THE BEST OF ETHIOPIA!

COMBINATION TOURS: THE BEST OF ETHIOPIA!

These tours cover Ethiopia's most famous cultural and historical sites. All of these tours go to the main historical sites in the north and the Omo Valley. Some tours also include the Danakil Depression, Harar, Tigrai, and National Parks. If you do not see the right tour for you, please contact us and we will send you our best options based on your preferences.

Ethiopian Holiday (A)

14 Days / 13 Nights

The Historic North and Omo Valley

Day 01: Addis Ababa

For morning arrivals at Bole International Airport you may begin your tour after checking into your hotel. For clients arriving in the afternoon or evening, you may begin your tour the following day. African Treasure Tours representative will meet all clients arriving at the airport regardless of arrival time.

Visit the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. Tour the Mercato, one of Africa's largest outdoor markets, and Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Overnight Hotel - Addis Ababa

Day 02: Addis Ababa - Bahar Dar

Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Visit the marketplace in Bahar Dar. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and tour ancient island monasteries.

Overnight Hotel - Bahar Dar

Day 03: Bahar Dar - Gondar

Drive through the countryside to Gondar. Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian Kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty African Empire. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels.

Overnight Hotel - Gondar

Day 04: Gondar - Lalibela

Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines 700 kilometers north of Addis Ababa. Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings.

Overnight Hotel - Lalibela

Day 05: Lalibela

For the morning you have two choices: Option A: Take a morning hike with mules to Mount Asheton, with its 13th century rock-hewn monastery and great views of the town; Option B: Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will also give you the opportunity to view the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Following either option above continue with tour of Lalibela's churches in the afternoon.

Overnight Hotel - Lalibela

Day 06: Lalibela - Axum

Fly to Axum on Ethiopian Airlines. Tour the ancient stelae fields, standing for 2000 years. Visit the new and impressive Archeological Museum. Visit other tombs and archeological sites as time permits.

Overnight Hotel - Axum

Day 07: Axum - Addis Ababa - Lake Langano

Fly to Addis Ababa and then drive to the Rift Valley Lake Langano. Relax at the Sabana Lodge. Lake Langano is safe for swimming.

Overnight Lodge - Lake Langano

Day 08: Lake Langano - Arba Minch

Drive to Arba Minch via Melka Kunture, a stone-age archeological site; Adadi Mariam, a 12th century rock-hewn church; and Tiya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its mysterious stelae, thought to be grave markers, dating from the 12th century. Also 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 Hotel - Arba Minch

Day 09: Arba Minch - 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 - Jinka

Day 10: Mago National Park Excursion

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 - Jinka

Day 11: Jinka - Turmi

Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people 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 - Turmi

Day 12: Omorate Excursion

Excursion to Omorate to visit the Dassanech people, known for their elaborate body-painting. Cross the famous Omo River by canoe. Return to Turmi for the evening.

Overnight Lodge - Turmi

Day 13: Turmi - Konso

Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages.

Overnight Lodge - Konso

Day 14: Konso - Arba Minch - Addis Ababa

Drive from Konso to Arba Minch for flight to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed.

Ethiopian Holiday (B)

14 Days / 13 Nights

Historic North and Omo Valley

Day 01: Addis Ababa

For morning arrivals at Bole International Airport you may begin your tour after checking into your hotel. For clients arriving in the afternoon or evening, you may begin your tour the following day. African Treasure Tours representative will meet all clients arriving at the airport regardless of arrival time.

Visit the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. Tour the Mercato, one of Africa's largest outdoor markets, and Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Overnight Hotel - Addis Ababa

Day 02: Addis Ababa - Bahar Dar

Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Visit the marketplace in Bahar Dar. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and tour ancient island monasteries.

Overnight Hotel - Bahar Dar

Day 03: Bahar Dar - Gondar

Drive through the countryside to Gondar. Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian Kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty African Empire. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels.

Overnight Hotel - Gondar

Day 04: Gondar - Lalibela

Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines 700 kilometers north of Addis Ababa. Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings.

