20 Day Ethiopia Tour

• Day 1: 

  Arrival in Ethiopia
  Arrive in Addis Ababa, (2450 m/8,038 ft) Ethiopia's capital city.
  
  THIS IS A TRIP FOR THE ADVENTUROUS. The itinerary has been designed to be as comfortable as possible, but this part of the world is still undeveloped. Accommodation is basic in some places and some road journeys are long, dusty, and rough. This trip is suitable for hardy travellers who do not expect "creature comforts" or things to work smoothly everywhere. Despite the often-rustic conditions, delays, and bumpy roads, this will be a fascinating journey, full of epic moments for the experienced traveller who possesses a sense of humour, flexibility, and a true spirit of adventure.
  
  Overnight in Addis Ababa.

   

  Included Meal(s): Dinner
• Day 2: 

  Addis Ababa: City Tour
  This morning we tour Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, which translates as "New Flower" in the Amharic language. The city shows little sign of losing its youthful, lusty edge and is the pulsing heart of this eclectic nation's resurgence as one of the world's fastest-growing economies. "Addis," as it's often simply known, is the world's third-highest capital city at 2400 meters (7,880 ft), and has worn its heart on its sleeve since it was founded by Ethiopian Emperor Menelik about 1892.
  
  Although not well-known outside the country, the Ethiopian National Museum is a world-class museum; truly a hidden gem! The most famous exhibit is the replica of Lucy, an early hominid, but the museum offers much more. With Ethiopian civilization being one of the oldest in the world, the artifacts within the museum span thousands of years, including some from its earliest days. During our visit, we'll see a wide variety of artifacts, from sculptures to clothing to artwork, both traditional and modern.
  
  Next is the Ethnological Museum, a fascinating place with exhibits relating to the history and culture of Ethiopia. There are many displays of the various ethnic groups with information about each of their lifestyles. A large amount of ethnic outfits, instruments, tools, and other artifacts accompany each ethnic exhibit, making it one of the most interesting museums in the city.
  
  We also visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the second most-important place of worship in Ethiopia and the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
  
  At some point today we should be able to sample Ethiopia's 'Black Gold'. It's impossible to separate Ethiopian culture -- that unparalleled Ethiopian-ness -- from coffee, and this is the land of the finest Arabica coffee. As legend would have it, it was discovered by an Ethiopian shepherd boy and his goats sometime around the sixth century.
  
  Overnight in Addis Ababa.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 3: 

  Addis Ababa - Fly to Bahir Dar: Tis Abay (Blue Nile Falls)
  This morning our journey through Northern Ethiopia begins with a flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar.
  
  Bahir Dar, a small town nestled on the southeastern shore of Lake Tana—Ethiopia's largest lake, where local fishermen still navigate papyrus boats—welcomes us to a region renowned for its picturesque scenery and profound history.
  
  This afternoon we have an excursion to Tis Abay (Blue Nile Falls), a cascade 45m (150 feet) high. The locals call it Tisissat, which means "Water that Smokes". The area is also home to a great variety of birds and plants. We'll also have a comprehensive city tour of Bahir Dar, allowing us to explore and immerse ourselves in the city's vibrant local culture.
  
  Overnight in Bahir Dar.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 4: 

  Bahir Dar Area Touring
  Today we have a boat excursion on Lake Tana and the Zege Peninsula, home to seven ancient monasteries.
  
  It has been said that the inside of the Ura Kidane Mehret monastery is the most impressive and beautiful in the whole region. Just a 25 minute walk from the boat landing point takes us to the monastery, winding through coffee plantations under tall shady trees. The monastery is highly decorated with beautifully painted, colourful and vibrant frescoes depicting Ethiopian saints and the history of the Ethiopian-Orthodox Church. Both men and women are permitted to enter and there is also a small museum, the Zege Satekela Museum, for visitors to learn about hand-crafted objects and musical instruments that are still used be the local communities today.
  
  Another enchanting stop is the Azuwa Maryam Monastery, a distinctive round church with a thatched roof, whose vibrant paintings truly come alive upon stepping inside.
  
  Overnight in Bahir Dar.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 5: 

  Bahir Dar - Gondar
  Today marks a significant transition as our journey leads by road to Gondar (aka Gonder), the former imperial capital of Ethiopia, situated approximately 1818 meters (6,000 feet) above sea level. This 'City of Castles' is acclaimed as one of Ethiopia's most intriguing historical destinations, set beautifully at the base of the Simien Mountains. Its unique imperial precinct contains a remarkable collection of a dozen castles, each constructed by various emperors over a span of 236 years, reflecting centuries of imperial grandeur. Upon our arrival, the afternoon is dedicated to free time in Gondar, allowing for personal exploration and relaxation within this historically rich city before our deeper immersion.
  
