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Mursi woman

Best of Ethiopia Tour (Lodge Safari)

Tour Length14 days
Priced from pps $5301 R101070 £4203 4916 A$8170 C$7208 NZ$8892 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Lodge Safari

  • Max. Group Size 7 Travellers
  • Starts & ends in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Accommodation Hotel / Lodge / Safari Lodge
  • Transport Fly-in Safari / 4x4 Vehicle / Microbus
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

This Best of Ethiopia Tour combines historical, cultural, and natural highlights of northern Ethiopia, with the diverse and colorful traditional cultures of the south.

First, explore the historic north to discover the ancient monasteries of Lake Tana. Then go walking in the rugged Simien National Park to take in the beautiful scenery and spot rare and endemic wildlife species. Next visit the historic city of Gondar to marvel at its royal castles, palace ruins, and old churches. Travel from Gondar to the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.

Next, travel down south to meet the fascinating Omo Valley tribes of Ethiopia, encountering the ancient rituals, traditional clothes, and unusual lifestyles of ethnic groups including the Halaba, Dorze, Konso, Mursi, Hamar, and Karo peoples. Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo, swim in Lake Langano, go to local markets, sample Ethiopian dishes, and visit remote rural villages for unforgettable cultural encounters with Ethiopia's unique tribes. 

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 01: Addis Ababa – Ethiopia

Welcome to the Horn of Africa and the capital of ancient Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. At the start of this Best of Ethiopia Tour, your guide meets you at the International Airport in Addis Ababa and transfers you to your hotel in the city.

Ethiopia is one of the oldest places inhabited by human societies, dating back some 3000 years. For most of its history, it has been a monarchy, with its roots dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. Ethiopia is also considered to be the place from where Homo Sapiens migrated to the Middle East and beyond.

Addis Ababa is a city of contrasts - the diplomatic capital and fourth-largest city on the continent, where modern and ancient cultures come together. Located at the foot of the Entoto Mountains and dotted with Eucalyptus trees, the city is known as the 'New Flower' and hosts interesting historical and cultural sites worth visiting. Places of interest include the National Museum, Ethnological Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Merkato, one of Africa's largest open-air markets. View the old colonial buildings of the city, visit the attractions and head up Mount Entoto for views over the city and surrounds.

  • Accommodation: Jupiter International Hotel or similar

Day 02: Fly from Addis to Bahir Dar (Blue Nile Falls & Lake Tana) - Ethiopia

Our destination for today is Bahir Dar, a city on the shores of Lake Tana in northwestern Ethiopia. Rising early we transfer to the airport for our one-hour flight up to Bahir Dar, also called Bahar Dar. Arriving in Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara region, we set off for the impressive Blue Nile Falls. We drive for about 35 km and then walk the last stretch to view the falls. The Blue Nile Falls is about 45 meters (148 feet) high and is known as Tis Abay in Amharic, which means "great smoke".

After lunch, we embark on a boat trip on Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. The afternoon boat cruise takes us to the old monasteries tucked away on the islands and far shores of the lake. Many of the ornately decorated rock churches date back to the 14 century, with two dating back to the Gonderine Period (17th and 18th centuries).

We visit Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Mariam Monastery. Ura Kidane Mehret is located on the Zege Peninsula and has an elaborately decorated main structure. One of the finest examples of traditional Ethiopian Orthodox Christian monasteries, Ura Kidane Mehret features vivid biblical scenes painted on its inner walls. This monastery is also known for its old manuscripts and ecclesiastical objects including gold and silver processional crosses and the crowns of emperors dating back to the 14th century. The small monastery of Azwa Mariam is located on an island in Lake Tana and also dates back to the 14th Century AD. A short walk brings us to the centuries-old church adorned with colorful, interior murals depicting biblical stories. Keep an eye out for the brightly-clad monks and ancient relics of historical Azwa Mariam.

On our boat trip, we are likely to spot various birds, hippos, and local people paddling their reed boats known as tankwa. The handcrafted tankwa boats of today still resemble the boats of ancient Egypt. As the source of the Blue Nile River, Lake Tana has a fascinating history.

