12-Day 11-Night Tour to South Omo Valley and the Historic Northern Part of Ethiopia.
This tour combines the Northern Historic Route with the Omo Valley tribes experience. Begin your journey along the Northern Historic Route to explore Ethiopia's rich heritage. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Blue Nile Falls, the castles of Gondar, and the Simien Mountains National Park. The first leg of the journey concludes at one of Ethiopia’s most sacred sites: Lalibela, home to its awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches.
Day 1. Arrival in Ethiopia
Half-day city tour in Addis Ababa. Do a city tour of Addis Ababa, exploring its vibrant markets, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions.
Addis Ababa City Tour:
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, a representative from our team will greet you and escort you to your hotel. Begin your exploration of Addis Ababa with a visit to the Ethnological Museum, where you’ll gain insight into Ethiopia’s diverse cultures and traditions. Continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important religious and historical landmark, before heading to Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets.
Overnight: Pristine Hotel
Day 2: Fly from Addis Ababa - Arbaminchi
Drive to Arbaminchi to Chencha Mountains, home to the Dorze tribe. Upon arrival, visit the fascinating Dorze villages known for their unique bamboo houses and traditional weaving techniques.
Overnight: Arbaminchi Tourist Hotel
Day 3: Arbaminch-Konso -Turmi
Begin the day with an amazing boat ride over Lake Chamo, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Drive to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its terraced hills and traditional cultural practices. Visit Konso villages and learn about their intricate agricultural practices, unique stone-walled terraces, and ancient traditions. Depart Konso and head towards Turmi, with a stop at Erbore to visit the tribal communities along the way.
Overnight: Emerald Lodge
Day 4: Explore Turmi and Visit Karo and Hammer Tribes
Spend the day exploring Turmi and its surroundings. Visit the Karo trib, known for their body painting and intricate scarification practices. Also, visit the Hammer tribe and experience their unique rituals and traditional ceremonies.
Overnight: Emerald Lodge
Day 5: Drive Turmi - Omorate - Turmi
Drive from Turmi to Omorate to visit the Dasenesh tribe. Cross the Omo River by canoe and mingle with the Dasenech. Attend a Hamer tribe bull-jumping ceremony (if available).
Overnight: Emerald Lodge
Day 6: Drive Turmi -Jinka
Afternoon visit to the Ari village. Explore Ari's traditional houses, coffee plantations, and local crafts. Observe pottery, blacksmithing, and liquor-making techniques.
Overnight: Eco-OMO lodge
Day 7: Fly Jinka-Addis and City Tour
In the morning, drive to Mago Park to visit the Mursi tribes who are known for their lip plate culture. Return to Jinka and fly back to Addis Ababa.
Overnight: Pristine Hotel
Day 8: Fly Addis-Bahardar and Visit Island Monasteries
Take a short flight from Addis Ababa to Bahardar. Visit the Nile Falls, which is found 30 km from Bahardar. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Lake Tana and visit its island monasteries, which are rich in religious and historical significance.
Overnight: Sky Resort
Day 9: Drive from Bahardar to Gonder and the Gondar Castles
Begin the day with a scenic drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar. Explore the impressive Gondar Castles, also known as the Royal Enclosure, which served as the residence for Ethiopian emperors.
Overnight: Goha Hotel
Day 10: Fly Gonder-Lalibela
Visit Rock-Hewn Churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its rock-hewn churches.
Explore the magnificent structures carved out of solid rock, showcasing incredible architectural and religious craftsmanship.
Overnight: Sora Lodge
Day 11:Lalibela-Addis Ababa
Continue exploring all the churches found in the city, and Nakutoleab cave church, which is found five km outside the city. And fly back to Addis Ababa.Farewell dinner party at Yod Abbyssinia.
Overnight: Pristine Hotel
End of the tour
