Ethiopia Small Group Guided Tour

ETHIOPIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Visit ancient Christian monasteries and churches, with magnificent murals - many are UNESCO Sites
Explore European and Islamic-influenced Gondar, the first capital of the Ethiopian empire
See thrilling wildlife in Semien & Mago National Parks
Mingle with tribespeople from the Mursi, Dorze and Chencha villages, among others

Travel to Ethiopia on this remarkably diverse journey of ancient historic sites and present day tribal cultures. We start with the historic route. In Bahir Dar we enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana to the Zeghe Peninsula, known for its 14th century, round, grass-roofed churches with their magnificent wall murals. We then explore splendid Gondar Royal palaces and churches.

We take a break from history with an excursion to Simien Mountains National Park which contains some of the most dramatic scenery in Africa. There is a high chance you will see Gelada baboons.

Tour the famous eleven rock-hewn churches in Lalibella, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the wonders of the world. Axum is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, a holy city of Ethiopia and the cradle of Ethiopian civilization.

The second part of the tour travels through Ethiopia’s beautiful and primitive Omo Valley. We'll enjoy encounters with various tribal groups along with excellent wildlife viewing. We will visit several markets for spontaneous interactions and fantastic photo opps!

Tribal man in the Omo Valley

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ITINERARY - ETHIOPIA TOUR

Print Ethiopia Tour Detailed Itinerary: Jan Sep Nov (PDF)

HISTORIC ETHIOPIA

Day 1-2: Meet in Addis Ababa
A city tour and visit to the National Museum. Soak up the ambiance at one of the largest open air markets in Africa, known as the "Mercato."

Day 3-4: Bahir Dar - Gondar
Visit historic and scenic sites including the famed churches of the Zeghe Peninsula, Blue Nile waterfalls and splendid Gondar Royal castles.

Day 5-6: Semien National Park - Gondar
Enroute to Semine, visit the former Felasha (Ethiopian Jewish) village at Wolkayit, where you can purchase characteristic pottery. Visit the national park and enjoy abundant wildlife viewing.

Day 7-8: Lalibella
In-depth exploration. The entire city may be described as a sculpture dedicated to the glory of God.

Day 9-10: Axum - Addis Ababa
Early morning attend mass at one of the Lalibella churches if you like. Visit Axum, one of the oldest African empires.

Day 10: Addis Ababa
Arrival back into Addis Abba around 1030 am. Those ending the tour will depart for home this evening.

OMO VALLEY

Day 10-11: Awasa - Arba Minch
A beautiful drive thru the Rift Valley, passing four lakes. Visit several tribal villages along the way.

Day 12: Dorze - Chencha Villages
Explore the villages, observing traditional lifestyles. Enjoy a boat trip on the clear blue waters of Lake Chamo to see crocodiles, hippos and aquatic birds.

Day 13: Konso - Jinka
Delight in a colorful market at Key Afer village and visit the villages of the Ari and Benna people.

Day 14: Mago National Park & Mursi Highlands
Safari in one of the least visited game parks in the world. See the Mursi, the most illustrious of Ethiopia's unique tribes. The women are known all over the world for their decorative lip plates.

Day 15-16: Dimeka - Turmi - Murulle
Enjoy the colorful main market day for Hamer tribe at Dimeka. Visit Karo tribe, experts in body painting.

Day 17: Yabello
The weekly market is a highlight of Omo Valley where all the ethnic tribes come to shop.

Day 18-19: Elsod Crater Lake - Langano
Excursion to Elsod Crater Lake where the Borena people traditionally extract salt for their cattle. Also see the “singing well” practice of the young Borena men.

Day 20: Addis Ababa - Depart
More Rift Valley landscape as we drive to Addis Ababa.