General Information

This is a journey to the beginning of history. It is in Ethiopia that we find the oldest homo sapiens, churches that remain faithful to religion and traditions still dating back to the time of the Old Testament of the Bible, active volcanoes that remind us that the Earth is constantly evolving. Also known as “the Horn of Africa”, due to the shape of its horn-like borders, Ethiopia’s geography takes us from the hell of the Danakil Depression, considered the lowest and hottest point on our planet, to the peaks of the Simien Mountains. In between, landscapes snaked by rivers, colorful minerals, are home to countless species of wildlife and around 80 ancient tribes. Apart from a five-year occupation under Mussolini, Ethiopia has never been colonized, making it the oldest independent African nation.

This journey of exploration to the beginning of the world takes you to see all these highlights, and then some.

What to expect from this tour?

A challenging journey that promises to constantly push us out of our comfort zone. An absolute contrast to our habits, beliefs and comforts, it takes us on a physical and emotional journey through time and history

Tribes of the Omo Valley (UNESCO)
Blue Nile Waterfalls
Mago National Park
Simien National Park (UNESCO)
Castles of Gondar (UNESCO)
Churches of Lalibela (UNESCO)
Coffee plantations
Ethnological Museum
Mercato
Wildlife

Itinerary

Day 1 : Addis Ababa

Welcome to Ethiopia!

In the morning we explore the capital, Addis Ababa, where we will taste the best coffee in Ethiopia, visit the National Museum, the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the “Mercato”, the largest open-air market in Africa.

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Accommodation: hotel
Meals: –

Day 2 : Flight to Jinka + Ari village + Ethnological museum

In the morning, after breakfast, we took our flight to Jinka, in the south of the country. We visit the Ari village and the Ethnological Museum, which will help us learn more about Ethiopia’s ethnic groups.

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Accommodation: hotel
Meals: breakfast

Day 3 : Mago National Park + Mursi tribe + Konso

Today we crossed the Mago National Park to meet the Mursi tribe, known for their lip and ear plaques. This National Park is also an excellent place to spot monkeys, antelopes, cudos and zebras. Our journey continues to Konso, where we are staying.

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Accommodation: hotel
Meals: breakfast

Day 4 : Crocodile Market + Abra Minch

Today we arrive in Abra Minch, where we will visit the famous “Crocodile Market” on Lake Chamo, one of the best places to spot wildlife in Ethiopia, including crocodiles, hippos, eagles and other birds.

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Accommodation: hotel
Meals: –

Day 5 : Dorze Tribe

After lunch we visited the Dorze tribe – known for their elephant-shaped houses built using only natural materials and for their handicrafts.
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Accommodation: hotel
Meals: –

Day 6 : Yirga Alem

After breakfast we head to Yirga Alem, the Sidama region, known for its coffee plantations.

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Accommodation: hotel
Meals: breakfast

Day 7 : Forest + Coffee plantations

Walk through the forests and experience the coffee plantations.

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Accommodation: hotel
Meals:breakfast

Day 8 : Lakes Hawassa, Langano, Ziway + Return to Addis Ababa

We leave the coffee plantations behind for a day trip that will cross several lakes – Hawassa, Langano and Ziway. We arrived in Addis at the end of the day.
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Accommodation: hotel
Meals:breakfast

Day 9 : Flight to Bahir Dar + Blue Nile Waterfalls

Today we flew to Bahir Dar. After a coffee break, we visited the imposing Blue Nile Waterfalls.
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Accommodation: hotel
Meals:breakfast

Day 10 : Lake Tana Ancestral Monasteries

In the morning we set off on a boat trip that will take us to explore several of the monasteries on Lake Tana, including Tana Cherkos, the oldest temple in Ethiopia, referred to in the Hebrew scriptures of the Old Testament.

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Accommodation: hotel
Meals: –

Day 11 : Gondar

Gondar is a town with fairytale castles. Surrounded by mountains, the Emperors of Ethiopia chose Gondar as the ideal place to establish their capital. Its architecture is peculiar, a mixture of Portuguese and Indian influence, with the Debre Berhan Selassie Church displaying some of the country’s most spectacular murals.

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Accommodation: hotel
Meals:breakfast

Day 12 : Simien National Park

Full day exploring the Simien Mountains. At the end of the day, we return to Gondar.
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Accommodation: hotel
Meals: –

Day 13 : Gondar - Lalibela trip

Today is spent on the scenic drive between Gondar and Lalibela.
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Accommodation: hotel
Meals: –

Day 14 : Lalibela

After a long drive to Lalibela, today we can finally explore one of the highlights of this trip. Even today, many faithful continue to make this pilgrimage to the “New Jerusalem”, with 11 monolithic churches. We will have time to contemplate the site, not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for its important historical importance.

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Accommodation: hotel
Meals:breakfast

Day 15 : flight to Addis Ababa + end of trip

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head to the airport to catch our flight back to Addis. We’ll still have time to enjoy our last day in the capital and have a farewell dinner with the flavors of Ethiopian food.

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Accommodation: –
Meals:breakfast

Map

Inclusions

Included

Accommodationhotels, in a single / double or twin room.
TransportsLand Rovers for overland trips, with drivers, fuel, tolls and parking included; transfers from / to airports within the dates of the trip; boat trips.
Foodonly hotel breakfasts are included in the exploration trip.
Drinksdrinking water throughout the trip.
Activitiesall the activities mentioned in the programme.
Entrances and special permits for access to protected/restricted areas.
Local guides, drivers and translators.
Accompaniment throughout the tour by Tânia Neves.

Excluded

International + domestic flights;
Visa82 USD - to be requested by the traveler at evisa.gov.et
Travel insurance: compulsory - I recommend IATI Insurance.
Extra meals (5€ to 10€ per meal)
Activities not mentioned in the program or specifically described as "not included" or "optional";
Personal expenses and communications;
Tips and gratuities.