16-Day Grand Ethiopia: The All-Inclusive Expedition

In morning you will fly from Addis to Bahirdar (ET-182, Departure @08:30 am). After arrival you will be taken to the centre of the city and cross Tana Lake to visit the Ura kidanemihirent monastery, which is located on the Lush Zege peninsula of Lake Tana founded in 14thC and Hippos over the Tana lake.

Overnight in Bahirdar in Kuriftu Lodge.

In morning drive to Blue Nile Falls, one of the spectacular waterfalls in Africa. It is plunging 42m to 45m, the falls are locally known as “TIS ABAY” meaning great smoke due to the roaring mist and spray it produce.

In afternoon continue driving to Gondar explore the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO site containing the medieval castles of Ethiopian Emperors. We also visit the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its stunning “Angel Face” ceiling frescoes. A farewell lunch at the famous Four Sisters Restaurant provides a taste of authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Overnight: Gondar Hills Resort.

In morning drive to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the late afternoon, we take a short walk to encounter friendly Gelada Baboons, often referred to as “Bleeding Heart Monkeys,” grazing in large family groups. Overnight: Gondar Hills Resort.

A short flight (ET-122, departure @09:55 am) brings us to Lalibela, the “New Jerusalem.” We begin our exploration of the first group of rock-hewn churches, marvelling at the engineering required to carve these structures downward into solid volcanic rock.

The day culminates at the iconic, cross-shaped Church of St. George (Bet Giyorgis). Overnight: Top Twelve hotel.

In the morning, we visit the bustling Lalibela Market to witness traditional trade. Afterward, you may choose to hike to the mountain monastery of Asheton Maryam or take a scenic drive to the cave church of Yemrehanna Kristos.

The afternoon is dedicated to the second group of churches, exploring the interconnected tunnels and spiritual atmosphere of this sacred site. Overnight: Top Twelve hotel.

We fly back to Addis Ababa (ET-121, departure @13:30 pm). We visit the National Museum to meet “Lucy,” our 3.2-million-year-old ancestor, the biggest market Merchato, Panoramic view of Addis from mount Entoto and overnight will be in Addis in Aya hotel.

We transition to the extreme landscapes of the north with a flight to Semera (ET-110, Departure @06:45 am). Our 4WD expedition enters the Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth.

We arrive in the remote settlement of Hamed Ela and spend the evening at Lake Asale, witnessing a spectacular sunset over the vast salt flats. Overnight camping under the desert stars.

The morning is spent exploring Dallol, a hydrothermal field of neon-colour acidic pools and mineral formations situated 125m below sea level.

In the afternoon, we traverse the lava desert to reach the base of Erta Ale. After dinner, a short trek brings us to the caldera rim to witness the raw, glowing power of the world’s most famous active lava lake. Overnight: Open-air camping at Erta Ale.

Following an early morning descent from the Erta Ale volcano base camp, we revisit the rim of the active lava lake (conditions permitting) to witness its raw power in the daylight.

You will float and swimming over Lake Afdera and drive back to Samara and you will fly back to Addis (ET-165, departure @05:30p.m) a well-deserved evening of comfort. Overnight in Aya hotel.

You fly back to Addis Ababa to southward flight to Jinka (ET- 271 departure @12:05p.m), the gateway to the South Omo Valley.

In the afternoon, we visit the South Omo Research Center and Museum to gain deep anthropological insights into the diverse ethnic groups we will encounter, followed by a walk through the local Ari village. Overnight will be in Eco Omo lodge.

An early morning drive takes us into Mago National Park to meet the Mursi people. Globally recognized for the elaborate clay lip plates worn by the women, the Mursi are a fascinating nomadic community with deep ancestral traditions.

In the afternoon, we drive toward Turmi, the heartland of the Hamar people, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Overnight in Buska lodge.

We travel further south to Omorate, situated near the Kenyan border. We cross the Omo River by traditional dugout canoe to visit the Dassanech tribe, observing their unique semi-nomadic village life and resilient pastoralist traditions.

Returning to Turmi in the afternoon, we visit a Hamar village. If scheduled, we may have the rare opportunity to witness a sacred bull-jumping ceremony, a vital rite of passage for young Hamar men. Overnight in Buska lodge.

In the morning, we visit the Karo tribe at Korcho village, perched on a cliff overlooking the Omo River. The Karo are masters of elaborate body painting and ritual adornment.

We then drive to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We explore their ancient stone-walled fortified villages and learn about their unique social structures and “Waga” funerary statues before checking into Kanta lodge for overnight.

On our final day, we drive to Arba Minch for a private boat trip on Lake Chamo. Here, you will encounter massive Nile crocodiles and hippos up close.

In afternoon you will visit to the Dorze village, perched high in the Chencha Mountains. You will witness their unique bamboo beehive huts and learn about their world-renowned weaving traditions and unique local cuisine made from Enset. Overnight in Arba Minch in Haile resort.

After relaxed morning over the lake view you will fly back to Addis Ababa (ET-170, departure @10:55 am) and it will be the end of the trip!