Day 1:  Addis Ababa -Bahir dar

Fly north of Addis to the beautiful Lake city of Bahirdar crossing sululta plain and the Blue Nile gorge which is the Grand Canyon of Africa which lies adjacent to the world’s longest river the Blue Nile and Laka Tana the largest lake in Ethiopia.

In the morning, there will drive some 37KM to the small village of Tis Isat to visit the spectacular Tis Abay (the water that smokes) or Blue Nile Falls where guests will be welcomed by the sound of the waterfall. This is the fall where the famous Blue Nile falls pounded down into the rocks of the Nile gorges about 45 M. (It is worth a visit especially in the months June- September). 

After lunch, guests will be escorted to Lake Tana for a memorizing boat ride to the medieval island monasteries such as Ura Kidane Mehiret & Azuwa Mariam Monasteries, where they can capture the aged essence of the beautiful mural paintings, religious books & sacred treasures. Overnight Bahirdar

Day 2: Bahir dar – Gondar 

Drive about 180 KM to the legendary town of Gondar known for its Magnificent Royal Castles. This drive will give you a highlight of the Landscape, culture, and countryside view of Ethiopia. On arrival check –into the hotel and guests will start their visit at the castles of Gondar compound (UNESCO World Heritage site); King Fasiledes Bath and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, (known worldwide for its traditional angle face church paintings on its ceilings). Overnight Gondar

Day 3:  Gondar –Semin Mountain National Park

Drive to Siemen mountains national park through the town of Debark where the main base and entrance permission center for Siemen mountains national park is found; the park is known for its spectacular views. Overnight Siemen Mountains National Park

Day 4: Treeking On Sanikaber- Geech- Sankaber

Trekking site and chance to see the endemic animals of Ethiopia like Chaldea Baboon, Walia ibex, braded vulture, and other species of birds. The park is one of the natural world heritage sites registered by UNESCO. Overnight Siemen Mountains National Park

Day 5: Drive to Axum via Siemen Mountains 

After early breakfast scenic drives to the ancient town of Axum north of Gondar through the chains of the Simien Mountains and crossing Tekeze River. Overnight Axum

Day 6: Axum 

It is a city with more than 3000 years of history. Axum was once the center of a great empire and ancient world civilization. Axum is exclusively known for being home to the original Ark of the Covenant made by the hands of Moses. The sightseeing of this ancient city includes St. Mary’s Church, the sanctuary Chapel which is the repository for ‘Ark of the covenant’, the coronation yard, the Stelae Park, Tombs of Kaleb and his son Gebremeskel’s, king Ezana’s inscriptions and ruins of Queen of Sheba’s palace. Overnight Axum

Day 7: Axum-Lalibela

The small town of Lalibela is home to one of the world’s most astounding sacred sites: the eleven rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, each carved entirely out of a single block of granite with its roof at ground level. After checking in to the hotel, guests will go on a guided tour to visit the famous rock-hewn churches including the legendary St. George church, the trenches symbolic of the river of Jordan, and the “tomb of Adam”.  Overnight Lalibela

Day 8: Excursion to the Saint Yimrhane Kristos Monastery

After breakfast guests will be driven to the Saint Yimrhane Kristos Monastery, which is a cave church that predates the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Located 42km northeast of Lalibela, guests will see mummified bodies of pilgrims from centuries ago. After a short break, guests will then return to Lalibela and the rest of the day will be spent at their leisure. Overnight Lalibela

Day 9: Lalibela – Addis Ababa

After breakfast take a morning flight to Addis Ababa and spend the afternoon at the guest’s leisure before the guest’s trip to the south.  Overnight Addis Ababa

Day 10: Ababa Addis – Arba Minch

After early breakfast guests will be driven south to Arba Minch, passing through the breathtaking landscape of Southern Ethiopia, the Great Rift Valley Lakes, on a route taking in the culture as we pass through the local villages and glimpse of their lifestyles.

A short stop will be arranged at the Dorze Village of Chencha town situated 3000m above sea level with the highest peak of Guge mountain overlooking the rift valley lakes. The Dorze people are famous for their unique elephant face like houses built from bamboo trees. Their dancing styles and traditional weaving are also contributors to their unique lifestyle. Overnight Arbaminch

Day 11: Drive to Jinka

After an early breakfast, guests will have a morning visit to the ‘crocodile market’ on Lake Chamo.  The Chamo Lake is known to be the sole lake in Ethiopia that is ecologically balanced thus the crocodiles and other wildlife situated there are found to be more passively basking in the sun.   Guests will be able to sight the enormous population of aquatic life such as the giant Nile Crocodiles, Hippopotamus, and different species of birds.

After a short visit, leave for Jinka town via konso villages. On the way guests may catch a glimpse of the Benna and Tsemai tribes with their interesting cultural fashion, decorating themselves with different beads and ornamentation. Overnight Jinka

Day 12: Jinka – Ari Village – Turmi

A Morning tour will be arranged for guests to the close by a village known as Ari village.  Here guests will be able to visit one of the largest and hard-working tribes in the Omo valley. Guests will spend time enjoying the activities and visiting the Cottage Industry at one of the villages.

In the afternoon; guests will drive to Turmi, home of the Hamar tribe- famous for their body and hair decoration. On the way, guests will get a chance to visit the colorful market at Keyafer (on Thursdays) and Dimeka (on Tuesdays/ Saturdays) villages.  Overnight Turmi

Day 13: Turmi – Omorate – Turmi

After breakfast, guests will be driven to Omorate, where a short trip across the Omo river on a traditional canoe will allow guests to visit the village to the Dassanech tribe who have settled around the eastern and western bank of the Omo River bordering northern Kenya.

In the late afternoon, guests will be driven to one of the nearest Hamer villages to visit their way of life. (Depending on the season and if it meets the occasion- a visit can be arranged to see their unique traditional dance and bull jumping ceremonies). Overnight Turmi

Day 14: Turmi – Konso – Arbaminch

Konso is known for its cultural landscape; particularly it’s stone wall village and intricately terraced hillsides. Their village is also known for finely woven materials and traditionally carved wooden totem “waka”, which are symbols of grave marks for their clan chief and warriors.

After a short visit proceeds to Arbaminch. Overnight Arbaminch

Day 15: Arbaminch – Shashemene – Hawassa

Today drive to Hawasa visiting the villages of the Alaba tribal village. Lunch would be at Shashemene, see the religious and historical background of Rastafarianism by visiting the Jamaican Rastafarian Community, their Chapel, and Museum. Then leave your overnight stop. At dusk enjoy walking and sunset on the shore of Lake Hawasa. Overnight Hawassa 

Day 16: Hawasa (Fish Market of Lake Hawasa)– Lake Lanagno – Lake Ziway- Addis Ababa –departure

Morning visits the local fish market at the shore Lake Awasa known as ‘Amora Gedel’ by the locals. Here you will have a chance of experiencing different varieties of fish Meals including raw ones. Then Proceed to Addis Ababa with a stopover at Lake Langano one of the best recreational centers of the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia, Lake Ziway where you can spot different species of birds and the natural scenery.

Shopping and Evening farewell dinner at one of the traditional restaurants with a live folkloric show and drive to the airport for your departure.

• The tour itinerary can be amended, rearranged differently, and include or exclude activities based on your interest.