  Overnight in Gondar.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 6: 

  Gondar Touring
  The historical depth of Gondar is fully explored on today with a comprehensive city tour.
  
  Our day is dedicated to a thorough acquaintance with the historical wonders of Gondar, beginning with the impressive castle of Emperor Fasiledes, the esteemed founder of the former capital, a two-story structure with distinct domed towers that was once described as 'one of the most marvelous of buildings' by a visiting Yemeni envoy. We also visit the Bathing Palace, a site once surrounded by a moat of water, which today is ceremonially filled only during Epiphany for an annual baptism celebration. Further enhancing our historical immersion are visits to the monasteries of Qusquam and Debre Berhan Selassie. The latter is renowned not only for its numerous detailed 16th-century frescoes but also for possessing one of Ethiopia's most photographed ceilings, exquisitely painted with angels' faces.
  
  Overnight in Gondar.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 7: 

  Gondar - Simien Mountains
  Today we travel into the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains. A scenic drive leads us into this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, a place of extraordinary natural beauty and geological significance. This magnificent range is dominated by Ras Dashen, soaring to 4620 meters (15,246 feet) above sea level, proudly ranking as Africa's fourth highest peak. Numerous large rivers, including the mighty Blue Nile, drain these highlands from east to west towards the Nile Basin, while from north to south, the Omo River flows into Lake Turkana. Our overnight location in the Simiens approaches 2800 meters (9,000 feet), marking the highest point on our tour; while not excessively high, the thinness of the air and the cold at night will be noticeable. The Simien Mountains stretch for over 40 kilometres, offering breathtaking panoramas with an almost two-mile drop into the valley below, providing a profound sense of scale and natural grandeur.
  
  Overnight in the Simien Mountains (3260 meters/10,700 feet).

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 8: 

  Simien Mountains Touring - Return to Gondar
  Today is entirely dedicated to exploring the majestic Simien Mountains, allowing for full immersion in their stunning scenery and unique ecosystem. This period offers us opportunities for gentle walks to appreciate the vast landscapes and perhaps spot some of the endemic wildlife that calls this rugged terrain home. In the afternoon, our journey continues with a scenic drive back to Gondar, allowing for reflection on the day's profound experiences in the high Ethiopian highlands.
  
  Later we return to Gondar where we spend the night.
  
  Overnight in Gondar.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 9: 

  Gondar - Fly to Lalibela
  Today we fly to Lalibela, a rural town of +/- 15,000 people in a stunning setting at an elevation of 2600 m (8,500 ft) in the midst of the Lasta mountains in the eastern highlands of Northern Ethiopia. Its unique and remarkable monolithic churches hewn from living rock, most built more than 900 years ago, are one of Ethiopia's leading attractions and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. Lalibela's relative isolation and small size means you will get to understand more intimately and thoroughly the innate piety and hard lives of the rural poor.
  
  Depending on our flight schedule, sightseeing may commence upon arrival, with the afternoon dedicated to visiting the Northwestern group of churches. This cluster is considered the more architecturally cohesive of the two main groups, and was most likely conceived as a whole, possibly by Emperor Lalibela himself. While it is the 'easiest' of the two groups in terms of navigating the site, we must still exercise great caution due to uneven surfaces, potentially slippery and steep stairs, drops without hand-railings, inclines, loose gravel, low tunnels, and the heat.
  
  Our Ethiopia tours that occur in January coincide with the Timkat Festival in Lalibela, the biggest celebration of the year in Ethiopia, marking the Epiphany every year on the 19th of January. Timkat is celebrated all over Ethiopia, but nowhere is it quite as spectacular as in Lalibela. The festival begins with Timkat Eve and dramatic processions through a night of fasting. Crowds of revelers, all dressed in white, sing and dance in the streets to the beating of drums. Priests, decked out in jewel encrusted velvet and satin robes, carry a replica of Arc of the Covenant known as a talbot in a grand procession through the streets.
  
  Your Tour Leader will advise in greater detail how the following described program will be organized in order to achieve our sightseeing of both church groups and the festivities. Due to the fluid nature of festival activities, our actual itinerary may vary from the next two days' descriptions, which should be regarded as a guide only.
  
