Northern Ethiopia and the Omo Valley

Explore Ethiopia and discover the castles of Gondar, rock churches of Lalibela and island monasteries of Lake Tana before travelling south to the remote villages of the Omo Valley and the native tribes that still inhabit this area.

1. Fly to Addis Ababa

2. Days 1-2: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

   Your adventure begins from the moment you touch down in Addis Ababa. Explore Ethiopia’s capital city and visit to one of the best museums in Africa, the Ethnographic Museum or experience retail therapy Ethiopian style.

   Accommodation: Sheraton Addis (1 night)

3. Days 2-4: Lake Tana, Ethiopia

   Spend the next two nights on the shores of Lake Tana not far from Bahir Dar, experience wonderful views of the lake and those using it, take a trip out to the island monasteries still used by Priests from the land surrounding the lake before visiting the Blue Nile Falls.

   Accommodation: Kuriftu Resort and Spa (2 nights)

4. Days 4-6: Gondar, Lalibela and Northern Ethiopia, Ethiopia

   From Lake Tana you will drive to the "Camelot" of Ethiopia, Gondar. This was once the first capital of Ethiopia and is home to the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a selection of six castles and the Fasilides' pool built during the 17th and 18th centuries.

   Accommodation: Ghion Goha Hotel (2 nights)

5. Days 6-7: Tigray Region, Lalibela and Northern Ethiopia, Ethiopia

   Fly to Axum Previously home to the ancient Axumite people, said to rival the culture of the Greeks, Axum displays ruins of a past civilisation and a 24-metre-tall stone stele/obelisk dating back 1,700 years, for which it is most famous.  You will have time to visit Obelisk and St. Mary of Zion Church

   Accommodation: Yared Zema International Hotel (1 night)

6. Days 7-9: Lalibela and northern Ethiopia, Ethiopia

   Fly to Dallol by private plane and visit the awe-inspiring volcanic and lunar like landscapes of the Danikal Depression. Positioned 100 meters below sea level and the hottest place on earth.

   From Dallol, fly on to Lalibela and spend two nights at a wonderful lodge which offers magnificent views over the surrounding landscape including Lalibela's famous rock-hewn churches.

   You have a full day to visit each group of churches, don’t miss the Church of St George!

   Accommodation: Mezena Lodge (2 nights)

7. Days 9-10: Jinka, Ethiopia

   Fly to Jinka via Addis.

   Travelling to the south of Ethiopia will provide you with more of an insight into the people that inhabit the more remote parts of the country. This is an incredible opportunity, to see lifestyles and traditions that have remained the same for centuries.

   Spend one night in Jinka, visit the local markets and discover the Mursi people.

   Accommodation: Eco-Omo Safari Lodge (1 night)

8. Days 10-12: Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia

   Continue to Hamar country through the Omo Valley - named so because the Omo River runs through it, it is beautiful and diverse in its wildlife and people.

   Immerse yourself in tribal culture as you the visit villages of local tribes. You will gain more of an understanding about the daily life, customs and ceremonies that govern their existence. You might witness the cattle jumping ceremony of the Hamar, and the ornate body-decoration of the Ari people. The singing-wells are also something to look out for. These are used by local men who pass water to each other all the way from the bottom to a trough above for their cattle. Whilst they do this they maintain pace by singing, a truly authentic sight

   Accommodation: Buska Lodge (2 nights)

9. Fly home from Addis Ababa

   Return to Addis Ababa and connect with to your international flight.

Addis Ababa, Lake Tana, Gondar, Axum, Lalibela & Omo Valley