16 Days All Inclusive Small Group Tours

Day 1: Addis city tour: Transport by bus

• Arrival in Addis, transfer to hotel
• City tour by bus (Piassa area with architecture / Tomoca Coffee / Taitu Hotel)
• Finefine traditional lunch
• Ba’ata Mariam – Entoto Area with church and market
• Capital Hotel Addis

Day 2: Fly Addis Ababa – Lalibela (The Eighth Wonder of the World)

• Be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. Visit Nakuto Laab on the way.
• The eighth wonder of World Heritage’ Lalibela is famous for its underground rock-hewn cathedrals.
• In the afternoon if time permits you will visit the first cluster of churches and museum
• These churches include Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskal, Bete Denaghel, Bete Golgotha, Bete Mikael, and Bete Giorgis.
• Overnight in at Top Twelve Hotel in Lalibela

Day 3: Lalibela visit

• Visit Asheten Mariam in the morning, and visit the town of Lalibela (artists, coffee ceremony)
• Visit the second cluster of churches other rock churches in Lalibela
• Overnight at Top Twelve Hotel in Lalibela

 Day 4: To Addis Ababa for Departure

• This day after breakfast you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Addis and Departure. City tour in Addis.
• Overnight at Mado hotel in Addis Abeba

Day 5: Addis Ababa – Awash National Park

• After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Awash National Park, home to diverse wildlife like Swayne’s hartebeests, oryx, and various bird species.
• Enjoy a game drive through the park and learn about its ecological importance.
• Visit Kereyu village and immerse yourself in their traditional way of life.
• Traditional dances in traditional costumes by the Kereyu people
• Overnight stay at Doho Lodge.

Day 6: Doho Lodge – Yangudi Rassa National Park – Semera

• Start your day with a visit to Yangudi Rassa National Park, known for its unique landscape and diverse birdlife.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery.
• Continue your journey to Semera, the capital of the Afar Region.
• Check in to your hotel and relax for the evening. Overnight at Kurftu Lodge

Day 7: Semera – Asayta Camel Market – Afdera

• Witness the vibrant spectacle of the Asayta Camel Market (if today is Tuesday), one of the largest in Africa.
• Interact with local Afar people and observe their traditional way of trading.
• Return to Semera for lunch and enjoy local Ethiopian cuisine.
• Drive to Afdera, a small town near the Erta Ale volcano.
• Relax in the natural hot springs and enjoy the starry night sky.
• Overnight camping at Afdera.

Day 8: Afdera – Erta Ale Volcano

• After breakfast, arrange permits and guides for your trek to Erta Ale volcano.
• Embark on a challenging yet rewarding hike through the Kurusawad village and volcanic landscapes.
• Witness the awe-inspiring sight of the Erta Ale lava lake, one of the few active lava lakes in the world.
• Overnight camping near the volcano, mesmerized by the fiery glow.

Day 9: Erta Ale – Dallol Depression

• Descend from Erta Ale and enjoy breakfast at Afdera.
• Drive to Dallol Depression, a surreal landscape characterized by colorful salt formations, volcanic craters, and hot springs.
• Explore the otherworldly beauty of Dallol and marvel at the Lake Karoum salt flats.
• Overnight stay at Afdera or Ahmed Ela.

Day 10: Ahmed Ela – Wukro

• In the morning, visit the Dallol volcano and observe its unique geological features.
• Chill in the fast-growing town of Wukro.
• Overnight stay at Serdo Hotel in Wukro.

Day 11: Wukro- Gheralta Mountains

• After breakfast, embark on a journey to the Gheralta Mountains, known for their breathtaking scenery and ancient rock-hewn churches.
• Visit the monastery of Abraha Atsbeha and Mariam Korkor, marveling at their intricate carvings and historical significance.
• Enjoy a light trek through the mountains and soak in the panoramic views.
• Overnight stay at Vision Hawzen.

Day 12: Gheralta Mountains – Hawzen

• Hike to Yohannes Maquidi in the morning. Visit Debre Tsion church. In the afternoon visit Daniel and Maryam Korkor.
• Stunning sunset and overnight at Vision Hotel Hawzen.

Day 13: Gheralta – Shimbreyti community guest house

• After a relaxed breakfast, you will drive for about 1 hour to Edagaarbi village.
• From Edaga Arbi you will trek and hike to the top of Table Mountain.
• Here you will enjoy a 360-degree view and possibly see Gelada baboon.
• Overnight at Shimbreyti community guest house.

Day 14: Shimbreyti –Axum

• Drive to Axum, the ancient capital of Ethiopia, stopping at the Yeha Temple and the town of Adwa.
• Arrive in Axum and check in to your hotel. Over Night at Sabian Hotel

Day 15: Axum Exploration

• Immerse yourself in the rich history of Axum by visiting the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
• Explore the Stelae Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the giant obelisks.
• Discover other archaeological sites like the Tomb of Kaleb and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace.
• Enjoy traditional Ethiopian music and dance performances in the evening.
• Overnight stay at Sabian Hotel in Axum.

Day 16: Axum – Shire – Addis Ababa

• Fly from Axum to Shire, a town known for its traditional weaving and pottery.
• Explore the vibrant Shire market and pick up unique souvenirs.
• Catch your flight back to Addis Ababa and reflect on your unforgettable Ethiopian adventure.
• Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant.