Destinations
Experience the Great Outdoors Like Never Before.
Day 1
On arrival Addis Ababa GLT representative will meet you at Bole international Airport and you will visit the diplomatic capital of Africa, headquarters of the Africa union starting from Holy Trinity Cathedral(The church is constructed in 1955 for the 29 years anniversary of Emperor Haileselassie and painted richly with remarkable biblical and other saint’s story), National museum (home of Lucy hominid skeleton dating back to 3.2 million years) .In the afternoon after lunch you will visit Ethnological museum, which was the former palace of Haile Selassie then proceed to Mountain Entoto for panoramic view of Addis Ababa. Overnight hotel
Day 2
Morning drive back to Ankober via Debre Birhan, another former imperial capital to visit Menelik the II Palace and walk to explore the Bird &wild life watching from marvelous views over the escarpment of Anokober Overnight hotel
Day 3
Morning drive back to Debre Birhan and continue to Dessie, 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. Overnight hotel
Day 4
Make a day excursion to the fascinating Gishen Mariam church. The views are unique, with the church situated in a valley with the shape of a cross. Legend says a piece of the True Cross is deposited here. The True Cross is the name for physical remnants which, by a Christian tradition are believed to be from the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. According to post-Nicene historians such as Socrates Scholastic, the Empress Helena, Mother of Constantine, the first Christian Emperor of Rome, traveled to the Holy Land in 326-28, founding churches and establishing relief agencies for the poor. Historians Gelasius of Caesarea and Rufinus claimed that she discovered the hiding place of three crosses that were believed to be used at the crucifixion of Jesus and of two thieves, St.Dismas and Gestasexcutedith him and that a miracle revealed which of the three was the True Cross. Overnight Dessie hotel ps: You need 6-7 hrs walking.
Day 5
After breakfast drive to Lalibela through the Ethiopian dramatic landscap. Enroute visit the 13th century of Hayk to visit the 13th century Monastery of Hayk Istifanos, Overnight hotel
Day 6
Full day to discover the treasures of Lalibela; Your first visit will be to the eleven Rock-hewn Monolithic (carved from a single rock) Churches of Lalibela, The first group of Lalibela Churches includes: BeteMedhanialem, Bete Mariam, BeteMeskel, BeteDenagl and Bete Golgotha Michal, the second group of LalibelaChurches that includes: BeteGebral, BeteMerquros, BeteEmanule, Betelehiam, Bete Aba Libanos and the spectacular cross-shaped St. George Church. Overnight hotel
Day 7
In the morning, proceed driving to Bahir Dar, passing through Amhara state. You will have stunning views of the Guna Mountains as you travel through this dramatic landscape. Overnight hotel
Day 8
Morning after breakfast 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 Zege Peninsula 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 Nill falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake. Overnight hotel
This Is One Of The Historic Route And Danakil ( Afar) 16 Days.
Fabulous scenery and rich heritage: Africa’s most fascinating and varied country.
Mysterious, deeply traditional and breathtakingly beautiful, Ethiopia is unlike any other country in Africa. Its location at the confluence of civilisations and important trade routes means it developed a rich history and heritage still strongly felt today. This ancient culture is framed within the rugged beauty of some of the finest mountain scenery in Africa. Discover monasteries, castles, mountains and rock-hewn churches on this short yet comprehensive trip. This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirement
Walk to the top of Tississat Falls, the Water that Smokes.
Axum – Obelisks, temples and palaces in the final resting place of the Ark of Covenant.
- Visit Gondar’s castles and Axum’s stelae
- Discover Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches
- Admire the splendour of the Simien Mountains
- itinerary
- duration 16 Days
Day 9
This day after breakfast visit to the city classified as a World Heritage site. Gondar was the capital of the kingdom of Abyssinia under the reign of Emperor Fasil (Fasiledes) who built castles, churches and medieval style bathrooms in the 17th c. For 200 years it was the imperial residence and met both the relative greatness of the early emperors as the decline of their past. In the mid-nineteenth century the emperor Teodoros burned the city in retaliation for its people could not forgive that did not have royal blood. You will never again be the capital. Visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie, Ethiopia’s most famous and painted ceiling with cherubs. Overnight hotel
Day 10
After breakfast departure early to join the Simien National Park, one of the most spectacular mountain massifs of Africa, beautiful walk between Sankaber (3250 m) and the great waterfall of Jinbar. The path progresses along the immense escarpment, first in a slight climb before starting a descent down to the waterfall. Along the way, a magnificent view of the valley below and the surrounding peaks. Among the animal species endemic to these high plateaus, we can easily observe some colonies of geladas baboons … Overnight hotel
Day 11
Take a scenic drive to Axum, capital of the ancient Axumite Empire, today modest town yet with great history and memory. On the road you would enjoy one of the most beautiful scenes in the country. Frequent stops to appreciate viewpoints of Limalimo,Tekeze River Gorge, arrive in Axum late in the afternoon. Overnight hotel
Day 12
Morning after breakfast start 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. After visit continue to Wukro. Overnight hotel
Day 13
Morning drive through the historical town of Adwa, to the small town of Yeha to visit the 5th century B.C imposing ruins of Yeha’s temple. It was a large pre-Christian temple consisting of a single oblong chamber. The temple is believed to be the oldest standing building in the country. You will also visit the 6th century A.D church of Aba Afse –the church, sharing the same compound with the temple, is rectangular in shape. Continue driving to Wikro & visit Wikro Cherkos church, Overnight Hotel
Day 14
Drive to Ahmed Ale and visit Afar people and villages; meet the camel caravans coming from the cities back to Dallol and from Dallol with the salt to be sold in the cities of Tigray & neighboring regions; Overnight Camp Hamdela
Day 15
Drive to Dallol plains; some Afar villages, Visit Lake Asale the morning life of the people in the village and camel caravans. Overnight camping Ahmed Ale
Day 16
Drive to Erta Ale volcano; in Dodom
NORTH AND SOUTH
Addis Ababa
eginning of the tour in Addis Ababa. Morning free. Afternoon (1400 hrs from the hotel) tour of the capital: visit Entoto mountains with views over the capital, the National museum, St George church. ON (overnight) chosen hotel.
Addis Ababa Bahir Dar
Fly to Bahirdar, and transfer hotel for check-in. Morning drive to admire the Blue Nile falls. Lunch back to Bahirdar. Afternoon boat trip on lake Tana to admire the beautiful monasteries over the lake’s islands, as Ura Kidane Mehret and Mahal Zeghie Gyorgis. ON best available htl in Bahirdar
BahirDar – Gondar
Morning 2 hrs drive to Gondar. Then visit of castles and churches in Gondar: visit the castle’s compound, the Debre Birhan Sellasie church (light of Trinity) with wonderful murals, the King Fasiladas bath, the old Qusquam monastery, Empress Mentewab palace and more. ON best available htl Gondar.
Gondar – Semien Mountains
2 hrs drive to visit the Semien mountains. Then make walks, admiring spectacular views, spot some endemic mammals (as the gelada baboons), birds, very nice flora, and visit some Amhara people villages. ON Debark Sankaber 3* htl
Semien Mountains – Axum
Drive to Axum through spectacular views. Lunch box. Arrival afternoon Axum, visit the steles and drive to your hotel for rest and ON. ON best available htl Axum.
Axum
Tour of Axum: visit St Mary of Tsion church (where legend says is deposited the Ark of Covenant), the bath and the palace of Queen of Sheba, toms of kings, more archeological sites, and more. ON htl
Axum Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela, defined as the 8th wonder in the world, and afternoon visit the first group of the rock-hewn churches. Meals and ON in Lalibela Yemereha htl
Lalibela
Morning visit one of the churches out of the town. We propose an excursion by mules to the Asheten Mariam church, with spectacular views too. Or by car to the cave church of Naktuleab. Afternoon remaining churches in Lalibela.
Lalibela Addis Ababa
Fly to Addis Ababa. Relax and visit of the Ethnographic museum and the Merkato, biggest open air market in Africa. ON hotel.
Addis Ababa – Arbaminch
Drive to Arbaminch, admiring very green views, the Guraghe people and villages; as make some stops for the Wolayta people. Reach late afternoon to Arbaminch, to relax with spectacular sunset at the Swaynes hotel, with very spectacular views over Chamo & Abaya lakes. ON Swaynes hotel.
Arbaminch – Jinka
Drive to Jinka, admiring the Konso, Derase, Tsemay, Ari and Benna people. Make a stop to visit Konso people, which are famous for the terracing agriculture, way of life in the villages, traditions and more. ON Jinka in htl or camp (depend on availability)
Jinka Mago National Park
Enter into the Mago National park, admiring different mammals and birds on the way; and proceed to visit the Mursi people and villages. Here for beauty women use to put round plates into their lips. Lunch box; afternoon back Jinka. Visit the Jinka museum and walk to visit the town. ON in htl or camp
Mago National Park – Turmi
Drive to Turmi, admiring Thursday very colorful KeyAfer village market of the Tsemay and Erbore people. Proceed then to visit the Hamer people. If lucky evening see one of their dances, the Evangadi. ON Turmi Evangadi lodge (bungalows or camping- pls pass us your choice asap to check availibility)
Turmi – Karo – Turmi
Drive to visit the Karo people, for their very interesting decoration and scarification all over their body; and very nice views over Omo river from Kortcho village. Back afternoon to the very interesting Hamer people and visit their villages. With luck we’ll try also to participate to their marriage ceremonies, with the bull jumping & more. ON Turmi
Arbaminch
Proceed to Arbaminch, admiring on the way the very colorful Hamer, Karo and Dassanech people market at Dimeka village. Lunch box. Reach late afternoon Arbaminch. ON Swaynes htl.
Chencha – Chamo Lake – Arbaminch
Morning drive to Chencha, for the Dorze people, with their unique culture, houses, and traditions. Afternoon boat trip on lake Chamo, for the biggest crocodiles in Africa, lot of hippos, birds, and very nice sunset. ON Swaynes hotel
Netch Sar park – Langano
Morning visit the Netch Sar National park, sanctuary of endemic Swaynes Hartbeest, numerous zebras, and wonderful views over Chamo & Abaya lakes. Then proceed to Langano, to reach late afternoon to relax with a very nice sunset at the Wenney eco-lodge, secluded in a natural paradise at shore of lake Langano and near to Munessa forest. Possibility of trekking, bird-watching, horse-riding, boat excursion, cycling, and more.
Langano – Addis Ababa
Morning relax and make any of the above mentioned activities, at Langano. Lunch. Afternoon drive back to Addis. Evening traditional dinner with folkloristic dances. Evening or next day departure [we suggest extension to another tour in Ethiopia.
DANAKIL DEPRESSION AND AFAR PEOPLE
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa. Transfer to the chosen hotel. Have a free morning. Afternoon (1400 hrs from the hotel) tour of the capital: visit Entoto mountain with views over the capital, the National & the Ethnographic museums, St George church and the Mercato, biggest open air market in Africa. Meals free. ON hotel. (If the arrival is 1 day before, pls inform us. And add the overnight cost on the quotation)
Day 2
Drive to Kombolcha. Being Sunday admire on route the very colorful Afar and Oromo people market at Senbete village. Lunch on the way; dinner and ON hotel.
Day 3
Drive to admire the very colorful Monday’s Afar and Oromo people market at Bati village. Is the most colorful market of northern Ethiopia and is amazing to see all these camel caravans at ones; and the interaction among the residents and Afar people. Proceed then to Semera, where we take the permits for the Danakil. Drive further a few hours to reach lake Afrera. Proceed then to the hot springs. Lunch on the way; dinner & ON camping (if too windy or full at the hot springs, camp at a hotel in town or use one of the local open air hotels)
Day 4
Proceed admiring some Afar people villages, camels, the Afar people way of life and more. Cross also very nice different views, including rocky mountains as dunes, green areas and more. Reach for the afternoon Dodom, at the bottom of the active ErTale volcano. Here we organize the camels for the materials and trek from around 1700 hrs till around 2100 hrs to ErTale volcano. Then enjoy amazing views, admiring the volcano at its splendor, and the lava at the volcano rim: is spectacular! Lunch on the way; dinner & ON in local huts on the volcano rim.
Day 5
. Early morning have a last glance of the volcano and then walk back to Dodom. Proceed your drive then to an Afar people village (Emegubi village) for some very interesting experiences, admiring their culture and way of life, how they extract the local wine from the palm trees and more. Reach Ahmedale late afternoon. Lunch on the way; dinner and ON camping at AhmedAle.
Day 6
Full day to visit the Dalol natural wonder, spectacular colors of nature, and the Afar men extracting salt. Have your lunch on route; back to AhmedAle for dinner and ON camping
Day 7
Full day to visit the Dalol natural wonder, spectacular colors of nature, and the Afar men extracting salt. Have your lunch on route; back to AhmedAle for dinner and ON camping
Day 8
Full day dedicated for the visit of the Tigray churches. Visit Micael Imba, Debre Selam Atsbi and Micael Barka churches. Or Abreha Atsbeha, Degum Selassie and TecleHaimanot Hawsen. Lunch on the way. Dinner at a traditional restaurant in town. ON hotel in Mekele
Day 9
Fly back Addis. Afternoon free in Addis. Lunch free in Addis. Dinner with folkloristic dances in a traditional restaurant. After dinner transfer to the airport for departure (or if the flight is next day, have an overnight in Addis Ababa. The next day you’ll be picked up from your hotel 3 hrs before your flight and transferred at the airport.
PEOPLE OF THE NORTH WEST
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa. Transfer to the chosen hotel. Have a free morning. Afternoon (1400 hrs from the hotel) tour of the capital: visit Entoto mountain with views over the capital, the National & the Ethnographic museums, St George church and the Mercato, biggest open air market in Africa. Meals free. ON hotel.
Day 2
Leave your hotel at 0700 am & drive north, admiring spectacular views and crossing the Blue Nile river gorge. Continue to Kossober to visit the Gojam and Agew people Saturday’s market. Then proceed to Chagni and Mandura to Zengena lake. Lunch on the way; dinner & ON camping near to Zengena lake
Day 3
Drive to Dahans Baguna village to admire a Gumze & Agew people market. Then proceed to a traditional Agew people village. Reach then the Blue Nile. Lunch on the way; dinner & ON camping at Shinashia, next to a Agew people village.
Day 4
Visit the palace of Dej Asmach Jemal, built during Emperor Menelik reign. Reach Janga where you can admire the Blue Nile. Proceed then to Sherkole, where you can admire the Berta people, traditional gold miners. Proceed then to Asosa town. Lunch on the way; dinner & ON camping or local hotel at Asosa
Day 5
Drive to Fametsere, where under a volcanic mountain (which they call the gold mountain and have many traditional believes) the Berta people extract gold. Lunch on the way; dinner & ON camping or local hotel at Asosa
Day 6
Drive to Bambasi & Ye’amsera villages of the Mao and Komo people. The Mao & Komo are semi-nomadic people with scarification all over their body & different traditions. The Mao men have scarification in the face & chest, while female on the belly. The Komo on the front & face, while female on the belly. Proceed to the Ganzo people village. The Ganzo are the 81st tribe, just registered few years ago. Are totally 150 members. Have scarification over their body, mainly the men in the face & chest; while female in the belly, arms & back. They hunt (warthog, alligators, monkeys, etc) and in the evening they dine and dance in the village On our return to Asosa visit also a mosque, built in 1952, where in July (Arabian calendar on Mirage 27) there is a famous pilgrimage. Lunch on the way; dinner & ON camping or local hotel at Asosa
Day 7
Drive to Dembibdollo and proceed to Gambela. Here at bank of Baro river leave the Nuer and Anuak people.Visit their villages. Lunch on the way; dinner & ON hotel in Gambela
Day 8
Day dedicated for the Nuer and Anuak people. Lunch on the way; dinner & ON hotel in Gambela
Day 9
Drive to Wonchi lake, for very nice views. Lunch on the way; dinner & ON hotel in Ambo town
Day 10
Morning make walks or horse-riding down to the lake, boat excursion and have walks with spectacular views. Then drive back to Addis to reach late afternoon. Lunch on the way. Dinner traditional restaurant with folkloristic dances. After dinner transfer to the airport for departure (or if the flight is next day, have an overnight in Addis Ababa. The next day you’ll be picked up from your hotel 3 hrs before your flight and transferred at the airport.
