Start: Addis Ababa

 

Finish: Addis Ababa

 

Duration: 19 Days North and South

 

Code: RET 119

 

Age group: Min 14, 80

 

Group size: Min 1, Max 15

 

What is Included in this price?

Domestic Flight, Accommodation, ( Hotels some days are loges) Meals are provided 19 Breakfasts and 8 Diners, Entrance fee some activities are optional, Local guide

 

Travel to Ethiopia and discover a beautiful country, barely touched by modern society. It’s an incredible combination of history, tradition, culture and nature. From 3 million-year-old fossilised hominid remains in Addis Ababa to the rituals of the Ari, Hamer, Konso tribes and more through to amazing rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts and grottoes in Lalibela – this trip take you deep into human history. The 500-year-old monastery islands of Bahir Dar, the elegant castles of Gondar, the majestic geological formations of the Simien mountains, the giant obelisks that rise out of Aksum, and even the rumoured home of the Ark of the Covenant. This 19 day trip travels through the villages and wildlands of Ethiopia, taking in views of the Blue Nile and trekking to the peaks of the Simien Mountains (meeting red chested Gelada baboons). You’ll be sure to taste the country’s famous coffee and delectable cuisine, and meet the genuine and friendly people along the way. This is an adventure like no other.

 

Why you'll love this trip: 

We give you a glimpse of Ethiopia very aspect in this trip by

 

Visit Hamer & Konso villages where local life remains insular Search for the source of the Blue Nile on a boat cruise at Lake Tana, then discover the churches and unique castles of the regal city of Gondar.

 

Trek the majestic series of undulating amethyst peaks that make up the Simien Mountains, looking out for the distinctive red-hearted Gelada baboon.

 

Explore Lalibela's unique churches - astonishing constructions sculpted from huge slabs of stone - that make up one of the world's greatest historical and religious sites.

 

Meet locals to share cooking techniques and participate in traditional coffee ceremony.

 

Is this trip right for you?

We are welcomed into different villages, tribes and ways of life on this itinerary. While very fascinating it is important to show our respects and only take photos once a bond has been created and approval given.

 

In Lalibela and Simien Mountains National Park we include day hikes to experience the beauty of the regions on foot.

 

Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to

 

experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude.

The same time if you think different than our itinerary fell free to discos that we are happy to do itinerary witch will suet you.

 

On this itinerary there will be some long drives on days 7, 13 & 16 Itinerary Expand All

 

Day 1: Addis Ababa

Welcome to Ethiopia! Begin with a welcome meeting at the hotel at 6pm. If you arrive early perhaps take a tour of this bustling city, dotted with Italian architecture, interesting churches and friendly inhabitants. Established by the Emperor Menelik II in 1887, Addis Ababa is a relatively young city full of 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 street. The optional city tour will include the National Museum, where you’ll find the famous remains of 'Lucy’, and the Ethnographic Museum set within the beautiful gardens of Haile Selassie’s former palace.

 

Accommodation: 

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

 

Day 2: Konso

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for a flight to Arba Minch. Then it's onto Konso in a private vehicle, stopping on the way to visit some of the Dorze people, an ethnic group known particularly for their expert weaving and beehive-shaped houses. All roads into South Omo pass through Konso, and this small town serves as a great base for exploring the hillside villages in the surrounding countryside. Keep an eye out for the carved wooden grave markers in the area, a Konso tradition where the deceased warriors features are enhanced by using teeth made from animal bones. As the evening sets in spend time relaxing in the Lodge.

 

Accommodation:

Lodge (1 night)

Included Activities: Arba Minch - Dorze Village Visit

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 3: Jinka

About the clan-based societal arrangement comprised of nine clans. Head onwards to Jinka to visit an ethnographic museum dedicated to the tribes speaking South Omotic languages. Jinka is a lively trading hub and known as a capital of sorts for the range of ethnic groups that call this region home.

 

Accommodation:

Basic Resort (1 night)

Included Activities: Jinka - Ethnographic Museum

Konso - Village Visit

Meals: Included Breakfast

 

Day 4: Turmi

Head into Jinka's lush surroundings, home to the traditional Ari people. Spend some time in their villages, some of the most beautiful in the country, surrounded by banana, mango, avocado and enset (false banana) trees. Then it's on to Turmi. Along the way we will stop at either the Thursday market day at Key Afar or the Tuesday cattle market at Alduba. Overnight in Turmi.