  • Accommodation: Abyminch Lodge or similar

Day 03: Simien Mountains - Ethiopia

Wake for breakfast and travel northeast to the beautiful Simien Mountains National Park. Today our Ethiopia Tour takes us to Sankaber, the park's headquarters, traveling via spectacular mountain passes and rural villages.

The Simien Mountains National Park is a World Heritage Site of incredible natural beauty, hosting very rare and highly endemic animal species. One of the most magnificent landscapes on earth, the Simiens is characterized by deep gorges and rugged mountains with rocky peaks and precipitous cliffs. Rare and endangered wildlife species inhabiting the mountainous plateau of the Simiens include the gelada baboon, the Ethiopian wolf (or Simien fox), and the locally endemic Walia Ibex (wild mountain goat). The park also incorporates diverse flora, across three botanical zones and is classified as an important global biodiversity hotspot.

This afternoon you are free to explore the scenic natural area around our lodge. Keep your eyes open for gelada baboons, other animals, and birds.

  • Accommodation: Simien Lodge or similar

Day 04: Simien Mountains National Park - Ethiopia

This morning after breakfast, we set off into the Simien Mountains on a day hike, taking picnic lunches with us. Ethiopia's top trekking and hiking destination, the Simien Mountains are best explored on foot.

First, we head to Chenek where we may sight the endemic Walia Ibex (mountain goat) with its impressive horns. As we walk along the ancient trails we get to admire the breathtaking scenery of the volcanic mountains and steep gullies, looking out for birds and wildlife. Walking in the Simien Mountains we are sure to see the strange-looking gelada baboons found in large troops. We may also encounter the endangered Ethiopian wolf, klipspringer, other baboon species, and jackal.

The park encompasses an Afromontane forest (between 1 900 and 3 000m), Erica/Hypericum vegetation (between 2 700 and 3 700m), and Afro-alpine moorlands (between 3 700 and 4 533m). In the high-lying Afroalpine zones endemic Lobelia rhynchopetalum, flowering Helichrysum and Kniphofia foliosa (red-hot pokers) can be seen.

  • Accommodation: Simien Lodge or similar

Day 05: Simien Mountains to Gondar - Ethiopia

Wake for breakfast in the mountains on day five of our Best of Ethiopia Tour. Then, we drive to Gondar city, famous for its historical castles and palaces. Our drive to Gondar takes us via the village of Wolleka Falasha, formerly home to an African Jewish community. The Jewish residents migrated to Israel in the 1980s and 90s but the village still retains its Jewish roots and is known for its craftsmanship.

In the afternoon we visit the historic sights of Gondar, from royal castles and palace ruins to beautiful old churches. Our exploration takes us to the Royal Enclosure, called Fasil Ghebbi - the remnants of a once wealthy fortress city. The Royal Enclosure is a World Heritage Site consisting of six castles and other structures, along with the enclosed Fasilidas’s Pool used by Orthodox Christian pilgrims in Timket celebrations to this day.

We view the fortress of the royal enclosure, surrounded by a 300-foot-long wall, and visit the basalt-stone palace of Emperor Fasilidas, the oldest structure at this historical site. These royal ruins include the library of Emperor Yohannes I, the House of Song where royal ceremonies were held, the stately hall of Emperor Bakaffa, and the palace of the king's wife. We also view the elaborate murals of the Debre Birhan Selassie Church in Gondar. One of Ethiopia's most important and best-known churches, Debre Birhan Selassie is an imposing building featuring colorful ceiling murals.

  • Accommodation: Goha Hotel or similar

Day 06: Fly to Lalibela - Northern Ethiopia

On day six of our Ethiopia Tour, we have breakfast and head to Axum airport for our flight to Lalibela, hosting Ethiopia's most famous historical sites. Home to legendary rock-hewn churches and relics, Lalibela is sometimes referred to as the "New Jerusalem".

This afternoon we begin exploring the famous stone churches of Lalibela. Each of the 11 rock-hewn churches of King Lalibela is carved from a single block of granite - an amazing feat of strength, vision, and skill.

We may begin by visiting the northern group of churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, arguably the biggest monolithic church in the world. Bet Golgotha which houses the tomb of King Lalibela and impressive artworks is also found here (women are not permitted to enter). Other churches in the northern cluster include Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, and Bet Mikael.