Day 1
On arrival Addis Ababa GLT representative will meet you at Bole international Airport and you will visit the diplomatic capital of Africa, headquarters of the Africa union starting from Holy Trinity Cathedral(The church is constructed in 1955 for the 29 years anniversary of Emperor Haileselassie and painted richly with remarkable biblical and other saint’s story), National museum (home of Lucy hominid skeleton dating back to 3.2 million years) .In the afternoon after lunch you will visit Ethnological museum, which was the former palace of Haile Selassie then proceed to Mountain Entoto for panoramic view of Addis Ababa. Overnight hotel
Day 2
Morning drive back to Ankober via Debre Birhan, another former imperial capital to visit Menelik the II Palace and walk to explore the Bird &wild life watching from marvelous views over the escarpment of Anokober Overnight hotel
Day 3
Morning drive back to Debre Birhan and continue to Dessie, 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. Overnight hotel
Day 4
Make a day excursion to the fascinating Gishen Mariam church. The views are unique, with the church situated in a valley with the shape of a cross. Legend says a piece of the True Cross is deposited here. The True Cross is the name for physical remnants which, by a Christian tradition are believed to be from the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. According to post-Nicene historians such as Socrates Scholastic, the Empress Helena, Mother of Constantine, the first Christian Emperor of Rome, traveled to the Holy Land in 326-28, founding churches and establishing relief agencies for the poor. Historians Gelasius of Caesarea and Rufinus claimed that she discovered the hiding place of three crosses that were believed to be used at the crucifixion of Jesus and of two thieves, St.Dismas and Gestasexcutedith him and that a miracle revealed which of the three was the True Cross. Overnight Dessie hotel ps: You need 6-7 hrs walking.
Day 5
After breakfast drive to Lalibela through the Ethiopian dramatic landscap. Enroute visit the 13th century of Hayk to visit the 13th century Monastery of Hayk Istifanos, Overnight hotel
Day 6
Full day to discover the treasures of Lalibela; Your first visit will be to the eleven Rock-hewn Monolithic (carved from a single rock) Churches of Lalibela, The first group of Lalibela Churches includes: BeteMedhanialem, Bete Mariam, BeteMeskel, BeteDenagl and Bete Golgotha Michal, the second group of LalibelaChurches that includes: BeteGebral, BeteMerquros, BeteEmanule, Betelehiam, Bete Aba Libanos and the spectacular cross-shaped St. George Church. Overnight hotel
Day 7
In the morning, proceed driving to Bahir Dar, passing through Amhara state. You will have stunning views of the Guna Mountains as you travel through this dramatic landscape. Overnight hotel
Day 8
Morning after breakfast 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 Zege Peninsula 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 Nill falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake. Overnight hotel
This Is One Of The Historic Route And Danakil ( Afar) 18 Days
Fabulous scenery and rich heritage: Africa’s most fascinating and varied country
Mysterious, deeply traditional and breathtakingly beautiful, Ethiopia is unlike any other country in Africa. Its location at the confluence of civilisations and important trade routes means it developed a rich history and heritage still strongly felt today. This ancient culture is framed within the rugged beauty of some of the finest mountain scenery in Africa. Discover monasteries, castles, mountains and rock-hewn churches on this short yet comprehensive trip. This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirement
Walk to the top of Tississat Falls, the Water that Smokes.
Axum – Obelisks, temples and palaces in the final resting place of the Ark of Covenant.
- Visit Gondar’s castles and Axum’s stelae
- Discover Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches
- Admire the splendour of the Simien Mountains
- itinerary
- duration 18 Days
Day 9
This day after breakfast visit to the city classified as a World Heritage site. Gondar was the capital of the kingdom of Abyssinia under the reign of Emperor Fasil (Fasiledes) who built castles, churches and medieval style bathrooms in the 17th c. For 200 years it was the imperial residence and met both the relative greatness of the early emperors as the decline of their past. In the mid-nineteenth century the emperor Teodoros burned the city in retaliation for its people could not forgive that did not have royal blood. You will never again be the capital. Visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie, Ethiopia’s most famous and painted ceiling with cherubs. Overnight hotel
Day 10
