Addis Ababa › Bahir Dar › Gondar › Lalibela › Awassa › Turmi
Experience the ultimate Ethiopian adventure by combining the ancient wonders of the northern Historic Route with the vibrant, living cultural tapestry of the southern Omo Valley. This comprehensive 12-day expedition takes you from the island monasteries of Lake Tana, the medieval castles of Gondar, and the awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, down into the Great Rift Valley. Journey deep into the south to meet the unique indigenous tribes of the Omo Valley, including the Dorze, Hamer, Dassenech, and Karo, offering a profoundly immersive exploration of Ethiopia's diverse heritage.
On arrival Addis Ababa our representative will meet you at Bole international Airport and you will visit the diplomatic capital of Africa, headquarters of the Africa union starting from Holy Trinity Cathedral (The church is constructed in 1955 for the 25 years anniversary of Emperor Haileselassie and painted richly with remarkable biblical and other saint’s story), National museum (home of Lucy hominid skeleton dating back to 3.2 million years), afterwards continue to the campus of Addis Ababa University to the Ethnographical museum, with great displays of the many cultures of Ethiopia, housed in the former palace of Haile Selassie. In the afternoon proceed to Mountain Entoto, here you will visit the Entoto Mariyam church and Museum.
Accommodation
Settle into your premium city hotel, offering modern amenities and comfort in the heart of Ethiopia's bustling capital.
1 Night · Lunch & Dinner
In the morning take flight to Bahir Dar upon arrival, you will transfer to the Hotel. After short beak, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit a selection of the monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Visit the Zege Peninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret. In the afternoon drive to the Blue Nile Falls, locally known as “Tis Issat” or “Water that smokes.” Hike to the fall embark on a 20–30 minute hike to reach viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the waterfalls, especially impressive during the rainy season. Conclude your day with a drive or hike to Bezawit Hill, offering panoramic views of Lake Tana and Bahir Dar, perfect for watching the sunset.
Accommodation
Located on the shores of Lake Tana, this resort offers breathtaking water views and a serene atmosphere to unwind after a day of exploration.
1 Night · Full Board
After breakfast continue north to Gondar. The drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. Explore the sites of Gondar, and visit to the city classified as a World Heritage site. Gondar was the capital of the kingdom of Abyssinia under the reign of Emperor Fasil (Fasiledes) who built castles, churches and medieval style bathrooms in the 17th c. For 200 years it was the imperial residence and met both the relative greatness of the early emperors as the decline of their past. In the mid-nineteenth century the emperor Teodoros burned the city in retaliation for its people could not forgive that did not have royal blood. You will never again be the capital. Visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie, Ethiopia's most famous and painted ceiling with cherubs. We continue with the castles of the imperial city (Fassil Ghebbi), Fasil baths (Fasiledes).
Accommodation
Perched on an elevated vantage point, this resort features traditional stone architecture and stunning panoramic views over the historic city.
1 Night · Full Board
After breakfast, depart on a morning flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, you will be met by our driver, drive to a hotel where you will check and rest for few minutes. Your first visit will be to the eleven Rock-hewn Monolithic (carved from a single rock) Churches of Lalibela. The first group of Lalibela Churches includes: Bete Medhanialem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagl and Bete Golgotha Michal. The second group of Lalibela Churches includes: Bete Gebral, Bete Merquros, Bete Emanule, Betelehiam, Bete Aba Libanos.
Accommodation
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Lasta mountain range, Maribela Hotel provides magnificent views and deep comfort in the holy city.
1 Night · Full Board
In the morning after breakfast visit the spectacular cross-shaped St. George Church, afterwards transfer to the airport flight back to Addis Ababa and proceed to your next destination.
Accommodation
Enjoy modern comforts and a relaxing evening as you transition from the historic north toward the cultural south.
1 Night · Full Board
In the morning drive to Awassa, capital of the southern region. We will check into the hotel and take boat trip on Lake Awassa with its mountainous background, is one of Ethiopia’s most beautiful lakes and is home to a huge population of birds, and walking along the shores one can also see hippo, Colobus and cervet monkeys and baboons.
Accommodation
Enjoy a serene stay by the shimmering waters of Lake Awassa, surrounded by nature and exceptional lakeside hospitality.
1 Night · Full Board
Morning after breakfast drive to Arbaminch through the Wolayta people & villages and admiring spectacular green hills, then proceed driving to Dorze, set in the highlands above Arba Minch. The Dorze people are known for their tall beehive-like houses and their fine cotton weaving. You will visit the village and learn about the daily lives of these industrious people. If today is market day (in Dorze village on Monday and Thursday and in nearby Chencha on Tuesday and Saturday), that will be visited.
Accommodation
Relax at this beautiful resort in Arbaminch, offering stunning views and a tranquil environment after your cultural immersion in the highlands.
1 Night · Full Board
After breakfast, depart from Arba Minch to Turmi. On the way you will pass through the village of Weyto (market day Saturday), which is home to the Tsemai tribe. Continue through the Weyto Valley to Erbore, where you will have a brief visit to a local Erbore village (market day is Saturday). Finally, proceed to Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe. At night, you can see the traditional night dancing of the Hamer tribe, known as evangadi.
