Few places offer such a myriad of experiences for the traveler as Ethiopia. Much of the fascination of this country lies in its many historical sites. According to legend, the first Ethiopian king, Menelik, was the son of the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba! Ethiopia also has nine national parks, protecting many of its endemic species. The ancient tribal culture compliments the unique history and nature of Ethiopia.
Experience tribal cultures such as the Hamer, the Mursi and the Dorze whose traditional lifestyle is a stark contrast to our modern life.
We explore the Horn Of Africa, using the capital of Addis Ababa as our base. We travel to the historic north to see the Blue Nile Falls before taking a boat journey across the Blue Nile. We spend a day visiting the monastery churches on Lake Tana before traveling to Gondar, our base for exploring the incredibly scenic Simien Mountains. We explore Lalibela and the monolithic churches carved out of pink granite that date back to the 12th century. We visit Axum, the home of the Queen of Sheba in the 10th century, where we see the stelae and some of the crowns of former kings. Axum is also reputed to be the resting place of The Ark of the Covenant.
Returning to our base in Addis Ababa, we then head to the tribal south, into the Omo Valley. We take a boat trip on Lake Chamo for crocodile and hippo spotting and then visit a Konso village.
Our journey takes us into Mago National Park, the home of the Mursi people, whose women have the practice of using disks to expand their lower lip. We go “off-roading” to the River Omo, then on to Turmi for the spectacular Hamer market day. We travel up through the Rift Valley and visit Nech Sar National Park. At Lake Langano, we explore Lake Abiat-Shala National Park before concluding our journey back in Addis Ababa. Further ReadingA 23-day exploration of Ethiopia |
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Itin A Itin B Day 1 Arrive in Addis Ababa Day 2 Addis Ababa sightseeing Day 3 Fly to Bahir Dar — the Blue Nile Day 7 Simien Mountains, return to Gondar Day 8 Fly to Lalibela — the Northern Churches Day 9 Lalibela — the Eastern Churches Day 10 Axum to Addis Ababa Day 11 The Festival of Meskel Day 12 Lake Langano, Abiyata Shalla National Park Day 13 Begin Omo Valley Adventure Day 15 Arba Minch, to Jinka Day 16 Mago National Park Day 19 Arba Minch via Konso Day 20 Dorze Village, Awasa Day 23 Depart Addis Ababa Day 1 Arrive in Addis Ababa Day 2 Addis Ababa sightseeing Day 3 Fly to Bahir Dar — the Blue Nile Day 5 Gondar City sightseeing — beginning of Timket Festival Day 6 Timket Festival & Felasha Village Day 7 Simien Mountains, return to Gondar Day 8 Fly to Lalibela — the Northern Churches Day 9 Lalibela — the Eastern Churches Day 10 Fly to Axum, City Sights Day 11 Fly to Addis Ababa Day 12 Lake Langano, Abiyata Shalla National Park Day 13 Begin Omo Valley Adventure Day 15 Arba Minch, to Jinka Day 16 Mago National Park Day 19 Arba Minch via Konso Day 20 Dorze Village, Awasa Day 23 Depart Addis Ababa Accommodations
Comfortable hotels with private bathrooms in the north.
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