Edgar Tiongson

Day 1: Arrival

Upon arrival you will meet at the airport and transferred to your hotel (overnight in Dream Liner or Helzer Hotel).

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Day 2: Drive to Kombolcha

In the morning have a breakfast and head to Desse. En route have a visit to the Italian made tunnel and the mouth of the Rift Valley system at a place called “Tarmaber”. Overnight in Sunny-side Hotel

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Day 3: Drive to Lalibela

Drive from Desse to Lalibela. En route visit the Hayq Lake and also the island monastery of Stephen (open only for men). O/n in Jerusalem guest house, Tukul village or mountain view hotel.

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Day 4: Visit the Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela

Early in the morning after breakfast, head exploring the UNESCO registered world wonders of the rock-hewn churches (1st group). After lunch head for a visit of the remaining churches. O/n Jerusalem guest house, Tukul village or mountain view hotel.

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Day 5: Drive to Mekelle

Head to Mekelle via the Sekota road. On the way visit the least visited but famous world-renowned cave church of Yimrhane Kirstos. O/n Axum Hotel.

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Day 6: Visit the rock-churches of Tigray

After breakfast visit the nearby famous rock churches of Petros and Paulos, Medhane Alem Adi Kasho and back to Mekelle for overnight stay. O/n Axum Hotel.

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Day 7: Drive to Axum

Drive Mekelle – Axum. On the way visit the Yeha Temple, Debre Damo Monastery, Abreha-Atsbeha rock church, Negash Mosque. O/n Consular International or Brana Hotel.

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Day 8: Visit Axum

In the morning have a visit to Axum’s St. Mary of Zion church, Stele of Axum and the tomb there and the Bath of Queen Sheba. After lunch head to the Palace of Sheba, the Tomb of King Kaleb and his son (6thcentury), stone inscription of king Ezana. O/n Consular International or Brana Hotel.

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Day 9: Drive to Semien Mountain National Park

In the morning have breakfast and drive to Debark, the biggest town before heading to the Park. En route admire scenic beauty of the Semien Mountains and also the Tekeze gorge where one can see incense trees. This is the site that is termed as the most wild and spectacular of all Ethiopian landscapes – The Roof of Africa. O/n Semen Park Hotel in Debark.

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Day 10: Semien Mountain National Park

Start driving from Debark to Sankaber, the head quarter of the park where one can observe the magnificent scenery, birds and game like an endemic Gelada Baboon and also drive to another quarter of the park, Geech which is the most scenic road and an important area to spot the endemic Walia Ibex. O/n Semen Park Hotel in Debark.

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Day 11: Drive from Semien Mountain National Park to Gondar

Drive from Semien Mountain National Park- Gondar. Along the road before getting to Gondar, visit the Felasha, Ethiopian Jew village and their handmade artifacts and attend the eve Epiphany celebration at the bathing pool of Gondar. O/n Florida International, Quara or Taye Hotel.

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Day 12: Gondar

Attend the colorful religious celebration of epiphany festival and also visit the 17thcentury castles of Gondar together with the bathing castle of King Fasilades. Have a visit to the colorfully decorated church of Debre-Brehan Selasse. O/n Florida International, Quara or Taye Hotel.

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Day 13: Drive to Bahir Dar

Drive back to Bahir Dar and make boat cruise on Lake Tana to explore the ancient medieval monasteries of Ura Kidanemheret. In the afternoon take lunch and proceed to the Blue-Nile falls. O/n Home land Hotel or Abay Minch Lodge.

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Day 14: Drive back to Addis Ababa and departure

In the morning start driving back to Addis Ababa. En route admire the breath-taking Blue Nile gorge that is comparable to the grand canyon in USA and also visit the 13th century historical monastery of Debre-Libanos. Up on arrival be taken to do shopping. In the evening have traditional traditionally Dinner and show and be transferred to airport for departure.

Day 1: Arrival Addis Ababa

Up on arrival be meet and transfer to hotel. If it is day time have city tour of Addis Ababa. O/n Dream liner, Siyonat or similar Hotel.

