This trip starts with a flight to Bahir Dar, where travelers see Lake Tana, the Blue Nile Falls, and old monasteries. Next, they drive to Gondar, known for its castles and the Timkat festival site. Then, they visit the Simien Mountains, home to rare animals, and hike through valleys.
Afterward, they travel to Lalibela to see its famous rock-hewn churches before flying back to Addis Ababa. The journey continues to Semera, Dallol, and the Erta Ale volcano, exploring salt mines and geothermal pools.
Finally, they visit southern Ethiopia, meeting various tribes, exploring Bale Mountains, and returning to Addis Ababa.
Day 1: Flight to Bahir Dar (Blue Nile Falls)
This morning, we start our safari with a flight to Bahir Dar, located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. The lake has 37 islands, several of which were religious centers with monasteries between the 14th and 19th centuries. The area has a Mediterranean-like climate. The streets are lined with palm trees, making the town more attractive. This town is also the administrative capital of the Amhara region.
We will drive for about an hour from the center to the small town of Tissisat, where we will take a walk in the cool morning air, admire the falls, and meet the local people. We will cross the Portuguese Bridge, built in the 17th century over the Nile. After crossing to the other side of the Nile by a small boat, we will return to our car.
Later in the afternoon, we will take a boat across Lake Tana to the Zeghie Peninsula, where we will walk to two old monasteries from the 14th century: Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Mariam. These monasteries offer a glimpse into ancient Orthodox architecture.
Day 2: Drive to Gondar (Camelot of Africa)
Today, we drive to Gondar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 185 km away. We will pass through the landscapes of the Amhara region, which is also the gateway to the Simien Mountains. Gondar was the capital of many Ethiopian emperors between the 17th and 18th centuries. Because of this, there are many castles here, and we will visit some of them.
After lunch, we will visit the area where the Timkat festival is held every year. This is one of the most famous and important events in the Ethiopian calendar, celebrating the baptism of Jesus Christ.
Day 3: Explore Simien Mountains National Park
After breakfast, we drive to the Simien Mountains, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The drive from Gondar offers beautiful scenery. These mountains are home to the rare Gelada baboons and Ethiopian endemic birds such as the Thick-billed Raven and Wattled Ibis. The Afro-montane forest, woodland, and grasslands are major attractions. Return to Gondar for overnight.
Day 4: Simien Mountains National Park
After breakfast, we will hike in the Simien Mountains National Park. The hike will take us through valleys with breathtaking views and ridges. We will then drive to the Chenek camp, where we may see the Walia Ibex and Ethiopian wolf.
In the late afternoon, we will drive back to Gondar for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Drive to Lalibela (Eighth Wonder of the World)
After breakfast, we drive to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lalibela. The drive takes us through the northern region, offering beautiful scenic views. Some people call Lalibela the “New Jerusalem” because it is famous for its many rock-hewn churches, including those known as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
Day 6: Visit Lalibela Churches & Fly to Addis Ababa
We will explore the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. The northwestern cluster includes Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha.
Later, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Addis Ababa.
Day 7: Flight to Semera – Dallol
Upon arrival at Semera Airport, our representative will meet you and brief you about the area and its geology before we drive to Erta Ale. We will stop for lunch at Afdera town on our way to Dallol. The longest part of our journey will be an off-road drive into the desert.
Later in the afternoon, we will reach the small settlement of Ahmedela, where we will see many camel caravans and enjoy the beautiful sunset at the salt lake of Assale.
Day 8: Drive to Erta Ale Volcano
After breakfast, we head to Dallol to explore the geothermal pools and salt domes. This place is unique with its colorful mineral deposits, landscapes, geysers, and sulfur pools.
We will observe how the locals extract salt by hand and transport it using camel caravans. The salt-covered area stretches about 1,200 kilometers.
We then take a bumpy road to reach the Erta Ale Volcano. After dinner, we take a 30-minute hike to the top of the crater. The hike is not steep, but you will need a torch and a hiking stick.
Day 9: Drive from Erta Ale to Semera & Fly to Addis
After a late breakfast, we will watch the sunrise over the lava lake. We then descend and drive to Lake Afdera, where you can relax and enjoy the natural hot springs. The locals believe the mineral-rich water is good for the skin.
Later, we drive to the airport for our flight back to Addis Ababa.
Day 10: Fly to Arbaminch & Visit the Dorze Tribe
We take a flight to the southern part of the country, known for its diverse culture and traditions. Our driver will meet us at the airport and take us to our accommodation.
After lunch, we will visit the Dorze people, who live on the slopes of Mount Guge. They are famous for their unique weaving techniques and beehive-shaped houses made entirely from organic materials.
Day 11: Drive to Turmi & Visit Konso & Hammer Tribes
After breakfast, we drive to Turmi, the center of the Omo tribes. On the way, we will stop at a Konso village, known for its terraced farms and wooden totems honoring the dead. The villages here are UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their cultural significance.
After lunch, we continue to Turmi, where we will meet the Hammer people, famous for their pottery and unique hairstyles made with clay.
Day 12: Drive to Omorate & Visit Dassenech & Karo Tribes
Today, we drive 75 km to visit the Dassenech people, who live on the banks of the Omo River near the Kenyan border. They are nomads with clans spread across Sudan, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
After lunch in Turmi, we will visit the Kara people, who are known for their face and body paintings made using soil, minerals, and plants.
Day 13: Drive to Jinka
After breakfast, we drive to Jinka and visit a local market, where all the Omo tribes gather. We will also visit the Ari people, who live in lush green areas and grow coffee, bananas, avocados, and mangoes.
Day 14: Discover the Mursi Tribe & Drive to Arbaminch
We drive through Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people, known for their women who wear clay lip plates and men who participate in stick-fighting rituals.
After the visit, we drive back to Jinka and then to Arbaminch for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 15-17: Explore Bale Mountains & Harenna Forest
We explore the Bale Mountains National Park, home to Ethiopian wolves, nyalas, and Menelik’s bushbucks.
We will hike the Sanetti Plateau and visit the Harenna Forest, home to rare wildlife, including the Bale monkey, giant frogs, and colobus monkeys.
Day 18: Return to Addis Ababa & Departure
After breakfast, we drive back to Addis Ababa via the Asela Road, stopping for lunch and cultural entertainment before heading to the airport for your flight home.
