Ethiopia

DAY 1: FLIGHT TO MEKEL AND DRIVE TO HAMED ELLA

Afternoon Flight to Mekele and drive to Homedale via Berehale, which is about totally160km from Mekele. Initially we will drive 100km from Mekele to Berhale, then here in Berhale we will have a lunch stop ( using lunch box) and the place where we will pick up police scouts, road guides and permits for the Afar region. Then we will drive around 60km from Berehale to Hamedella. Along the way we will see the camel caravans, whom carrying salt from the salt lake to Mekele for sale. Overnight camping in Hamedella.

DAY 2: DALLOL

Drive to Dallol, which at 116m below sea level is the lowest point on the African continent. Admire the stunning landscape, the ground many shades of red, yellow and orange from the hot water, acids and minerals spurting up from the ground. where lakes of acid form colorful sulfur formation in the hottest and deepest part of Danakil depression and you will also witness the cutting of salt bricks and salt being loading on to camels for the long caravans (approximately 1500-2000 camels weekly). Further drive to Abala overnight camping.

DAY 3: ERT’ALE

In the next morning continue driving to the so called ‘Dodum’ which is the base camp for Ear’tale. So far, the road has two parts, the first and the largest part of Ear’tale. So far, the road has two parts, the first and the largest part of the road is covered by sand and very flat land but the rest of the road is covered by rock which is very rough road. Then there will be a lunch stop in Kusrawit, the place where supplementary scouts and camels for the luggage are arranged here by the chef of the village. Afterward continue driving to ‘Dodum’, The Erna Ale volcano has been in a constant state of eruption for over 40 years. As the sun goes down you will start the 3-hour hike up to the crater rim of the Erta Ale volcano. The hike may be done by camel or on foot. At the top you will descend into the caldera and proceed to the crater’s edge. Here you will see the permanent lava lake inside the volcano (the only permanent lava lake in the world). You will camp overnight on the rim of the volcano caldera. Camping

DAY 4: MEKELE

Early in the morning visit Ear’tale the second time look at the volcano’s lake of lava before descending from the volcano. Then drive to Mekele Overnight hotel.

DAY 5: FLIGHT TO ADDIS

Morning after having breakfast flight back to Addis and then Addis Ababa city tour including a drive to Mount Entoto for panoramic view of the city, national Museum which is the resting place of our ancestor LUCY, Ethnological museum to see the different tribes culture, Merkato the biggest open Market in Africa, Museum. Then attend farewell dinner in the famous Ethiopian traditional restaurant at Habesha 2000 with live music and delicious meal, you will be transfer to Bole International airport for the night flight that depart at after mid night and it will be the end of the tour.

END OF SERVICE.

TOTAL COST

COST PER PERSON: - 4WD Cars used
• 2 PAX = Euro 2,343 per person. - Two 2014 model
• 4 PAX = Euro 2,025 per person. - Two 2014 model
• 6 PAX = Euro 1,553 per person. - Three 2014 model
• 8 PAX = Euro 1,360 per person. - Three 2014 model
• SRS= EU 80

DAY 1: ADDIS ABABA ARRIVAL

Be welcomed by your guide on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Air Port, and transfer-in to hotel. Later you will have the city tour of Addis Ababa includes the national museum (where you can see the Lucy fossil skeleton) found) the ethnological museum, Trinity cathedral church, Entoto hills and Merkato the largest open air market in Africa.
Overnight – Jupiter International or other Similar 4* Hotel

DAY 2: DRIVE TO LANGANO VISITING TIYA AND ADADI MARIAM

Drive from Addis to Langano: En route visit Melka Kunture, which lies near the Awash River Gorge 50 km south of the capital and is one of the most important Neolithic sites in Ethiopia. Hand axes and various other implements have been found here.
About 5 km further on the Butajira Road, is the rock hewn church of Adadi Mariam, contemporaneous with those of Lalibela. In fact local tradition ascribes it to King Lalibela who is said to have had it built on his visit to Mount Zuqwala in 1106. Damaged during the wars with Ahmed Gragn in the 16th century, it fell into disuse and was only reopened in the time of Menelik II. It is today in regular use.
Next stop is at Tiya, where we can see the northernmost example of a peculiar type of engraved, standing stelae which stretch across parts of southern Ethiopia. These stelae are believed to have been erected between the 12th and 14th centuries and are almost certainly grave markers. Recent excavations at Tiya have revealed the remains of young people of both sexes, aged between 18 -30 and buried in fetal positions.
Tiya is classified as a World Heritage Site. This is a drive through the Rift Valley going south towards Kenya.
Overnight at Sabanna Lodge or similar