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Day 2: Addis Ababa-Jimma

Have breakfast and head to Jimma. En route visit the Gurage people, who have culture of eating false Banana at the town of Welkite and admire the Ghibe gorge. O/n Central Jimma or Honey land Hotel.

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Day 3: Jimma-Tepi

Drive from Jimma to Tepi. Overnight coffee plantation guest house.

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Day 4: Tepi-Tum

Drive the scenic, green road to Tum, the settlement for the Dizi people. Overnight camping.

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Day 5: Tum-Tulgit

Drive the scenic, green road to Tulgit, the first settlement for the Surma people; a clan of the Mursi, sharing the basic lip-plating and stick fighting cultures in common. Overnight camping.

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Day 6: Tulgit-Kibish

After taking a visit to the nearby village of the Surma people head to Kibish, another settlement for the Surma people. Per the agreement of the clients it is optional to arrange stick fighting activity or attend one which is already there. Overnight camping.

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Day 7: Kibish-Tum

Head back to Tum, a settlement for the Dizi people. Overnight camping.

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Day 8: Tum- Bebeka

Drive back to Mizan Teferi. En route admire the scenery. Overnight Aden Hotel.

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Day 9: Bebeka-Bonga

Drive to Bonga. Up on arrival visit the waterfalls and the big jungle in the small town of Bonga. Overnight Hotel.

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Day 10: Bonga -Jimma

In the morning drive to Mankira, the original place where coffee was found for the first time and drive back to Jimma. Visit the museum. O/n Central Jimma Hotel.

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Day 11: Jimma-Weliso

After breakfast in the hotel, head to Abaa Jiffar palace to see the former palace complex of the Keffa king and drive back to Weliso. En route visit the Ghibe gorge and the typical Gurage house in the small commercial town of Welkite. Overnight Ethiopia Hotel.

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Day 12: Weliso-Wenchi-Addis Ababa

After some time in the hot spring of Weliso head to Wenchi Crater Lake to visit the picturesque lake scenery and the ancient Monastery of Cherkos on a boat ride and back to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon time of shopping and free time and in the evening transfer to the airport for a final departure back home.

Off-Road Ethiopia Tour wishes you a pleasant stay!

 

Day 1: Arrival Addis Ababa

Upon arrival at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport, you will be transferred to the 4-star Dream Liner Hotel for your overnight stay. Relax at leisure and make use of the hotel’s facilities, including an 8th floor Sky Bar, and steam and sauna rooms.

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Day 2: Addis Ababa – Arba Minch (B, D)

After breakfast, drive to Arba Minch on the Hosaena Road. En route, you will stop to meet the Gurage people in their village. The Ethiopian-Chinese Gurage are renowned for their hard work and contributions to the national economy. Learn about their traditional foods, such as kocho, made from false bananas. Explore a Gurage house and farm to learn more about their culture.

The day includes a lunch break in the town of Hosaena, located in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region of Ethiopia, and ends with an overnight stay in the Paradise Lodge or Swaynes Hotel in Arba Minch.

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Day 3: Arba Minch – Jinka (B, D)

Enjoy an early breakfast before the drive to Jinka, a relatively large town of the Omo Valley. Admire the spectacular landscape and warm temperatures as you descend down to the Omo River. Renowned for the fascinating diversity of its tribal people and abundance of wildlife, the Omo Valley is home to hippopotamus and crocodile. A boat trip on Lake Chamo will take you to the crocodile market, and get you up-close to the mighty hippos. If your tour falls on a Thursday, you will also experience the colorful market of Key Afer where you’ll see some of the tribes, including the Ari and Bena. Overnight at the Orit Hotel, or the Jinka Resort.

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Day 4: Mago-Mursi (B, D)

Today you will explore the settlements of the Mursi people, known for their lip plating, body decorating, and stick fighting traditions. Enjoy personal contact with this fascinating tribe to learn more about their ancient culture and rituals. Return to Jinka for your 2nd night stay at the Orit Hotel or Jinka Resort.

