15-Day Ethiopia Tour

Destinations Covered: Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Simien Mountains, Lalibela, Arba Minch, Omo Valley, Bale Mountains

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

• Arrive at Bole International Airport.

• Meet and greet, followed by hotel transfer.

• Depending on time, visit:

  • National Museum (home of Lucy)

  • Ethnographic Museum

  • Trinity Cathedral

• Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa

Day 2: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar (Flight or Drive)

• Option A: Domestic flight (1 hr)

• Option B: Scenic drive through the Blue Nile Gorge (8–9 hrs)

• Afternoon: Leisure walk along Lake Tana.

• Overnight: Hotel in Bahir Dar

Day 3: Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Falls

• Morning: Boat trip on Lake Tana to visit 14th-century island monasteries (Ura Kidane Mehret, etc.)

• Afternoon: Visit Blue Nile Falls (“Tis Issat”) and enjoy a short hike.

• Overnight: Hotel in Bahir Dar

Day 4: Bahir Dar – Gondar (Drive ~3 hrs)

• Drive to Gondar, the Camelot of Africa.

• Visit:

  • Royal Enclosure (UNESCO World Heritage)

  • Fasilides’ Bath

  • Debre Berhan Selassie Church (famous ceiling art)

• Overnight: Hotel in Gondar

Day 5: Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park

• Drive to Debark and enter Simien Mountains.

• Afternoon hike to see:

  • Gelada baboons

  • Stunning mountain views

• Overnight: Lodge or eco-camp in Simien Mountains

Day 6: Simien Mountains – Gondar – Lalibela (Flight or Drive)

• Return to Gondar.

• Fly or drive to Lalibela, the crown jewel of Ethiopian Christianity.

• Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela

Day 7: Lalibela – Rock-Hewn Churches

• Full-day exploration of the rock-hewn churches (UNESCO):

  • Bet Medhane Alem

  • Bet Maryam

  • Bet Giyorgis (St. George Church)

• Optional cultural show in the evening.

• Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela

Day 8: Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Arba Minch (Flight)

• Fly from Lalibela to Arba Minch via Addis Ababa.

• Arrival and check-in with time to relax.

• Optional: Sunset viewpoint over Lake Chamo.

• Overnight: Lodge in Arba Minch

Day 9: Arba Minch – Lake Chamo & Dorze Tribe

• Morning: Boat ride on Lake Chamo – hippos, Nile crocodiles, pelicans.

• Afternoon: Visit the Dorze people in the highlands (weaving, false banana bread).

• Overnight: Lodge in Arba Minch

Day 10: Arba Minch – Konso – Jinka

• Visit Konso Cultural Landscape (UNESCO) – terracing and funerary poles (waka).

• Continue to Jinka, gateway to the Omo Valley tribes.

• Overnight: Hotel in Jinka

Day 11: Jinka – Mursi Tribe – Turmi

• Morning: Visit the Mursi tribe in Mago National Park (known for lip plates).

• Afternoon: Drive to Turmi, home of the Hamar tribe.

• Overnight: Lodge in Turmi

Day 12: Turmi – Omorate – Dassanech Tribe

• Cross the Omo River to visit the Dassanech tribe.

• Return to Turmi. Optional: Witness a Hamar bull-jumping ceremony if available.

• Overnight: Lodge in Turmi

Day 13: Turmi – Arbore Tribe – Yabelo

• Visit the Arbore people on the way.

• Long drive through Borena zone to Yabelo.

• Overnight: Hotel or lodge in Yabelo

Day 14: Yabelo – Bale Mountains

• Scenic drive east to the Bale Mountains National Park.

• Enter via Dinsho HQ and spot Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s bushbuck.

• Overnight: Lodge or camp in Bale Mountains

Day 15: Bale Mountains – Addis Ababa (Drive or Flight)

• Morning visit to Sanetti Plateau to spot the Ethiopian wolf.

• Optional: Hike in Harenna Forest.

• Return to Addis Ababa by road or take a domestic flight (if available).

• Farewell dinner with traditional music.

• Departure or optional extra night.

✅ Included Services

• Domestic flights

• 4×4 vehicles for Omo Valley and Bale

• English-speaking guides

• Accommodation (mid-range or luxury based on choice)

• All entrance and park fees

• Airport transfers

• Meals (as per booking option)

Recommended Packing List

• Light cotton clothing & hat for south

• Warm jacket for Simien & Bale Mountains

• Sturdy shoes for trekking

• Flashlight, insect repellent, sunscreen

• Camera, extra batteries