Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival and Addis City Tour
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, our representative will whisk you away to your hotel. Kick off your Ethiopian adventure with a panoramic view of the city from Entoto Park. Next, delve into the past at the National Museum, where you'll encounter Lucy, a 3.2-million-year-old hominin skeleton. Immerse yourself in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity with a visit to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a majestic structure built by Emperor Haile Selassie. Conclude your day by exploring the bustling Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa.
Day 2 :
Addis - Axum
This morning, catch a flight to Axum, a historical city boasting a wealth of archaeological wonders. Embark on a captivating city tour, starting with the awe-inspiring stelae park. These towering granite obelisks are remnants of an ancient civilization and hold UNESCO World Heritage status. Continue your exploration with visits to the Queen of Sheba's legendary swimming pool, the Ezana Inscription, and the tombs of King Kaleb and his son, King Gebremeskel. No visit to Axum is complete without paying your respects at St. Mary of Zion Church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Day 3 :
Axum Hawzen
Following breakfast, Visit Adwa Mountains, yeha Temple and Debre Damo Monastery.
Settle in for the night at your lodge in Hawzien.
Day 4 :
Exploring the Rock-Hewn Churches of Gheralta
This morning, prepare for adventures in the Gheralta Mountains. Embark on hikes to the remarkable rock-hewn churches of Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, each offering breathtaking panoramic views. In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to the Mariam Papasit church, another architectural marvel carved into the rock face. Return to Hawzien for a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 5 :
Visiting wukro Churches and reaching Mekelle and depart to Addis
After breakfast, depart for Hawzien's south side to visit the awe-inspiring church of Abune Abraham. This church, perched atop a hill, requires a challenging hike but rewards visitors with its size, intricate paintings, and spectacular views. In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to the Abraha we Atsbeha church, built by two Axumite kings in the 4th century AD. Enjoy a delicious lunch stop in Wukro before arriving in Mekelle, the vibrant capital of the Tigray region.
O/n Addis
Day 6 :
Addis -Jinka
Fly from Addis to Jinka, the gateway to the Omo Valley. In the afternoon, embark on a day trip to Mago National Park to visit a Mursi village. The Mursi people are famous for their distinctive lip plates and fierce warrior culture. Immerse yourself in their unique way of life before returning to Jinka for the night.
Day 7 :
Encountering the Dassanech People and Hammer Tribes
Following breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Turmi, the heart of the Hammer tribe territory. Continue your journey to Omo Rate town, where you'll encounter the Dassanech people residing near the Omo Delta. Return to Turmi for lunch and a late afternoon visit to a Hammer tribe village. Witness their fascinating bull jumping ceremony, a rite of passage for young men. Spend the night at your lodge in Turmi.
Day 8 :
Unveiling the Karo People and Exploring Konso
Today, journey from Turmi to the Karo tribe. These people are renowned for their elaborate body and face painting traditions. You might even have the opportunity to visit a bustling tribal market on your way, depending on the day (markets are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays). Continue your travels, passing by the Banna tribe villages before arriving in Konso for the night.
Day 9 :
Unveiling the Konso Cultural Landscape and Dorze People
Visit the full day of cultural immersion in the Omo Valley. Start your morning with a visit to the Konso village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its intricate terracing and delicious coffee. Learn about the Konso people's unique way of life, including their traditional stone-walled villages and fascinating cultural practices. Next, delve deeper into the Omo Valley by traveling to Arbaminch, meaning "forty springs" and the capital of the Gamo zone. After lunch, immerse yourself in the traditions of the Dorze people, famed for their exceptional weaving skills and unique beehive-shaped huts constructed from bamboo. Enjoy a taste of Kocho, a local staple food, and experience the warm hospitality of the Dorze people. In the late afternoon, return to Arbaminch for a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 10 :
Boat trip to Lake Chamo
Embark on a captivating boat trip on Lake Chamo after breakfast. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident crocodiles and hippos basking on the shores at the aptly named "crocodile market". Marvel at the natural wonder of the forty springs, where crystal-clear water bubbles forth from the earth. Enjoy a short walk through the surrounding jungle, adding a touch of nature to your cultural exploration. Return to Arbaminch in the afternoon for a relaxing evening at your resort or hotel.
Day 11 :
Arba Minch- Addis city tour and Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Arba Minch airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in Addis, your guide will whisk you away to your hotel for a farewell lunch. Spend the afternoon browsing the colorful shops for souvenirs and mementos of your Ethiopian adventure. In the evening, enjoy a delicious final meal at a traditional restaurant, a perfect way to bid farewell to Ethiopia's rich culture and warm hospitality. Following dinner, transfer to Bole Airport for your departing flight, carrying with you unforgettable memories of this extraordinary journey.