Highlights Of Ethiopia:Historic Route & Omo Valley
This Ethiopia Tour features the historical, cultural and natural attractions of the northern and southern region of Ethiopia. Fascinating cultures and friendly locals ensure an unforgettable experience.
Overall operator rating 10.0/10 from 5 trip reviews
Our unique relationship with our tour operators ensures only people who have participated in a trip after making an enquiry for it at The Africa Guide can leave a review.
The email we send you when you make an enquiry has full instructions for registering a booking and leaving a review - both are free services.
Feel free to read through the reviews for any trip you like the look of.
Trips with no reviews are usually new to the The Africa Guide but are normally operated by a tour operator who is established here. Most tour operators listing here will usually have gained reviews about other trips they have listed here.
Thanks for visiting, happy travels and don't forget to send us your reviews...
)ur Timkat tour was wonderful. Our dedicated driver, Abdi, and guide, Measho, took very good care of us throughout our 14-day excursion and their combined knowledge of their country and customs (Abdi is a Moslem and Measho is an Orthodox Christian) gave us a fascinating insight to ancient and modern Ethiopia. Mr. Abebe was reachable by cell phone throughout our trip and dealt swiftly and efficiently with the few glitches we encountered en route. We felt throughout that we were in safe hands.
Our overall impression of Ethiopia is that it is a very old country and very rich in culture and history. This was why we chose to travel there in the first place and we were not disappointed! We were also amazed by the beauty of the landscape – always dramatic! – and we often wondered why the “outside world” knows so little about this country and still only associates it with famine, deserts and war. The Ethiopian government and the nascent tourism industry need to do more together to promote the more positive aspects of Ethiopia via the international media. The road network in Ethiopia is being almost entirely rebuilt by the Chinese. This is a good thing as many of the roads are in a poor state of repair and for an itinerary like ours – which took us some 2000 kms around the country – can be a bit bone-shaking... Some of the hotels we stayed in need to improve their housekeeping and service standards – that is if they sincerely wish to attract upmarket, international tourists. One gets the impression that many of the hotels in Ethiopia are/were para-statal operations – poorly managed and maintained. Some have now apparently been bought over by private investors who, one hopes will inject new ideas, new standards of service and a better attitude towards customers along with new capital investment and facilities. By far the nicest hotel we stayed in en route was The Tukul in Lalibela which combines local architecture with overseas know-how – a winning combination!
What a great trip we had! . I was very pleased with the services provided. I had many questions for Abebe, and we had many emails back and forth before we arrived. Abebe answered our questions quickly and clearly.
We toured the northern part of Ethiopia, including Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela and Axum, and the southern part of Ethiopia including visits to the Arba Minch, Jinka, Turmi and Yabello. The sites we saw and the people we met were amazing.
Ethiopia is one of the most interesting countries we have visited, and we have done quite a bit of travelling over the years. Abebe and his guides and drivers were all very good at identifying the birds of Ethiopia as well, and they turned me into an avid birdwatcher!
In all our touring, Abebe ensured that we were well looked after. Our hotels were all very comfortable, our guides were very knowledgeable and fun to travel with, and our drivers drove carefully and safely. We became fans of the national dish, injera, and of course we love buna, Ethiopian coffee. We were also happy to discover that Ethiopia has delicious pasta as well!
We were 110% satisfied with our tour, and would recommend Ethiopia and this operator for anyone interested in African travel.
Five Canadians had the pleasure of taking a Nature Tour through Ethiopia organized very successfully through the operator.
Our success in seeing most of the endemic birds and mammals of Ethiopia was due mostly to the leadership of our guide and the well thought out itinerary that optimized our chances.
The drivers were excellent and patient with our demanding requests.The people, culture, history and scenery of Ethiopia are quite amazing. The memories from this trip will linger with us fo a long while.
Personally, I shall try to return to Ethiopia with another group in the future and I would recommend this tour operator to anyone that wants to see Ethiopia's fascinating Nature or Culture.
my daughter and i had an amazing and interesting time in Ethiopia, thanks to Abebe.
He took very good care of us and was a very interesting and informative guide. He was also very knowledgeable about bird-life, which is important to me and is one of ethiopias finest points. I thought Abebe was very responsible and I thought we were very lucky to have found him.
Our trip was quite varied, from cultural sites to hiking in the Simien mts. and ending w a visit to a religious festivals, and he was good humored and altogether excellent throughout.
Thank you for your web-site.
Itinerary
ITINERARY
Departure Day: Daily Guaranteed Departure with 2 participants minimum
Ethiopia has old, fascinating history, and is home to many diverse colorful cultures. In the northern part of this tour you will experience ancient monasteries, Castles, rock-hewn churches, Steles and Ethiopia’s magnificent natural beauty. The second part of the program is a cultural tour for visiting the people in the Southern Omo Valley. This adventure takes you on a cultural high, exploring some of the most remote areas of Ethiopia where some of the most colorful and beautiful tribes of the world live. The Mursi, with their decorative lip plates, the Hamer in their amazing hair decorations, the Ari, the Bena and several other tribes are covered on this trip.
Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa, city tour of Addis Ababa WELCOME TO ETHIOPIA. On arrival we will be met in Addis Ababa at Bole International Airport and transfers to Jupiter International Hotel. An overview of the program and itineraries will be given. The rest of the day visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis. Overnight Jupiter International Hotel
Day 2: Fly Bahir Dar. Morning, Blue Nile Falls afternoon Boat trip After breakfast fly to Bahar Dar. After check into the Hotel and refreshment, we take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient monasteries. We will visit two of the most accessible and representative of the monasteries, still serving their original function, Ura Kidane Mehret, and Azwa Maryam. In the afternoon visit to the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or 'Smoke of Fire’. Overnight Tana or Papyrus Hotel
Day 3: Drive Gondar Tour of Gondar We experience typically in an Ethiopian African landscape as we drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar- 180 kms over wide grazing land, hilly mountains with numerous farmlands. The rest of the day visit attractions in Gondar. The attractions that you visit in Gondar includes: Castles of Gondar- are included in the World Heritage List, the royal Fasiledes Bath and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals. Overnight Goha or Foger Hotel
Day 4 Fly Axum After breakfast fly to Axum. The ancient city of Aksum is found close to Ethiopia's northern border. It marks the location of the heart of ancient Ethiopia, when the Kingdom of Aksum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. After check in to Remehay hotel, sightseeing tour of Axum that includes: St. Mary church where the original Arc of the covenant housed in, Archeological Museum, Stelaes, tombs, and palace. Overnight Remehay Hotel
Day 5: Fly Lalibela We take a short flight to Lalibela then drive 23kms to the town where all the 11 monolithic Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela are situated. Then after visit the churches lie in rock cradles one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Mika'el, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel and Bet Medhane Alem. Bet Medhane Alem, the largest one, is built like a Greek Temple and its stone floor is so polished by the countless numbers of visitors that it reflects shafts of light from apertures in the walls high above. Overnight Mountain View or Jerusalem
Day 6: Fly to Addis Ababa After breakfast you will check in to the Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. The remainder of day is at leisure for your own program. Overnight Jupiter International Hotel
Day 7: Drive Arba Minch Drive to Arba Minch via Wolayta Sodo, about 505 km south of Addis Ababa. This drive will take us along some of the Rift Valley Lakes and we will stop shortly at Lake Ziway, best known for its birdlife. We will also drive through the Wolayta farmlands, with views of the lush green hills and valleys. You arrive late in the afternoon at Arba Minch - meaning 'Forty Springs' in Amharic. Arba Minch takes its name from the bubbling streams that cover the groundwater forest occupying the flats of the town. Overnight Bekele Molla or similar hotel
Day 8: Drive Jinka: If the day is Thursday, Key Afer Market can be visited en route. After break fast drive to Konso where colorfully costumed dress, impressive terracing of the Land and unusually engraved wooden statues used as grave markers can be seen. Further along the route visit the Woito people live in the area around Woito River and Tsemay village. Continue driving to Jinka for overnight in Jinka Resort or similar Hotel.
Day 9: Jinka- Mursi- Jinka After breakfast leave Jinka and drive to 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. Proceed to Mago National Park. After a picnic lunch in the late afternoon drive back to Jinka. Overnight Jinka Resort or similar Hotel
Day 10: Jinka – Turmi After breakfast drive to Turmi through Dimeka for the visit of Hamer people and their village. Turmi is a small town, 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. Overnight camping at Turmi campsite/ local hotel
Day 11: Drive to Arba Minch Drive back to Arba Minch: on the way visit the Cushitic speaking Arbore people and their villages. The Abore people adorn themselves with beads and aluminium jewellery. Overnight Bekele Molla or similar hotel
Day 12: Visit Doze village and then drive to Lake Langano After breakfast visit the Dorze tribe and their village, famed for their bee hive 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).Then after we drive to Lake Langano and Bekele Molla Hotel. The soft brown waters of Langano are set against the blue backdrop of the Arsi Mountains which soar to 4000m. Over 150 species of birds have been recorded here. Overnight at Lake Langano at Bekele Molla Hotel.
Day 13: Lake Langano - Addis Ababa Then Departure Drive back to Addis Ababa through the Great Rift Valley. In the Evening a fare well diner party in one of the Traditional Ethiopian restaurant with dances from the different ethnic Groups. Transfer out to the airport for departure back to home.
PRICE
Price per person based on 2 persons traveling = US $ 2860.
The above price doesn’t include the cost of the domestic flight for the Sector - Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar - Gondar – Axum - Axum - Lalibela - Lalibela - Addis Ababa
The current cost for the domestic flight is US $ 570 per person.
DISCOUNTED GROUP COST From 4 - 5 Participants = per person US $ 2500. From 6 - 7 Participants = per person US $ 2300. The current cost for the domestic flight is US $ 570 per person. Single room supplement = US $ 360.
AVAILABLE GROUP TOUR DEPARTURES From 26 September 2009 - 8 October 2009 From 10 - 22 October 2009 From 7 - 19 November 2009 From 19 - 31 December 20089 From 2 - 14 January 2010
Price includes: •Meet and greet at airport •All accommodation based on twin room occupancy •Meals in Addis, on bed & breakfast basis •Meals out of Addis, on full board basis •All entrance fees at sites, churches, parks and villages. •All transfers and visits in Addis Ababa using mini-bus according to the itinerary. •All Ground transportation including insurance, fuel and all costs of the driver. •Guide service. •Local Guide and scout fees in parks and villages •Boat trip on Lake Tana to visit two monasteries and churches on the islands of Lake Tana •Farewell dinner in Addis to enjoy traditional Ethiopian food & Music; transfer & guide •A traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at a convenient time in the program •Government taxes
Price doesn’t include •International flights •Domestic Flights •Lunch and Dinner in Addis Ababa •Any kind of drinks including local non-alcoholic beverage and alcoholic drinks •Video filming and photography fees •Incidental meals, snacks and drinks •Tips and items of personal nature like laundry, souvenirs, etc •All what is not included in the list above