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Accommodation:

Lodge (1 night)

Included Activities: Jinka - Ari Village

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 5: Turmi

Today there will be a chance to visit a local market, savouring the smells and tastes alongside the Karo, Hamer and Benna people while checking out plenty of interesting handicrafts on offer. In the afternoon visit one of the Hamar villages for an insight into their different way of life. There may be a chance to witness the highlight of the Hamar calendar – a bull-jumping ceremony. The culmination of a three-day rite of passage, this ceremony involves a young man having to jump on the backs of, and run down a line of 15 bulls before returning the same way. Back in town we meet some members of the Hamer tribe who will share with us their life experiences and learn of changes from traditional to modern lifestyles.

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Accommodation:

Lodge (1 night)

Included Activities: Turmi - Market Visit

Turmi - Hamar Village

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Special Information: 

If the group is lucky enough to witness a Bull Jumping Ceremony this will be at a cost of approximately 600-800 Birr per person.

 

Day 6: Arba Minch

Travel north to Arba Minch after breakfast. This is a region noted for its variety of peoples and cultures, many of which are nomadic or semi-nomadic and live very differently to what most would consider a modern existence. Arba Minch is bordered by Nechisar National Park and lies between two of Ethiopia's largest lakes, Lake Chamo and Abaya Lake. Climb aboard a boat in the afternoon and travel across Chamo Lake on an excursion to hopefully see the resident hippos, Nile crocodiles, flourishing birdlife and the local fishermen working their trade on the water.

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Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities: Arba Minch - Lake Chamo

Boat Excursion

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 7: Addis Ababa

Drive back to Addis Ababa after breakfast. After a lengthy but scenic drive, you will arrive to your hotel in Addis Ababa. You'll have dinner at a local restaurant in the evening and, because this is a combination trip, you may have members of your group departing and new travellers arriving for the second leg of this journey.

 

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities: Addis Ababa - Afternoon City Tour - USD50

Meals Included: Breakfast Dinner

 

Day 8: Bahir Dar

Today we will take a spectacular flight to Bahir Dar. From the air we can gaze across the extraordinary nature of the Ethiopian Plateau, repeatedly cut by immensely deep gorges. Bahir Dar is a small but fast growing town on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. It has long attracted religious men and the area contains numerous churches and monasteries, many of them on the thirty or so islands of Lake Tana. This afternoon, board a sightseeing boat for a cruise around the lake. Covering over 3,500 square kilometres, this is Ethiopia’s largest lake and is home to 37 islands, 20 of which house some of Ethiopia’s most venerated monasteries. Many of these monasteries are believed to date back to the 13th and 14th centuries, and feature superb ecclesiastical art. Legend has it that the Ark of Covenant was hidden here for protection during the times when Muslim forces invaded the ancient capital Axum. Your boat trip will take you to the monastery of Ura-Kidane Mehret, which dates from between the 16th and 18th centuries. It is renowned for its collection of crosses and crowns, and its incredible painted walls that offer up a virtual 'who’s who' of Ethiopian saints. The boat returns to your hotel via the source of the ‘Blue’ section of the Nile.

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Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities: Lake Tana - Boat Cruise

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 9: Bahir Dar

Head out to the Blue Nile Falls today. Located 1.5 hours south of Bahir Dar, the Blue Nile Falls measure over 400 metres wide and crash down 48 metres in full flood. These falls are known locally as Tis Isat (Smoking Water) and are a spectacular sight when the water’s high. New hydro-electrical plants and dams have somewhat impacted on their magnificence, but the sight is still a memorable one. You can take a longer scenic walk past the main viewpoint (1.5 kilometers) or a shorter walk to reach the foot of the falls. You will then cross the Nile River by boat to reach your vehicle. After a leisurely lunch back in Bahir Dar, perhaps visit the open air market or take a tuk-tuk up to the town viewpoint.

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Accommodation Hotel: (1 night)

Included Activities Bahir Dar - Blue Nile Falls

Meals Included Breakfast

 

Day 10: Gondar

Head for the regal city of Gondar by travelling north around the edge of Lake Tana this morning, a drive that'll take approximately 4.5 hours including photo stops. Gondar was the capital of Ethiopia through the 17th and 18th centuries, and is famed for its medieval castles and churches. This afternoon or tomorrow, there's the option to visit the city's most significant churches and castles either as part of a tour or unaccompanied. The city's unique Royal Enclosure is a World Heritage site and home to dramatic, Emperor-built castles unlike any other in Africa. Spend the afternoon visiting these medieval castles and stop by the famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie, one of the finest in Ethiopia with walls and ceilings covered in stunning murals of angels.

