Nile valley. Overnight at Delano Hotel in Bahir Dar.
In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Tana (the largest lake in Ethiopia) to visit the island monasteries such as Ura Kidanemeret and Kibran Gabriel. After lunch break, drive37km out of the Bahir Dar to TisAbay village and visit the Blue Nile Falls, you can also experience a short hike in the area. Finally drive back to the town. Overnight at Delano Hotel in BahirDar
Morning, drive north to Gondar, through rural villages and take the opportunity to experience ruralenvironmentandculture.ArrivedinGondarcheckintohotelandthentakecitytourofthis oldestcity.Gondarwasthe17thcentury Ethiopian capital.In Gondar visit the17thcenturyroyal enclosure, Fasiledesbath and Debrebrhan .Overnight at hotel in Gondar
In the morning drive to Simien mountain national park to see Gelada baboon. In addition to Gelada baboon you also enjoy the amazing landscape and view of the national park. Then drive back to Gondar .Overnight the same hotel in Gondar.
In the morning, take 40minutes flight to Axum. Axum is the ancient and birthplace of Ethiopian civilization with a number of ancient palaces and archaeological sites .In Axum visit stele fields, ruins of palaces of different kings and queens. And Saint Mary Zion Church which is believed to be the place where the original arc of the covenant is still reserved. Overnight consular hotel in Axum.
In the morning drive to Mekele, the capital of Tigray people regional state. On the way visit Yeha temple, the 5th century temple and believed to be the first serious building on the continent of Africa. Also visit AbuneYemata church the 9th century rock church located on the top Gheralta Mountain. Overnight Atse Yehonanes hotel in Mekele
Morning drive to Dallol on the way enjoy the vast a far desert with its gorgeous views. Late in the afternoon, visit the firsts Alt Mountain and Lake Asale with beautiful sunset. Then spent the night in camping at Hamedela.
Early morning visit the colorful sulfur field at Dallol, Potash spring site and the second salt mountain. You will also visit camel caravan and the traditional salt mining practiced by the Afar tribes. Then drive to Ertaale, arriving late in the afternoon at the campsite near by the volcano, where you eat the dinner and get readyfor1hour trekking to the base of the volcano. Then visit the lava during the evening. Overnight camping at Ertaale volcano
Morning trek back to meet hecarand then drive to Lake Afdera where you can swim and get refreshed. Then drive back to Mekele. Overnight at AtseYehonanes Hotel in Mekele
Take nearly full day of driving to Lalibela passing through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people. Proceed through this rural area to Lalibela. Overnight at Lal Hotel in Lalibela.
Full day in Lalibela, famous for its rock-hewn churches dating back to 900 years. Visit all the11 churches including the beautifully carved monolithic church of St. George. Overnight at Lal Hotel in Lalibela.
Morning drive to Kombolcha via the town of Woldia, on the way visit the lake in the town of Hayk and the monastery on the lake. You also enjoying the birdlife of this beautiful lake. Overnight at Yegofe View Hotel in Kombolcha.
This is a return drive to Addis Ababa via the town of Debre Birhan. On the way enjoy the Mezezo Escarpment, hoping to see the endemic gelada baboons. If today is Sunday, you can stop in the Town of Senbete to visit the lively market including the interesting camel market. Overnight at
Sidra Hotel in Addis Ababa.
Drive from Addis Ababa to Arbaminch, on the way visit the world Heritage site of Tiyastelein gurage zone and several small villages located on the way. Overnight at Arbaminch Tourist Hotel 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, drive 32km up the Gughe Mountain, on the way enjoy the gorgeous view of Nechisar National Park. Then visit Dorze village and the way of their life before returning to Arbaminch. Overnight at Haile resort in Arbaminch.
Morning drive south toTurmi viaWey to valley.On the way visit konso Cultural Centre, famous for old and unique terracing and unusual engraved wooden statues. Continue driving to Turmi visiting tribal market in Keyafer village if today is Thursday, in Dimeka village if today is Saturday orin 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 Hamer tribe bull jumping ceremony (this is seasonal ceremony, so you will attend if available on the day. Entrance fee to attend the ceremony is 50USD per person). Overnightat Buska Lodge in Turm
In the morning drive to Karo village and visit the Kara tribe, known as the master of body painting. Then drive back to Turmi and visit Hamar market in Turmi if today is Monday. Overnight at Buska Lodge in Turmi.
Morning drive to Jinka on the way visit tribal market at Alduba ,Dime kaor Kaya ferif the day is Tuesday,Saturday or Thursday respectively(if you missed the markets in the previous days).In the afternoon visit South Omo Research Centre Museum, an ethnographic museum located
Top of the hill above Jinka town. Overnight at Omo Eco Lodge in Jinka.
Early morning drive to Mursi village through Mago National Park. The Mursi woman are famous for wearing big clay disc in their lower lip which is considered as a sign of beauty. Then drive back to Jinka for lunch and transfer to airport for the flight back to Addis Ababa. Overnight at Sidra Hotel in Addis Ababa.
City highlights- Drive up to mount Entoto for a panoramic view of Addis, National Museum of Ethiopia, the Holy Trinity built during the WWII,the Ethnographic museum, Merka to,the biggest market in East Africa. In the evening farewell dinner at cultural restaurant with Ethiopian traditional music live from stage. Finally transfer to airport for your international flight. End!