Overnight Hotel - Lalibela

Day 05: Lalibela - Axum

Fly to Axum on Ethiopian Airlines. Tour the ancient stelae fields, standing for 2000 years. Visit the new and impressive Archeological Museum. Visit other tombs and archeological sites as time permits.

Overnight Hotel - Axum

Day 06: Axum - Addis Ababa - Lake Langano

Fly to Addis Ababa and then drive to the Rift Valley Lake Langano. Relax at the Sabana Lodge. Lake Langano is safe for swimming.

Overnight Lodge - Lake Langano

Day 07: Lake Langano - 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 Hotel - Arba Minch

Day 08: Arba Minch - 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 - Jinka

Day 09: Mago National Park Excursion

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 - Jinka

Day 10: Jinka - Turmi

Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people 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 - Turmi

Day 11: Omorate Excursion

Excursion to Omorate to visit the Dassanech people, known for their elaborate body-painting. Cross the famous Omo River by canoe. Return to Turmi for the evening.

Overnight Lodge - Turmi

Day 12: Turmi - Konso

Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages.

Overnight Lodge - Konso

Day 13: Konso - Hawassa

Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. Relax and recover from your journey at one of Hawassa's fine resorts.

Overnight Resort - Hawassa

Day 14: Hawassa - Addis Ababa

Visit the Hawassa fish market in the morning. Drive to Addis Ababa making stops at the Rift Valley Lakes. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed.

Best of Ethiopia Tour

16 Days / 15 Nights

Historic North and Omo Valley

Day 01: Addis Ababa

For morning arrivals at Bole International Airport you may begin your tour after checking into your hotel. For clients arriving in the afternoon or evening, you may begin your tour the following day. African Treasure Tours representative will meet all clients arriving at the airport regardless of arrival time.

Visit the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. Tour the Mercato, one of Africa's largest outdoor markets, and Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Overnight Hotel - Addis Ababa

Day 02: Addis Ababa - Bahar Dar

Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Visit the marketplace in Bahar Dar. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and tour ancient island monasteries.

Overnight Hotel - Bahar Dar

Day 03: Bahar Dar - Gondar

Drive through the countryside to Gondar. Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian Kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty African Empire. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels.

Overnight Hotel - Gondar

Day 04: Gondar - Lalibela

Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines 700 kilometers north of Addis Ababa. Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings.

Overnight Hotel - Lalibela

Day 05: Lalibela

For the morning you have two choices: Option A: Take a morning hike with mules to Mount Asheton, with its 13th century rock-hewn monastery and great views of the town; Option B: Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will also give you the opportunity to view the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Following either option above continue with tour of Lalibela's churches in the afternoon.

Overnight Hotel - Lalibela

Day 06: Lalibela - Axum

Fly to Axum on Ethiopian Airlines. Tour the ancient stelae fields, standing for 2000 years. Visit the new and impressive Archeological Museum. Visit other tombs and archeological sites as time permits.

Overnight Hotel - Axum

Day 07: Axum - Addis Ababa - Lake Langano

Fly to Addis Ababa and then drive to the Rift Valley Lake Langano. Relax at the Sabana Lodge. Lake Langano is safe for swimming.

Overnight Lodge - Lake Langano

Day 08: Lake Langano - 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 Hotel - Arba Minch

Day 09: Arba Minch - 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 - Jinka

Day 10: Mago National Park Excursion

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 - Jinka

Day 11: Jinka - Turmi

Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people 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 - Turmi

Day 12: Omorate Excursion

Excursion to Omorate to visit the Dassanech people, known for their elaborate body-painting. Cross the famous Omo River by canoe. Return to Turmi for the evening.

Overnight Lodge - Turmi

Day 13: Turmi - Konso

Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages.

Overnight Lodge - Konso

Day 14: Konso - Hawassa

Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. Relax and recover from your journey at one of Hawassa's fine resorts.

Overnight Resort - Hawassa

Day 15: Hawassa

Visit the Hawassa fish market in the morning. Enjoy the day relaxing at the resort or exploring the town.