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Day 5: Jinka – Turmi (B, D)

Drive to Turmi after breakfast and visit a settlement of the Hamar tribe. Known for their colorful hair styles and cattle leaping rituals at weddings, the Hamar women are usually adorned in leather skirts decorated with pearls, and gleaming aluminum fixed to their necks. If the day falls on a Saturday, you can visit the lively market in Dimeka to see these renowned cattle farmers trading their goods with other tribes, such as the Benna, Karo, and Dus. Overnight at the Turmi Lodge or Buska Lodge, blending beautifully with the Buska Mountains.

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Day 6: Murulle (B, D)

Today is spent exploring the culture of the Karo people at their settlement in Murulle. Famous for their unique and elaborate body decorations, the Karo live on the eastern banks of the Omo River and farm maize, beans, and sorghum fertilized by the river. Explore the village houses and learn more about their ancient way of life, before returning to Turmi for your 2nd night stay at the Turmi Lodge or Buska Lodge.

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Day 7: Turmi – Konso – Arba Minch (B, D)

After breakfast, transfer to Arba Minch, stopping en route to meet the Erbore tribe. Upon arrival at a settlement of the Konso people, enjoy lunch before exploring the settlement to learn how the 9 different clans nominate their king as a symbol of peace. Hear about the communal Mora houses, where young boys spend the night to protect the village. Learn about the Konso initiation ceremonies, and the wooden waka grave markers. Continue to Arba Minch for an overnight stay at the Paradise Lodge or Swaynes Hotel

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Day 8: Arba Minch – Addis Ababa (B, D)

Drive from Arba Minch to Addis Ababa via the Rift Valley lakes region. Along the way you will meet the Ras Teferians people, who are mainly of Jamaican origin and hold spiritual connections to the former Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie. Next, visit the only Ethiopian freshwater lake free of the bilharzia parasite at Lake Langano, where warthogs, monkeys, a huge diversity of birdlife, and even the occassional hippo can be seen.

Finally, you will visit the Crater Lake in the resort town of Debre-Zeit (Bishoftu), before driving on to Addis Ababa for a complimentary farewell dinner, featuring live cultural dance and traditional foods.

Day 1: Addis Ababa – Awash

After breakfast, head to the central Ethiopian market town of Awash. En route, visit the five beautiful crater lakes of Debre Zeyit. In the evening, enjoy an exciting safari in the Awash National Park. Admire the fascinating variety of bird life and the stunning waterfalls of the Awash River gorge. Spend the night at the Genet Hotel in Awash.

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Day 2:  Awash – Semera

Embark on an exciting morning visit to the upper Kudu Valley of the Awash National Park to enjoy the hot springs amid the groves of palm trees. Keep your eyes peeled for the warthogs that make the region their home and then enjoy a scenic drive to Semera, the capital city for the Afar people, were you will camp for the night.

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Day 3: Semera – Afdera Lake Afdera

Continue your journey from Semera to Afdera, one of the woredas in the Afar Region of Ethiopia. En route, stop to admire the volcanic rock and spectacular scenery of the desert. Upon arrival to Afdera, visit the hypersaline Lake Afdera and witness the fascinating salt extraction process that takes place at the lake. Spend the night camping near the lake.

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Day 4: Afdera – Dodom/Kusreyat – Erta Ale

Begin the day with a drive form the Afdera region to either Dodom or Kusreyat. In the evening, embark on an amazing trek up to the mountains to visit the active volcano of Erta Ale, and to admire the dramatic setting of the landscape. Spend the night camping in the mountains.

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Day 5: Erta Ale – Dodom – Dallol

Begin the day with a trek back down the mountain to Dodom. Continue the journey with a drive to Dallol, a settlement in the Dallol woreda of northern Ethiopia. Considered the lowest point on earth, Dallol has an elevation of about 130 meters below sea level, and is also one of the most remote places on Earth. Spend the night camping in this fascinating place.

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Day 6: Dallol

Begin the day with a visit to the crater lake of Assal , a beautiful salk lake situated between the border of Ethiopia and Djibouti. Spend the night camping close to the lake.

