Travel Recap: |
| Day 1 |
Depart your home city on your flight to Africa. |
| Day 2 |
Arrive in Addis Ababa where you are welcomed by your private guide and transferred to your hotel for overnight.
Overnight: Ghion or Global Hotel |
| Day 3 |
Early this morning your private guide will transfer you to the airport where you will fly from Addis to the lake side town of Bahir Dar
After check-in to and breakfast at Tana Hotel, begin your adventure as a boat trip on Ethiopia´;s largest lake, Lake Tana (3,600 sq km), takes you to visit the monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam which are found on the largest peninsula of the lake. These monasteries are known for the colorful frescoes of religious scenes, and an impressive display of illuminated bibles written in Ge’ez, Ethiopia’s oldest language. Then, drive back to Bahir Dar for lunch.
In the afternoon, drive 32 km southwest of Bahir Dar to the small town of Tiss Abay. It is then a short 20 minute walk to visit the famous Blue Nile Falls. The fall plunges 45 meters below, giving rise to steam clouds, smoke for fire, which is locally known as ‘Tiss Issat’. You may also walk about 20 minutes more to an interesting viewpoint.
Overnight: Tana Hotel [BLD] |
| Day 4 |
Continue your explorations as this mornings drive takes you approximately 120 miles to the city of Gondar, the 17th and 18th century capital of Ethiopia.
In Gondar, visit the ´Royal Compound´ with many majestic castles constructed in the European middle age architectural style, the ‘Bath of Emperor Fasilades’, and finally Debre Birhan Sillassie church (´Trinity at the mount of light´) which is the finest of the Gonderine churches. It was built during the reign of Emperor Iyasu (1682 - 1706). The inside walls of the front room are covered with paintings on cloth, glued to the surface. The ceiling is built with thick beams and it is decorated with winged angel heads looking down. The wall paintings depict scenes from the life of Christ and Mary.
Overnight: Goha Hotel [BLD] |
| Day 5 |
After your breakfast, drive from Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park, the roof of Africa, where you can easily spot the endemic Gelada baboon, the bone breaker Lammergeyer roaring in the sky of the Simien Mountains National park, and other bird species.
The park is registered as one of the world heritage sites. Once you arrive at your lodge take the time to walk the grounds which offer a very interesting and enjoyable landscape.
Overnight: Simien Lodge [BLD] |
| Day 6 |
After breakfast, drive from Simien Lodge to Axum located on the western part of the park passing through the Tekeze gorge and crossing the Tekeze River.
Axum is the ancient capital of Ethiopia known for its tall monolithic steles that are made from granite stone. Some of these steles still remain erect with the largest monolith being nearly 108 feet.
Overnight: Yeha Hotel [BLD] |
| Day 7 |
Today you will have a city tour of Axum that includes: the Archeological museum of Axum andacute;Stele field´ (4th Century AD and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruin palace and tomb of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel (5th and 6th Century AD) and the residence of the legendary Queen of Sheba (9th century BC).
Overnight: Yeha Hotel [BLD] |
| Day 8 |
After breakfast, transfer to Axum Airport and fly to Lalibela- the 8th wonder of the World known for its middle age rock hewn churches. Up on arrive in Lalibela you will transfer to the hotel for lunch before departing for an afternoon visit to the famous rock-hewn churches.
Visit the first group of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela that symbolize the earthly Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem Hotel [BLD] |
| Day 9 |
In the morning, take the mule ride (about half of the way) to mount Asheten to visit the 13th century monastery of Asheten. Return to the hotel for lunch and in the after noon; proceed to the second group of the rock hewn churches that symbolize heavenly Jerusalem. Then continue to the last church Finally, visit the third group that comprises only one church- Bete Giorgis.
Overnight: Jerusalem Hotel [BLD] |
| Day 10 |
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly back to Addis Ababa. Up on arrival in Addis you will be met by your new guide and drive to Lake Langano, which is one of the best places for weekend recreation. Travel through the region of the great east African Rift Valley region, stopping at Lake Ziway for lunch and the opportunity to spot some wetland birds. Continue driving to Langano for overnight.
Overnight: Sabana Beach Resort [BLD] |
| Day 11 |
Drive from Langano to Arba Minch through the fertile land of Wolayita region visiting the Wolayita and Alaba Villages on the way. After having lunch in Soddo, the capital of the Walyita region, proceed to Chencha to visit the Dorze Village where the beehive shaped bamboo houses and weaving are well worth visiting. The name Dorze is also taken from the name of the woven cotton clothes made by these people. Drive further to Arba Minch for overnight.
Overnight: Bekele Mole Hotel [BLD] |
| Day 12 |
This day you will drive 175 miles south of Arba Minch to Jinka; crossing the Weito Valley and visiting the Konso people who are noted for their rock terracing and colorful hand woven cotton clothes. You will also visit the Tsemay people before arriving in Jinka.
Note: Clients have expressed that this is a difficult and tough road for travel. It is however the best way to visit the local peoples of Ethiopia.
Overnight: Jinka Resort Hotel [BLD] |
| Day 13 |
Today you will experience the most famous and extraordinary people of Mursi. The Mursi people are typically known for the clay lip plates the women insert in their lower lips. This practice is regarded as a sign of beauty among the Mursi – the bigger the plate, the more beautiful the wearer. You will have a light picnic lunch on the way. After visiting to the Mursi return to Jinka for overnight.
Overnight: Jinka Resort Hotel [BLD] |
| Day 14 |
Travel back to Arba Minch (175 miles of rough road). If the day is Thursday, you will be able to stop at Key Afer to visit one of the most colorful multicultural weekly markets whereby the Tsemai, the Ari, and the Benna people meet.
Continue to Arbaminch crossing the crossing the Weito Valley and visiting the the Woito people, who live in the area around Woito River, and the Tsemay village.
Overnight:Bekele Mole Hotel [BLD] |
| Day 15 |
Today is the longest driving day. Travel back to Addis, 314 miles, through the rift valley. In the evening, you will be guests at a farewell dinner party in one of the Traditional Ethiopian restaurants, where dancers from the different ethnic groups will perform.
Depending on your departure time you will either be transferred to the airport or to a hotel for overnight. |
