- Day 1: Addis Ababa
- On arrival in Addis Ababa, you are met and transferred to your hotel.
The rest of the day is at your leisure. Please note this is an arrival
day, so you may arrive at any time. If you arrive early, an optional
visit to the National Museum can be arranged.
Addis Ababa is a bustling city, dotted with Italian architecture,
interesting churches and friendly inhabitants. It is also a city of
immense contrasts – the Addis Sheraton, with its ‘singing fountain’ is
one of the most luxurious in all of Africa, yet you only need to travel a
few streets away to find yourself among busy markets, dirt roads and
the odd goat or two wandering the streets. The city is relatively new–
established by the Emperor Menelik II in 1887, and at 2,400m has the
distinction of being the third highest capital in the world. Although
Ethiopia was the only African nation never to be colonised, parts of it,
including Addis, were briefly occupied by the Italians in the twentieth
century, and in many parts of the city their legacy lives on in the
form of old art deco buildings and coffee shops, particularly in the
area known as the Piazza. Addis can seem daunting at times, but even the
briefest foray into the busy streets can reveal interesting new
insights.
- Day 2: Addis Ababa
This morning, we visit the National Museum which consists of
archeological collections from as early as Lucy (3.5 Million Years old)
and other fossils of primates from earlier periods. This museum also
includes archeological collections from the ancient civilization of Axum
and other major sites in the northern Ethiopia.
Merkato is the biggest market in the east Africa and its bustling
outdoor markets are very colorful reminders of more traditional way of
life. Addis Ababa's cosy espresso bars and pastries are reminiscent of
Rome and the Mediterranean world and the people, the bursts of music
from the cafes and shops, the pungent aromas of spicy cooking, of coffee
and frankincense, form a unique Ethiopian pastiche.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
- Day 3: Bahir Dar
This morning we fly to Bahar Dar, one of Ethiopia’s most attractive
towns where we will walk through the market and maybe stop at the local
juice bar, which will give you a nice feel for this town. Located 32
kilmeters south of Bahar Dar, the Blue Nile Falls measure over 400
metres wide and descends 48 metres. These falls are known locally as Tis
Isat (Smoking Water) and are a spectacular sight when in full flood.
The famous explorer James Bruce, when he first laid eyes on the Blue
Nile Falls, described them as ‘a most magnificent sight, that ages,
added to the greatest length of human life, would not deface or
eradicate from my memory.’ The new hydro-electrical plants and dams have
somewhat impacted on their magnificence, but the sight is still a
memorable one.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
- Day 4: Lake Tana
One of the fabled sources of the Nile, Lake Tana is one of Ethiopia’s
greatest natural treasures. With a surface of around 3,600km, the lake
is also famous for the series of ancient monasteries and churches
located on twenty of the islands that are found within the waters. We
have a full day visiting the many island monasteries that lie on Lake
Tana. We'll travel by boat to visit some of the more remote monasteries
and churches, most of which date back to the thirteenth century. The
monasteries are fascinating and unlike any others outside Ethiopia,
often decorated with bright frescoes. Because of their isolation they
were used to store art treasures and religious relics from all over the
country. Local history says the Ark of the Covenant was kept on one of
these islands when the city of Axum was under threat, and the remains of
five emperors are to be found at Daga Istafanos.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
- Day 5-6: Gondar
We head to Gondar to explore the old capital of Ethiopia. Upon
arrival we head to Debre Berhan Selassie, perhaps Ethiopia's most
beautiful church, followed by the Royal Enclosure. The town of Gondar is
often described as ‘The Camelot of Ethiopia’, and when you approach the
Royal Enclosure, situated in the middle of the town, it’s easy to
understand why. A collection of superbly preserved castles built in the
17th century are still standing in an excellent state of preservation
today. Different stories abound as to who built them – some say
Portuguese craftsmen, others believe they were built by Ethiopian hands.
Whatever the truth, the Royal Enclosure has to be one of the most of
the most striking and unusual sights in all of Africa.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Day 7: Simien Mountains
Heading north we travel to Debark, on the edge of the Simien
Mountains National Park. This area is characterised by enormous chasms
and gorges, and offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Africa.