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Day 7: Dallol – Mek’ele

Begin the day with a drive from Dallol to Mek’ele, a city in the northern Tigray Region of Ethiopia. En route to Mek’ele, visit a local camel caravan and spot along the way to admire the spectacular scenery surrounding your route. Spend the night at the Axum Hotel in Mek’ele.

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Day 8: Mek’ele – Kombolcha

Drive back to city of Kombolcha. En route, stop to admire the mountain chains at Ambalage and pay a visit to the Hayq stefanos monastery (open only for men) as well as the palace of Ras Mikael Sihul. Spend the night at the Sunny Side Hotel, with breakfast and dinner included.

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Day 9: Kombolcha – Addis Ababa

Drive back to Addis Ababa, stopping en route to admire the mouth of Rift Valley system at Tarmaber and the lush landscape of the Shoan Plateau. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dance show at a local restaurant and then head to the airport for your return flight home.

 

What to Expect
April 11, DAY 1: Arrival Addis Ababa

Upon arrival you’ll be met by the friendly tour representatives. If arrival is day time, then proceed for city tour of Addis Ababa. Lunch break. Continue the city tour. O/n Saro-Maria, Friendship or Jupiter Hotel. (B & D)

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April 12, DAY 2: Addis Ababa- Bahir Dar

After an early morning breakfast drive to Bahir Dar, the newly bustling city acting as a capital for the Amhara region which has the second largest ethnic group in the country. En route visit to the 13th century monastery of Debre-Lebanos, which had been an important religious academic center and also influential political figures have come from. Then continue the drive to encounter the breath taking Blue-Nile gorge which is comparable to the grand canyon of the USA. O/n Home land Hotel or Abay Minch Lodge (B & D)

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April 13, DAY 3: Bahir Dar

After breakfast head exploring the sightseeing in and around the city of Bahir Dar, presently acting as the capital for the Amhara people. Bahir Dar is set by the side of Lake Tana at an altitude of 1,830m. above seas level. Up on arrival head for boat trip on lake Tana, the biggest Lake in Ethiopia to visit the island monastery of Ura Kidanemhiret, which is the most colorful from the nearest available churches and monasteries. After lunch break head to the breath-taking Blue Nile falls. O/n Home land Hotel or Abay Minch Lodge (B & D)

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April 14, DAY 4: Bahir Dar-Gondar

After breakfast head to Gondar. En route admire the scenery of the road. Up on arrival have lunch break and then continue to explore the 16th-17th century Castle compound and the bathing pool of King Fasilades constructed by King Fasilades and his successors. Also visit to the basket market of Gondar. Quara Hotel or Toha Hotel ( B & D)

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April 15, DAY 5: Gondar-Simien National Park

Early in the morning drive from Gondar to Simien Mountains and en route visit to the Ethiopian Jews village at Weleka admire the scenic beauty of the road. Up on arrival in Sankaber, the head quarter, visit the colony of Gelada Baboon and also admire the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding. Simien Lodge (B & D)

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April 16, DAY 6: Simien National Park

Trek to the surrounding of Buait to admire the scenery and drive to Chenek, another quarter very much scenic and inhabited by the endemic Walia Ibex. Trek in the surrounding and in the evening drive back to the Lodge. Semien Lodge (B & D)

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April 17, DAY 7: Simien National Park-Lalibela

Drive from Simien Mountains to Lalibela via the Debre-Tabor road. En route visit to the Awramba people village and admire the most scenic part of the country that hosts chains of mountains. O/n panoramic view or Mountain View Hotel (B & D)

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April 18, DAY 8: Lalibela

After breakfast proceed to visit the first group of rock-hewn churches, which are 6 in number represent the earthly Jerusalem. Then after lunch continues to visit the remaining second group of churches which are 5 in number again and represent heavenly Jerusalem. And later conclude the visit by covering the third group of church, which is the cross-shaped and highlight of the Lalibela churches, St. George. O/n panoramic view or Mountain View Hotel (B & D)

