12 Days South And Norther Ethiopian Tour Beyond

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, a representative from our team will greet you and escort you to your hotel. You'll begin your exploration of Addis Ababa with a visit to the Ethnological Museum, where you’ll gain insight into Ethiopia’s diverse cultures and traditions. You'll continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important religious and historical landmark, before heading to Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets.

You'll catch a morning flight to Bahir Dar. You'll start your day with a boat trip on Lake Tana to explore the ancient monasteries of the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gebriel (accessible only to men). Then, you'll visit the source of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, you'll embark on a short hike around the Blue Nile Falls, admiring the breathtaking scenery. Later, you'll head to Bezawit Hill, home to Emperor Haile Selassie’s former palace, and enjoy a magnificent sunset over Lake Tana. You'll conclude the day with a delightful dinner by the lakeshore.

You'll depart for Gondar in the morning, a four-hour journey through picturesque countryside and traditional Amhara villages. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and set out to explore the historic sites of Gondar. You'll visit the 17th-century Royal Enclosure, which houses six castles and numerous other historical structures. Next, you'll see Fasilides' Bath, a site still used for the Timkat (Epiphany) festival. Finally, you'll visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its mesmerizing ceiling adorned with angelic faces.

You'll set off for the Simien Mountains National Park, passing through Debark to obtain the necessary trekking permits and a scout. You'll enjoy a scenic hike around Sankabar, where you have a good chance of spotting groups of the endemic Gelada baboons. After a day of exploration, you'll return to Gondar in the late afternoon

Arrival in Lalibela.

You'll visit the First Group of Churches: Start with a visit to the most famous rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, such as Bete Medhane Alem (the largest of the churches), Bete Maryam (dedicated to the Virgin Mary), and Bete Golgotha (home to the tomb of King Lalibela). Later, you'll transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay.

You'll drive to Yemrehanna Kirstos Church: Located about 42 kilometers from Lalibela, this church is nestled in a beautiful cave. The journey takes around 1.5-2 hours by car.

You'll explore Yemrehanna Kirstos Church: A lesser-known gem, this 11th-century church is famous for its unique architecture, constructed from wood and stone, and its stunning location surrounded by a forested landscape. The church is a blend of both Axumite and Lalibela-style rock-hewn architecture.

Afternoon:

You'll visit the Second Group of Churches: These include Bete Giyorgis, one of the most renowned churches, shaped like a Greek cross, and Bete Meskal. Stroll around the Lalibela Monastery: Discover the beautiful landscapes and surrounding areas

Early morning, you will have breakfast and enjoy the sunrise from Lalibela town. Later, you'll have a flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, a vehicle will be waiting to take you to Awassa Langano, one of the Great Rift Valley lakes. You'll spend a relaxing afternoon unwinding by the lakeshore.

After breakfast, you'll drive towards Arba Minch, stopping in Awassa along the way. You'll visit the lively fish market to observe the local fishing culture. You'll continue through Ethiopia’s coffee-growing region before arriving in Arba Minch. After lunch, you'll visit a Dorze village, where you’ll experience the unique beehive-shaped huts and the community’s rich weaving traditions. You'll end the evening with dinner overlooking the scenic lakes Abaya and Chamo.

Arba Minch, Nechisar National Park, Konso, and Turmi

You'll start the day with a boat excursion on Lake Chamo, where you may encounter large crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species. On the opposite shore, you might also spot Burchell’s zebras, Grant’s gazelles, and the endemic Swayne’s hartebeest. Afterward, you'll drive to Konso and enjoy lunch before visiting the UNESCO-listed Konso cultural landscape, known for its terraced farming and fortified villages. In the afternoon, you'll continue to Turmi to meet the Hamer people, known for their intricate hairstyles, body adornments, and cultural traditions.

In the morning, you'll travel to Omorate, where you’ll cross the Omo River to visit the Dassanech people, known for their pastoral lifestyle. In the afternoon, you'll go back to Turmi and witness the traditional Hamer bull-jumping ceremony, a rite of passage for young men preparing for marriage.

After breakfast, you'll drive to visit the Karo people in the Omo Valley. Known for their elaborate body paintings, beadwork, and lip plates, the Karo practice subsistence farming and have unique cultural traditions, including bull-jumping. In the afternoon, you'll return to Turmi to meet the Mursi people, famous for their large lip plates and warrior traditions. The Mursi are pastoralists and are known for their annual bull-jumping and stick fighting rituals.

After breakfast, you'll fly to Addis Ababa and enjoy some time to refresh. Later, you'll explore local shops and markets. In the evening, you'll enjoy a farewell dinner at Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant, experiencing traditional Ethiopian music and dance, before preparing for your departure.