Explore Ethiopia

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 Falls

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 complex 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 of delight’.

Overnight: Gondar
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 4: Drive up 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. 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: Simen Mountains or Debark.
Accommodation: Lodge or Basic Hotel.

Day 5: From the Simen Mountains down to Aksum

Enjoy a full day scenic drive to the fabled and ancient city of Aksum through the lowlands of the Simen Mountains and Tekeze river gorge. The road between the Simen Mountains and Tekeze gorge is one of the most fascinating in Ethiopia. First you will take the zigzag road of Lima Limo with many hairpins and crossing a rough mountain landscape. Later you will descend into impressive Tekeze river gorge. Arrive in Aksum late in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Aksum
Accommodation: Hotel.

Day 6: Discover the Ancient Capital of the Aksumite Kingdom

Full day tour in 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 7: Drive to Yeha Temple and Rock Churches of Tigray

Leaving Aksum this morning and travel to the town of Hawzen, base to visit the rock churches of Tigray region. You first pass through the famous and historical Mountains of Adowa where Ethiopia became the first African nation to repel a colonial power when they defeated the Italian army in 1896. Since then Ethiopia has been a symbol of African independence free from European control. Stop at Yeha and visit the 500 B.C. pre-Christian temple. Yeha said to be Ethiopia’s oldest settlement. After lunch at Adigrat visit a rock church of Tigray and continue to Hawzen.

Overnight: Hawzen.
Accommodation: Lodge or Hotel.

Day 8: Hawzen, Explore Rock churches of Tigray & Gheralta Mountains.

The day dedicated to discover and admire the little visited area of the Gheralta Mountains and ancient rock churches. According to historians these churches built between 9th to 13th centuries although the local legend claim that these churches dates back between 4th to 6th centuries. In the morning short drive to the small town of Megab and climb up and visit Debre Mariam Koror rock church. This is among the biggest church found in Gheralta Mountains. The interior part has 6 pillars and the walls are decorated with different paintings. Daniel Korkor another small rock church is also located behind this big rock church. Here you will have an amazing panoramic view from the top. After lunch and short break walk an hour through local village to Mariam Papaseti Rock Church known for its vivid cloth paintings, which depict various old and New Testament stories.

Overnight: Hawzen
Accommodation: Lodge or Hotel.

Day 9: Drive towards Mekele

After breakfast start driving from Hawzen to Mekele. On the way you will visit other rock churches of Tigray. Start the day with the rock church of Medhane Alem Adikesho, one of the oldest and finest rock-hewn churches estimated to date from the 10th or early 11th century. Then visit the church of Wukro Cherkos at Wukro town with its cruciform pillars and barrel vaulted ceiling. Continue to Mekele the capital city of Tigray region.

Overnight: Mekele.
Accommodation: Hotel.

Day 10: From Mekele to Denakil Depression & Erta Ale Active Volcano

Today you will start discovering the Denakil depression. The depression is located in the afar region of north-east Ethiopia. It is a geological depression caused by the afar triple junction: a place where three tectonic plates on earth as well as one of the lowest places on the planet (around120 meters below sea level). In the morning drive (with 4x4 vehicles) to Dodom the base camp to start a 3-4 hours trekking up to the Erta Ale Volcano. You will drive through changing landscapes of solidified lava lake, rocks, sand and occasional palm lined oasis. After a short break and when the sun set start climbing up around 6pm. The Erta Ale Volcano is one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural site anywhere in Ethiopia. Spent the night on the mountain watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava.

Overnight:
Accommodation: Local Hut or Tent

Day 11: Drive from Erta Ale Volcano to Dallol Depression

Rise up early this morning and walk around the volcano one more time and make morning pictures. Then walk down to the base camp. Following breakfast and short break start drive via the dessert to the village of HamadEla, a center to explore the Dallol Depression. Arrive in HamadEla late in the afternoon and visit the Camel Caravans and the beautiful sunset.

Overnight: HamadEla.
Accommodation: Local House or Tent.

Day 12: Explore Dallol Depression & Return to Mekele

Your main destination of the day is the Dallol Depression. In the morning drive to Ragad (Asebo) the place where the afar people mining salt. See the activity of breaking the salt from the ground and how they cut it into rectangular shape and loading it on camels. Continue further to the famous depression and explore the different landscapes formed by volcanic activity. Visit Lake Assale, Salt Canon and Camel Caravans. In the afternoon drive back to Mekele and transfer to hotel and relax.

