Historic North and South 13 Days
Historic North and South 13 Days Home Overview This exciting Ethiopian adventure begins in Addis Ababa, where you’ll explore the capital’s vibrant markets and historical sites before flying to Bahir Dar to discover ancient island monasteries on Lake Tana and the majestic Blue Nile Falls. Next, you’ll travel to Gondar, often called the “Camelot of Africa,” to marvel at its royal castles and embark on a breathtaking day trip to the Simien Mountains National Park, home to unique wildlife and stunning landscapes. A flight then takes you to Lalibela to witness the incredible rock-hewn churches before returning to Addis Ababa. The journey then shifts south to the Omo Valley, flying to Jinka as your base. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the rich cultures of various indigenous tribes, including the Mursi, Hamer, Dassanech, Nyangatom, and Karo people, experiencing their unique traditions and way of life before flying back to Addis Ababa for some last-minute shopping and a farewell dinner. Highlights Itinerary Price included Price not included Reviews Highlights Explore the vibrant capital, including the National Museum and Mercato. Discover ancient island monasteries on Lake Tana and visit the Blue Nile Falls. Marvel at royal castles and take a breathtaking day trip to Simien Mountains National Park. Immerse yourself in the unique cultures of various indigenous tribes like the Mursi, Hamer, Dassanech, Nyangatom, and Karo. Itinerary Day 1: Addis Ababa Welcome to Addis Ababa! Today is all about settling in and getting a taste of Ethiopia’s bustling capital. You’ll likely arrive at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you might have the afternoon free to relax, or perhaps you’d like to dive straight into exploring some of the city’s highlights. A visit to the National Museum, home to “Lucy,” our ancient ancestor, is a popular choice, offering a fascinating glimpse into human origins. Afterwards, you could wander through the Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, to experience the vibrant local life and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. The day will conclude with dinner, enjoying some delicious Ethiopian cuisine. Overnight Addis Ababa. Day 2: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar (flight) This morning, you’ll transfer to Bole International Airport for a domestic flight to Bahir Dar, a picturesque city located on the shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and then embark on a relaxing boat trip on Lake Tana. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit some of the ancient island monasteries, adorned with stunning frescoes and housing invaluable religious artifacts. As you cruise across the lake, you’ll also have a chance to observe local fishermen in their traditional papyrus boats. In the afternoon drive to Tia Abay to visit the blue Nile falls. Overnight Bahirdar. Day 3: Bahir Dar – Gondar Today, after breakfast the journey north towards Gondar, often referred to as the “Camelot of Africa.” The drive itself offers scenic views of the Ethiopian countryside. Upon arrival in Gondar, you’ll be transported back in time as you explore the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll discover impressive 17th-century castles and palaces built by various emperors, showcasing a unique blend of Ethiopian, European, and Arabian architectural styles. Don’t miss a visit to the beautifully decorated Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its ceiling adorned with winged angels. Overnight Gondar. Day 4: Gondar – Simien Mountains – Gondar Prepare for an exciting day trip to the majestic Simien Mountains National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage site and a true natural wonder. This morning, you’ll drive from Gondar to the park, where you’ll be greeted by breathtaking landscapes of dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and jagged escarpments. You’ll embark on a rewarding trek, offering incredible opportunities to spot unique wildlife, most notably the Gelada baboons, often seen grazing on the grass. The stunning vistas and fresh mountain air make for an unforgettable experience before you return to Gondar in the late afternoon. Overnight Gondar. Day 5: Gondar – Lalibela (flight) This morning, you’ll head back to the airport for a short flight to Lalibela, a remote town famous for its extraordinary rock-hewn churches. Upon arrival, you’ll be captivated by the sheer ingenuity and spiritual significance of these monolithic structures, carved directly out of living rock in the 12th century. You’ll spend the afternoon exploring the first group of churches, which are truly architectural marvels and an enduring testament to faith. The intricate details and the sense of awe these ancient sites inspire are truly remarkable. Overnight Lalibela. Day 6: Lalibela – Addis Ababa Today, you’ll continue your exploration of Lalibela’s incredible rock-hewn churches, visiting the remaining groups, including the iconic Bet Giyorgis (Church of St. George), a perfectly cruciform structure that seems to emerge from the earth. You’ll have time to fully appreciate the unique spiritual atmosphere and the incredible craftsmanship. In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, reflecting on the profound history and devotion you witnessed in Lalibela. Overnight Addis Ababa. Day 7: Addis Ababa – Jinka (flight) This morning marks the beginning of your adventure into the Omo Valley, a region renowned for its diverse indigenous communities. You’ll take a domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Jinka, the main town in the South Omo Zone. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your accommodation and then have some time to relax or explore Jinka town, perhaps visiting the South Omo Museum & Research Centre to gain a better understanding of the local cultures you’ll encounter in the coming days. Overnight Jinka. Day 8: Jinka – Mago – Jinka Today, you’ll embark on a fascinating excursion to Mago National Park, a protected area in the Omo Valley. The primary reason for this visit is to interact with the Mursi people, known for their distinctive lip plates worn by the women. You’ll drive through the park, observing the natural landscape, before reaching a Mursi village. This provides a unique opportunity to learn about their traditions, way of life, and