  Overnight in Lalibela.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 10: 

  Lalibela Sightseeing & Timkat
  Our morning in Lalibela is dedicated to visiting the rest of the churches, including the more disparate Southeastern cluster, which is regarded by experts as being closer in architectural style to the ancient temples and churches of the Aksumite Empire. Several of its churches surprisingly began their existence as secular excavations centuries before Lalibela's time. While the churches belonging to this group are generally smaller, they are often more finely sculpted compared to those of the Northwestern group. This cluster is also the more challenging to visit, requiring sure footing and preparedness for some scrambling, and your Tour Leader will be well-placed to advise regarding our suitability for this visit. As our overall visit will be governed by group ability and interest, our time duration will be a little more free-form than that of the Northwestern cluster.
  
  In the afternoon, our focus shifts to attending the eve of the Timkat festival. This is the biggest celebration of the year in Ethiopia, marking the Epiphany every year on the 19th of January, and nowhere is it quite as spectacular as in Lalibela. The festival begins with dramatic processions through a night of fasting, with crowds of revelers, all dressed in white, singing and dancing in the streets to the rhythmic beating of drums. Priests, decked out in jewel-encrusted velvet and satin robes, carry a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, known as a 'tabot,' in a grand procession through the streets.
  
  During festival time, our late afternoon/evening will be spent observing the colourful prosessions and, a rarity in Ethiopia, large crowds!
  
  Overnight in Lalibela.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 11: 

  Lalibela Touring Continued
  Toay is entirely dedicated to immersing ourselves in the grandeur of the Timkat festival in Lalibela. Our morning is spent attending the main Timkat festival, truly immersing ourselves in the vibrant ceremonies and rituals that spectacularly reenact the baptism of Jesus Christ. Timkat is celebrated throughout Ethiopia, but it is in Lalibela that it achieves its most spectacular expression, drawing tens of thousands of people from all over the country, making it one of the most joyous annual pilgrimages.
  
  Following the profound spiritual experience of the festival, our afternoon offers a unique opportunity to join a local family for an Ethiopian Timkat holiday celebration, complete with a traditional culinary experience. This provides us with an intimate and authentic way to experience the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia during this significant holiday.
  
  Overnight in Lalibela.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 12: 

  Lalibela - Fly to Addis Ababa
  The final day in the north begins with attendance at the St. Michael day festival, celebrating the revered saint with traditional music, dance, and prayer, offering another glimpse into Ethiopia's vibrant religious culture.
  
  In the afternoon, our journey concludes with a flight from Lalibela back to Addis Ababa.
  
  Overnight in Addis Ababa.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 13: 

  Addis Ababa - Fly to Jinka
  Our adventure into Southern Ethiopia commences with an early morning flight from Addis Ababa to Jinka. Upon arrival in Jinka, a town set at the foot of Mago National Park, our journey immediately deepens into the heart of the Omo Valley.*
  
  This region, considered by many anthropologists to be the birthplace of humankind and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1980, is a virgin environment where tribal traditions have remained largely unchanged. Women still adorn themselves in elaborately-decorated skins, and men celebrate adulthood with special coloured hair buns.
  
  The day's primary focus is an excursion into Mago National Park to visit a Mursi village. The Mursi are notably recognized for their custom of inserting wooden and terracotta discs into their ear lobes, and for women who progressively split and stretch their lower lips to accommodate similar, often larger, discs, which are considered signs of great beauty. Visitors might even be fortunate enough to witness colourful and dramatic traditional ceremonies, or the ritual stick fighting duels engaged in by young Mursi and Surma men, conducted with utmost vigour, as winners gain admiration from girls. These are people who farm the land and breed livestock, living in almost complete isolation from the rest of the world.
  
  * While exploring the Omo Valley's fascinating mix of nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, from the Bume and Karo to the Bena, Mursi, and Hamar, coexisting in this harsh, all but forgotten land, it is important to note that 4x4 transportation may be used due to the state of the roads and reduced accessibility by bus.
  
  Overnight in Jinka.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 14: 

  Jinka - Turmi
  Today sees a drive from Jinka towards Turmi, a full day of road travel that continues the immersive experience with tribal life.
  
  En route, our journey includes a significant stop at the vibrant Key Afer market. These weekly markets are a hallmark of the Omo Valley, typically occurring on different days in neighbouring towns, offering a unique mix of local tribal peoples. While each market sells similar items, specific ones draw different groups; for example, the Turmi market, when visited later, sees a high percentage of Hamar and Karo people. The Omo Valley is particularly special because nowhere else in the world are so many ethnic groups inhabiting such a small area, each with their own languages and, for the most part, few interactions with each other.
  