DAY 3: DRIVE TO ARBAMINCH

Drive 300 km south to Arba Minch, visiting the tribal people of Alaba who are noted for their beautifully painted houses, Wolita, known for their cultivation of Enset or False Banana, who are renowned for their huge huts and colorful cotton clothes, en route.
Proceed through villages and admiring spectacular green hills, to Arbaminch, in Amharic 40 springs.
O/N – Paradise Lodge or similar

DAY 4: ARBAMINCH

Morning drive: visit the Dorze tribe, famed for their beehive-shaped houses and their weaving skills. Weaving is a primary profession for many Dorze. They are also farmers, who prevent soil erosion by ingenious terracing of the mountainsides. Around their huts they have their own little garden with vegetables, spices, tobacco and enset (false-banana or musa ensete). After lunch make a boat trip on Lake Chamo where we will see crocodiles sunbathing and hippos seeking the shade of the water. Birdlife is abundant and you will see a good assortment of birds including; weavers, sunbirds, waxbills and colonies of pelicans.
O/N – Paradise Lodge or similar

DAY 5: DRIVE TO JINKA

We continue our experience with tribal life with a visit to the Konso. A pagan society, the Konso erect eerie wooden totems replete with phallic symbols over the graves of the dead and have numerous cults based around the breeding and veneration of serpents. The cornerstone of Konso culture, however, is a highly specialized and successful agricultural economy that, through terracing buttressed with stone, enable these people to extract a productive living from the none-too-fertile hills and valleys that surround them. An excellent day to meet the people, take photographs with them and learn of a culture that has had very little outside influence. Further along the route visit the Tsemay village. Continue driving down to the south to the small town of Key Afer. Stop at this little town and visit the Key Afer Tribal Market held on Thursdays.
O/N – Jinka Resort Hotel or similar.

DAY 6: JINKA(EXCURSION TO MURSI TRIBE)

Morning excursion to the Mago National Park, the Mago National Park is located on the eastern bank of the Omo River and ranges in altitude from 450 to 2,528 meters above sea level. We tour the park to view wild life and then continue on to a Mursi village to visit and appreciate the very attractive culture of Mursi tribe. They are renowned for the strange custom followed by their women who, on reaching maturity, have their lower lips slit and circular clay discs inserted. Later this afternoon after lunch drive to Tumri. Along the way we pass through a vast meadowland with shrubs and “umbrella” acacia trees. Turmi,which is the base to visit the Hamer village. Hamers have remarkable hairstyles made from ochre, water, and binding resin. They rub the mixture into their hair then twist the strands repeatedly to create Coppery-colored locks. This is a sign of wealth and welfare. Hamers are considered to be masters of body decoration.
O/N – Buska Lodge or similar

DAY 7: TURMI

Turmi is well known for its Monday market. If we arrive on a Monday we visit the colorful markets of the Hammer, Karo and Dassanech tribes respectively. Turmi is our base as we explore the region and to meet the different tribes who live a life of their own. This day we drive towards the Murulle area. Murile Murile (also spelled Muelle and Murli) lies on the banks of the Omo River, and is a popular base for exploring what is essentially a rugged area.
There is a fair amount of wildlife in the area, and a good chance of seeing some form of antelope and possibly raptors overhead. The two main tribes who live in the area are the Karo and the Hamer, both of whom practice scarification and have elaborate hairstyles. The Karo ethnic groups are experts in body painting, using clays and locally available vegetable pigments to trace fantastic patterns on their faces, chests, arms and legs.
These designs have no special symbolic significance but are created purely for fun and aesthetic effect, each artist vying to outdo his fellows. Karo men also sculpt and shave their hair into extravagant shapes, with special ochre "caps" of hair usually containing several ostrich feathers.
O/N – Buska Lodge or similar

DAY 8: DRIVE TO YABELLO

Drive to Yabello to visit the Singing Wells and Chew bet Crater Lake (80 km. south of Yabelo). Travel is through a semi-arid area, home to the Borena, a semi-nomadic tribe, and we can glimpse small flocks of camels with their Borena owners here and there. Their style of clothing is totally different than of the tribes of Omo Valley and the colourful dresses of the women resemble the semi-Arabic Harrar style. They survive in a dry area with their herds by digging very deep wells.
A kind of track leads to the water source and the men are standing in a long row, passing the buckets with water. They sing special songs during the job and that's why their wells are called: "singing wells". The 30 minute steep descend into Chew Bet (House of Salt) Crater Lake offers a splendid view. The Arebore people make their living extracting salt from the dark, muddy water of the lake.
O/N – Yabello Motel or similar