After breakfast departure early to join the Simien National Park, one of the most spectacular mountain massifs of Africa, beautiful walk between Sankaber (3250 m) and the great waterfall of Jinbar. The path progresses along the immense escarpment, first in a slight climb before starting a descent down to the waterfall. Along the way, a magnificent view of the valley below and the surrounding peaks. Among the animal species endemic to these high plateaus, we can easily observe some colonies of geladas baboons … Overnight hotel
Day 11
Take a scenic drive to Axum, capital of the ancient Axumite Empire, today modest town yet with great history and memory. On the road you would enjoy one of the most beautiful scenes in the country. Frequent stops to appreciate viewpoints of Limalimo,Tekeze River Gorge, arrive in Axum late in the afternoon. Overnight hotel
Day 12
Morning after breakfast start 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. After visit continue to Wukro. Overnight hotel
Day 13
Morning drive through the historical town of Adwa, to the small town of Yeha to visit the 5th century B.C imposing ruins of Yeha’s temple. It was a large pre-Christian temple consisting of a single oblong chamber. The temple is believed to be the oldest standing building in the country. You will also visit the 6th century A.D church of Aba Afse –the church, sharing the same compound with the temple, is rectangular in shape. Continue driving to Wikro & visit Wikro Cherkos church, Overnight Hotel
Day 14
Drive to Ahmed Ale and visit Afar people and villages; meet the camel caravans coming from the cities back to Dallol and from Dallol with the salt to be sold in the cities of Tigray & neighboring regions; Overnight Camp Hamdela
Day 15
Drive to Dallol plains; some Afar villages, Visit Lake Asale the morning life of the people in the village and camel caravans. Overnight camping Ahmed Ale
Day 16
Drive to Erta Ale volcano; in Dodom
OMO VALLEY. SOUTH ETHIOPIA
Day 1
SAT. Arrival in Addis Ababa. Transfer to the chosen hotel. Have a free morning. Afternoon (1400 hrs from the hotel) tour of the capital: visit Entoto mountain with views over the capital, the National & the Ethnographic museums, St George church and the Mercato, biggest open air market in Africa. Meals free. ON (overnight) hotel.
Day 2
Leave your hotel around 0730 am & drive to Arbaminch (500 kms). On the way visit the Guraghe and Wolayta people villages and their culture. Admiring also very nice views on the way. Reach Arbaminch late in the afternoon. Lunch on the way. Dinner & ON at the Swaynes hotel, with spectacular views over Chamo & Abaya lakes.
Day 3
Morning drive to Chencha, for the Dorze people, with their unique houses and traditions. Visit the false banana cultivations, from which they extract their traditional bread (the Kotcho), the weaving works and more. Afternoon make a boat excursion on Chamo lake for crocodiles, hippos, birds and a fantastic sunset. Meals & ON Swaynes hotel.
Day 4
Leave your hotel around 07:00 am & drive to Jinka. See on the way the Konso, Derase, Tsemay, Ari and Benna people. Make a stop for the visit of a Konso people village, which are famous for the terracing agriculture, and have particular traditions. Lunch on the way; dinner & ON in a hotel in Jinka (choices are Tebekew or Resort)
Day 5
Drive to the Mago National park, admiring different mammals and birds. Proceed to visit the Mursi people and their villages. Here for beauty women use to put round plates into their lips. Afternoon drive to Jinka and visit the museum. Lunch on the way; dinner & ON in hotel in Jinka
Day 6
THU. Drive to Turmi. On the way admire Thursday’s KeyAfer village market of the Tsemay & Erbore people. Proceed to visit the Hamer people and villages. Lunch on the way; dinner & ON Turmi Evangadi lodge
Day 7
. Leave your hotel around 0730 am & drive to the Nyangatom people crossing the Omo river with small boats at Kangate. Walk to the villages. Then back to Kangate, meet the vehicles and drive about 1 hr to visit the Karo people, for their very interesting decoration and scarification all over their body. From Kortcho village you’ll enjoy also a spectacular view over the Omo river. Late afternoon drive back to Turmi, to visit the Hamer people and their villages + culture Lunch on the way; dinner & ON Turmi Evangadi lodge
Day 8
SAT. Drive to Dimeka village, to admire the colorful Hamer, Karo and Dassanech people market at Dimeka village. Ones the market is done, have a full day for the Hamer people. With luck we’ll try also to participate to the Hamer people marriage ceremonies, with the bull jumping. And in the evening visit the Evangadi dances Lunch on the way; dinner & ON Turmi Evangadi lodge
Day 9
Drive to Omorate, at bank of Omo river, to visit the Dassanech people and their villages. Here also very nice decoration, ornaments and scarification make these one of the other very interesting visit of the omo valley. Afternoon back to Turmi. Lunch on the way; dinner & ON Turmi Evangadi lodge
Day 10
