The Historic North,National Parks and Omo Valley; 17 Days / 16 Nights
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About This Experience in Addis Ababa
Why Visit Addis Ababa?
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Addis Ababa provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Addis Ababa
You can reach Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Local GUIDE
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
What's Not Included
- DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
- Lunch and dinner
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photo Gallery
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available or meet at start point
Pickup Time: 120 minutes before departure
Custom pickup locations may be available. Please contact the supplier for details.
Itinerary
Ethiopia in Depth: History, Nature
Day 01 Addis Ababa Visit the Ethnographic Museum, a... 4 hours
Day 01 Addis Ababa Visit the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. Tour the Mercato, one of Africa's largest outdoor markets, and Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 02 Addis Ababa - Bahar Dar
Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines 8 hours
Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Visit the marketplace in Bahar Dar. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile and tour ancient island monasteries. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 03 Bahar Dar - Gondar
Drive through the countryside to Gondar 8 hours
Drive through the countryside to Gondar. Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty empire. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 04 Gondar - Simien Mountains National Park
Drive to Sankabar the gateway to the Simien... 8 hours
Drive to Sankabar the gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy some light hiking in the afternoon in the park and spot wildlife such as the endemic Gelada baboon. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 05 Drive to Lalibela
Drive on a scenic road to Lalibela 10 hours
Drive on a scenic road to Lalibela. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the sunset from the terrace. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 6Lalibela
Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a... 8 hours
Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 7 Lalibela
For the morning you have two choices: Take... 7 hours
For the morning you have two choices: Take a morning hike with mules to Mount Asheton, with its 13th century rock-hewn monastery and great views of the town; - OR - Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will also give you the opportunity to view the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Following either option above continue with tour of Lalibela’s churches in the afternoon. paintings. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 8 Lalibela - Addis Ababa - Langano
Fly to Addis Ababa and then drive to the Rift Valley Lake Langano 8 hours
Fly to Addis Ababa and then drive to the Rift Valley Lake Langano. Relax at the Sabana Lodge. Lake Langano is safe for swimming. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 9 Lake Langano - Arba Minch
Drive to Arba Minch via Melka Kunture, a... 7 hours
Drive to Arba Minch via Melka Kunture, a stone-age archeological site; Adadi Mariam, a 12th century rock-hewn church; and Tiya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its mysterious stelae, thought to be grave markers, dating from the 12th century. Also visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 10 Arba Minch - Jinka
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and... 8 hours
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. Drive to Jinka visiting various peoples such as the Gamo and Derashe. Stop at Key Afar's weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 11 Mago National Park Excursion
Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people 8 hours
Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 12 Jinka - Turmi
Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people... 8 hours
Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of "bull-jumping" which every young man must accomplish prior to marriage. En route to Turmi, visit the Benna and Ari people. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 13 Omorate Excursion
Excursion to Omorate to visit the Dassanech people,... 7 hours
Excursion to Omorate to visit the Dassanech people, known for their elaborate body-painting. Cross the famous Omo River by canoe. Return to Turmi for the evening. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 14 Turmi - Konso
Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site 7 hours
Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 15 Konso - Hawassa
Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa 8 hours
Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. Relax and recover from your journey at one of Hawassa's fine resorts. Overnight Resort (B, L, D)
Day 16 Hawassa - Bale Mountains
Visit the Hawassa fish market in the morning 7 hours
Visit the Hawassa fish market in the morning. Drive to the Bale Mountains National Park arriving in the afternoon. Take a leisurely afternoon hike spotting some of the park's endemic mammals and birds. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 17 Bale - Addis Ababa
Drive to Addis Ababa via the Arsi/Bale region,... 9 hours
Drive to Addis Ababa via the Arsi/Bale region, home to many of Ethiopia’s famous distance runners. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed. (B, L, D)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
