Addis Ababa City Tour

Holy Trinity Cathedral - This is the principal Ethiopian Orthodox Cathedral, serving as the final resting place for notable figures, including King Hailesilassie I, and many others who have contributed to Ethiopia’s welfare. It is beautifully adorned with paintings and boasts significant architectural grandeur, offering valuable insights into Ethiopian Christianity.

National Museum of Ethiopia - This museum provides an excellent introduction to Ethiopia’s history, culture, and people. It showcases various collections, including antiquities, crafts, contemporary paintings, and archaeological findings from across the nation. It is also home to the famous and oldest known human skeleton (fossil) - LUCY, which is 3.2 million years old.

Entoto Natural Park - As the highest point around Addis Ababa, it offers a perfect vantage point over the city. The drive up the mountain is surrounded by eucalyptus, junipers, ‘hygienica Abysinica,’ and many other tree species. It is a serene and enjoyable landscape overlooking Addis Ababa. Driving down through the authentic villages provides a balanced impression of the city.

Mercato Market - As the largest open-air market in Africa, Mercato offers a vibrant mix of activities involving local people from across Ethiopia. It is a living testament to the harmony and collaborative lifestyle of Ethiopia. From small-scale businesses to skyscrapers, food, clothes, and almost everything people need can be found here. Guests will be taken to the most authentic parts of the market, including the spice, coffee, food, and recycling areas. It is a fun place for visitors.

Fly from Addis Ababa - Mekelle - Danakil Depression

Danakil Depression - Officially the lowest point on the planet (120 meters below sea level), the journey begins with a flight to the lively Mekelle. The Danakil Depression was formed by the meeting of three tectonic plates in the Afar Region, creating a depression now filled with colors and minerals. The drive continues to Hamedilla - the camping site - and then to the Asale Salt Lake for a beautiful sunset and a walk around.

Excursions around Dalol and Drive to Erta Ale

Erta Ale - After visiting Dallol, the journey continues to Erta Ale, one of the few active volcanoes in the world. Described as the ‘Gateway to Hell’ by some famous authors, it requires energy and patience due to the evening trek to the mountain. After a long drive, the base camp is reached, where cars are parked, and the trek begins. Camels can be hired for those interested. After 1:30 to 2:30 hours of trekking, the volcanic eruption area is reached, allowing for exploration and enjoyment before returning to the camping site.

Drive from Erta Ale to Mekelle

Afdera - After two challenging treks, guests can enjoy a refreshing swim in Afdera Salt Lake on the way back to Mekelle. After arriving at the base camp from the volcano and having breakfast, the journey continues to Afdera for a swim and refreshment, or directly to Mekelle to enjoy the city and rest.

Drive from Mekelle to Lalibela

Sightseeing in the Rock Churches of Lalibela & Surrounding

Lalibela - Rock-Hewn Churches - Formerly known as ‘Roha,’ Lalibela served as Ethiopia’s second permanent historical capital and now welcomes thousands of pilgrims and tourists from around the world to witness the breathtaking engineering of 10 solid rock-carved churches.

There are three different groups of churches to explore, starting with the largest monolithic church in the world - Bete Medhanialem, and the nearby churches, which are excavated to symbolize “Earthly Jerusalem” by Saint & King Lalibela.

Church of St. George - The finest of all Lalibela’s churches, St. George was carved to symbolize Noah’s Ark, featuring elaborately designed windows and doors, each telling different stories from the Bible or other Christian prayer books. The cross-shaped church is famous for its use in various promotions and advertisements, ensuring a “WOW” experience for visitors.

The exploration continues to uncover more hidden parts of this ancient capital and see the remaining churches.

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela - The entire time in Lalibela will be dedicated to exploring many more attractions in and around the city, depending on the schedule.

At the end of the tour, the day concludes with a visit to the local ‘Honey Wine Brewing Place,’ locally known as ‘Tej Bet,’ to taste one of Ethiopia’s famous drinks and enjoy local music. Watch out for the amazing shoulder-shaking dance.

Fly from Lalibela to Jinka

Jinka - This day involves two flights: from Lalibela to Jinka, with a stop in Addis Ababa to change planes. Upon arrival in Jinka, guests will check into the hotel and have a free afternoon, perhaps taking a leisurely walk in Jinka, a nice and peaceful city, or visiting the South Omo Research Center, a museum narrating stories about the various tribes living by the Omo River Valley.

Visit Mursi Tribes, Drive to Turmi

Mago National Park - This day introduces the tribal life in the Omo Valley, with several hours spent driving between them.

