South Omo Valley Tribes and North Historic Route Ethiopia Combination Tour

Morning after breakfast meet with our staffs (driver and guide) at your preferred departure point and time, then start drive down to south, drive to southward to the rift valley regions passing creator lakes and rift valley lakes on the way visit the Tiya steal field a UNESCO registered site in Ethiopia. Then drive will take you along the scenic farmlands of Gurage People. We will also drive through the Wolayta farmlands, with views of the lush green hills and valleys, on the way 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 Ensete). You arrive late in the afternoon at Arbaminch - meaning 'Forty Springs' in Amharic. Arbminch takes its name from the bubbling streams that cover the groundwater forest occupying the flats of the town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Land Cruiser 4X4
Accommodation: Paradise Lodge or Haile Resort /Boutique Standard/
Mora Heght Lodge /Mid-Range/
Kaleb Hotel /Budget/
CONSULTANT NOTE
You will cover approximately 470km and 8 hours’ drive
Game drive varies the time

Early in the morning drive to the Lake shore to have a boat trip on Lake Chamo, Boat trip on Lake Chamo is along the best anywhere in Ethiopia. One can spot many Hippos and the world's most spectacular concentrations of Giant Nile Crocodiles which measure about 6 meter with the water birds are great the scenery is truly unforgettable. Continue your drive Konso. You will stop to visit the Konso tribe with their king- UNESCO registered site for their extensive terracing and practice of making a wooden grave mark for their hero and kings. This day you will have a brief opportunity to visit a local village and the cultural museum displaying many “Wagas” statues. This is the famous 'wagas' - a funerary tradition where magnificent carved wooden sculptures were created in honor of Konso warrior heroes who have killed an enemy or animal, and often grouped to represent the man, his wives and his adversaries. The Konso people, who are known for their totems erected in honor of the dead and their intricate agricultural terracing techniques. You will visit the Konso people who have an ancient, complex, and fascinating culture of their own. Here are found human fossils dating from between 1.3 and 1.9 million years. Witness the spectacle of ‘Konso's New York' an extraordinary landscape of sand pinnacles formed by wind and rain. Continue driving and late afternoon and arrive to Turmi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Land Cruiser 4X4
Accommodation: Turmi Lodge or Emerald Lodge /Boutique Standard/
Evangadi lodge /Mid-Range/
Green Hotel /Budget/ You will make also comping
CONSULTANT NOTE
You will cover approximately 270km and 6 hours’ drive
Game drive varies the time
REMARK: - if there is any ceremonial activity like traditional dance, Bull jumping ceremony you will be informed by your guide.

These day early in the morning after breakfast drive 73 km west to visit the Dassench /Geleb/ people; who inhabited in the bank of Omo River and we cross the Omo River by locally made boat to see the village these tribes are semi nomadic with very little agriculture on the bank of the Omo River. You will drive back to Turmi for lunch. After lunch you will drive for excursion to Murulle to see the Karo tribe, famous for their body panting (they prepare the ink for the painting from locally available material like flower, soil and animal blood) we will also admire the scenery view of the Omo river from the edge of the village, then drive to Dimeka Market to attend the weekly colorful market of the HAMER tribe then drive back to Turmi. Around
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Land Cruiser 4X4
Accommodation: Turmi Lodge or Emerald Lodge /Boutique Standard/
Evangadi lodge /Mid-Range/
Green Hotel /Budget/ You will make also comping
CONSULTANT NOTE
You will cover approximately 290 km and 6 hours’ drive
Game drive varies the time
REMARK: - If there is any ceremonial activity like traditional dance, Bull jumping ceremony you will be informed by your guide.

In the morning you will drive in one of the nearest village of hammar tribes and visit. The Hamar is one of the most well-known tribes in Southern Ethiopia. They inhabit the territory east of the Omo River and have villages in both Turmi and Dimeka. They are especially well known for their unique rituals, including a cattle-leaping ceremony that the young men have to undergo in order to reach adulthood and to marry. They are a highly ‘superstitious’ people, and to this day they consider twins to be babies born outside of wedlock, while children whose upper milk teeth develop before their lower teeth are deemed to be ‘evil’ or ‘unclean’. As mentioned, the young Hamar men are famous for their “Evangadi dance” and “Bull jumping” ceremony (it is as part of this ceremony that the aforementioned whipping occurs). This ritual entails young men who wish to marry jumping over a line of bulls, thereby proving their worth to their intended bride’s family. It also signifies their advent into adulthood. This is a rarely seen event however, with luck, we may hear of one on our Omo valley tribe photography tour, and even be invited to attend this landmark event. Based on your arrival time you will go to the Ari Village near by the town of Jinka for experiencing and learning the culture of Ari tribe and explore how they make their traditional homemade alcoholic drinks. Then you will drive to Jinka for overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Land Cruiser 4X4
Accommodation: Eco Omo Lodge /Boutique Standard/
Jinka Resort or Orit Hotel /Budget/
CONSULTANT NOTE
You will cover approximately 270km and 6 hours’ drive
Game drive varies the time

Early morning drive to Mago National Park, from here, visit the Mursi highlands where the most illustrious of Ethiopia’s unique tribes lives. The Mursi are known all over the world, for their decorative lip plates that adorn the lower lips of the Mursi women. The plates stretch the lower lip beyond imagination and the women’s beauty, pride and desirability is determined in direct proportion to the size of the plate. The Mursi men and women may appear gracious but the Mursi warriors are not to be sneezed at. On their arms are deep crescent incisions that represent each enemy they have killed in battle. The men are also famous for their hairstyle. The various cultural aspects of the tribe will be explained and you will be able to take their photographs but not for free. then drive to KEY AFER- Tribal Market one of the best market in the omo valley since at list four different tribes are coming to attend this weekly market arrival to the small town and escort a local guide walking around the market and explore different section of the market including animal, vegetable, cereals and much more. Then continue drive back to Arbaminch.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Land Cruiser 4X4
Accommodation: Paradise Lodge or Haile Resort /Boutique Standard/
Mora Heght Lodge /Mid-Range/
Kaleb Hotel /Budget/
CONSULTANT NOTE
You will cover approximately 260 km and 6 hours’ drive
Game drive varies the time

Morning After relaxed breakfast in the lodge drive from Arbaminch to Addis Ababa via Lake Langano. You will pass through the fertile land of Wolayta with their fascinating culture and the false Banana preparation and coffee plantations and Alaba regions. You will pass through land which produces the best banana, papaya, apple and mango in Ethiopia for the world market. The Alaba people are very famous for their beautiful home painting style. You will stop for lunch at Sabana Beach Resort enjoy your lunch by the lake side views. You will continue drive to Addis Ababa and enjoying drive back to Addis Ababa through the Great Rift Valley on the way coffee and tea stop at the town of Debrezeyet in one of the creator lake arrival at Addis, shopping and coffee break and finally in the evening traditional farewell dinner in cultural restaurant with live tribal music.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Land Cruiser 4X4
Accommodation: Golden Tulip Hotel or Similar /Boutique Standard/
Monarch Addis Hotel or Similar/Mid-Range/
Wabi Shbele Hotel or Similar /Budget/
CONSULTANT NOTE
You will cover approximately 470km and 8 hours’ drive
Game drive varies the time

You will take a short flight to Bahir Dar and will be meet by our representative at the airport. You will drive to your hotel to drop your bags and now you are ready to start tour of the legendary Historic Route with Bahir Dar. You first visit will take a boat ride on Lake Tana to the Zege peninsula. Lake Tana has a surface area of 2,282 square miles and it is the largest lake in Ethiopia. The lake is dotted with islands, many of which shelter isolated monasteries containing the remains of ancient Ethiopian emperors and treasures of the Ethiopian Church. One of these is the 14th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret which is the most famous of the Zege peninsula monasteries with a very beautiful painted maqdas and priceless collection of crosses as well as crowns. We later will be back to the city for lunch and after lunch we will drive some 45 minute on a bumpy road to the village of Tis Isat to see the Blue Nile Falls. The Blue Nile Falls are a waterfall on the Blue Nile River in Ethiopia. They are known as Tis Issat in Amharic, when translated, means "smoking water" They are situated on the upper course of the river. However please be informed that the construction of a new hydroelectric dam that has diverted much of the water and the water level of the falls could be very minimal.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Land Cruiser 4X4
Accommodation: Kuriftu Resort or similar /Boutique Standard/
Jacaranda Hotel or Similar /Mid-Range/
Rahinel Hotel or similar /Budget/
CONSULTANT NOTE
You will cover approximately 90km
Game drive varies the time
Please note that due to flight schedules, some departures may include an extra night at the end of the trip for flight inclusive clients and a day-time return-flight

You will have breakfast at your hotel and before your drive to Gondar. En route you will drive to the village of Awra Amba, which is located off the Woreta - Woldia 'China-Road'. Visit this unique settlement that is considered to be a prime model for self-help and above all gender equality. Women have equal rights as men and there is no distinction in divisions of labor. Men cook, women plow, and religion have no place. They believe in hard work and being good to people. Continue driving to Gondar, a town founded in 1636 by the great Emperor Fassiladas and often called the “Camelot of Africa.” Set in a landscape of incomparable beauty, it was the Royal Capital of Ethiopia until 1868. You will visit the Castles and Churches built by Emperor and his descendant (termed by UNESCO as one of the World’s heritages). After lunch you will proceed to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie Church. The church’s walls and ceilings are decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history. The church is a rich showcase of the religious art of the Gonderine period and its ceiling of painted angels is only one of its kinds.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Land Cruiser 4X4
Accommodation: Goha Hotel or Similar /Boutique Standard/
Florida International Hotel or Similar /Mid-Range/
Ethiopia Hotel or similar /Budget/
CONSULTANT NOTE
You will cover approximately 168km
Game drive varies the time

