Trekking and Hiking
Tour Packages
Simien Mountains - 1 Day Hike
Simien Mountains - 2 Days Hike
Simien Mountains - 3 Days Hike
Simien Mountains - 4 Days Hike
Simien Mountains - 5 Days Hike
Simien Mountains - 6/7 Days Hike
Simien Mountains - 8 Days Hike
Simien Mountains - 10 Days Hike
Simien Mountains to Lalibela
12 Days Hike
Bale Mountains - 5/6 Days Hike
Tours in North Ethiopia
12 days - Cultural, Historical
13 days - Cultural, Historical
Tours in South Ethiopia
8 Days – Omo Valley
North and South Ethiopia
20 days, Cultural, Historical
30 days
Mountain Biking, Rafting, Cultural
27 days
Cultural, Historical, Natural, Volcanic
Tours to Danakil Depression
2 days - Danakil, Ert Ale Volcano
3 days -
Danakil, Ert Ale Volcano
4 days -
Danakil
11 days
Historical, Safari, Ert Ale Volcano
Bird Watching
8 days - Bird Watching Tour
17 days - Bird Watching Tour
Festivals Tour
Ethiopian Festivals Tour |
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Historical and Cultural Ethiopia - 30 Days Tour (North and South)
This trip focuses on the incredible historical and cultural sites of the northern and southern part of Ethiopia.
Tthrough the amazing Bale Mountains National Park, an area of high altitude plateau, with volcanic crags and lakes, forests, alpine moor land, trout filled streams and a striking variety of fauna and flora. The Rift Valley lakes and coffee plantations to the Omo Valley.
Meet some of Africa's most fascinating and colourful ethnic groups.
The journey begins in Addis Ababa, from where we drive south to Arba Minch, the springboard to the Omo valley. Visit the market towns of Turmi and Jinka and visit the Mursi, Karo, Dassanech and Hamer tribes. You will also visit the amazing island monasteries of Lake Tana where you will Meet monks.
In the north we
explore the castles of Gondar and hike & bike through beautiful scenery in the Simien Mountains, also home to unique wildlife.
The World Heritage Site of Lalibela, which is set in the Lasta mountains and was the second capital of ancient Ethiopia. Dating back to at least the 12th Century, it isrenowned for its extraordinary rock-hewn churches, carved from the mountains, but still embedded in the granite from which they were shaped.
Day -By-Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Addis Ababa
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, meet our representatives and transfer to the given Hotel. During the day, visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.2 million year old remains of "Lucy", whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3,200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis.
Overnight at a hotel
Day 2 - Addis Abeba to Bahir
Early morning drive to Bahir Dar via the 13th Century monastery of Debre-Libanos, an important teaching centre for the Ethiopian Orthodox church and the old cave prayer place. The monastery overlooks the Jema River Gorge, a tributary of the Blue Nile. A chance to spot some wildlife and travel on past the Blue Nile Gorge. Overnight Bahir Dar (hotel).
Day 3 - Bahir
after an erealy breakfast (7:00), take on a boat trip on Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake, which is dotted with some 30 islands of which 20 are home to monasteries and churches . Visit the Zega penninsula & the Monastery of Azuwa Maryam , Ura Kidane Mhiret which it is believed to date back to the 16th Century, & the island monastery of Debre Maram near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. afternoon drive & visit the small town of Tiss Issat meaning 'smoking fire'. Cross the Blue Nile on a small boat which offers stunning photo opportunities. This evening, visit Bezawit Hill to watch the wonderful sunset. Overnight Bahir Dar (hotel).
Day 4 - Bahir Dar - Gondar
This morning we will drive to north Gondar throuh the Guzara Castle site the ruined castle which was built before the establishment of Gondar arriving in Gondar in time for lunch in your hotel, explore Fasiladas' Castle compound, which covers an area of over 70,000sq m (229,659 sq ft), surrounded by high stone walls. Emperor Fasiladas' Palace is the oldest and perhaps most impressive of the castles. It is two stories high, has an imposing parapet and four small domed towers. continue to Debre Berhan Salassie Church, probably the country's most famous church and a highlight of Gondar. Its ceiling is covered with famous paintings of Ethiopian cherubs and the walls portray Ethiopian saints, martyrs, and lore. Overnight Gondar (hotel).
