15-Day Ethiopia Explorer Tour: South, North & East

A journey through three worlds in one country. This comprehensive 15-day tour takes you across Ethiopia’s most captivating regions—from the tribal cultures of the Omo Valley, the ancient wonders of the Northern Historical Route, to the Islamic heritage and wildlife-rich landscapes of the Eastern lowlands. This is the ultimate adventure for those seeking an in-depth cultural and historical experience of Ethiopia’s extraordinary diversity.

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

• Arrive in Ethiopia’s vibrant capital.

• Take a guided city tour featuring:

  • The National Museum (home of the fossil “Lucy”)

  • Holy Trinity Cathedral

  • Panoramic views from Mount Entoto

• Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Days 2–6: Southern Ethiopia;  Omo Valley Tribal Experience

Day 2: Fly to Arba Minch – Visit Dorze Village

• Flight to Arba Minch.

• Afternoon visit to the Dorze people, known for their unique huts and weaving.

• Overnight in Arba Minch.

Day 3: Drive to Jinka via Konso

• Visit the Konso Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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

• Overnight in Jinka.

Day 4: Mursi Tribe & Mago National Park – Drive to Turmi

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

• Cross Mago National Park en route to Turmi, home of the Hamar people.

• Overnight in Turmi.

Day 5: Karo & Hamar Tribes

• Morning visit to the Karo tribe, masters of body painting.

• Optional participation in a Hamar bull-jumping ceremony (if available).

• Overnight in Turmi.

Day 6: Dassanech Village – Return to Addis Ababa

• Visit the Dassanech people near Lake Turkana.

• Drive to Arba Minch and fly back to Addis Ababa.

• Overnight in Addis.

Days 7–11: Northern Ethiopia – The Historical Circuit

Day 7: Fly to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Falls

• Boat trip to Lake Tana’s island monasteries.

• Visit the stunning Blue Nile Falls.

• Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 8: Drive to Gondar – Castles & Churches

• Explore the 17th-century Royal Enclosure and Fasilides’ Bath.

• Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church with its angelic ceiling frescoes.

• Overnight in Gondar.

Day 9: Fly to Lalibela – Rock-Hewn Churches

• Discover Lalibela’s 12th-century monolithic churches, including the iconic St. George’s Church.

• Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 10: Excursion to Yimrehane Kristos or Asheten Maryam

• Choose between visiting the cave church of Yimrehane Kristos or hiking to Asheten Maryam Monastery.

• Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 11: Fly to Axum – Ancient Kingdom & Stelae Fields

• Tour the Axum Obelisks, Queen of Sheba’s palace, and St. Mary of Zion Church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.

• Overnight in Axum.

Days 12–14: Eastern Ethiopia – Islamic Heritage & Hyena Feeding

Day 12: Fly to Dire Dawa – Drive to Harar

• Arrive in Dire Dawa and transfer to Harar, the 4th holiest city in Islam.

• Overnight in Harar.

Day 13: Explore the Walled City of Harar

• Guided walking tour of the ancient walled city (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

• Visit colorful markets, shrines, and Arthur Rimbaud’s house.

• Evening hyena feeding ceremony outside the city walls.

• Overnight in Harar.

Day 14: Return to Addis Ababa

• Drive or fly back to Addis Ababa.

• Free time for shopping, rest, or optional spa visit.

• Farewell traditional dinner with music and cultural performances.

• Overnight in Addis.

Day 15: Departure

• Transfer to Bole International Airport for your onward flight.

• End of tour.

🌍 Tour Highlights

• Explore 12th-century rock churches of Lalibela

• Cruise the mystical Lake Tana and walk the Blue Nile Falls

• Witness living traditions of the Mursi, Hamar, Karo, and Dassanech tribes

• Discover ancient ruins in Axum, the seat of Ethiopia’s oldest empire

• Wander the alleyways of Harar, Ethiopia’s Islamic spiritual center

• See the surreal tradition of hyena feeding