Overnight Resort - Hawassa

Day 16: Hawassa - Addis Ababa

Drive to Addis Ababa making stops at the Rift Valley Lakes. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed.

Ethiopia Explorer

20 Days / 19 Nights

Historic North, Harar, Omo Valley, National Parks

Day 01: Addis Ababa

For morning arrivals at Bole International Airport you may begin your tour after checking into your hotel. For clients arriving in the afternoon or evening, you may begin your tour the following day. African Treasure Tours representative will meet all clients arriving at the airport regardless of arrival time.

Visit the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. Tour the Mercato, one of Africa's largest outdoor markets, and Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Overnight Hotel - Addis Ababa

Day 02: Addis Ababa - Bahar Dar

Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Visit the marketplace in Bahar Dar. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and tour ancient island monasteries.

Overnight Hotel - Bahar Dar

Day 03: Bahar Dar - Gondar

Drive through the countryside to Gondar. Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian Kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty African Empire. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels.

Overnight Hotel - Gondar

Day 04: Simien Mountain Excursion

Drive to Sankabar the gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy an easy hike (2 - 3 hours) to take in the spectacular scenery and spot wildlife such as the endemic Gelada Baboons. Return to Gondar by evening.

Overnight Hotel - Gondar

Day 05: Gondar - Lalibela

Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines 700 kilometers north of Addis Ababa. Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings.

Overnight Hotel - Lalibela

Day 06: Lalibela

For the morning you have two choices: Option A: Take a morning hike with mules to Mount Asheton, with its 13th century rock-hewn monastery and great views of the town; Option B: Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will also give you the opportunity to view the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Following either option above continue with tour of Lalibela's churches in the afternoon.

Overnight Hotel - Lalibela

Day 07: Lalibela - Axum

Fly to Axum on Ethiopian Airlines. Tour the ancient stelae fields, standing for 2000 years. Visit the new and impressive Archeological Museum. Visit other tombs and archeological sites as time permits.

Overnight Hotel - Axum

Day 08: Axum - Dire Dawa

Fly to Dire Dawa via Addis Ababa. Tour Dire Dawa's massive outdoor market.

Overnight Hotel - Dire Dawa

Day 09: Harar

Drive to Harar. Stroll through the old city or "Jugal," considered by many one of the most important cities in the Islamic world.

Overnight Hotel - Harar

Day 10: Harar - Awash National Park

Drive to Awash National Park and take an evening game drive.

Overnight Lodge - Awash National Park

Day 11: Awash National Park - Langano

After an early morning game, drive to Lake Langano, one of the Rift Valley lakes. Relax at the Sabana Lodge. Lake Langano is safe for swimming.

Overnight Lodge - Lake Langano

Day 12: Lake Langano - 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 Hotel - Arba Minch

Day 13: Arba Minch - 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 - Jinka

Day 14: Mago National Park Excursion

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 - Jinka

Day 15: Jinka - Turmi

Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people 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 - Turmi

Day 16: Omorate Excursion

Excursion to Omorate to visit the Dassanech people, known for their elaborate body-painting. Cross the famous Omo River by canoe. Return to Turmi for the evening.

Overnight Lodge - Turmi

Day 17: Turmi - Konso

Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages.

Overnight Lodge - Konso

Day 18: Konso - Hawassa

Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. Relax and recover from your journey at one of Hawassa's fine resorts.

Overnight Resort - Hawassa

Day 19: Hawassa - Bale Mountains

Visit the Hawassa fish market in the morning. Drive to the Bale Mountains National Park and take a short walk in the park spotting endemic wildlife.

Overnight Hotel - Bale Mountains

Day 20: Bale Mountains - Addis Ababa

Drive to Addis Ababa via the Arsi/Bale region, home to many of Ethiopia's famous distance runners. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed.

Ethiopia in Depth

21 Days / 20 Nights

Comprehensive Cultural and Historical Journey

Day 01: Addis Ababa

For morning arrivals at Bole International Airport you may begin your tour after checking into your hotel. For clients arriving in the afternoon or evening, you may begin your tour the following day. African Treasure Tours representative will meet all clients arriving at the airport regardless of arrival time.