DAY 9: DRIVE TO AWASSA

Morning after breakfast drive to Awassa, En route visit the Tutu Fela Stelae Field, Tutu Fela is one of the most impressive archaeological sites out of the 50 or so fields known in the Gedea zone, the other site being Tututi. There are two styles of stelae: the phallic stelae thought to date from the 9th century and the anthropomorphic stelae, thought to date from the 12th century.
Tutu Fela has around 300 stelae of both styles (mostly anthropomorphic), whereas the Tututi stelae are mostly phallic and some standing up to 6m high. These obelisks are essentially grave stones and excavation has revealed artifacts ranging from iron and copper bracelets, to pottery, beads and tools, which were buried alongside the occupant, and this drive also passes through the famous coffee growing area of sidamo and yirgachefe.
O/N – South star hotel or other Similar

DAY 10: DRIVE ADDIS/DEPARTURE

This morning after breakfast visit the scenic morning Fish Market in Awassa where the fishermen sell their fresh Tilapia, Catfish, and Barbus and pelicans and storks compete for the leftovers. You can also spot Black and White Colombus monkeys around the Armora Gedele Fish Market compound.
We continue the drive to Addis stopping on the way in some of the rift valley lakes like ziway to spot a bird life. In the evening, before departure, have a farewell dinner party at one of the best traditional restaurants where you will see the folkloric dance of the different ethnic people of Ethiopia, and taste the variety of Ethiopian meals.
Then, be transferred to the airport for your departure.

END OF SERVICE.

Price for Omo Valley Cultural Safari;

COST PER PERSON: - 4WD Cars used
• 2 PAX = Euro 2,308 per person. - One 2014 model
• 3 PAX = Euro 2,107 per person. - One 2014 model
• 4 PAX = Euro 2,238 per person. - Two 2014 model
• 5 PAX = Euro 2,205 per person. - Two 2014 model
• 6 PAX = Euro 2,041 per person. - Two 2014 model
• SRS= EU 273

DAY 1

Early in the morning, depart on a flight for Bahir Dar. After arrival, 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 ZegePenninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and UraKidaneMehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake.
Overnight in Bahir Dar (resort or hotel).

DAY 2

After breakfast, continue north to Gondar. The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. After briefly settling in your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, RasGimb Palace Museum and the DebreBirhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia.
Overnight in Gondar (hotel).

DAY 3

Early morning flight to Axum. Upon arrival to Axum, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Today will be a full day visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezana’senscription, King Kaleb’s tomb, King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept.
Overnight in Axum (hotel).

DAY 4

Depart on a morning flight to Lalibela, the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. After lunch, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet MedhaneAlem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women).
Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).

DAY 5

In the morning, take a trip to visit the church of YimrehanneKristos. The most popular of the churches outside of Lalibela, this church is built with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern. After the visit, return to Lalibela for lunch and, in the afternoon, visit the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George.
Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).

DAY 6

In the morning, visit the nearby monastery of Na’akutoLa’ab, set on the side of a cliff. After the visit, proceed to the airport for the return flight back to Addis Ababa.

END OF SERVICE.

TOTAL COST

COST PER PERSON:
• 1 PAX = Euro 1,821 per person.

DAY 1

Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via DebreMarkos. On the way visit the Portuguese bridge, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. The gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m.
Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).

DAY 2

In the morning, 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 ZegePenninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and UraKidaneMehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area.
Finish the day with the sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).

DAY 3

After breakfast, continue north to Gondar. The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. After briefly settling in your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, RasGimb Palace Museum and the DebreBirhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia.
Overnight in Gondar (hotel).

DAY 4

Today is an early morning departure to Sankober in the Simien Mountains. From here you will go for an easy hike to the Geech Abyss, where you will see a large waterfall where the Jinbar River plunges into the abyss. This area is also a great place for viewing the endemic gelada baboon, also known as the ‘bleeding heart baboon’ due to the red patch of skin on its chest.
Overnight in the Simien Mountains (lodge) or in Debark (hotel).

DAY 5

After breakfast, depart north for Axum, enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains. After stopping for lunch in AdiArkay, proceed driving through the dramatic Tekeze Valley, offering some of the best landscapes in the country. Proceed to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant.
Overnight in Axum (hotel).

DAY 6

Today will be a full day visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezana’senscription, King Kaleb’s tomb, King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept.
Overnight in Axum (hotel).

DAY 7

After breakfast, drive to visit the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum. Afterwards, visit the DebreDamo monastery, where the men (sorry! No women allowed.) must climb up a 15-m rope to enter. Proceed through the state of Tigray, stopping en-route for a visit to the rock-hewn church of MedhaneAlemAdiKesho.
Overnight in Hawsein (hotel or lodge).

DAY 8

In the morning, visit either AbunaYemataGuh or Maryam Korkor. Both churches involve an approximate one-hour hike but offer commanding views of the surrounding area. After lunch, continue your visit with the more easily-accessible churches of AbrehaweAtsbeha and Chirkos.
Afterwards, proceed driving to Mekele for overnight (hotel).