Overnight: Mekele
Accommodation: Hotel.

Day 13: Full Day Scenic Drive to the Holy Land, Lalibela

Enjoy a full day scenic drive to ‘African Jerusalem’Lalibela. Today’s drive takes you once again through spectacular mountains and river gorges. You will see for yourself why Ethiopia’s landscape is completely different to anywhere else. Arrive in Lalibela late in the afternoon.

Overnight: Lalibela.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.

Day 14: Explore the famous 11 rock churches of king Lalibela

You will spend the day exploring one of the world’s most remarkable historic 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.

Overnight: Lalibela.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.

Day 15: Excursion to Yemrhane Kristos & Asheton Mariam Churches

Today’s excursion takes you out of Lalibela and visit two fascinating rock churches. 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 in the afternoon visit Asheton Mariam (St. Mary) Monastery built on a ridge with excellent views over the surrounding countryside.

Overnight: Lalibela.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.

Day 16: Drive back towards Desse & Kombolcha

After breakfast leave and drive towards Kombolcha via Woldiya. Enjoy the mountainous landscape and splendid views. Before arriving Kombolcha visit the 13th century Monastery of Hayk Estifanos (only accessible to men) and the lovely Lake Hayk.

Overnight: Kombolcha.
Accommodation: Hotel.

Day 17: Travel from North towards the East to Awash Park

Leaving the northern Ethiopian highlands this morning, drive towards East enjoying the great East African Rift Valley and chain of mountains from the top of northern highlands. If today is a market day you will stop at Bati to visit one of the most colorful local markets in northern Ethiopia. Bati is the market of the Oromo and Afar people and it is mainly a livestock market especially camel. End the day with a visit of Awash National Park. Awash Park is the oldest and home to 392 bird life and mammals. The river awash runs through a spectacular gorge and it creates a beautiful fall. Firstvisit the Awash falls where crocodiles are often seen lazing by the water’s edge. You will then take a game drive through the Ilala Sala Plain. The most visible large mammals are Beisa Oryx, Soemmering’s Gazelles, Warthogs and Slat’s Dik- Dik whilst bird life is also impressive.

Overnight: Awash
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge

Day 18: Drive from Awash to the Exotic Town of Harar

Travel further East to the ancient and exotic Muslim town Harar. Journey through the Hararge Mountains and see plenty of coffee and Chat plantations. The region is well-known in growing best quality of coffee in the country. The drive takes you through rolling countryside dotted with small villages and the landscape is lush and green. You may see caravans of camels on the road. Stop at the town of Aweday which is home to the country’s largest Chat (a mildly stimulating plant) market. Your visit is met with enthusiasm and interest from locals as they are unused to seeing tourists.

Overnight: Harar
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 19: Explore the walled city of Harar

Full day exploration of this mysterious city on foot. Harar is the cradle of Islam in Ethiopia and known as the 4th most sacred city in the Islamic world with 99 mosques. The old town is surrounded by a big wall built in the 13th century for protection and Hararremained closed to outsiders for centuries. You will spend the day exploring the colorful and busy local markets, beautiful traditional Harari houses, old mosques, Museums and finally in the evening visit the Hyena man while he feeds the hyenas with a piece of stick on his mouth.

Overnight: Harar
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 20: Travel from Harar to Nazareth (Adama)

Leaving Harar and full day scenic drive to the city of Nazareth (Adama). Enjoy the views of eastern Ethiopia rift valley on the way. Arrive at Nazareth in the afternoon and transfer to your accommodation.

Overnight: Harar
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 21: Drive South through the Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes

Leaving East and continue travel to the south. Southern region is noted for its enormous variety of peoples &culture. Drive through Southern Ethiopia rift valley. 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, whose shores will be pink from the thousands of both Lesser and Greater flamingos in the water. Hot Springs, Ostriches, birds, Gazelles and other mammals are the main attractions in the park. End the day with the visit of Lake Langano which is Bilharzia free and safe for swimming and has fantastic birdlife. Enjoy the rest of the day at the shores of the lake.

