Tour overview
This 14 days itinerary combines a trip to the famous Northern Ethiopia Historic Route and fascinating Southern region, famous for its natural and cultural spectacles and the famous Omo Valley for the chance to meet and discover some of the more remote, colorful, and enigmatic ethnic groups of this incredibly diverse area of Ethiopia.This is a great itinerary starts with a visit to the famous Northern Ethiopia Historic Circuit. The discovery begins in Addis Ababa with a panoramic escape to Mt. Entoto and an important stop at the National Archaeological Museum, home of the 3.5 million-year-old bones of Lucy, the world’s oldest hominid. Continue to the north to the amazing rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts and grottoes in Lalibela (which is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world), The 500-year-old monastery islands of Bahirdar on Lake Tana and taking in views of the Blue Nile and its fall, The elegant castles of Gondar, The majestic geological formations of the Simien Mountains (meeting red-chested Gelada baboons), The giant obelisks that rise out of Axum.
The second part of this trip takes you to Ethiopia’s fascinating Southern region, famous for its natural and cultural spectacles and the famous Omo Valley for the chance to meet and discover some of the more remote, colorful, and enigmatic ethnic groups of this incredibly diverse area of Ethiopia. In this fascinating region you will learn about the indigenous culture different ethnic groups who inhabit this part of the country. This itinerary let you to mingle and discover; The Mursi Tribe, renowned for their lip-plates; The Hamer famous for their bull jumping coming of age ceremony, The Konso known for their intricately-terraced hillsides, fine woven materials, and carved totems with which they decorate their graves; The Karo famous for their attractive body painting; The Dassenech (Gelab); The Ari known for their beautiful green villages and The Dorze well known cotton weavers. You will visit the weekly colorful local markets for spontaneous interactions and fantastic photo opportunities and attend authentic cultural events. This tour also includes visit to the Ethiopian Rift Valley to explore some of the natural wonders of the Great African Rift Valley. Visit Lake Awassa, Ziway and Langano to spot different birds, Abijatta-Shalla National Park; Boat trip on Lake Chamo to see Nile Crocodiles and Hippos. This will be a truly unforgettable experience.
Day 1: Arrive in Addis Abeba Ethiopia & City Tour
Welcome to Ethiopia! Arrive at Addis Abeba Bole International Airport. Here you will be greeted by your tour guide or driver from Memento Ethiopia Tours. Then you will be transferred to hotel. If your arrival is early morning, after a leisurely morning rest and relax you will spend the afternoon on a site seeing of Addis Abeba. Established by Emperor Menelik II 1887 Addis Abeba or ‘New flower’ in Amharic, is relatively young city full of contrasts. This city tour includes, The National Museum which houses the country’s historic treasures & the famous ‘Lucy”, The Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Ethiopian main cathedral and home to the remains of the last emperor: Drive up to Mount Entoto to have a panoramic view of the city and end the tour with Merkato, one of the largest open air markets in Africa.
Overnight: Addis Abeba.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 2: Flight to Bahirdar & Visit Monasteries on Lake Tana & Blue Nile Fall
Rise early this morning and transfer to the airport for early morning flight to Bahirdar, a beautiful city located next to Lake Tana and capital to Amhara regional state. In the morning embark on a boat trip of Lake Tana. Covering 3,600 sq. kms, this is Ethiopia’s largest lake and home to 37 islands. 20 of these islands house some of the country’s most venerated monasteries, which many of them believed to date back to the 13th& 14th century and feature superb ecclesiastical art. First you will visit the monastery of Ura Kidane Miheret on the Zege Peninsula famous for its incredible wall paintings and collection of cross and crowns. Continue to Betre Mariam monastery and then the boat will return to Bahirdar via the source of the Blue Nile. After lunch break at the lake shore enjoy an hour scenic drive to the famous and stunning Blue Nile falls. The fall known as “the water that smokes” in Amharic, is located about 32kms south of Bahirdar. The Blue Nile Fall measure over 400 meters wide and descends 48 meters in full flood. You can take a longer scenic walk (1.5kms) or a short walk to reach the foot of the falls. Then cross the Nile River with a boat to reach to your car and drive back to Bahirdar.
Overnight: Bahirdar.
Accommodation: Hotel& Lodge.
Day 3: Drive to Gondar & Explore the Imperial Capital
Leaving Bahirdar this morning and drive further north to Gondar. Enjoy a 4 hours scenic drive through the northern highlands. Arrive in Gondar in the afternoon and check in to hotel. After lunch start your visit of the medieval royal capital. Located on the high plateau, Gondar was the imperial capital for 200 years and famed for its medieval castles and churches. Spend the afternoon visiting the city’s Royal Enclosure home to dramatic 17th century castles built by different emperors. These whole complexes of buildings are unique in Ethiopia and never found elsewhere in Africa. After the castles stop by the famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie, one of the finest in Ethiopia. The walls and ceilings covered with stunning ancient murals. End the tour with the visit to the remarkable Bath of Emperor Fasil known as ‘the pavilion od delight’.