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April 19, DAY 9: Lalibela Axum

Take the morning flight to Axum. Up on arrival proceed to visit the Stele filed, the Tomb of Kaleb and his son G/ Meskel, The stone inscription of King Ezana (4th Century king). Have lunch and continue the sightseeing to Axum’s St. Mary of Zion Church, where the original ark of covenant given to Moses is believed to be kept, the ruined palace of Queen Sheba and Ezana’s stele park. In the evening attend to the eve celebration of the Easter festival to be colorfully attended by the mass for the whole night until 3:00am. Be part of this celebration and back to hotel. O/n Brana Hotel or Consular International Hotel. (B & D)

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April 20, DAY 10: Axum Addis Ababa

Take the morning flight back to Addis Ababa. Up on arrival proceed for shopping and also sightseeing. In the evening be taken for a complementary traditional dinner and transfer out to airport for departure.

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

Upon arrival, meet the Off-Road Ethiopia tour staff and take a city tour of Addis Ababa.

Stop for a lunch break before continuing with the city tour to discover more of the capital’s best sights and cultural landmarks.

Stay overnight at the Dream Liner or Siyonat Hotel.

Breakfast & Dinner included.

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Day 2: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar

After breakfast, drive to Bahir Dar, a city on the shores of Lake Tana in Ethiopia’s northwest.

Visit the 13th century monastery of Debre-Libanos en route, and stop to admire the amazing Blue Nile gorge, which divides Ethiopia’s north and south.

Stay overnight at a local hotel or at the Abay Minch Lodge.

Breakfast & Dinner included.

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Day 3: Bahir Dar

Have breakfast in the morning and head out for a boat trip on Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia.

Visit the island monastery, Ura Kidane Mihret, home to colorful murals and historic embroidery.

After a lunch break, head to the breathtaking Blue Nile falls, just a short distance downstream from Bahir Dar.

Overnight will be in the Homland Hotel or the Abay Minch Lodge.

Breakfast & Dinner included.

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Day 4: Bahir Dar – Gondar

After breakfast, head to Gondar, making a few stops along the way to admire the great scenery.

Upon arrival, take a lunch break and continue to explore the 16-17th century castle compound and bathing pool of King Fasilades, the emperor of Ethiopia until 1667.

Then, visit the nearby basket market of Gondar.

Overnight at Quara Hotel or Toha Hotel. <– correct spellin?

Breakfast & Dinner included.

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Day 5: Gondar to Simien National Park (B & D)

Early in the morning, drive from Gondar to Simien Mountains and with a visit to the Ethiopian Jewish village at Wolleka on the way.

Upon arrival in Sankaber, visit a colony of Gelada Baboons, a species found only in this part of the world.

Then, take a break to relax and admire the peaceful grassland scenery.

Overnight at the Simien Park hotel in Debark.

Breakfast & Dinner included.

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Day 6: Simien National Park – Lalibela (B & D)

Drive from the Simien Mountains to Lalibela via the Debre-Tabor road.

En route, visit a village inhabited by Awra Amba people and admire magnificent views of the Simien Mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of the Ethiopian countryside.

Stay overnight in Tukul village or the Mountain View Hotel.

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Day 7: Lalibela (B & D)

After breakfast, visit the first group of 6 monolithic rock-cut churches. After lunch, continue on to visit the remaining five of churches; each group of churches is believed to symbolic representations of Jerusalem. Later, finish the visit by stopping the Church of St. George, the most famous of these remarkable places of worship.

Stay overnight in Tukul Village or the Mountain View Hotel.

 

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Day 8: Lalibela to Axum (B & D)

Board a morning flight to Axum, at the northern tip of Ethiopia.

 

 

 

 

Upon arrival visit the Stele field and the ancient Tomb of Kaleb, King of Axum until the middle of the 6th century, the tomb of his son Meskel, and the stone inscription of King Ezana, the 4th century king of Ethiopia.

