13-Day Ethiopia Cultural and Tribal Adventure Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport around 7:00 AM, you will be welcomed by New Gate Ethiopia Tours staff and transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early in the morning, enjoy a leisurely rest, followed by an afternoon sightseeing tour. Visit highlights including the National Museum, home to the famous fossil “Lucy“; Holy Trinity Cathedral, the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie; Mount Entoto for panoramic city views; and Merkato, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa.
Overnight: Addis Ababa, Hotel.

Day 2: Drive to Hawassa
After breakfast, drive south through the Ethiopian Rift Valley, part of the Great Rift Valley stretching from the Middle East to Mozambique. Stop at Lake Ziway, home to volcanic islands and vibrant birdlife. Continue to Abijatta-Shalla National Park, where you can spot flamingos, ostriches, and gazelles, and take in the twin rift valley lakes. Drive onward to Hawassa.
Overnight: Hawassa, Hotel.

Day 3: Drive to Arba Minch
Start with a morning visit to Lake Hawassa Fish Market and Amora Gedel Park. Then depart Hawassa and drive to Arba Minch, stopping at local coffee plantations for photo opportunities. Visit the Dorze Tribe in the Guge Mountains, known for their cotton weaving and beehive-shaped houses made from organic materials.
Overnight: Arba Minch, Hotel.

Day 4: Drive from Arba Minch to Turmi
Take a morning boat trip on Lake Chamo to see the famous “Crocodile Market,” where large Nile crocodiles and hippos are found. Continue to Turmi, stopping at Konso Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about Konso’s agricultural terracing and wooden totems that honor the dead. Proceed to Turmi through acacia forests.
Overnight: Turmi, Hotel or Lodge.

Day 5: Turmi – Karo & Hamer Tribes
In the morning, visit the Karo Tribe, known for elaborate body painting. After lunch, visit a Hamer Tribe village, famous for their ornate beadwork and hairstyles, which symbolize family status.
Overnight: Turmi, Hotel or Lodge.
Activity: Dinner with the Hamer Tribe.

Day 6: Drive to Jinka (via Omorate & Dassenech)
Travel to Omorate, located on the Omo River near the Kenya border. Cross the river by local boat to visit a Dassenech village, known for their distinctive hairstyles and cross-border heritage. Return to Turmi and continue to Jinka. Visit the Ari Tribe, who live in lush, green villages surrounded by fruit trees.
Overnight: Jinka, Hotel.

Day 7: Mursi Tribe Visit & Fly Back to Addis Ababa
Early morning drive through Mago National Park to visit a Mursi village. The Mursi are famous for women’s lip plates and men’s stick-fighting ceremonies. Return to Jinka for your flight to Addis Ababa.
Overnight: Addis Ababa, Hotel.

Day 8: Fly to Lalibela & Visit Churches
Morning flight to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s most iconic historical site. After lunch, visit the Northwestern Cluster of rock-hewn churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha (note: women are not permitted entry into Golgotha).
Overnight: Lalibela, Hotel.

Day 9: Yemrehane Kristos & Churches Continued
Morning excursion to Yemrehane Kristos, a stunning cave church made of wood and stone. In the afternoon, visit the Southeastern Cluster of churches, including Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, and Bet Abba Libanos. End the day at Bet Giyorgis (St. George’s Church), the most iconic of all.
Overnight: Lalibela, Hotel.

Day 10: Monastery Visit & Return to Addis Ababa
In the morning, visit the cliff-side Na’akuto La’ab Monastery. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. Enjoy free time for shopping or rest upon arrival.
Overnight: Addis Ababa, Hotel.
Optional: Connection flight to Dire Dawa and overnight there.

Day 11: Fly to Dire Dawa & Drive to Harar
Early flight to Dire Dawa (depart at 07:40 AM, arrive at 08:55 AM). After a brief coffee break and tour, visit Kefira Market, one of Ethiopia’s largest markets, and the Old Train Station. Drive 55 km to Harar, known for its rich history and culture.
Overnight: Harar, Hotel.

Day 12: Harar – City Tour & Hyena Man
Explore Harar’s alleyways and colorful houses. Visit the Sheriff Museum, Rimbaud House, Harari National Cultural Center, and the historic city gates. In the evening, witness the legendary Hyena Man, who feeds wild hyenas by hand and sometimes by mouth.
Overnight: Harar, Hotel.

Day 13: Harar to Dire Dawa & Return to Addis Ababa / Departure
Early morning drive back to Dire Dawa to catch your flight to Addis Ababa. On the way, stop at Aweday, home to the largest chat market in Ethiopia. Arrive in Addis Ababa and, time permitting, enjoy a farewell cultural dinner with traditional music, dancing, and a buffet of Ethiopian specialties before transferring to Bole International Airport for your flight home.