  • Accommodation: Roha Hotel or similar

Day 07: Lalibela - Northern Ethiopia

After breakfast, we ride mules up to Asheton Maryam Monastery a semi-monolithic church set high up on a hilltop above Lalibela. This small church is carved into the cliffside and dates back to the 13th Century AD. Our excursion to Asheton Maryam provides beautiful views and time to admire the wonderful setting of this ancient church, at an elevation of nearly 4000 meters.

This afternoon we visit the other groups of famous Lalibela churches. This includes the smaller southeastern group of churches, amongst them Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Visit the most famous church, Bet Giyorgis - a massive monolith dug into the earth in the shape of a Greek cross. Another historical highlight is Yimrehanne Kristos - the most popular church outside of Lalibela. This church was constructed almost a century before the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and is one of the most well-preserved late Axumite churches of Ethiopia today. Over the centuries pilgrims have journeyed to the cave to die, and have their mummified remains housed in the back of the cavern. The beautiful Yimrhane Kirstos church consists of a big natural cave with a layered wall of granite and wood as its front, intricately carved inside and out, with colorful murals adorning the interior walls.

  • Accommodation: Roha Hotel or similar

Day 08: Fly to Addis Ababa & Drive to Langano - Central Ethiopia

On day eight of our cultural and historical Ethiopia Tour, we leave Lalibela and fly back to the modern-day capital of Addis Ababa. From Addis we then drive south into the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia, making our way to Lake Langano.

Along the way, we visit Lake Ziway to view the abundant birdlife on its shores and view the other Rift Valley Lakes of Abiyata and Shalla. Then we drive on to our destination for the day - Lake Langano, a freshwater lake popular for watersports and swimming. Arriving at Lake Langano, you can take a refreshing swim after our long day of traveling.

  • Accommodation: Sabana Beach Resort or similar

Day 09: Lake Langano to Arba Minch - Southern Ethiopia

Today we drive southwest to Arba Minch via the drylands of Alaba and the lush hills of the Wolayita region. Keep an eye out for the beautifully painted homes of the Alaba, also known as the Halaba as we drive through rural Southern Ethiopia.

Along the way, we visit Senkelle Swayne's Hartebeest Sanctuary. This wildlife sanctuary is one of the best places in Ethiopia to see the endemic Swayne's Hartebeest, as well as oribi antelopes, bushbuck, olive baboons, and warthogs. After spotting wildlife in Senkele we proceed to Arba Minch, meaning 'forty springs' in Amharic (the most common language in Ethiopia), due to the numerous springs found locally.

  • Accommodation: Paradise Lodge or similar

Day 10: Arba Minch, Chencha & Lake Chamo - Southern Ethiopia

After breakfast this morning we travel to a Dorze village close to Arba Minch. Our excursion takes us to Chencha, also known as Dincha, or a similar Dorze village in the area. Today you will see the unique traditional huts of the Dorze people. These tall beehive huts are shaped like elephants and made from enset (false banana) leaves and bamboo. Our village visit gives you a chance to observe the daily lives of the Dorze, a small and friendly Omo Valley tribe. The Dorze were a warrior tribe in times gone by, but today they are best known for their cotton weaving and beehive huts.

Once we've spent time with the colorfully-robed Dorze we return to Arba Minch for lunch. This afternoon we go to Lake Chamo for a scenic boat trip. One of Ethiopia's biggest Rift Valley lakes, Chamo is an excellent place for bird-watching and crocodile spotting. Lake Chamo is home to thousands of Nile crocodiles, said to be some of the largest in the world. Our boat trip takes us to the spot called Crocodile Market where these large reptiles gather in impressive numbers. Also, keep your eyes peeled for hippos and various birds, including African fish eagles. You may also see the local Ganjule and Guji people fishing on the lake, despite the crocodiles and hippos!

  • Accommodation: Paradise Lodge or similar

Day 11: Arba Minch to Jinka - Southern Ethiopia

On day 11 of our Ethiopia Tour, we have breakfast in Arba Minch and set off for Jinka. Our drive takes us through the Weito Valley where we visit the small village of Tsemay village and the Woito people living near the Weito River.