Ethiopia is often described as ‘the roof of Africa’, and when the Simien
Mountains first loom into sight, it’s easy to understand why.
Characterised by massive gorges and dramatic pinnacles, the Simiens are
perhaps Africa’s most beautiful range of mountains, and house the fourth
highest peak on the continent, Ras Dashen (4,620m). The mountains are
also home too much of Ethiopia’s wildlife and are great for bird
watching. The Gelada baboon, a striking primate with a shaggy mane and a
patch of bright red skin on its chest, is found here in good numbers.
It is quite likely that you will encounter a troop of these impressive
animals as you walk the mountain paths. Also found here are the rarer
Walia Ibex, and the world’s most endangered member of the dog family,
the elusive Simien Wolf. Your trek here takes in some of the most scenic
parts of the Simien Mountains National Park, past striking chasms and
gorges where lammergeiers fly past swooping for prey.
We’ll take a short trek to Sankaber, where we'll camp for the night.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
- Day 8: Simien Mountains
We spend today trekking through these magnificent mountains, hoping
to see some of the fascinating wildlife that lives here. You're almost
guaranteed to see Gelada baboons, a species that is found nowhere else
on earth, and if we're lucky we may see Walia Ibex.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Day 9-10: Axum
After a short hike this morning we travel back through fantastic
scenery on our way to Axum. Here we have a day and a half sightseeing,
including the Church of St Mary of Zion, which is believed to contain
the Ark of the Covenant. A once great city that was under the control of
the Queen of Sheba, Axum is home to many fascinating tombs and
churches, and has an unusual collection of stelae dating back to the
third and fourth centuries. Today it is a site of pilgrimage, and
contains an amazing collection of ancient buildings, including palaces
belonging to important Ethiopian kings and emperors. The huge granite
stelae are the most famous monuments in Axum. Originally seven in
number, the largest measured thirty-three metres high and weighed about
500 tons, but it fell centuries ago and lies in pieces next to the
remaining stelae.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Day 11-12: Lalibela
We fly to Lalibela today, home to a spectacular collection of
churches hewn out of the surrounding rock, so astounding that many
believe they are the creations of angels. We'll visit the churches
within the town and also head out into the surrounding countryside, to
visit some of the churches that lie nearby, all made from the rock and
dating back to around the twelfth century. There are many stories
concerning the origin of these churches, but the most popular local
legend is that angels built them in a single night. The churches have
been dated back to the reign of King Lalibela sometime in the eleventh
or twelfth centuries. Many of the churches are connected by underground
tunnels and narrow walkways built into the rock, and they are still a
site of pilgrimage today as they have been for centuries. In some of the
churches hermits and monks live in tiny caverns in the walls, barely
big enough for them to stretch out, staying here for years on end. The
jewel of Lalibela’s churches is Beta Giorgis, a cross shaped church
rising out of the earth, surrounded by the walls of the pit into which
it was dug, which houses a wooden box said to have been carved by King
Lalibela himself. While in Lalibela you may also be lucky enough to
witness one of the religious festivals that often take place here.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Day 13-14: Addis Ababa
An afternoon flight takes us back to Addis Ababa. We are then
transferred to the hotel and get settled before enjoying an optional
dinner at a well known local Ethiopian restaurant. Here we are able to
put our new-found dancing moves to the test by joining in with the
traditional dancers. A free day gives us time to do some more exploring
of Addis Ababa, or to just relax and prepare for the second leg of our
journey.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts
- Day 15: Arba Minch
Today we start travelling to the south of Ethiopia, a region noted
for its enormous variety of peoples and cultures. Many of these
populations are nomadic or semi-nomadic and, far from the influence of
the modern world, their ancient traditions have remained intact. After
leaving Addis Ababa, we pass through the high mountain plateau. Set in
dramatic surroundings, Arba Minch is a small southern Ethiopian town
lying at an altitude of 1,300m above sea level, on a cliff overlooking
Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya. To the west, mountains form a backdrop rising
to 4,000m. Although there's not much to do in town, it is the gateway
to Nechisar National Park. Along the way we will pass by a Dorze
village, famous for its beehive huts.
