Tailor- Made Tours – Ethiopia

Your journey through the heart of Ethiopia promises to be a captivating tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Addis Ababa to the serene shores of Lake Tana, each day unfolds an opportunity to delve deeper into the rich heritage of this incredible region.

In the vibrant capital, you will savor Ethiopian cuisine and explore significant landmarks such as Unity Park and the National Museum. The ancient wonders awaiting you beyond Addis Ababa, particularly in Arba Minch and the Omo Valley, will reveal the diverse lives of indigenous communities, showcasing their unique customs, traditions, and struggles for sustainable growth.

As you travel through the Amhara and Afar regions, the landscapes shift dramatically, leading you to the otherworldly wonders of the Danakil Desert, where vibrant mineral deposits and the fiery Erta Ale volcano await your exploration. Ending your adventure in Addis Ababa captures the essence of your travels, offering a final glimpse into a city pulsing with life and heritage.

This itinerary promises not just a journey through Ethiopia’s landscapes but also a deep connection with its people, their stories, and the vibrant culture that defines this mystical land. Enjoy every moment as you traverse this extraordinary journey through Ethiopia.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Tour Starts in Addis Ababa with City Tour
Meeting at our hotel this morning, there will be time to relax and freshen up before having lunch and an orientation tour around Ethiopia’s busy capital, including Unity Park and the National Museum. In the evening, we’ll have an early dinner back at our hotel in preparation for the trip ahead.
Accommodation: Capital Hotel And Spa or similar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Addis Ababa – Arba Minch: Journey into the Omo Valley
Prepare for a long travel day and an early start as we head south about 500 km in our 4WD land cruisers through the East Africa Rift Valley towards Arba Minch. The journey will take all day, and en route, we plan to visit sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tiya, a stelae field, and the rock-hewn church of Adadi Maryam. We’ll arrive in Arba Minch in the evening, located on the shores of Lake Chamo, the gateway to the diverse tribal lands of the Omo Valley. Over the next few days, we will gain insight into the traditions and customs of different indigenous communities and learn more about the external challenges affecting their traditional way of life.
Accommodation: Haile Resort Arba Minch or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Arba Minch: Lake Chamo Boat Trip & Dorze Village Visit
This morning, enjoy a wonderful boat trip on Lake Chamo, an area rich in flora and fauna where you can spot hippos and a spectacular concentration of giant crocodiles, locally known as “Crocodile Market.” See locals fishing for Nile perch and others on their traditional boats. This afternoon, we travel just outside of Arba Minch to Chencha, the focal point for the Dorze people, renowned for their weaving skills. Today we will visit one of their villages.
Accommodation: Haile Resort Arba Minch or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Arba Minch – Turmi: Konso Conservation & Local Markets
Today we make our way south to Turmi, passing through the heartlands of the Konso, Derase, Ari, Tsemai, and Banna peoples. En route, visit a lively local market and a Konso village, learning about the unique land management practices that have led to this area being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in Turmi in the afternoon and settle in for the evening.
Accommodation: Buska Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Turmi: Tribal Traditions of the Karo & Hamer Communities**
This morning, head to Murelle to visit the tribal villages of Kortcho, home to the Karo, known for their flamboyant hairstyles and body painting. This afternoon, visit a Hamer village where you’ll learn about their distinct culture, including the bull-jumping ceremony, a rite of passage for young men.
Accommodation: Buska Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Turmi – Jinka: Key Afer Market & Mursi Village
Drive to the lively Key Afer Market, which occurs every Thursday, providing a platform for different ethnic communities to trade and engage in cultural performances. Following the market, visit the Mursi people, renowned for their elaborate body modifications. Understanding the cultural significance of these practices is vital to appreciating their unique way of life.
Accommodation: Eco-Omo Safari Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Jinka – Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar
Say goodbye to the south as you fly to Bahir Dar via Addis Ababa. You’ll have some time for initial exploration of this attractively located lakeside city upon arrival.
Accommodation: Blue Nile Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Bahir Dar: Lake Tana Boat Trip & Blue Nile Falls
Board a boat for a trip on Lake Tana, where you’ll visit the decorated Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery and Bete Selassie. Afterward, drive to Tisissat for a short walk to visit the renowned Blue Nile Falls, also known as Tis Abay (Smoke of the Nile).
Accommodation: Blue Nile Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Bahir Dar – Gonder: Medieval Castles & Colourful Murals
Drive to Gonder, where you will discover the key sites of this ancient capital, including the Debre Birhan Selassie church with its stunning murals and the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring medieval castles.
Accommodation: Goha Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Explore the Simien Mountains
Set off to explore the scenic landscapes of Simien Mountains National Park. Track diverse wildlife including Gelada Monkeys and enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the exceptional views. Return to Gonder in the early evening.
Accommodation: Goha Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Gonder – Lalibela: Rock-hewn Churches
Fly to Lalibela, famous for its rock-hewn churches. After settling in, enjoy lunch and then visit the famous church of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation: Maribela Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Lalibela: Rock-hewn Churches & Culinary Delights
Learn about traditional Ethiopian cooking methods and partake in a coffee ceremony. Spend the afternoon visiting the second cluster of rock-hewn churches before enjoying dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Accommodation: Maribela Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Lalibela – Weldiya with Amhara Village Visit
Drive east to Weldiya, stopping to visit an Amhara community village. This provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of one of Ethiopia’s largest ethnic groups.
Accommodation: Lal Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Weldiya – Semera with Afar Village Visit
Enjoy a long drive to Semera, observing life in an Afar village along the way. After settling in Semera, obtain permission required to enter the Danakil region tomorrow.
Accommodation: LEVA Afar Semera Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Semera – Ahmed Ela: Discovering Dallol
Travel northwards into the Danakil Desert. Explore the colorful mineral deposits and geothermal features of Dallol before camping in Ahmed Ela, where salt caravans meet.
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Ahmed Ela – Erta Ale: Volcano Adventure
After a morning visit to Dallol, head towards Erta Ale Volcano. Trek to the rim of the volcano at sunset for a spectacular view of the active lava lake. Camp on the crater rim and witness the beauty of the lava.
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Erta Ale – Semera – Addis Ababa
Return to Semera for your flight back to Addis. Enjoy a well-earned shower at the hotel and an evening at leisure after your adventure.
Accommodation: Capital Hotel And Spa or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 18: Addis Ababa City Tour & Departure
Enjoy a free morning to relax or explore. After checking out, enjoy a late lunch before exploring more of the city, including the Ethnological Museum and Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. After your final dinner, enjoy Ethio-jazz at one of the city hotspots before transferring to the airport for your departure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This intricate itinerary promises a rich exploration of Ethiopia’s culture, landscapes, and communities, designed to provide unforgettable experiences and insights into this fascinating country.