Accommodation
Nestled in the heart of the Omo Valley, this eco-lodge provides an authentic and comfortable base for exploring the diverse tribal cultures of Turmi.
1 Night · Full Board
In the morning, take a day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassenech tribe with a wooden boat crossing the Omo River and enter a Dassenech village. Afterwards, return to Turmi (Monday is market day) for a visit to a local Hamer village. If there is jumping of the Bulls traditional Hamer coming-of-age ceremony that will be visited.
Accommodation
Return to the lodge to unwind in the tranquil surroundings after an eye-opening day engaging with the Dassenech and Hamer peoples.
1 Night · Full Board
Early morning depart from Turmi to the village of Kangatan. Here you will cross the Omo River and take a short walk through the local fields to visit a village of the Nyangatom tribe. After the visit, return across the river and proceed to the Karo village of Korcho, with a stunning location looking over the Omo River. The Karo people, while the smallest tribes of the Omo valley in number are also known to be the most decorated.
Accommodation
Enjoy your final evening in Turmi, reflecting on the profound cultural interactions and deep history of the Omo Valley tribes.
1 Night · Full Board
After breakfast depart from Turmi to Arbaminch via Key Afar and Konso. Thursday is market day in Key Afar, where you will see the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods. This is another very popular market in the region. After the visit, proceed to Konso (market days are Mondays and Thursdays). The Konso people are known for their wooden statues, known as wakas, which are erected in honor of dead heroes as well as their innovative agricultural terracing. Today you will have a brief opportunity to visit a local village and the cultural museum displaying many waka statues. After the visit, proceed driving to Arba Minch.
Accommodation
Return to the comforts of Haile Resort to relax by the pool and enjoy modern amenities as your cultural expedition nears its end.
1 Night · Full Board
Morning take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the “crocodile market”, and the local hippos. Then transfer to the airport flight back to Addis and if time allows visit Mercato, one of Africa’s largest outdoor markets and enjoy shopping in the city. Evening there will be a special Ethiopian farewell dinner in one of the Ethiopian restaurants for a live cultural dances show from the different ethnic groups. The perfect ending of your trip. Then transfer to the airport for flight back home.
Day Use & Meals
Enjoy a day room to freshen up before your onward journey.
Day use room until 18:00 hrs · Full Board
Suggested accommodation may be changed to similar depending on availability at the time of booking. This proposal cost is subject to change due to unforeseeable changes in fuel and other levies.
Strategically situated in Addis Ababa, the Golden Tulip Hotel offers a seamless blend of contemporary luxury and warm Ethiopian hospitality. It serves as an ideal base for your arrival and departure in the bustling capital. Guests can enjoy well-appointed rooms, modern fitness facilities, and exceptional dining experiences, ensuring a comfortable and refreshing stay before heading out to the country's historic and cultural sites.
Set upon the picturesque shores of Lake Tana in Bahir Dar, the Blue Nile Resort provides stunning panoramic views of the water and a tranquil environment away from the city bustle. Perfectly situated for exploring the lake's ancient island monasteries and the Blue Nile Falls, the resort features modern rooms, waterfront dining, and beautiful spaces to relax in after a day of discovery.
Perched on an elevated vantage point, Gondar Hills Resort offers sweeping, majestic views over the historic city of Gondar and the surrounding landscapes, blending traditional stone architecture with modern eco-friendly luxury. The resort provides a serene escape with elegantly designed rooms that reflect local heritage, serving as an exceptional gateway to the Royal Enclosure.
Located in the heart of Lalibela, Maribela Hotel is highly praised for its incredible vistas overlooking the majestic Lasta mountain range and its warm, authentic Ethiopian hospitality. Each spacious room features a private balcony, perfect for enjoying the dramatic sunset views over the valleys. The hotel provides a peaceful sanctuary after a profound day exploring the magnificent rock-hewn churches.
Offering contemporary comfort and convenience, Sabon Hotel provides an excellent resting point for travelers transitioning between the historic northern routes and the deep southern valleys of Ethiopia. Enjoy friendly service, comfortable rooms, and easy access to transport links, making it a reliable and relaxing stopover point in your journey.
Set upon the picturesque shores of the Rift Valley lakes, Haile Resort provides stunning panoramic views of the water and a tranquil environment away from the city bustle. Perfectly situated for exploring the lake's abundant birdlife and nature, the resort features modern rooms, waterfront dining, and beautiful gardens to relax in after a day of discovery.
Located in the heart of the Omo Valley, Paradise Lodge is an eco-friendly retreat designed in harmony with its surroundings. It serves as an ideal and comfortable hub for interacting with the region's ancient tribes. Stay in traditionally inspired huts equipped with modern comforts. The lodge's elevated position offers spectacular sunset views over the plains, providing a peaceful retreat after full days of cultural immersion.
Ancient rock churches, castles and highland landscapes along Ethiopia's legendary northern trail
A cultural immersion into the tribal traditions of the remote Omo Valley
Ethiopian wolves, Afro-alpine moorlands and the walled city of Harar
Tribal encounters paired with the birthplace of Arabica coffee
The complete Ethiopia experience — ancient history meets living culture
