14-Day Ethiopia Cultural and Adventure Tour

Day 1 – Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrival: Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, transfer to your hotel for breakfast and rest.
City Tour: Visit the National Museum (home of “Lucy”), Holy Trinity Cathedral (the burial site of Emperor Haile Selassie), and enjoy panoramic views from Entoto Hills.
Overnight: Hotel accommodation, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 2 – Addis Ababa to Arba Minch
Flight to Arba Minch: Fly to Arba Minch in southern Ethiopia.
Visit the Dorze Tribe: Explore the Dorze community, known for their distinctive elephant-shaped bamboo houses and expert weaving traditions.
Overnight: Hotel accommodation in Arba Minch.

Day 3 – Arba Minch to Turmi
Lake Chamo Water Safari: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Chamo, spotting crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of birdlife.

Drive to Turmi: Travel through Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its terraced farming and rich culture.
Overnight: Lodge in Turmi.

Day 4 – Turmi to Omorate to Jinka
Omorate Visit: Cross the Omo River by canoe to visit the Dassanech tribe, known for their flood-retreat farming.
Optional Visit: Stop by the Karo tribe, famous for intricate body painting and riverbank villages.
Overnight: Hotel in Jinka.

Day 5 – Jinka to Mago National Park
Mursi Tribe Visit: Journey into Mago National Park to meet the Mursi people, renowned for women’s lip plates and the men’s warrior traditions.
Market Visit: Visit Key Afer Market, a colorful gathering point for the Ari, Banna, and Tsemay tribes.
Overnight: Return to Jinka.

Day 6 – Jinka to Semera via Addis Ababa
Flight to Semera: Fly back to Addis Ababa and connect to Semera, the capital of the Afar Region. Meet your Danakil Depression expedition team.
Overnight: Hotel in Semera.

Day 7 – Semera to Erta Ale
Drive to Erta Ale: Travel to the base of Erta Ale, Ethiopia’s active lava lake volcano.
Volcano Trek: Begin a 15 km trek to the volcano’s rim to witness the glowing lava and camp under the stars.
Overnight: Camping near Erta Ale.

Day 8 – Erta Ale to Afdera to Abala
Morning Exploration: Walk along the volcano ridge and observe the lava lake at sunrise.
Lake Afdera Visit: Relax and swim in the salty waters of Lake Afdera.
Overnight: Hotel in Abala.

Day 9 – Abala to Dallol to Hamed Ela
Drive to Dallol: Journey into the Danakil Depression, visiting Dallol, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth.
Sunset Views: Enjoy a spectacular sunset over the surreal salt lakes and colorful mineral formations.
Overnight: Return to Hamed Ela.

Day 10 – Hamed Ela to Lalibela via Addis Ababa
Transfer to Lalibela: Fly from Hamed Ela back to Addis Ababa, then on to Lalibela, the spiritual heart of Ethiopia.
Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela.

Day 11 – Explore Lalibela
Rock-Hewn Churches Tour: Visit the iconic 11 rock-hewn churches, including St. George’s Church (cross-shaped) and Bete Medhane Alem (the world’s largest monolithic church).
Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela.

Day 12 – Lalibela to Gondar
Drive to Gondar: Travel through scenic mountain landscapes.
Explore Gondar: Discover the 17th-century castles and the beautifully painted Debre Berhan Selassie Monastery.
Overnight: Hotel in Gondar.

Day 13 – Simien Mountains National Park
Trekking Adventure: Hike through the UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains, known for their dramatic cliffs and endemic gelada baboons.
Overnight: Return to Gondar.

Day 14 – Gondar to Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa
Morning in Gondar: Visit King Fasilidas’ palace and historic baths.
Drive to Bahir Dar: Travel onward to Bahir Dar.
Blue Nile Falls: Explore the spectacular Tis Issat Falls.
Lake Tana Boat Trip: Take a boat ride to visit ancient island monasteries.
Flight to Addis Ababa: Return to Addis. Enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional Ethiopian music and dance before your international departure.