Historic Rout and Omo Valley Tour
North Ethiopia & Omo Valley
Duration
14 Days
Group Size
Max 12
Season
All Year
Difficulty
Flexible
About the trip
Journey from the historic walled citadel of Harar to the ancestral lands of the Omo Valley’s nomadic tribes. This 14-day expedition offers unparalleled access to Ethiopia's most diverse cultural landscapes, UNESCO heritage sites, and wild Rift Valley beauty.
Included
All Airport transfers using Van
Transport using a 4x4 vehicle or Van with fuel
Best available lodge/hotel accommodation with breakfast in twin room basis
English-speaking guide, accompanying in Omo valley and our local representative guides in other destinations
All entrance fees
All boat trip fees and scout fees
All taxes
Excluded
International flights
All domestic flights (estimated separately. Can be arranged)
Travel insurance
visa fees ($30)
Lunch and Dinner
Laundry
Tips
Itinerary
Arrival & Welcome to Addis
Morning/Afternoon: Transfer from Bole International Airport to your hotel. Optional drive around the city. Evening: Welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant with live music and dance. Accommodation: Haile Resort Hotel (Meals: D)
Fly to Bahir Dar & Lake Tana
Morning: Fly to Bahir Dar. Transfer to the resort. Afternoon: Boat trip on Lake Tana to visit island monasteries like Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam, known for their ancient murals. Evening: Relax by the lake with sunset views. Accommodation: Kuriftu Resort, Bahir Dar. (Meals: B)
The Royal City of Gondar
Morning: Drive to Gondar (approx. 3 hours). Afternoon: Visit the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi castles), the Bath of Fasilides, and the Debre Berhan Selassie Church with its famous angelic ceiling. Evening: Enjoy a local meal at a traditional restaurant. Accommodation: Goha Hotel, Gondar. (Meals: B)
Fly to Lalibela: Visit The First Group of Churches
Morning: Flight from Gondar to Lalibela. Afternoon: Explore the first group of rock-hewn churches, including the massive Bet Medhane Alem and the beautifully decorated Bet Maryam. Evening: Coffee ceremony at the lodge. Accommodation: Sora Lodge or Mezena Lodge, Lalibela. (Meals: B)
Lalibela Second Group & Return to the Capital
Morning: Visit the second group of churches and the iconic cross-shaped Bet Giyorgis (St. George). Afternoon: Fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa. Evening: Relaxation and overnight in Addis. Accommodation: Harmony Hotel, Addis Ababa. (Meals: B)
Fly to the Citadel of Harar
Morning: Fly to Dire Dawa and drive to Harar (1 hour). Afternoon: Begin exploring the walled city (Jugol) and its unique Harari traditional homes and markets. Evening: Witness the thrilling "Hyena Man" ritual, feeding wild hyenas by hand. Accommodation: Harar Heritage Hotel or Rawda Guest House. (Meals: B)
Harar Exploration & Return to Addis
Morning: Final walk through Harar’s historic alleys and visits to the Arthur Rimbaud House. Afternoon: Drive to Dire Dawa for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Evening: Free evening to explore the Addis jazz scene or rest. Accommodation: Harmony Hotel, Addis Ababa. (Meals: B)
Drive to the Rift Valley (Hawasa)
Morning: Embark on a scenic drive south to the lakeside city of Hawasa. Afternoon: Visit the famous lakeside fish market and enjoy a walk along the shore to spot hippos and aquatic birds. Evening: Stay at a premier resort on the lake. Accommodation: Haile Resort, Hawasa. (Meals: B)
Drive to Arba Minch & The Dorze Tribe
Morning: Drive to Arba Minch. Afternoon: Visit the Dorze village in the Chencha Mountains to see their towering beehive-shaped huts and traditional weaving. Evening: Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to view crocodiles and hippos. Accommodation: Haile Resort, Arba Minch. (Meals: B)
Arba Minch – Konso – Keyafer – Turmi
Morning: Drive to Turmi via Key Afer and Konso. Stop at Keyafer and visit the Mursi community Proceed to Turmi. Afternoon: Spend much time visiting the Hamer tribe village the highlight of Omo valley. Accommodation: Buska Lodge or Emerald Lodge, Turmi. (Meals: B)
The Dassenech & Karo Tribes
Morning: Drive to Omorate, cross the Omo River in a dugout canoe, and visit the nomadic Dassenech tribe. Afternoon: Visit the Karo tribe at Kolcho, masters of body art and chalk painting overlooking the river. Evening: Optional attendance of a Hamar bull-jumping ceremony (subject to availability). Accommodation: Buska Lodge or Emerald Lodge, Turmi. (Meals: B)
Konso UNESCO Terraces
Morning: Drive to Konso (UNESCO site). Afternoon: Explore the fortified stone-walled villages and learn about their unique "waka" totems and terrace farming. Visit the Konso King's compound. Evening: Overnight in the highland landscape of Konso. Accommodation: Kanta Lodge, Konso. (Meals: B)
Return to Arba Minch & Flight to Addis
Morning: Drive from Konso back to Arba Minch. Afternoon: Transfer to Arba Minch airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Evening: Farewell dinner with traditional Ethiopian cuisine and dancing. Accommodation: Harmony Hotel, Addis Ababa. (Meals: B/D)
Addis City Tour & Departure
Morning: Visit the National Museum (home of "Lucy") and Mount Entoto for a panoramic view of the capital. Afternoon: Explore the Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, for final shopping. Evening: Transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure. (Meals: B)
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