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Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

 

Optional Activities: Gondar - Church of Debre Berhan Selassie - ETB100

 

Gondar - Fasil Gimb Castles Compound - ETB200

 

Meals Included: Breakfast Dinner

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Special Information:

 

In addition to the Fasil Gimb Castles Compound & Church of Debre Berhan Selassie entrance costs there are compulsory local guides costs. Rates are from 600 ETB for a group of 1-2 and up to 1100 ETB for a group of 12.

 

The 10 Jan 2020 departure will arrive in Gondar for the start of Timket Festival. The festival is a three day festival that commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ. Today the priests remove the ‘Tabots' from each church and march to the nearest water source, where a communal baptism takes place tomorrow.

 

Day 11: Gondar

Today you'll have free time to explore the quiet streets of Gondar for yourself. Take a stroll to the markets, or otherwise perch up at the hotel by the pool. You'll be heading into the mountains tomorrow so there's nothing wrong with enjoying a little bit of luxury while you have it. In the afternoon enjoy a cooking class in a private house in Gondar. Head to the market to gain fresh ingredients, then learn how to make traditional Ethiopian cuisine, such a wot, the national dish, and injera, the staple bread of Ethiopians.

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Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

 

Included Activities: Gondar - Cooking Class

 

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Special Information:

 

On the 10 Jan 2020 departure the group will have the chance to wake early to enjoy the main celebration day of Timket. This morning there will be mass and sermons happening all over Ethiopia in preparation for the blessing of the water. Here the patriarch will bless the water and baptise the crowd with the Holy water. The day then turns into a celebration with family and friends.

 

Day 12: Simien Mountains National Park / Debark

Depart Gondar early in the morning and head towards Debark and the Simien Mountain National Park (approximately 3 hours). The remainder of the day will be to explore the spectacular mountain scenery including viewing Ethiopia's highest point – Ras Dejen (4550 metres). Once you pass the entrance to the park you'll hike and drive along the escarpment up to Sankaber Camp.This area is home to much of Ethiopia's wildlife, including the Gelada baboon, which are only found in Ethiopia and have a shaggy coat with a red patch on their chest, hence being known as the 'bleeding heart baboon'. Return to Debark (approximately 1.5 hours) for the evening.

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Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

 

Included Activities: Simien Mountains National Park - Hike

 

Meals Included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

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Special Information:

 

There will be a support vehicle for the hike today. You can therefore hike as little or as much as you would like.

 

Day 13: Aksum

Strap in for a long travel day up the winding smooth road to Aksum. Though the journey will take approximately nine hours, you'll cross the lowlands of the Simien Mountains and the Tekeze River gorge and the views will be absolutely spectacular. Along the way stop at one of the farming villages to visit a farming family and learn of their traditional farming techniques. Aksum was once the capital of the Kingdom of Aksum, Africa's oldest empire, which existed from around AD100 to AD900. It was at the centre of a trading route that stretched from Egypt all the way to India and grew to be one of the most powerful kingdoms in the ancient world. 

 

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

 

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Special Information:

 

The 07 Jan 2020 departure will arrive in Aksum for the start of Timket Festival. The festival is a three day festival that commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ. Today the priests remove the ‘Tabots' from each church and march to the nearest water source, where a communal baptism takes place tomorrow.

 

The 06 April 2020 departure aligns with the festivities before Easter Sunday.

 

Day 14: Aksum

Today is a free day with the option to tour the incredible historical sites of Aksum. Visit the stele fields, several tombs, the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace and an archaeological museum. The field is home to over 100 stele – the largest one measuring 33 metres and weighing an incredible 517 tones. Stele (or monoliths) are carved from a single piece of granite, and are often elaborately decorated to resemble a multi-story house complete with windows, doors, locks and structural beams. Their scale reflects how important Axum once was, and they were probably transported by elephants from a nearby quarry. The mausoleums in this area include the tomb of the false door and also the tombs of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, while the archaeological museum houses fascinating displays. An unimposing building with a green picket fence is the St Mary of Zion Church, the first built in sub-Saharan Africa. This holds the crowns of various former Ethiopian emperors and is even said to house the most fabled biblical relic in history – the Ark of the Covenant. The afternoon is free for you to keep exploring – you might like to see some of the handcraft shops or take a walk out of Aksum for an hour or so to see Gobodera, the quarry place for the stele and rock lioness relief. End the day with a traditional coffee ceremony in a family home. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is an important part of Ethiopian culture and considered to be the most important social occasion among Ethiopians. It is a sign of respect and friendship to be invited.