The indigenous Mursi tribe resides inside Mago National Park alongside other people. In the morning, the park is crossed to visit a typical Mursi village, where the authentic routine life of the Mursi people is observed.

Mursi women are the most recognizable in Ethiopia, known for inserting lip-plates in their lower lips as a form of beautification. After spending a few hours with the Mursi, the journey continues back to Jinka for lunch and then proceeds to Turmi.

Key Afer - Depending on the travel dates, some tribal markets may be visited, most notably the Key Afer, Dimeka, or Kako marketplaces. This will be decided based on the dates.

If no markets are available, alternative activities will be arranged to ensure guests enjoy the day. Some typical ceremonies may coincide with the dates, providing additional options. This will be confirmed once the tour is booked.

Turmi - In the late afternoon, arrival in the small, dusty town of Turmi occurs, the nearest town to visit several tribes. The visit includes one of the most friendly and humble people - the Hammar village. By the time of arrival, villagers return home from their daily activities, filling the village with people, including young individuals enjoying life, sometimes following visitors by surprise, and some asking for photos.

The Hammar have a unique cultural practice - the Bull-jumping ceremony, performed by every adult as a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood and an official sign that the jumper is ready to marry.

If a ceremony is happening during the visit, it can be attended.

Drive from Turmi to Karro

Omo National Park and River - In the morning, the drive continues to Korocho village to spend time with the most colorful of the tribes, the Karro people. They live near the Omo River in the best location along the river. The Karro people decorate their bodies with different paints and welcome visitors for photos.

The village is explored, and a visit to a local house provides insight into the deep-rooted lifestyle of the Omo Valley tribes.

Drive from Turmi to Arbaminch

Konso Cultural Centre - In the morning, the drive leaves the Omo Valley and joins the Rift Valley. En route, a stop is made in Konso village to explore one of the most fascinating societal lifestyles.

The Konso are renowned for many things, particularly their land terracing technique, which sets them apart. A visit to some local villages, built with dry walls by different generations, showcases their organization and way of life, which is sure to surprise.

Konso’s uniqueness is indescribable, and visitors will be amazed by everything.

Turmi - There is a high possibility of visiting another market that was missed on previous days. The drive back to Arbaminch includes stops wherever something interesting is found.

The drive from Turmi to Arbaminch takes approximately 6-8 hours.

Drive from Arbaminch to Bale Mountains National Park

Bale Mountains National Park - The day begins early with a drive to Ethiopia’s second-highest mountain, Bale Mountains National Park.

The journey passes through the Rift Valley, with a lunch stop in Shashemene, home to a Jamaican community.

Upon arrival in Bale, some endemic wildlife is observed, including Mountain Nyala, Menelik Bushbuck, Reedbuck, Kudus, Warthogs, and more.

The drive continues to Bale Goba for an overnight stay.

Excursion of Bale Mountains National Park

Bale Mountains - In the morning, the drive continues to Harenna Rainforest and Tulu Dimtu, with slow walking and driving to hopefully spot the indigenous Ethiopian Wolf, the Giant Molerat, and other species within the park.

Half a day is spent in the park before driving back to Hawasa. Arrival at the resort is in the afternoon, with time to enjoy the sunset over Fiker-Haiq, near the resorts.

Drive from Hawassa to Addis Ababa

Kuriftu Water Park - Lunch is enjoyed at one of Ethiopia’s most luxurious resorts, Kuriftu Resorts, with a few hours spent walking around or canoeing on Kuriftu Lake. In the afternoon, the drive returns to Addis Ababa for an overnight stay.

Addis Ababa - A farewell dinner is held at one of the famous cultural restaurants, featuring live folk music and dance performances, accompanied by Ethiopian honey wine or beer.

This is the perfect way to conclude the Ethiopian journey, with a fun night marking the end of a beautiful trip in Ethiopia.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

This meticulously curated itinerary is perfect for those who seek a blend of Adventure, history, culture, and entertainment. It encompasses all notable aspects of Ethiopia, ensuring that by the end of the journey, our clients will confidently assert, ‘We have experienced Ethiopian history, culture, and natural beauty.’

As a group expedition, it fosters a platform for diverse discussions, allowing guests to share their unique perspectives on various topics.

We value the input of our clients and are open to small alterations in the itinerary prior to the tour to accommodate everyone’s plans and interests.

Our guiding principle is to deliver an authentic experience to our guests, a promise we confidently uphold throughout this tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.