Overnight: Langano
Accommodation: Resort or Lodge

Day 22: Drive to Arbaminch via the Dorze Village

Depart Langano and drive towards Arbaminch through Shashemene the town where the Ras Teferians (followers of the last Ethiopian emperor) lives. On the way 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 23: Drive to Jinka through Konso

In the morning 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. Travel further south to Jinka, the biggest town in south Omo region.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. 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 24: 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. The Mursi are probably the last tribes in Africa amongst whom it is still the norm for women to wear those large pottery or wooden discs or plates. 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 25: Visit the Hamer and Dassenech Tribes

This morning begin an excursion to the Dassenech tribe. Drive towards Omorate on a 75 kms paved road. 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 are semi-nomadic tribe living on the shores of Omo River. Their clans stretch across Sudan, Kenya and southern Ethiopia. They are known for their very unique and ornate hair buns. They grow crops and fish. 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. They are known for the fine pottery they produce as well as their remarkable hair style. The women are striking wearing beautiful colorful beaded goat skins, ornate necklaces and metal bangles around their wrist and ankles. These decorations indicate the wealth and prestige of a woman’s husband.

Overnight: Turmi.
Accommodation: Lodge, Basic Hotel or Camping.

Day 26: Drive from Turmi to Yabello via Konso

After morning breakfast drive through Konso towards Yabello the home of the Borena Peoplewho are well known in cattle rearing. In the afternoon you will visit their village.

Overnight: Yabello
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 27: Travel to Yirgalem through the Coffee Plantations

Early in the morning excursion to Elsod (place of salt), the creator salt lake to see the Borena people extracting mud salt.This is an important regional center of salt extraction. Also stop at Dubluk to visit the Singing Well from which they cater water to their thousands of cattle by singing. Continue scenic drive towards Yirgalem though the beautiful Sidama Mountains and coffee plantation. On the way you will stop at the Tutu Fella Stelae filed at Wenago to visit the unusual collection of carved stones.

Overnight: Yirgalem
Accommodation: Lodge or Hotel

Day 28: Visit Awassa and Drive towards the Bale Mountains National Park

In the morning short drive from Yirgalem to the lake side city of Awassa. Here you will visit the Fish market on Lake Awassa where you will see firsthand how locals trade and prepare their fish. Then drive towards the Bale Mountains National Park. Ethiopia’s second-highest mountain range contains one of the richest habitats in the country's alpine heights. It is the best place for viewing a broad cross-section of Ethiopia's unique wildlife, including Ethiopian Wolf, Mountain Nyala, Giant forest Hog, Cape Hyrax, Colobus and Vervet monkeys, and 16 endemic bird species. Arrive at Dinsho, Park head quarter, in the afternoon, in time for a walk around to see endemic mammals, Menelik's Bushbuck and Mountain Nyala. And birds Blue-winged goose, Spot-breasted lapwing, Abyssinian long claw, Wattled ibis, Black-headed siskin, Rouget’s rail.

Overnight: Bale Goba.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.

Day 29: Excursion to Senate Plateau & Harenna Forest

Today’s excursion lets you explore the wild wonders of the Senate Plateau and Harenna Forest. This vast highland region is the world’s largest expanse of Afro-alpine moorland, a montane habitat with an average elevation above 13,000 feet. The plateau is renowned for supporting the largest remaining population of Ethiopian Wolf. The plateau is crawling with Rodents, the largest being the Giant Mole rat found only in Bale Mountains. Here you walk or drive with the car (4x4) to Tullu Dimitu meaning “Red Mountain” just 4kms from the main road. This is the second highest point in Ethiopia at 4,377meters above sea level. The Harenna Forest is one of the most extensive natural forests remaining in Ethiopia. This forest, far denser and more varied than the juniper woodland around Dinsho, has a similar appearance and composition to the forests found in other East African mountain landscapes. Lionslive in this densely wooded region though it is rare to see. Here in the forest you have chance to see primate species such as endemic Bale Monkey, Colobus Monkey and other. Late in the afternoon drive back to your accommodation.

Overnight: Bale Goba.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.

Day 30: Drive back to Addis Abeba via Ethiopian Rift Valley and Departure

Today you will drive back to Addis Abeba. On the way you will stop and visit creator lakes at Debre Zeit. 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.