We have an early departure this morning as we drive to Debark in the Simien Mountains. The park is a majestic series of undulating amethyst peaks, including Ethiopia’s highest point – Ras Dejen (4620 meters). The peaks have been eroded over millions of years and have left strange and wonderful geological formations behind. On the way, there may be the opportunity to visit a Falasha village. The Falasha Jews are thought to have arrived in Ethiopia 3,000 years ago at the time of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, but their history is shrouded in mystery. Translating to 'exiled' in Amharic, the Falasha claim to be descendants of Mosses.
This afternoon we'll take a short hike for a couple of hours to enjoy the wilderness of this mountain region, and here both gelada monkeys and lammergeyer can often be spotted. The mountains are marked with tracks worn out by the local people travelling from village to village or moving their animals to fresh pastures. The combination of these tracks and the spectacular scenery make for excellent walking
The mountains are also home to much of Ethiopia’s wildlife and are great for bird watching. Once you pass the entrance to the National park, you will hike and drive up to Sankaber and enjoy dramatic views of the mountain landscape. The park is home to some of the world’s most elusive animals, and while you're here you might encounter troops of the endemic Gelada baboons. The baboons, only found in Ethiopia, are often referred to as the ‘bleeding heart baboon’ or the 'lion monkey’. Their coat is shaggy, resembling a lion, while their chest has a marked ‘red heart’ or patch. The Gelada baboon doesn’t have natural enemies and so can be found in good numbers and are quite easy to approach. After the hike set up camp within the park to experience the park by night or you will drive back to Debarik.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Land Cruiser 4X4
Accommodation: Limalimo Lodge or Similar /Boutique Standard/
Ras Dashen Hotel or Similar /Mid-Range/
3M hotel or similar /Budget/
CONSULTANT NOTE
You will cover approximately 150km
Game drive varies the time

Take the asphalt but winding road up to the fabled city of Axum, crossing the lowlands of the Simien Mountains and the Tekeze River gorge (approximately 7 hours). Though this is a long and winding journey, the spectacular views of the mountains make the time slide away. You’ll arrive in Axum in the late afternoon. Axum was once the capital of Africa’s oldest empire – the Kingdom of Axum lasted from 1 AD to 700 AD and grew to rank among the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient world. It was positioned at the center of an important trading route that stretched from Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea and all the way to India and Sri Lanka. Axumite society was rich, well organized and technically advanced. In this period, bronze, silver and gold coins were produced, amazing tombs and monoliths constructed and Christianity was introduced to Ethiopia.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Land Cruiser 4X4
Accommodation: Atranos Hotel or similar /Boutique Standard/
Yared Zema or Similar /Mid-Range/
Africa Hotel or similar /Budget/
CONSULTANT NOTE
You will cover approximately 270km
Game drive varies the time

Today is a free day of driving with the option to tour the incredible historical sites of Axum. Visit the stele fields, several tombs, the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace and an archaeological museum. The field is home to over 100 stele – the largest one measuring 33 meters and weighing an incredible 517 tones. Stele (or monoliths) are carved from a single piece of granite and are often elaborately decorated to resemble a multi-story house complete with windows, doors, locks and structural beams. Their scale reflects how important Axum once was, and they were probably transported by elephants from a nearby quarry. The mausoleums in this area include the tomb of the false door and also the tombs of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, while the archaeological museum houses fascinating displays. An unimposing building with a green picket fence is the St Mary of Zion Church, the first built in sub-Saharan Africa. This holds the crowns of various former Ethiopian emperors and is even said to house the most fabled biblical relic in history – the Ark of the Covenant. The afternoon is free for you to keep exploring – you might like to see some of the handcraft shops or take a walk out of Axum for an hour or so to see Gobodera, the quarry place for the stele and rock lioness relief.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Land Cruiser 4X4
Accommodation: Atranos Hotel or similar /Boutique Standard/
Yared Zema or Similar /Mid-Range/
Africa Hotel or similar /Budget/
CONSULTANT NOTE
You will cover approximately 70km
Game drive varies the time