Day 5 - Gondar to Sankaber
You will depart early morning from Gondar to Debark. In debark you will arrange your visit with the park office and receive a scout and guide then drive into the park to arrive at Sankaber. You can either drive all the way in to Sankaber or have the car drop you off near Buyit Ras for a short hike. If you choose to hike in you will take in beautiful views of the landscape and the endless mountain ridges, and you likely see some gelada baboons. When you arrive in Sankaber you will be met with your supplies. Sankaber will be the first campsite on your trip.
Day 6 - Sankaber to Geech Camp
From Sankaber you will begin hiking following the ridge and look out over the foothills 800m down. From the ridge you will descend down into the valley and be able to view the Jinbar River plunging into the Geech Abyss. After some time at the waterfall you will continue on to Geech village where you will find your second campsite.
Day 7 - Geech to Chennek
After breakfast you will start off on a 7 - 8 hour hike of the best views you will see in the Simien Mountains. In route you will pass through Imet Gogo. Here you will have reached an altitude of 3,926m and be able to look out at the amazing landscape from 360 degrees. At this height and view point you can see the canyon below, distant ridges, and view the seemingly never ending valleys. After Imet Gogo you will hike to the view point at Innateye valley at an altitude of 4,070m. Lunch will be here and then you will descend to Chennek (3,600m) for your third campsite.
Day 8 - Chennek to Gondar
Breakfast at the campsite then a 2 hour hike up to the Buwahit peak. Here you will be standing on the second highest peak in the Simien Mountains (4,430m). Here is where many visitors are able to see the endemic animals like the Walia Ibex and Ethiopian Red Fox. After spending time at the peak you will hike back down to Chennek for lunch and transportation back to Debark/Gondar.
Day 9 - Gondar to Axum
Today, we drive to Axum past the dramatic Simien Mountains. Reaching the Limalimo terrain, you will plunge down a 2500 metre escarpment. This beautiful looping Italian built road provides memorable views, including a glimpse of the peak of Awaza near Adi Arkay. We will stop for a picnic lunch near Shire.Crossing the Tekezze River, we will arrive in Axum before dark. We shall check in to your hotel in time for an evening meal. Overnight Axum (hotel)
Day 10 - Axum
Full-day tour of Axum. Discover history and myth at the Queen of Sheba's Palace and Bath before visiting the St Mary of Zion churches, reputedly home to the Ark of the Covenant. Continue to King Ezana's Stone, written in three ancient languages, en route to the tombs of King Kelab and Gebre Meskel, two of Axum's most important rulers who succeeded in bringing southern Arabia under their rule. After lunch, visit the Axum stelae field and museum. A short walk offers excellent views of the surrounding countryside, before a private visit to a local artist who specialises in religious paintings. Overnight Axum (hotel).
Day 11 - Axum to Hawzen
Drive to Hawsein. Journey to a little visited but peaceful and astonishing spot 'Yeha' which is Ethiopia's first known capital and considered the birth place of the country's earliest civilization. Its ruins are impressive for their sheer age, dating from around the 5th century BC. Also the monastery of Debre Damo which is the first monastery in Ethiopia dates back to Aksumite times. It boasts the oldest standing church in the country. Overnight Hawzen (hotel)
Day 12 Hawzen to Mekele
In the morning, visit either Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor. Both churches involve an approximate one-hour hike but offer commanding views of the surrounding area. After lunch, continue your visit with the more easily-accessible churches of Abreha we Atsbeha and Chirkos. Afterwards, proceed driving to Mekele for overnight (hotel).
Day 13 – Mekele to Afar
After breakfast you will drive to Ahmed Ella and stop at the entrance of the Afar region to pick up your entrance permit and police to guide you through the gate of the Afar refion. You will overnight in a local hotel.
Day 14 – Afar to Ert Ale
In the morning you will go to Ert Ale and again pick up another police officer to ensure security. Together you will drive to Waydoom and after having a meal you will trek for about 3½ hours to arrive in the large volcanic crater of the Ert Ale volcanic mountain, a still very active volcano. You will have time to adventure around the area and enjoy visiting the volcano before nightfall. You will camp here for the night.
