Day 1: Addis Ababa
Arrive at the airport in Addis Ababa, & transfer to the hotel. Visit The National Museum of Ethiopia, where you’ll find fascinating, ancient artifacts, & head up onto Mount Entoto to discover scenic views of Ethiopia’s capital city. Tonight, enjoy a cultural dance show at dinner.
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Gondar
In the morning, transfer to the airport, & board domestic flight to Gondar. Here you will learn about Emperor Fasilides & the rulers who led the land thereafter. See the royal complex, which features the palaces built by these six emperors, & later visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, which features fascinating wall & ceiling artwork. Next, spend time getting to know the Falasha tribe at their village. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay in Gondar.
Day 3: Gondar – Lalibela
Transfer to the airport, & board domestic flight to Lalibela. Lalibela is home to the incredible rock churches. These churches are responsible for the town’s nickname: “The Petra of Africa.” Learn about the town’s history & its relation to Jerusalem, & visit all twelve rock churches. After the tour, transfer to the hotel for dinner & an overnight stay.
Day 4: Lalibela
Visit the Nakuto Le’ Abe Monastery. Built within a cave, this monastery was the shelter for King Nakuto Le’ Abe after he renounced his throne in the 13th century. Inside of the monastery you will find ancient manuscripts & religious artifacts.
Day 5: Lalibela – Axum
Transfer to the airport, & board domestic flight to Axum. Visit Sanctuary Chapel, the legendary site of the Ark of the Covenant. Next, take a walk through Stelae Park, & visit the St. Mary of Zion Cathedral. Other highlights include the tomb of King Kalab & the ruins of the Palace of the Queen of Sheba. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 6: Axum – Arba Minch
Board domestic flight to Arba Minch this morning. See the beehive huts of the Dorze Tribe, & admire their impressive weaving craftsmanship. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay in Arba Minch.
Day 7: Arba Minch – Jinka
Today, visit Tsemay Village & a Konso Tribe, a group of people known for their pagan rituals. After spending time with these distinct groups of people, explore the Kay Afer Tribal Market. Enjoy shopping for unique handicrafts made by tribes’ people. Head to Jinka for dinner & an overnight stay.
Day 8: Jinka – Turmi
Head to the Mursi Tribe this morning. The tribe is known for one particular custom that other cultures might find unusual. The custom of having their lips split to wear large, clay discs is carried out by the Mursi women. The other tribe you will have the opportunity of meeting with today is known as the Hamer Tribe. This tribe is known for their intriguing hairstyles & body décor. Other highlights today include a visit to Mago National Park. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay in Turmi.
Day 9: Turmi – Arba Minch
Along the shores of the Omo River lies the Murulle region, today’s first destination. Meet members of the Karo Tribe. Learn about their body painting traditions, including what they use for body paints. You will also notice that this tribe, like the Hamer Tribe, is known for fascinating hairstyles. Other highlights of the visit to the Murelle region include wildlife spotting. Travel back to Arba Minch for dinner & an overnight stay.
Day 10: Arba Minch – Addis Ababa – USA
Hop on the boat this morning for an exciting adventure on the waters of Lake Chamo. You may have the opportunity of spotting some of the wildlife native to the area, which includes hippopotamuses & crocodiles! Before heading to the airport for your domestic flight back to the capital city, enjoy lunch. After arriving in Addis Ababa, visit the famous Holy Trinity Cathedral. Enjoy a homemade dinner at the home of one of the locals. Tonight, transfer to the airport, & board return flight home.