  The afternoon is dedicated to a visit to a Hamar village, allowing for interaction with a people whose men are known to celebrate adulthood with special coloured hair buns, offering an excellent opportunity to meet the people and take photographs with them. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Turmi.
  
  Overnight in Turmi.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 15: 

  Turmi Area Exploration
  Our exploration continues from our base in Turmi.
  
  The morning involves a visit to a local school in Turmi, providing insight into the community's efforts in education. In the afternoon, an excursion leads to Omorate to visit the Dassenech people. It is important to approach all cultural encounters with local people respectfully and sensitively. Foreign visitors, while a source of much-needed income, have, in some ways, brought unique challenges to these previously isolated and traditional cultures. We lament reports of local communities being "spoiled" or turned into beggars, viewing foreign visitors as "walking cash machines." Therefore, for visits to be mutually beneficial, it is crucial to heed the advice of the Tour Leader during these profound cultural encounters.
  
  Overnight in Turmi.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 16: 

  Turmi Area
  Today offers further insights into the diverse cultures surrounding Turmi.
  
  The morning is dedicated to an excursion to Murulle to visit the Karo people. The most striking aspect of the Karo people's symbolic and ornamental expressions is their painted body and face decorations. This elaborate process ranges from fine, intricate details to rough but striking paintings traced with palms or fingers. The most beautiful expression is often seen in facial and chest paintings that combine white (chalk), black (charcoal), yellow, ochre, and red earth, often imitating the spotted plumage of a guinea fowl.
  
  Karo women scarify their chests to beautify themselves. The complete scarification of a man's chest, cut with a knife or razor blade and rubbed with ash to produce a raised effect, indicates he has killed an enemy or a dangerous animal, as does the wearing of a grey and ochre clay hair bun.
  
  The visit includes a typical Karo settlement with open public meeting grounds and dancing places, where people often pass the hottest hours of the day playing a board game called Warre in their shelters called shuppa. In the afternoon, the group visits the Dimeka market, another key weekly market in the Omo Valley, which sees a higher percentage of Benna people.
  
  Overnight in Turmi.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 17: 

  Turmi - Arba Minch
  Our day involves a drive to Arba Minch, the "town of many springs," where the experience with tribal life continues en route with a visit to the Konso people.
  
  A pagan society, the Konso are known for erecting wooden totems, replete with phallic symbols, over the graves of the dead, and for numerous cults based around the breeding and veneration of serpents. However, the cornerstone of Konso culture is a highly specialized and successful agricultural economy. Through ingenious terracing buttressed with stone, these people manage to extract a productive living from the not-very-fertile hills and valleys that surround them. This offers an excellent opportunity to meet the people, take photographs with them, and learn about a culture that has had very little outside influence.
  
  After a break for lunch in Konso, the journey continues to Arba Minch, which is beautifully situated by lakes Chamo and Abaya, the most southerly of Ethiopia's Rift Valley lakes. In the afternoon, a refreshing boat trip on Lake Chamo provides close encounters with huge crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of birdlife.
  
  Overnight in Arba MInch.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 18: 

  Arba Minch - Awassa
  Today's journey continues with a drive from Arba Minch to Awassa (aka Awasa).
  
  En route, our program includes visits to both Dorze and Wolayita villages. The Dorze tribe are famously known for their distinctive bee-hive shaped houses, which can reach impressive heights, and their exceptional weaving skills, which form a primary profession for many within the tribe. Beyond weaving, they are also diligent farmers, ingeniously preventing soil erosion by terracing the mountainsides. Around their huts, they cultivate small gardens brimming with vegetables, spices, tobacco, and enset (false-banana or musa ensete). The visit to the Wolayita villages will offer further insights into the diverse regional cultures.
  
  Overnight in Awassa.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 19: 

  Awassa - Addis Ababa
  Today we travel by road from Awassa back to Addis Ababa. This journey traces a path through a mountainous region and a highland plateau adorned with banana plantations and bamboo.
  
  A significant stop en route is made at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tiya. Here, visitors can observe a large collection of stelae, originally forty-six megalithic monuments erected in this cemetery between the tenth and fifteenth centuries. Archaeological excavations confirm the site contains ancient graves. The stelae are uniquely adorned with carvings representing swords and various enigmatic signs, distinct from those found in other regions, reflecting Ethiopia's very ancient tradition of erecting such monuments, some of which predate our era.
  
  The evening concludes the adventure with a rewarding farewell dinner, celebrating the rich experiences of the journey.
  
  Overnight in Addis Ababa.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 20: 

  Departure
  Departure from Addis Ababa.
  
  BON VOYAGE!!

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast

*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.