» Package: 21 Days - North and South Ethiopia

Day 1:
Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Debre Libanos monastery and the Portuguese Bridge, which was the first bridge in Ethiopia. Continuing to Bahir Dar you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 2:
In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the island monasteries. In the afternoon, drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike. Finish the sunset over the beautiful spot at the source of the Nile. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 3:
Today we continue to Gondar. After settling in the hotel, we will explore the castles of King Fasilidas and the famous Debre Birhan Selassie church. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 4:
Continuing north to Axum, we pass through dramatic landscapes with views of the Simien Mountains along the way. Overnight in Axum.

Day 5:
We explore the historical landmarks of the ancient Axumite Empire, including the Queen of Sheba's Bath, King Bazen's tomb and the ancient stellae erected as burial tombs for the most respected Kings. Overnight in Axum.

Day 6:
In the morning, we go even further back in history as we explore the ruins at Yeha. We will also stop at the Debre Damo monastery for the men to climb to the plateau above for a visit (no women allowed), as well as the Chirkos rock-hewn church in Tigray State.. Overnight in Mekele.

Day 7:
Today we proceed driving to Lalibela, visiting the Yemrehanna Kristos church on the way. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 8:
The whole day will be dedicated to visiting the rock-hewn churches of the remarkable King Lalibela. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 9:
In the morning, drive to Kombolcha via Woldia, on the way visiting in the town of Hayk for beautiful views over Lake Hayk. Overnight in Kombolcha.

Day 10:
We continue to Awash, via Bati. If this day is a Monday, we will stop in Bati for a visit to the camel market before continuing through the Yangudi-Rassa National Park, home of the rare African wild ass. Overnight in Awash.

Day 11:
In the morning we visit Awash National Park to visit the wildlife and admire the scenery before continuing to Lake Langano for overnight.

Day 12:
Today we continue south to Dorze to visit the Dorze people, who are know for their tall beehive-like huts and quality woven cotton fabrics. If today is a market day, we will visit the market. Overnight in Dorze village.

Day 13:
After a short drive to Arba Minch, we embark on a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the hippos and the famous crocodile market. In the afternoon, take a game drive in Nechisar National Park. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Day 14:
We proceed driving to Jinka via Weyto and Key Afar. If today is market day, we will stop in Konso and/or Key Afar to visit. Overnight in Jinka.

Day 15:
Early in the morning, we drive to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribes, who are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates. Overnight in Jinka.

Day 16:
Proceed driving to Turmi, via Dimeka. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, Dimeka holds one of the most colorful markets in the South Omo. Overnight camping in Turmi.

Day 17:
In the morning we drive to Omorate where we cross the Omo River by local boat to visit the Dassenech people. Afterwards, we return to Turmi for more visiting with the Hamer tribes. If there is Jumping of the Bulls traditional wedding ceremony, that will be visited. At night, we visit the traditional Hamer night dancing, known as Evangadi.

Day 18:
Today we drive to Kolcho and Dus to visit with the Karo tribe. Overnight camping in Karo village.

Day 19:
We proceed through the Weyto Valley to Konso, via Erbore. Erbore market days is Friday, which will be visited. Overnight in Konso.

Day 20:
The Konso people are known for the wooden totems they erect in honor of dead warriors and their intricate agricultural terracing techniques. We will visit with the Konso people as well as the natural "New York" village. Afterwards, we continue to Awassa for overnight.

Day 21:
After breakfast, take a boat trip on Lake Awassa to visit the fish market and admire the amazing birdlife in the area, and maybe some hippos. In the afternoon we continue north, returning to Addis Ababa.