Driving time: Approximately 10 hours
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
- Day 16: Nechisar National Park
With some of the most dramatic scenery in Africa, Nechisar National
Park lies at the heart of the Rift Valley, covering Lakes Chamo and
Abaya and the mountainous causeway between them known as the 'Bridge of
God'. The Nechisar Plain offers the best game viewing, with Burchellis
zebra, gazelle and kudu. Lions are found in the park but are rarely
seen. Waterbuck are found near the lake shore, and there are many
smaller species of buck found in the forest areas. Today we visit
Nechisar, to view the wide variety of wildlife and take a boat trip on
Lake Chamo, inhabited by hippo and crocodile.
Driving time: Approximately 2 1/2 hours
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Day 17-18: Jinka
We pass through the territories of several different tribes on our
way to Jinka including the Konso, who erect totem poles on the tombs of
their ancestor. Jinka is a small mountain town set apart from the
country. It’s both remote and rustic, accentuated by the grass airstrip
in the middle of town. People come from across South Omo to visit the
local markets, particularly Ari, Bana, Besheda and Besketo people.
Probably the best known tribe in Ethiopia, the Mursi people are most
famous for their practices of extending their lower lips with clay
discs, and stick fighting. We visit a Mursi village to learn more about
this fascinating group. When a Mursi woman reaches 20 years old, a slit
is made beneath the lower lip and a clay plate inserted. Each year a
larger plate is added, stretching the lower lip until it juts out so far
that a 15cm plate can be worn and the woman can pull her lip right over
her head. This is considered the height of attractiveness. Mursi men do
not escape entirely unscathed, as they take part in stick fights which
in the past sometimes ended in the death of one of the participants.
Decorated with white clay, they whack each other with 2m long poles.
There are consolations; the winner is carried off by a group of eligible
girls who then decide which one of them will marry him
Driving time: Day 4 approximately 8 hours; Day 5 approximately 1 1/2
hours
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
- Day 19: Murile
Here the track stops. Travelling through open savannah and often encountering herds of Buffalo, Giraffe and gazelle, we head towards Murile. We visit the Karo tribe, masters of body decoration who use chalk to paint themselves. We will also visit the Hamer people, known for their remarkable hairstyles. Murile (also spelled Muelle and Murli) lies on the banks of the Omo River, and is a popular base for exploring what is essentially a rugged area. There is a fair amount of wildlife in the area, and a good chance of seeing some form of antelope and possibly raptors overhead. The two main tribes who live in the area are the Karo and the Hamer, both of whom practice scarification and have elaborate hairstyles. The highlight of the year in the Hamer calendar is the Bull Jumping Ceremony, the culmination of a 3 day initiation ceremony. 15 bulls are lined up and the initiate has to jump onto each one, all the way down the line, before turning round and coming back the same way. The ceremony is usually held around December/January and August, right after the harvest season. Driving time: Approximately 5 hours
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Day 20-21: Turmi
Today we visit a colourful local market and mingle with different
tribes like the Karo, Hamer and Benna. There are many interesting
handicrafts to be found too - don’t forget to bargain. Hopefully we
will also be invited into a couple of homes.
Dimeka is the principal town in Hamer country, with an impressive market
on Saturdays, where Hamer villagers make their way to from miles
around. Dimeka borders different tribal areas, and you're likely to
encounter several different tribes mingling together in the market. A
visit to one of the villages in the area is also rewarding; made
entirely of mud, the small thatched huts are tidily arranged with very
few outside influences to be seen, offering a glimpse into another way
of life. Covering a large territory, the Geleb live along the western
banks of the Omo River, having been forced out of the Turkana region by
conflict in the 18th century. Originally nomadic pastoralists, the more
fertile surroundings of the Omo River has caused them to put down more
permanent roots based around fishing and agriculture. The Geleb live in
small huts that befit their nomadic origins, as they could be easily and
quickly dismantled. Today we visit the Geleb tribes, crossing the Omo
River by boat.. In the afternoon we drive back to Turmi and spend the
night camping.