Early in the morning you will drive from Axum to Geralta, looking across to see the spectacular Adwa Mountains and the battlefield of Adwa, where the Ethiopians defeated the Italians in 1896. Stop to visit the Pre-Christian Pagan Temple of Yeha before breaking for lunch at Adigrat. Yeha is tough to have been Ethiopia’s first capital and the temple has been dated to around the 6th century BC. According to the 19th century German scholar Heinrich Miiller, the temple is thought to date back to about seven or eight hundred years before the birth of Christ. The temple is believed to be the oldest standing building in the country. Beside the remarkable temple, a church dedicated to Abba Aftse stands. Abba Aftse was one of the famous nine saints who came to Ethiopia in the 6th century from the east Roman Empire to teach the Gospel. After lunch, head to the Geralta cluster to visit the rock churches of Tigray dated back from the 6-9th century established by the nine saints who came from Syria during the time of Kaleb and Gebremeskel kings of the Axum dynasty, the rock churches are carve on the top of mountain façade today you will visit the rock churches namely Mariam Korkur. Although an unsightly green from the outside, this impressive, cross-shaped church is known for its architectural features (cruciform pillars, arches and cupolas), fine 17th-century frescos and church treasures. It’s also one of the largest churches in the area. The path begins around 1km from the road just southeast of Megab and involves a fairly steep one-hour ascent. Maryam Korkor is easily combined with nearby Abuna Yemata Guh into an all-day trek from Megab. If time permits, we will Abreha-we-Atsbha and finally to Wekro Cherkos. Overnight at Geralta.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Land Cruiser 4X4
Accommodation: Geralta Lodge or similar /Boutique Standard/
Vision or similar /Budget/
CONSULTANT NOTE
You will cover approximately 178km
Game drive varies the time

Start the long journey to Lalibela early in the morning on a smooth paved road and, after a couple of hours, reach the spectacular mountain range of Amba Alaje. Continue through green valleys and flat plains before turning west towards Lalibela at Woldia (approximately 4.5 hours). The road after Woldia offers one of the most scenic routes in the country. It involves climbing on winding roads along steep hills and evergreen lush valleys up to the Delanta Plateau (3,500 meters), then contouring around the valley for a couple of hours, before arriving at Lalibela in the late afternoon (approximately 4 hours). Despite the town of Lalibela being isolated in the Lasta Mountains at 2,630 meters above sea level, it is still the home of Ethiopia’s top sight, and one of the world's greatest historical and religious sites.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Land Cruiser 4X4
Accommodation: Mezina Lodge or Sora Lodge /Boutique Standard/
Mountain View Hotel or Similar /Mid-Range/
Seven Olives or similar /Budget/
CONSULTANT NOTE
You will cover approximately 470km
Game drive varies the time

Morning after breakfast you will start visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lalibela - the Jerusalem of Ethiopia, in a fitting final to your Ethiopian adventure, explore the first group of the monolithic Red-Tuff churches incredibly carved into the rock. Although churches carved in rock are not found in other parts of the world, those found in Ethiopia are particularly interesting. Generally, they were excavated on all sides of a rectangle, leaving a large block of stone isolated in the center. This rock was then shaped and formed both inside and out and the carvings show extremely skillful workmanship. Lalibela, the 'New Jerusalem', is thought to have been constructed some 800 years ago by King Lalibela. Once his capital city, this former bustling city is today a small village, virtually cut off from the outside world. You will start visiting of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, 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. We'll be joined by a guide both this morning and this afternoon to learn about the area's fascinating history. The exploring will include a certain amount of scrambling between rocks and through tunnels. The churches stand in two main groups on either side of a stream, known locally as 'The River Jordan' and between them are considered to be one of the great wonders of the world. Most of the churches now have a permanent roof built over them to preserve them and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Land Cruiser 4X4
Accommodation: Mezina Lodge or Sora Lodge /Boutique Standard/
Mountain View Hotel or Similar /Mid-Range/
Seven Olives or similar /Budget/
CONSULTANT NOTE
You will cover approximately 70km
Game drive varies the time

Overlooking the mountain of Abune Yosef, the tallest mountain in Lasta, this morning we drive towards one of Ethiopia's best-preserved late Axumite churches. Named after the 12th century Zagwe priest-king and saint, the church of Yemrehanna Kirstos is built of stone and wood inside a cave. We'll make a ten-minute walk uphill through a forest of juniper trees to the entrance. As well as it's wondrous setting, behind the church lies a pile of mummified bodies said to be that of pilgrims and holy men. Legend has it that a door found inside this church was given as a gift by the Caliph Saladin himself during the time of the crusaders. Fly back to Addis. In the evening, you're invited a farewell dinner party at one of Addis' best traditional restaurants to see the folkloric dances of the Ethiopian people and to enjoy a selection of Ethiopian dishes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Land Cruiser 4X4
Accommodation:
CONSULTANT NOTE
You will cover approximately 90 km and 3 hours’ drive
Game drive varies the time
Please note that due to International flight schedules, some departures may include an extra night at the end of the trip for flight inclusive clients and a day-time return-flight.
NB: The tour program can be modified differently, rearranged, combined with other itinerary and shorten or extended to suit your interest, time and budget. Up on request we can arrange various tour programs based on your interest.