Overnight: Gondar
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 4: Excursion to the Simen Mountains National Park & Hike
Following breakfast this morning, continue traveling north to the Simen Mountains. After two hours scenic drive stop at the town of Debark, where the park headquarter located, to full fill park regulations and get local guide and park scout. Then you will drive in to the Simen mountains national park to start short hike (2-3hrs) through the breathtaking scenery. Late in the afternoon return back to Gondar for overnight stay. Today you might have a chance to see the endemic Ethiopian Gelada Baboons and klipspringers. After finishing your hike spent the night in the lodge or drive back to Debark town. The Simen mountains range lies north of Gondar and many of the peaks rise above 4,000 meters, with the highest point of Ras Dashen at 4,620 meters absl. Being the fourth highest in Africa. The striking towers and formations have been described as ‘the chess pieces of the gods’. The park is home to some of the world’s most elusive animals, like the Walia Antelope and Ethiopian Wolf.
Overnight: Gondar.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 5: Fly from Gondar to Lalibela & Explore the 11 rock churches of king Lalibela
In the morning transfer to Gondar Airport for a short Scenic flight to Lalibela. Up on arrival at Lalibela airport you will meet your driver and transfer to hotel. You will spend the day exploring one of the world’s most remarkable historic and religious sites. The 11 rock churches of Lalibela are believed to be built 900 years ago by Saint King Lalibela. These elaborate edifices are each carved by hand entirely out of a single block of living granite rock and considered as ‘8th Wonders of the World’, ‘Jerusalem of Africa’ and ‘Petra of Africa’. It is a deeply spiritual place and UNESCO world heritage site. These churches are divided into two groups. The first group symbolizes Earthly Jerusalem while the second represents Heavenly Jerusalem. Today you will visit the first group of churches.
Overnight: Lalibela.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.
Day 6: Excursion to Yemrhane Kristos Church & Second Group Churches of Lalibela.
Today’s excursion takes you out of the town of Lalibela and visit one of fascinating rock churches located around the town. In the morning drive out to Yemrhane Kristos cave church built inside the cave in Aksumite wood and stone construction style. The church has become famous for its interior. The flat-span roof displays paneling richly adorned with geometrical designs. The ceiling over the sanctuary is domed and displays carvings and paintings. The founder of the church is Saint King Yemrhane Kristos a predecessor of Saint King Lalibela. Drive back to Lalibela and after lunch break visit the Second Group of 11 Rock Churches of King Lalibela.
Overnight: Lalibela
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge
Day 7: Fly to Aksum &Discover the Ancient Capital of the Aksumite Kingdom
This morning after breakfast catch your flight to Aksum, the birth place of Ethiopian civilization, and discover the incredible historical site of ancient city. Aksum was once the capital of the kingdom of Aksum, Africa’s oldest empire, which lasted from 1 AD to 700 AD and grew to rank among the most powerful and civilized kingdoms of the ancient world. Today first you will visit the famous monolithic Stelae filed of Aksum. The filed is home to over 100 stelas, which, the largest one measuring 33 meters & weighing 517 tones, are carved from a single piece of granite and are often elaborately decorated. Then visit the church of St. Mary of Zine, which is believed to be the first church to be built in Sub-Saharan Africa and home to the original Ark of the Covenant. You will also visit the Archaeological Museum, the Ruined Palace of Queen of Sheba and different Toms of Kings.
Overnight: Aksum
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 8: Fly back to Addis Abeba and Start Travel South to Awassa
After morning breakfast transfer to Aksum Airport for your return flight back to Addis and start the second part of this trip. Upon arrival at Addis Abeba Bole Airport meet your driver start your travel to southern Ethiopia region. Southern region is noted for its enormous variety of peoples &culture. Drive through the Ethiopian rift valley region. The Ethiopian rift valley is part of the Great Rift Valley which starts in the Middle East and runs all the way to Mozambique. It comprises numerous hot springs, beautiful lakes and wildlife. Your first stop will be at Lake Ziway which is one of the rift valley lakes with 5 volcanic islands. The lake is reach in fish, hippos and bird life. Then proceed to Abijatta-Shalla National Park. The park contains the rift valley lakes of Abijatta and Shalla which are separated by 3 kms of hilly land. You will enjoy the view at a lookout point over the two lakes.Hot Springs, Ostriches, birds, Gazelles and other mammals are the main attractions in the park. Continue your drive through Shashemene the town where the Ras Teferians (followers of the last Ethiopian emperor) lives and arrive at Awassa the beautiful lake side city.