Driving time: Approximately 3 hours day 21
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Day 22: Konso
Today’s drive offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding
scenery including the terraced hills of Konso. Along the way, we may be
lucky enough to see beisa oryx, dik-dik, and lesser kudu. We visit Konso
village where the people are known for their colourful, traditional
dress and the unusual engraved wooden statues or totems they use as
grave markers. All roads into South Omo pass through Konso, and this
unprepossessing small town of 3000 inhabitants is a good base for
exploring the hillside villages in the surrounding countryside. The
Konso people themselves live in walled hilltop settlements with
maze-like fences. There is a central communal building called a mora,
the ground floor of which is used by the men and boys as a social area;
women are excluded. Carved wooden grave markers are a Konso tradition,
with the deceased warrior's features enhanced by using teeth made from
animal bones.
Driving time: Approximately 4 1/2 hours
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Day 23: Yabello
Today we take a very scenic drive to El Sod village. Here we take a
short hike to visit 'the house of salt', on the edge of a deep crater
lake. We also drive to Dublock to visit the 'singing wells'. The singing
wells take their name from the chanting of people as they form human
chains to pass buckets from hand to hand to when collecting water from
wells in the area. This activity only ever takes place in the dry
season, when herders will travel for several hours to ensure their
livestock are watered. Some 20km to the south, El Sod is the site of
Chew Bet, or the 'house of salt', a saline crater lake that lies at the
bottom of a 200m deep crater. The lake is almost black in colour and has
a vaguely sinister air as a result; villagers collect the salt formed
by evaporation on a rota system to ensure levels are kept sustainable.
Driving time: Approximately 7 1/2 hours
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Day 24: Lake Awasa
Awasa is one of the largest cities in southern Ethiopia but manages
to retain an easy-going feel, making it a pleasant place to spend some
time. There is a bustling central market as well as a separate fish
market. Tabor Hill offers good views across the lake, which is the main
draw; it has an imposing mountainous backdrop with the lakeshore itself
fringed with lush vegetation where monkeys are frequently seen. Hippos
are found out in the lake itself - they emerge onto the shore to graze
after dark. The lake has excellent birdlife, with many species of waders
present, as well as heron, stork, and pygmy geese. Fish eagles are also
found here, their haunting cry often heard at dusk. On the way to Awasa
we stop at Wenago to visit the Tutu Fella stelae field - an unusual
collection of carved stones. We then continue to Lake Awasa, which is
surrounded by mountains and populated by countless species of birds. On
arrival, we walk along the shores of the lake to see birds and possibly
Hippos.
Driving time: Approximately 5 hours
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
- Day 25: Wondo Genet Langano
Morning visits the fish market which is very active during this time
of the day and we take a short drive to Wondo Genet, the site of an
inactive crater and an area of hot springs. The hot springs of Wonda
Genet lies 20km to the south of the town of Shashemene, set in a region
of beautiful scenery rich in birdlife. The hills are covered in juniper,
providing a habitat for hornbill, turaco and yellow-fronted parrot. The
nearby Abyata-Shala National Park incorporates the two Rift Valley
lakes it is named after, and borders Lake Langano. The two lakes could
not be more different - Shala lies in a crater 265m deep, studded with
volcanic islands. Lake Abyata, in contrast, is large and shallow,
nowhere deeper than 14m. We then continue to Langano where the rest of
the day is free; those who wish may visit the nearby park around lakes
Abyata and Shala. The park provides beautiful views over the two lakes
and the valley covered in acacia trees. Numerous birds, including the
pink flamingo, live on the shores
Driving time: Approximately 1 1/4 hours
Meals included: 1 breakfast
- Day 26: Addis Ababa
We return to Addis Ababa. The rest of the day is free for you to explore or perhaps indulge in a bit of last minute shopping.
Driving time: Approximately 4 hours
Meals included: 1 breakfast
- Day 27: Addis Ababa
Our tour ends this morning in Addis Ababa. Flights out of Addis Ababa
can be booked to depart at any time today. Additional post-tour
accommodation is also available.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
![<?php echo $video_title[$i]; ?>](http://img.youtube.com/vi/IitpXHlrRFI/hqdefault.jpg)
Share this Trip.