Day 15 – Ert Ale to Ahmed Ella
Early morning trek from your campsite descending to Waydoom for breakfast at which point you will be met by your vehicle to drive you Ahmed Ella. When you arrive you will stay in a local hotel.
Day 16 – Ahmed Ella to Dallol to Lake Asale to Mekele: Early morning you will head out to visit the Dallol Depression and witness the amazing bubbling sulfuric acid. Then you will visit Lake Asale which is known for being full of salt and a salt extracting area. This day also provides opportunities to take a camel caravan before returning back to Mekele via your vehicle.
Day 17- Mekele -Lalibela
Drive to Lalibela through the rough nature of road but nice to experience along with the magnificent scenery ( gigantic , ups & downs landscape) Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).
Day 18 - Lalibela
in the morning , visit the first group of rock-hewn churche of Lalibela, Bet Medhane Alem , Bet Maryam , Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel , Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (not allowed for women). After lunch, head to the second group of rock-hewn churches which represent scenes of the heavenly Jerusalem. Finally visit the cross-shaped church of St. George which is regarded to be the third group and is the last work of church excavation by King Lalibela. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).
Day 19 - Lalibela
after breakfast, you will set off on mule or on foot to the church of Ashetun Mariam, about a 4 hours' round trip. An alternative to the Ashetun Mariam trip, or if visitors are not afraid of a full day it can be done in the afternoon in addition to Ashetun Mariam, visit the the church of yimrehanne Kristos, the most popular of the church outside of Lalibela, this church is built in the late -Axumite style, with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern. Overnight in Lalibela ( hotel).
Day 20 - Lalibela to Addis Ababa
In the morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Addis & In the evening, there will be Grand Holidays' complimentary farewell dinner party. There will not be better way of ending a trip. (flight schedule permitting) At the end of the farewell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for the flight back. The travellers who book the 30 day trip will continue the following morning
Day 21 - Addis Ababa – Bale
Morning drive from Addis Ababa to Bale via Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes. Your journey to Bale Mountains National Park has a stop at Dinsho, the headquarter where we can see the endemic mammals including Mountain Nyala and Menilik Bushbuck. And proceed to Goba for an overnight stay at Goba.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 22 - Goba to Sanatte to Goba
Excursion to Sanatte plateau, the highest plateau in Africa. Here you may encounter the endemics of Ethiopian Wolfs. Visit and proceed to the Harrena forest, to see the different birds and animals including Menelik Bushbuck, Warthog, and other animals. Overnight: Hotel
Day 23- Goba to Sof-Omar to Hawassa
After early breakfast drive from Goba to Sof-Omar cave. It is one of the most spectacular and extensive underground caverns in the world running for nearly 15 km. Sof Omar, like the nearby village, is named after Sheikh Sof Omar, a holy man who sought refuge here many centuries ago. But the cave has a religious history of thousands of years. It is an important pilgrimage site named after a revered sheik who took refuge there in the 12th century. Overnight: Hotel
Day 24 - Hawassa to Arba Minch
Drive to Arba Minch, one of the main towns in Southern Ethiopia. On the way, visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location.
Overnight Lodge
Day 25 - Arba Minch to Jinka
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. Drive to Jinka visiting various peoples such as the Gamo and Derashe. Stop at Key Afar's weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods.
Overnight Lodge
Day 26 - Mago National Park
Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka.
Overnight Lodge
Day 27 - Jinka to Turmi
Drive to Turmi to visit the Hame eople who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of "bull-jumping" which every young man must accomplish prior to marriage. En route to Turmi, visit the Benna and Ari people.
Overnight Lodge
Day 28 - Omorate Excursion
Excursion to Omorate visiting the Dassanech people. Return to Turmi for the evening. Overnight Lodge
Day 29 - Turmi - Arbaminch
Overnight Lodge
Day 30 - Arbaminch to Addis Ababa
Fly back to Addis & connected to your international flight back home.
End of the wonderful holiday! |