Overnight: Awassa
Accommodation: Resort or Hotel
Day 9: Visit Lake Awassa & Dorze Tribe and Drive to Arbaminch
This morning you will visit the Fish market on Lake Awassa where you will see firsthand how locals trade and prepare their fish. Then depart Awassa and drive towards Arbaminch. On the first stop at Alaba People’s village and visit their unique hut. Before arriving at Arbaminch visit the Dorze Tribe who lives on the Guge Mountain. The Dorze are renowned for their cotton-weaving techniques and beehive shaped houses constructed entirely from organic materials. Here in their village you can see the unique beehive huts, observe their exceptional cotton weaving skills and learn about their life and traditions. Arrive at Arbaminch late in the afternoon and transfer to your accommodation.
Overnight: Arbaminch
Accommodation: Lodge or Hotel
Day 10: Drive to Jinka through Konso
Travel further south to Jinka, the biggest town in south Omo region. The south Omo region is noted for its enormous variety of people and culture. On the way stop at Konso and visit their village. The Konso tribe is famous for their agricultural terracing method and for their wooden totems that honor the dead. The Konso villages are a world heritage listed site for its cultural significance. The villages are surrounded by high stone walls and encompass separate compounds. After lunch continue towards Jinka. Before arriving to Jinka visit the village of The Ari People. The people of Ari live in the lush surroundings of the Jinka and grow coffee and fruits for trading and self-consumption. Their villages are green and surrounded by banana, mango and avocado and it is the most beautiful in the country. If today is Thursday you will get the chance to visit the Keyafer colorful local market.
Overnight: Jinka
Accommodation: Lodge, Hotel or Camping.
Day 11: Discover the Mursi Tribe & Travel to Turmi
This morning you will drive through the Mago national park to visit one of the villages of the Mursi Tribe. The Mursi, possibly the most well-known tribe in the area, is famous for both for their women who practice extending their lower lips with clay discs and their men who engage in stick fighting rituals called Donga. Afterwards, return to Jinka and after lunch break, drive through the acacia forest to Turmi, a small town and center to visit the Omo valley tribes. If today is Tuesday or Saturday you will visit the Alduba or Dimeka colorful markets. Arrive at Turmi late in the afternoon and transfer to your accommodation.
Overnight: Turmi
Accommodation: Lodge, Basic Hotel or Camping.
Day 12: Visit the Hamer and Karo Tribes
This morning begin an excursion to the Karo tribe. The Karo are very famous for their body painting. They use clays and locally available vegetable pigments to trace fantastic patterns on each other’s faces, chests, arms and legs. The men are also famous for their unique hair style. Return to Turmi and after lunch and short break late in the afternoon at the sun set visit the village of the famous Hammer tribe located close to Turmi. The Hammer is one of the largest groups in the valley. They are known for the fine pottery they produce as well as their remarkable hair style. The woman wears beaded necklaces and iron coils around their arms and decorate their skin with cowry shells. These decorations indicate the wealth and prestige of a woman’s husband.
Overnight: Turmi
Accommodation: Lodge, Basic Hotel or Camping
Day 13: Drive to Omorate & visit Dassenech Tribe and drive back to Konso
In the morning travel towards Omorate on a 75kms paved road to visit the Dassenech tribe. Omorate lies on the bank of the Omo River close to the border of Kenya. You will cross the Omo River with a local boat and walk to one of the village of the Dassenech. The Dassenech People are pastoralistes but due to harsh territory they have moved to south to grow crops and fish. Then return back to Turmi and continue drive back to Konso. If today is a market day you will get the chance to visit one of the following colorful markets, Alduba (every Tuesday), Keyafer (every Thursday) or Dimeka (every Saturday).
Overnight: Konso
Accommodation: Lodge or Hotel
Day 14: Boat Trip Lake Chamo and Flight back to Addis & Departure
In the morning drive back to Arbaminch. Then embark on a boat trip on Lake Chamo, a lake that supports a large population of crocodiles, hippos and fish. Visit the famous Crocodile Market which is not a market but a place to see large concentration of giant Nile Crocodiles and many hippos. The lake is about 32 kms long and provides a lush wetland habitat for many of flora and fauna. Then transfer to Arbaminch airport for your return flight back to Addis. Arrive in Addis late in the afternoon. Then transfer to hotel to rest and get settled before your night flight or you can do last minute shopping. In the evening enjoy final farewell dinner at a well-known local Ethiopian restaurant with cultural dances. Later this evening you will be transferred to Addis Abeba Bole International Airport for your return flight back home. Your vacation ends here.
