Combination Tour Northern, Eastern & Southern Ethiopia – 21 Days
Tour Highlights
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Explore Addis Ababa, including Entoto Mountain and Merkato
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Cruise Lake Tana and witness the majestic Blue Nile Falls
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Discover medieval castles in Gondar
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Hike among wildlife in the Simien Mountains National Park
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Visit the ancient stelae of Axum and the mysterious Ark of the Covenant
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Journey into the Danakil Depression to see Erta Ale volcano and Dallol’s sulfur springs
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Admire the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
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Engage with diverse tribal cultures: Hamar, Karo, Mursi, Dassanech, and more
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Visit the UNESCO-listed villages of Konso and colorful markets in the south
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Enjoy a farewell dinner with cultural entertainment in Addis Ababa
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrive at Bole International Airport. Meet our staff holding the company logo at the exit gate and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a city tour including the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Merkato (Africa’s largest open-air market), and Entoto Mountain for panoramic views of Addis Ababa (3,000m elevation).
Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Fly to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Boat Trip & Blue Nile Falls
Fly to Bahir Dar. Take a scenic boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient island monasteries. In the afternoon, drive to Blue Nile Falls, locally known as “Tis Issat” (smoking water). Enjoy birdwatching en route.
Overnight at Bahirdar.
Day 3: Drive to Gondar – City Tour
Drive to Gondar, the medieval capital of Ethiopia. Visit the Royal Enclosure, Fasilides’ Bath, and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie, famed for its angel-filled ceiling.
Overnight at Gonder.
Day 4: Drive to Simien Mountains National Park
Travel to the spectacular Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spot endemic wildlife like the Gelada baboon, Walia ibex, and Ethiopian wolf.
Overnight in Lodge/Camp in Simien Mountains.
Day 5: Drive to Axum
Drive through dramatic landscapes and escarpments, including the Tekeze River Valley, to reach Axum.
Overnight in Axum.
Day 6: Explore Axum
Tour Axum, the cradle of Ethiopian civilization. Visit the Stelae Park, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, Archaeological Museum, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Overnight in Axum.
Day 7: Drive to Mekelle via Yeha and Debre Damo
Drive to Mekelle, visiting the Temple of Yeha (pre-Aksumite) and, optionally, the monastery of Debre Damo (accessible only by men via rope ascent).
Overnight in Mekelle.
Day 8: Drive to Hamed Ela – Start Danakil Desert Adventure
Begin the Danakil Depression tour. Pass through Berhale, meet your local escort team, and admire Afar and Tigrean villages and camel caravans.
Overnight in Camp or basic hotel in Hamed Ela.
Day 9: Hamed Ela – Dodom – Trek to Erta Ale Volcano
Drive to Dodom, then trek (15km) to the Erta Ale volcano. Watch the mesmerizing active lava lake at night from the rim.
Overnight in Camp at Erta Ale.
Day 10: Descend from Erta Ale – Return to Hamed Ela
Early morning ascent for sunrise views. Descend and return to Hamed Ela. Visit camel caravans transporting salt slabs.
Overnight in Hamed Ela.
Day 11: Visit Dallol & Lake Asale – Return to Mekelle
Explore the otherworldly Dallol with its colorful hot springs and salt formations. Visit Lake Asale and watch salt mining in action. Drive back to Mekelle.
Overnight in Mekelle.
Day 12: Drive to Lalibela
Drive to Lalibela, visiting Lake Ashenge and local markets en route.
Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 13: Explore Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Visit the magnificent rock-hewn churches, carved from solid rock in the 12th century. Explore both the northern and southern church clusters and Bet Giyorgis (St. George)
Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 14: Fly to Addis – Drive to Hawassa
Fly back to Addis and drive to Hawassa, located in the Great Rift Valley.
Overnight at Hawassa.
Day 15: Hawassa Fish Market – Drive to Arba Minch via Dorze Village
Visit the vibrant fish market by Lake Hawassa. Continue to Arba Minch, stopping at Chencha to meet the Dorze people, known for their bamboo houses and weaving skills.
Overnight at Arba Minch.
Day 16: Boat Trip on Lake Chamo – Drive to Turmi
Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Chamo to see giant crocodiles, hippos, and birdlife. Drive to Turmi, visiting the Tsemay and Benna tribes along the way. In the afternoon, visit a Hamar village.
Overnight at Turmi.
Day 17: Excursion to Omorate – Return to Turmi
Drive to Omorate, cross the Omo River by dugout canoe, and visit the Dassanech tribe. Return to Turmi for more Hamar cultural encounters.
Overnight at Turmi.
Day 18: Excursion to Karo – Drive to Jinka
Morning drive to Karo village to witness their body painting traditions and riverbank lifestyle. Continue to Jinka.
Overnight at Jinka.
Day 19: Mursi Tribe Excursion – Explore Jinka
Visit the Mursi people, famous for their lip plates and scarification. In the afternoon, visit the South Omo Research Center and local market.
Overnight at Jinka.
Day 20: Drive to Arba Minch via Konso Village
Drive to Arba Minch with a stop in Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for terraced agriculture and stone-walled villages. Visit the King’s compound.
Overnight at Arba Minch.
Day 21: Return to Addis Ababa – Departure
Drive back to Addis Ababa. En route, visit the Tiya Stelae Field and Melka Kunture prehistory site. Enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional music and dance before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
Includes
Fees
Excludes
Flights
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