DAY 9

Early in the morning, embark on a full day of driving to Lalibela. Here you will pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people. Proceed through this rural area for the stunning approach to the home of Ethiopia’s most prized destination – Lalibela.
Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).

DAY 10

In the morning, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet MedhaneAlem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos.
Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George.
Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).

DAY 11

After breakfast, visit the nearby monastery of Na’akutoLa’ab, set on the side of a cliff. After the visit, proceed driving to Kombolcha via Woldia. On the way you will stop for a rest in Hayk where you can enjoy the views of this stunning lake, visit the local monastery (open for men only) and enjoy the birdlife.
Overnight in Kombolcha (hotel).

DAY 12

Return driving to Addis via DebreBirhan. On the way you pass the Mezezo Escarpment, with a good chance to see the endemic gelada baboons. If today is a Sunday, you can stop in the town of Senbete to visit the lively market including the interesting camel market.

END OF SERVICE.

TOTAL COST

COST PER PERSON:
• 1 PAX = Euro 3,491 per person.
• 2 PAX = Euro 6,398 per person.

DAY 1

Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via DebreMarkos. On the way visit the Portuguese bridge, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. The gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m.
Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).

DAY 2

In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the island monasteries, such as those on the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gabriel (not allowed for women), and the source of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake.
Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).

DAY 3

After breakfast, continue north to Gondar. The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. After briefly settling in your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, and the DebreBirhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia.
Overnight in Gondar (hotel).

DAY 4

In the morning, proceed driving to Lalibela via Woreta, passing through Amhara state. You will have stunning views of the Guna Mountains as you travel through this dramatic landscape.
Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).

DAY 5

In the morning, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet MedhaneAlem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George.
Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).

DAY 6

Early in the morning, drive to Kombolcha via Woldia, on the way visiting the lake in the town of Hayk, where you can visit the local monastery and enjoy the birdlife.
Overnight in Kombolcha (hotel).

DAY 7

Return driving to Addis via DebreBirhan. On the way you pass the Mezezo Escarpment, with a good chance to see the endemic gelada baboons. If today is a Sunday, you can stop in the town of Senbete to visit the lively market including the interesting camel market.

END OF SERVICE.

TOTAL COST

COST PER PERSON:
• 1 PAX = Euro 2,312 per person.
• 2 PAX = Euro 4,047 per person.

• BOOK YOUR SAFARI

DAY 1

Depart east from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park. In the evening you will have a chance to do a short game drive to see the local wildlife, such as oryx, baboons, greater and lesser kudu, warthogs, gazelles, colubus monkeys. Additionally, you’d be very lucky to see leopards, lions, and other cats. The landscapes in the park are beautiful, looking over the Awash Gorge. Today you can drive deep into the park, near the hot springs.
Overnight in Awash National Park (lodge or camping).

DAY 2

Early morning, take a drive in the park to witness the park as it comes alive. Afterwards, depart from Awash, returning to Addis Ababa. On the way you can stop in Sodere to take a shower in the therapeutic hot springs waters/

END OF SERVICE.

TOTAL COST

COST PER PERSON:
• 1 PAX = Euro 463 per person.

• BOOK YOUR SAFARI

DAY 1

Early morning, transfer to airport for flight to Dire Dawa. In Dire Dawa, you will be met at the airport and will transfer to Harar. From Harar, take a drive to Babile and the Valley of Marvels. The Valley of Marvels has wonderful landscapes, famous for its balancing rock formations. Additionally, the town of Babile has a very large market on Saturdays and a camel market on Mondays and Thursdays. After the visit, time permitting you may visit Koremi, a village made of stone houses set on top of a plateau.
wards, return to Harar for overnight at (hotel or guesthouse).

DAY 2

Today is a full day discovering the treasures hidden in the narrow alleyways of the walled city of Harar, with its colorful markets, countless mosques and shrines and unique Harari people and homes. Sites to visit include: the House of Rimbaud, RasTafari’s House, RasMekonnen’s Palace, the Harari National Cultural Center, and the tomb of Emir Nur, who built the famous Jugol, as the wall is known locally. At night you will visit the hyena man, who feeds the hyenas every night just outside the walls of the city. This tradition was started long ago to prevent these wild hyenas from hunting for food in the town. Guests are welcome, and encouraged, to feed the hyenas themselves.
Overnight in Harar (hotel or guesthosue).

DAY 3

In the morning, visit the last places of interest in Harar. After lunch, depart to Dire Dawa. You will have a brief visit to the lively market at Kefira before transferring to the airport for return flight to Addis.

END OF SERVICE.

TOTAL COST

COST PER PERSON:
• 1 PAX = Euro 917 per person.

• BOOK YOUR SAFARI