Once a vast and powerful agricultural territory stretching from southern Egypt to encompass much of what is now West and East Africa, Ethiopia has often found itself in conflict — with nature, ambitious armies, and historians. It is famed for the Queen of Sheba, the possible resting place of the Ark of The Covenant, and the discovery of the 3.5 million year-old fossil remains of ‘Lucy’. In the time of the Roman Empire, Ethiopia was a critical link between political and trading territories and its people were renowned for their beauty and sophistication.
You will be met and escorted to your hotel. Explore
historical Addis Ababa sites including the National Archaeological Museum to view the ‘Lucy’ exhibit and the Ethnological Museum, a true treasure. Then on to the large open-air market before driving to the top of Mount Entoto, for a panoramic view of the city.
Harmony Hotel
(L/D)
This morning fly to the most unique Christian sites of
Ethiopia. Lalibela’s eleven rock churches are collectively
referred to as ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’ and as
the ‘Petra of Africa’.
Mountain View Hotel
(B/L)
Visit the exquisite church of Yimrhane Kristos, a masterpiece of Axumit wood and stone construction,
before a return to Lalibela for further exploration of its
amazing structures.
Mountain View Hotel
(B/L/D)
Fly to Axum, the heart of ancient Ethiopia, to view its
obelisks, the royal tombs, the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of her ancient palace. You’ll explore the holiest site in Ethiopia, the old Cathedral of St Mary of Zion, and the sanctuary said to
house the original Ark of the Covenant.
Consular Hotel
(B/L/D)
A return flight to Addis Ababa, then drive to your beachfront resort on Lake Langano.
Sabanna Beach Resort
(B/L/D)
Visit the villages of Alaba and Wollayta and continue
to the colorful village of the Dorze people and their
beehive-shaped homes. The Dorze are expert weavers
as well as efficient mountainside terrace-farmers.
Paradise Lodger
(B/D)
This morning enjoy a wildlife cruise on Lake Chamo, to view
crocodiles, hippos and a variety of colorful bird life. Later,
arrive in Jinka, an art village compound at the foot of Mago
National Park.
Eco Omo Lodge
(B/L/D)
Early morning drive to a Mursi tribal village, known for the
now-uncommon practice of inserting a clay disc into the lower lip of its young women. Return to Jinka this afternoon to visit the anthropological museum.
Eco Omo Lodge
(B/L/D)
This morning proceed to Dimeka to visit the colorful Hamer tribe, known for both their remarkable hairstyles made of ochre, water, and resin, as well as their jewelery and headdresses. Later, you’ll drive to Turmi.
Buska Lodge
(B/L/D)
Both the Hamer and Karo tribes practice decorative scarification, and the Karo are highly competitive body painting artists.
Buska Lodge
(B/L/D)
Returning to Arba Minch, visit the Arbore tribe before arriving in the colorful village of the Konso people. A pagan society largely untouched by the outside world, the self sufficient Konso practice highly specialized, buttressed-terrace agricultural techniques in their hilly environment.
Paradise Lodge
(B/L/D)
On your drive back to Addis Ababa for your late night flight home, you’ll enjoy lush green valley views and a tour of the ancient UNESCO World Heritage site of Tiya. Enjoy an early dinner, a traditional folkloric show and coffee ceremony before boarding your flight.
(B/L/D)