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Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

 

Optional Activities:

 

Aksum - Historical Site Tour - USD30

 

Aksum – Stele field & Archaeological museum - ETB100

 

Aksum - St Mary Zion church, castle church (men only) & museum - ETB200

 

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Special Information:

 

On the 13 Jan 2020 departure the group will have the chance to wake early to enjoy the main celebration day of Timket. This morning there will be mass and sermons happening all over Ethiopia in preparation for the blessing of the water. Here the patriarch will bless the water and baptise the crowd with the Holy water. The day then turns into a celebration with family and friends.

 

Day 15: Mekele

Leave Axum for Mekele, looking across to see the spectacular Adwa Mountains and the battlefield of Adwa, where the Ethiopians defeated the Italians in 1896. Stop to visit the Pre-Christian Pagan Temple of Yeha before breaking for lunch at Adigrat. Yeha is thought to have been Ethiopia’s first capital and the temple has been dated to around the 6th century BC. After lunch, drive to Mekele (approximately 7 hours total for the day) where you have free time to enjoy the evening.

 

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

 

Included Activities: Aksum - Yeha Temple

 

Meals Included: Breakfast Dinner

 

Day 16: Lalibela

Start the long journey to Lalibela early in the morning on a smooth paved road and, after a couple of hours, reach the spectacular mountain range of Amba Alaje. Continue through green valleys and flat plains before turning west towards Lalibela at Woldia (approximately 5 hours). The road after Woldia offers one of the most scenic routes in the country. It involves climbing on winding roads along steep hills and evergreen lush valleys up to the Delanta Plateau (3,500 metres), then contouring around the rough roads of the valley for a before arriving at Lalibela in the late afternoon (approximately 6 hours). Despite the town of Lalibela being isolated in the Lasta Mountains at 2,630 metres above sea level, it is still the home of Ethiopia’s top sight, and one of the world's greatest historical and religious sites.

 

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

 

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Special Information:

 

The 22 Dec 2020 departure aligns with Orthodox Christmas Eve celebrations.

 

Day 17: Lalibela

Today you’ll use the morning and afternoon to visit Lalibela’s amazing churches, which look like they've been dropped down from the sky. Between 1137 and 1270, several astounding rock-hewn churches were constructed in Lalibela; astonishing because most are not built from carved freestanding rocks, but instead created from huge single blocks of stone unearthed by the digging of enormous pits. The Northern Group contains seven churches, a tomb, a chapel and a sunken chapel. At the centre of the group is Bet Medhane Alem, measuring 33.5 metres by 23.5 metres and said to be the largest rock-hewn church in the world. A tunnel connects three of the churches in a courtyard to the east, whilst another tunnel connects two other churches to the west of Bet Medhane Alem. However it is Bet Giyorgis (St George's), carved in the form of a Greek cross and lying slightly apart from the main northern cluster, which is the most famous and frequently photographed. This church is exceptionally well-preserved and is probably the most visually perfect. The Eastern group of five churches includes the only hypogeous church, where only the roof remains attached to the overhead rock.

 

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

 

Included Activities: Lalibela - Morning & Afternoon Churches Tour

 

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 18: Lalibela

This morning we trek to the rock church of Asheten Mariam, which sits on the 3,150-metre-high Abune Josef mountain that overlooks Lalibela. You will climb for 2.5 hours to the summit, where the church is carved out of a cleft into the cliff face. The monastery houses ancient parchments and crosses, but the real treasure is the setting and the view. Descend the mountain and return to the hotel for lunch. This afternoon is free to relax or continue exporing this fascinating town. This evening you will enjoy a special dinner at Ben Ababa open air restaurant.

 

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)

 

Included Activities: Lalibela - Asheten Mariam Hike

 

Meals Included: Breakfast Dinner

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Day 19: Lalibela To Addis

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

This trip comes to an end today after breakfast. There are no activities planned fly back to Addis Ababa