Drive to the Erbore people and visit their villages and interesting culture. Then proceed to the Weyto river valley. Proceed to reach Arbaminch. Lunch on the way; dinner hotel
Day 11
Drive to the Rift Valley lake of Langano, visiting the Wolayta and Sidamo people. Late afternoon relax at Langano, with possibility walking in the nearby Munessa forest, bird-watching (this is inhabitant of 400 species of birds), spot mammals and monkeys as the culubus monkey, have the possibility to explore the area by horse-riding, and can have a relaxing swimming in the only bilharzias free lake. Lunch on the way. Dinner lodge
Day 12
WED. Drive back to Addis. Afternoon free for visiting souvenir shops and other. Lunch free. Dinner traditional restaurant with folkloristic dances in Addis. After dinner transfer airport for departure We also suggest extensions to the Historic route or Danakil depression or the Surma area or people of the north-west in
Ethiopia Somaliland Program
Day 1
Addis Ababa – Awash Arrival in Addis Collect Visa for Somaliland &drive to Awash Upon arrival you will be welcomed by Green Land Tour’s staff. After receiving your Visa to Somaliland you will start your drive to Awash. Awash is located in the central rift valley of Ethiopia. Named after one of the biggest river in the country this area is settled by the pastoral people of Kereyu and Afar. It also inhabits the first National Park of Ethiopia called Awash National Park; an afternoon game drive will reward you with spotting some of the wild mammals and avifauna of the country. The river passing through the park also makes a dramatic fall which is accessible to the spot where you can feel the mist of the water.
Day 2
Awash – Dire Dawa A self administrative town of Dire Dawa is founded following the construction of the trail ways which extends from Addis Ababa to Djibouti. This town as a result was once on top of trade and goods transporting business. Though that time passed, this town is still enjoyable for the harmonious style of living of Nations and Nationalities of the country. Few minutes before you reach Dire Dawa you will stop to visit Loga Oda an ancient archeological site admired for its old cave paintings which depicts the cultural heritage of the people who lived 7000 years before.
Day 3
Dire Dawa – Harar A morning drive to The Walled Town of Harar will take you through some colorful towns like Alamaya and Aweday. The town of Aweday is a spot where the best quality of ‘Chat’ a stimulating plant is produced and centralized for local and international markets. An afternoon visit of Harar will include a museum, cultural houses, the house of Arthur Ramous a one time famous French poet and the show of the hyena man.
Day 4
Harar – Togochale To escape the temperature which normally raises at this area an early morning start is advisable. You will drive admiring some of the amazing land escapes of Dakota hill at Babille and later the flatter stretches of the law land area.Togochale is where Ethiopian Emigration office is found so you will be expected to clarify your Visa to the Somali land. Then lately to Harghessa.
Day 5
Harghessa – Burao Minutes drive out of Hargeisa will take you to Laas Gaal caves. Famous for their rock art, the caves are located in a rural area on the outskirts of Hargeisa, and contain some of the earliest known cave paintings in the Horn of Africa and the African continent in general. Laas Gaal’s rock art is estimated to date back to somewhere between9000-8000 and 3000BCE.The rest of the day you will drive enjoying the scarcely populated part of the Somali land with camels grazing.
Day 6
Burao – Barbera This day you will drive North West of Burao to reach Berbera. What you will experience will be the nomadic life of the Somali people with their camels and goats grazing the desert shereb.
Day 7
Exploring Berbera for a day As to The British explorer Richard Burton Berberah is the true key of the Red Sea, the centre of East African traffic, and the only safe place for shipping upon the western Eritrean shore. Backed by lands capable of cultivation, and by hills covered with pine and other valuable trees, and enjoying a comparatively temperate climate Berbera is a seaport, with the only sheltered harbor on the south side of the Gulf of Aden.
Day 8
: Berbera – Hargessa Hargessa is the capital of the Somaliland with a population of approximately 1.3 million. It was the colonial capital of British Somaliland from 1941 to 1960 when it gained independence as the State of Somaliland and united with Italian Somaliland. Now this town is seen with the bad rewards of the unsettled situation in which the country stayed in.
Day 9
Hargessa – Jijiga Back to Jijiga through Togochalle. Jijiga is a place where you can compare and contrast the Ethiopian Somalia’s and Somaliland’s in respect to culture.
Day 10
Back to Addis Fly back to Addis. Remaining visits. Evening departure.