Itinerary

1. Day-1: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar

   In the morning, fly to Bahir Dar and start the city tour with a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the monasteries located at the Zege Peninsula, Kibran Gabriel (not allowed for women) and the source of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area. Once you are back in Bahir Dar, visit Bezawit Hill, where Haile Selassie 1 made his palace in 1967 and watch the impressive view over Lake Tana and the city, especially during the sunset. Finish the day with a lovely dinner to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar- Jacaranda hotel.

2. Day-2: Bahir Dar – Gondar

   In the morning, head to Gondar. The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering a wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. After briefly settling in your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the 17th Century Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Afterwards, visit Fasilides’ pool, still used nowadays during the Timkat celebration (the Ethiopian Orthodox Epiphany on the 19th of January), and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia full of staring angels—overnight in Gondar – Haile resort or hotel.

3. Day-3: Excursion to the Simien Mountains National Park

   In the morning, drive to the Simien Mountains National Park via Debark, where we will obtain all the trekking permits and the required scout. Go for a trekking route around Sankabar. During the walk, there’s a good chance to see the endemic Gelada Baboon groups. Drive back to Gondar at the end of the afternoon. Overnight in Gondar – same hotel.

4. Day-4: Gondar – Fly Lalibela

   After breakfast, drive to the airport; upon arrival, check-in at the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the second group of churches: Bete Gebriel Raphael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Amanuel, Bete Aba Libanos, and Bete Giorgis. End the day with a stunning sunset over the mountains of Lasta. Overnight in Lalibela – Mountain View Hotel.

5. Day-5: Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Langano

   In the early morning, you can visit Asheton Maryam Monastery before heading to the airport. Upon arrival, the car will be waiting to take you to Langano, one of the Great Rift Valley lakes. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon by the lakeside. Overnight in Langano – Sabana Beach and Resort.

6. Day-6: Langano – Awassa – Arba Minch

   After an early breakfast, drive to Arba Minch via Awassa. You may stop to witness the daily life at the fish market. Proceed to Arba Minch and pass by the beautiful coffee area. After lunch in Arba Minch, visit the Dorze Village, known for its cotton skills. You can experience their lifestyles and visit the Dorze's peculiar beehive-shaped huts. Enjoy your dinner with stunning views over the lakes Chamo and Abaya. Overnight in Arba Minch – Haile Resort.

7. Day-7: Arba Minch to Nechisar National Park – Konso – Turmi

   In the morning, visit the Nechisar National Park, where you can take a boat trip to Lake Chamo to see crocodiles, hippopotamuses and abundant bird species. On the other side of the lake, you will probably see different herds of Burchell’s zebra, which mingle with Grant’s gazelle and an occasional Swayne’s hartebeest, an endemic subspecies. Proceed to Konso, where you will have lunch. Visit the 55 km stonewalled terraces and fortified settlements known as the “Natural New York Village”, named after the tall sand formations resembling skyscrapers, declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

   The Konso Highland tribe are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages. In the afternoon, drive to Turmi and visit the Hamer tribe, where the colourful Hamer tribe exhibit beaded decorations, ochre-coloured braided hair and painted white faces. Overnight in Turmi – hotel or Resort.

8. Day-8: Excursion to Omorate (Dassanech and Karo tribes)

   In the morning, visit the Omorate and the Dasanech tribe after crossing the river. In the afternoon, proceed to the Karo village of Korcho and visit the Karo tribe, known for their body decorations. Drive back to Turmi and witness the bull-jumping tradition where men are ready to get married if it is celebrated during the evening. Overnight in Turmi – Hotel or Resort.

9. Day-9: Turmi – Mago National Park – Jinka

   In the morning, drive to the Mago National Park to visit the most famous of Ethiopia’s indigenous tribes: the Mursi people. This will provide you with a fascinating insight into this tribe, who insert large circular clay discs into the lower lips of their women. Continue driving to Jinka and, if lucky, visit one of the local markets. In the evening, you can visit the Omo Valley Research Center. Overnight in Jinka– Nassa Hotel.

10. Day-10: Jinka – Addis Ababa

    In the morning, visit the local market of Dimeka. Fly to Addis Ababa to take your PCR test. You will have some time to do some souvenir shopping or sightseeing. In the evening, Inside Ethiopia Tours offers a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant with live music and a dancing performance - End of the tour.