We also visit the Konso villages of the highlands which form part of the Konso Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed for its cultural significance. This world heritage site hosts ancient fossils of early hominids, dry stone terraces and stone-walled settlements.

The Konso people still cultivate cash and subsistence crops on these attractive rock terraces to prevent erosion. The Konso are also renowned for the carved wooden totems (called wakas) erected to mark the graves of honored leaders. As with the Dorze, the Konso people are known for the colorful cotton clothes they weave.

After our time with the fascinating Konso, we continue our journey, stopping in at Ari village on our way to Jinka.

  • Accommodation: Eco Omo Lodge or similar

Day 12: Jinka to Musri Village & Turmi - Southern Ethiopia

Day 12 starts with breakfast before we drive to a Mursi village to meet the semi-nomadic Mursi people of the lower Omo Valley. The Mursi tribe is one of the most famous ethnic groups in Southern Ethiopia. The Mursi are striking-looking people wearing bold facial and body paintings and peculiar body piercings. The young women of the tribe have clay lip plates inserted into their lower lips adding to their unique appearance. This fierce-looking tribe traditionally wears elaborate headdresses with cow horns and scant leather clothes decorated with beads.

After our intense cultural experience with the Mursi, our Ethiopia Tour travels to the market town of Turmi. Turmi is largely inhabited by the Hamer (or Hamar), a social tribe that welcomes visitors. The Hamer are cattle herders and subsistence farmers living mostly in the Omo Valley Region.

The Hamar are famous for their initiation ritual called the Jumping of the Bulls. This ceremony serves as a rite of passage for young men entering adulthood. It entails flogging the female relatives of the young men who need to jump up onto and run across the backs of castrated bulls lined up for the ritual. The Hamar also practice traditional dancing, called Evangadi. During our visit, we may get to witness traditional dancing or a Jumping of the Bulls ceremony, depending on the timing. In Turmi you can marvel at the elaborate hairstyles of the Hamar women who smear ochre-colored butter on their plaited hair, as well as their bodies. Traditionally Hamar women wear leather skirts and animal skins with thick beaded necklaces, tight copper bracelets, and beaded headbands.

  • Accommodation: Buska lodge or similar

Day 13: Murulle & Turmi - Southern Ethiopia

Today our Best of Ethiopia Tour takes us on a trip to the village of Murulle. Here we encounter the Karo people, the smallest ethnic tribe in Ethiopia. The Karo are known for the striking body paintings they do for important ceremonies. They use red ochre, charcoal, mud, and a mixture of white chalk and animal fat to paint symbolic patterns and decorative markings on their faces and bodies. These often extensive body paintings are intended to intimidate their enemies and attract the opposite sex. Both males and females also practice scarification which is associated with courage and beauty in the tribe.

This afternoon we head back to Turmi and spend time at a Hamer village in the area.

  • Accommodation: Buska Lodge or similar

Day 14: Arba Minch & Fly to Addis Ababa - Central Ethiopia

On our last morning, we have breakfast and travel overland to Arba Minch. In the afternoon we catch a flight back to Addis Ababa, where our Ethiopia Tour began. Arriving in Addis you have some free time for a bit of shopping or sightseeing later in the afternoon.

This evening we meet up again for a farewell dinner at one of Ethiopia's best traditional restaurants. Enjoy an array of Ethiopian flavors and dishes whilst watching the folkloric dances of the people of Ethiopia. After dinner, our once-in-a-lifetime Ethiopia Tour comes to a close and you are transferred to the airport for your onward flights.

Child Policy

This tour does not take children.

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+Included in the Tour Price
  • Hotel accommodation (twin share)
  • All meals (breakfast only in Addis)
  • Ground transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • All entrance fees as per the itinerary 
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Boat cruise to Lake Tana monasteries
  • Local guides and scout fees
  • Boat cruise on Lake Chamo
  • Portage fees and government taxes 
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • International flights
  • All internal (domestic) flights
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Lunch & Dinner in Addis
  • Alcoholic beverages
+Departure Dates

This tour departs with a minimum of two guests.

Scheduled Tour Departures
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If you do not see departures listed for your dates, please do contact us for further info.

Explore the Route

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1. Semien Mountains, Ethiopia

2. Turmi, Ethiopia

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