 

 

 

Have lunch and head to Axum’s St. Mary of Zion Church, where the original ark of the covenant given to Moses is believed to be, as well as the ruined palace of Queen Sheba.

Overnight at the Remhai Hotel or the Consular Hotel.

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Day 9: Axum – Addis Ababa – Awassa

Board a flight from Axum back to Addis Ababa.  Upon arrival meet your vehicle transfer and drive to Awassa.  Visit the crater lakes in Debre-Zeit en route, and keep your eyes open for the rich variety of aquatic birds.

Continue driving and visit to the rift valley lake of Zeway, and admire the bird varieties that make their home around the shores of the lake. Then, continue driving to Awassa. Upon arrival, take a walk in this newly bustling city, currently the capital of the country’s Southern region. Later, visit the picturesque rift valley lake of Awassa. Overnight at the Lewi resort.

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Day 10: Awassa – Arba Minch (B & D)

After breakfast, take a boat trip on Lake Awassa to visit the region’s biggest open air fish market, followed by a drive to Arba Minch.

 

 

 

Before getting to the town, make a detour to Chencha to visit the Dorze tribes, best known for their bee-hive shaped houses made of bamboo, and their cotton woven clothing.

From here, head back to Arba Minch for an overnight stay at the Paradise Lodge or Swaynes hotel.

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Day 11: Arba Minch – Jinka (B & D)

Have an early breakfast and drive to Jinka, one of the largest towns in the Omo Valley.  This will be a day to admire the spectacular topography that continues down to the Omo and is characterized by a mild and warm temperature.

 

 

 

Before arriving in Jinka, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and visit the local markets. If this travel day falls on Thursday, there will be a colorful market in Key Afer where you’ll have the chance to see different tribes and their artisanal crafts, such as the Ari and Bena. Stay overnight in the Jinka resort or the Orit Hotel

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Day 12: Jinka – Mago – Mursi – Jinka (B & D)

After an early breakfast in the hotel, take a day excursion to the settlement of the Mursi people, known for their lip plating, body decorating and stick fighting culture. Take your time to get to know the local people and get an insight into their culture before heading back to Jinka. The trip to Mago includes a picnic lunch en route. Spend the night at a Jinka resort or the Orit Hotel

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Day 13: Jinka – Turmi (B & D)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Turmi, a settlement for the Hamer people renowned for their colorful hair styles and bull jumping tradition during wedding ceremonies. The women of the tribe normally wear leather skirts decorated with pearls and with gleaming aluminum fixed to their neck. If this travel day falls on a Saturday, there will be a colorful market in Dimeka where you’ll have the chance to see the Hammer people. Stay overnight in Buska or the Turmi Lodge.

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Day 14: Turmi – Murulle – Turmi (B & D)

After an early breakfast at your hotel, head to Murulle, a settlement for the Karo people famous for their unique body decorating culture. Enjoy a light picnic lunch on the way. Once in Murulle, go for a sightseeing tour through villages and drive back to Turmi for an overnight stay at the Buska or Turmi Lodge.

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Day 15: Turmi – Konso – Arba Minch (B & D)

After breakfast, head to Arba Minch, visiting the unique Erbore tribe and their village along the way. Upon arrival in Konso, a settlement for the Konso people, have a lunch break followed by a sightseeing tour of the village. The Konso are made up of nine different clans and have a tradition of nominating their own King, who is said to be the symbol of peace and integrity within the clan.

Learn more about the Konso’s fascinating culture and traditions. Overnight stay at the Paradise Lodge or the Swaynes Hotel.

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Day 16: Arba Minch – Addis Ababa

Drive from Arba Minch to Addis Ababa via the Hosanna Road, visiting a village of the Gurage people en route. The Gurage are an Ethiopian-Chinese culture, and have become a major player in the region’s economy and trade through their hard work.

Spend some time at a local home and backyard farm as you interact with the Gurage and learn more about their culture. Take a lunch break in the town of Hosana before having some free time until the evening. Then, enjoy a complimentary traditional dinner with a live dance show before your transfer to Addis Ababa airport for your departure.