10 Days Historical Route With Highlights Of Omo Valley

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

• Welcome at Bole International Airport.

• Transfer to hotel and brief orientation.

• City tour including:

  • National Museum (home of Lucy)

  • Holy Trinity Cathedral

  • Panoramic view from Entoto Hills

• Traditional Ethiopian dinner with live cultural music and dance.

Day 2: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar (Flight)

• Morning flight to Bahir Dar.

• Visit the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat).

• Afternoon boat trip on Lake Tana to explore ancient island monasteries (Ura Kidane Mehret, etc.).

• Sunset at Lake Tana promenade.

Day 3: Bahir Dar – Gondar (Drive)

• Scenic drive to Gondar (approx. 3 hrs).

• Tour the 17th-century Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi) – a UNESCO site.

• Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church known for its angelic ceiling frescoes.

• Optional evening traditional coffee ceremony.

Day 4: Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park

• Drive to Simien Mountains National Park – UNESCO-listed for dramatic highland scenery.

• Short hike and wildlife spotting (Gelada baboons, Walia ibex).

• Overnight in a lodge or campsite near the park.

Day 5: Simien Mountains – Lalibela (Drive or Flight)

• Travel to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s holiest city.

• Check-in and rest or explore the town at your leisure.

Day 6: Lalibela – Rock-Hewn Churches

• Full-day exploration of Lalibela’s 11 monolithic churches carved from solid rock.

  • Highlights: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Giyorgis, and Bete Maryam.

• Optional: Traditional honey wine tasting or attend an evening church service.

Day 7: Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Arba Minch (Flight)

• Morning return flight to Addis, then connect to Arba Minch.

• Visit the Dorze village (known for unique woven huts and cotton weaving).

• Sunset over Lake Chamo.

Day 8: Arba Minch – Jinka (via Konso & Key Afer)

• Drive south to Jinka, passing through Konso (UNESCO cultural site).

• Explore Konso terraced agriculture and clan-based villages.

• Stop at Key Afer Market (if on market day) for tribal encounters.

Day 9: Jinka – Mago National Park – Turmi

• Early drive to Mago National Park.

• Visit the Mursi tribe, famous for lip plates and body scarification.

• Continue to Turmi, home of the Hamar people.

• If timing aligns, witness a Bull Jumping Ceremony – a rite of passage.

Day 10: Turmi – Omorate – Addis Ababa (Flight or Drive Return)

• Excursion to Omorate near the Omo River to meet the Dassanech tribe.

• Return to Jinka or Arba Minch for flight back to Addis Ababa.

• Farewell dinner and transfer to airport for departure.