Visit the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. Tour the Mercato, one of Africa's largest outdoor markets, and Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Overnight Hotel - Addis Ababa

Day 02: Addis Ababa - Bahar Dar

Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Visit the marketplace in Bahar Dar. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and tour ancient island monasteries.

Overnight Hotel - Bahar Dar

Day 03: Bahar Dar - Gondar

Drive through the countryside to Gondar. Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian Kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty African Empire. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels.

Overnight Hotel - Gondar

Day 04: Gondar - Simien Mountains National Park

Drive to Sankabar the gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy some light hiking in the afternoon in the park and spot wildlife such as the endemic Gelada baboon.

Overnight Lodge

Day 05: Simien Mountains National Park - Axum

Take a scenic drive to Axum, capital of the ancient Axumite Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Frequent stops at viewpoints along the way. Arrive in Axum late afternoon.

Overnight Hotel - Axum

Day 06: Axum

Tour the ancient stelae fields, standing for 2000 years. Visit the new and impressive Archeological Museum. Visit other tombs and archeological sites as time permits.

Overnight Hotel - Axum

Day 07: Axum - Ghiralta Lodge

Drive to the Ghiralta Lodge passing the Adwa battlefield, site of Emperor Menelik II's 1895 victory over the invading Italians. Visit the 2,500 year old ruins of Yeha, an ancient moon temple. Continue past Adigrat and visit Aba Gerima and Petros Paulos, two of the Tigray region's oldest and finest rock churches.

Optional: Debre Damos monastery Overnight Ghiralta Lodge

Day 08: Ghiralta Lodge to Mekele

Visit more of Tigray's remote and ancient rock-hewn churches: Abraha Atsbeha, dating from the 10th century; the beautiful Wukro Chirkos; and Medhane Alem Kesho. Drive to Mekele.

Overnight Hotel - Mekele

Day 09: Mekele - Lalibela

Drive on a scenic road to Lalibela. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the sunset from the terrace.

Overnight Hotel - Lalibela

Day 10: Lalibela

Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings.

Overnight Hotel - Lalibela

Day 11: Lalibela

For the morning you have two choices: Option A: Take a morning hike with mules to Mount Asheton, with its 13th century rock-hewn monastery and great views of the town; Option B: Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will also give you the opportunity to view the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Following either option above continue with tour of Lalibela's churches in the afternoon.

Overnight Hotel - Lalibela

Day 12: Lalibela - Addis Ababa - Lake Langano

Fly to Addis Ababa and then drive to the Rift Valley Lake Langano. Relax at the Sabana Lodge. Lake Langano is safe for swimming.

Overnight Lodge - Lake Langano

Day 13: Lake Langano - 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 Hotel - Arba Minch

Day 14: Arba Minch - 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 - Jinka

Day 15: Mago National Park Excursion

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 - Jinka

Day 16: Jinka - Turmi

Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people 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 - Turmi

Day 17: Murele Excursion

Drive to Murele and visit the Karo people, known for their elaborate body-painting. Also visit a village of the Dassanech people. Return to Turmi for the evening.

Overnight Lodge - Turmi

Day 18: Turmi - Konso

Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages.

Overnight Lodge - Konso

Day 19: Konso - Hawassa

Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. Relax and recover from your journey at one of Hawassa's fine resorts.

Overnight Resort - Hawassa

Day 20: Hawassa - Bale Mountains National Park

Drive to the Bale Mountains National Park and meet with park guide. Arrive at the park headquarters in the afternoon, in time for a leisurely afternoon hike, possibly spotting two endemic mammals that frequent the area: Menelik's Bushbuck and the Mountain Nyala. Birds in this area include the Blue-Winged Goose, the Spot-Breasted Lapwing, the Abyssinian Long Claw, the Wattled Ibis, the Black-Headed Siskin, Rouget's Rail, and numerous other species.

Overnight Hotel - Goba

Day 21: Bale Mountains National Park - Addis Ababa

Drive to Addis Ababa. Optional souvenir shopping if time permits. Enjoy a Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed.

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