Northern and Southern Ethiopia Explorer

Day 1: Bahir Dar

• At 7 am we depart on an early flight for Bahir Dar.
• On Lake Tana, we take a boat trip to a selection of monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake.
• Afterwards, we visit the Zege Peninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam, Ura Kidane Mehret and Debre Maryam (near the Blue Nile River).
• Finish the day with the sunset over the lake.
• Overnight in Bahir Dar at Kuriftu Resort & Spa/Abay Minch Lodge/Summerland Hotel/EthioStar Hotel.

Day 2: Gondar

• Gondar is our destination today, we head in a northerly direction to get there.
• This 4-hour drive takes us through rural villages all the while offering insight into the Amhara culture.
• In the afternoon we explore the sites of Gondar, including the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings.
• We also take in Fasilidas’s Pool, Ras Gimb Palace Museum and the Debre Birhan Selassie church (the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia).
• Overnight in Gondar at Taye Hotel/Fasil Lodge/Queen Taitu Pension.

Day 3: Axum

• A 07:45 flight to Axum await us this morning.
• We visit in Axum today the following; obelisks, archaeological museum, Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Ezana’s inscription, King Kaleb’s tomb, King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace.
• You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept.
• (Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept).
• Overnight in Axum at Sabean International Hotel/Remhai Hotel/Africa Hotel.

Day 4: Lalibela

• Another early morning flight awaits (08:00).
• The most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites await us today, that being Lalibela.
• After lunch, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
• We take in the North-western Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women).
• Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.

Day 5: Lalibela

• A morning trip to visit the church of Yimrehanne Kristos is on the cards.
• Yimrehanne Kristos is the most popular of the churches outside of Lalibela (the church is built with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern).
• Returning to Lalibela for lunch.
• In the afternoon we visit the South-eastern Cluster of churches; Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos.
• Finally, in the late afternoon, we visit the most famous of all the churches, Bet Giyorgis (constructed in honour of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George).
• Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.

Day 6: Awassa

• In the morning we fly back to Addis Ababa (09:00).
• From Addis Ababa, we head south for Awassa.
• En route to Awassa, we stop off at Lake Ziway to take in the vibrant birdlife and views.
• Overnight in Awassa at Haile Resort/Tadesse Enjory Hotel/Pinna Hotel.

Day 7: Dorze

• This morning we take in the fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa before driving to Dorze.
• The Dorze tribespeople are renowned for their tall beehive-like houses and fine cotton weaving.
• A village tour is on offer, we learn about these very industrious people and their ways of life.
• Overnight in Dorze in traditional Dorze hut (shared toilet facilities) or continue to Arba Minch for overnight at Paradise Lodge/Tourist Hotel/camping at Wabe Shabelle Hotel.

Day 8: Turmi

• This morning for Lake Chamo and a boat trip to visit the famed "crocodile market" and the local hippos.
• After the Lake Chamo excursion, we depart for Turmi.
• En route passing through the village of Weyto (home to the Tsemai tribe).
• Finally, proceed to Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe.
• At night, you can see the traditional night dancing of the Hamer tribe, known as evangadi.
• Overnight in Turmi at Buska Lodge/Evangadi Lodge/camping at Keske Campsite.

Day 9: Turmi

• In the morning, take a day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassenech tribe.
• Here you will cross the Omo River by local boat and enter a Dassenech village.
• Afterwards, return to Turmi (Monday is market day) for a visit to a local Hamer village.
• If there is Jumping of the Bulls traditional Hamer coming-of-age ceremony, that will be visited.
• Overnight in Turmi at Buska Lodge/Evangadi Lodge/camping at Keske Campsite.

Day 10: Jinka

• Departing for the Jinka area we travel through the towns of Dimeka and Key Afar.
• Dimeka offers one of the most colourful markets in the area and is visited by many tribes, including Hamer, Benna and Karo.
• Overnight in Jinka at Eco Omo Lodge/Orit Hotel/Goh Hotel.

Day 11: Jinka

• A morning drive through the Mago National Park awaits and onto a village of the Mursi tribe.
• The Mursi people are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates.
• Returning to Jinka in the afternoon.
• We visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes.
• Or alternatively, hike in the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village.
• Overnight in Jinka at Eco Omo Lodge/Orit Hotel/Goh Hotel.

Day 12: Konso

• After breakfast, we leave Jinka behind and head for the town of Konso.
• Along the way, we stop off in Key Afar where we witness the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods.
• Arriving in Konso in the afternoon.
• Konso people are well known for their wooden statues (wakas), which are erected in honour of dead heroes.
• Konso people are also interestingly known for their innovative agricultural terracing.
• Time permitting, you can also visit the “natural New York Village”, named after the tall sand formations resembling skyscrapers.
• Overnight in Konso at Kanta Lodge (tukul)/Kanta Lodge (standard room)/Strawberry Fields Ecolodge.

Day 13: Lake Langano

• Lake Langano is our destination today.
• En route, we stop off at the Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary (famed for its endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest).
• Overnight at Lake Langano at Bishangari Lodge/Sabana Beach Resort/Wenney Ecolodge/Abule Bassumo Hotel.

Day 14: Addis Ababa - Safari Ends

• A stunning morning swim in Lake Langano awaits before we head off for Addis Ababa.
• On the way to Addis Ababa there is the chance of stopping off at Abiatta-Shala National Park (time dependant).
• Abiatta-Shala National Park offers up two interesting lakes;
• Lake Shala, with its deep blue waters is the deepest lake in Ethiopia at 236m.
• Lake Abiatta is a soda lake at which thousands of flamingos can be seen at various times of the year.