12-Day Combination North and South Omo Valley Tribes

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival and City Tour

Welcome to Ethiopia!

Upon your arrival at Bole International Airport, our dedicated team, consisting of a driver and guide, extends a warm welcome to the Horn of Africa. They will be waiting for you at the airport in Addis Ababa and will transfer you to your overnight accommodation within the city. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Depending on your arrival time, we can start your Ethiopian adventure with a city tour. Our journey may begin with a visit to the National Museum, home to some of the nation's most cherished historical artifacts. The museum's collection includes fossils and early hominid remains, notably the 3.5-million-year-old "Lucy," one of the oldest hominids ever discovered.

Our tour will then take you to two of the city's major highlights: the Ethnographic Museum and the Church of the Holy Trinity. The latter is Ethiopia's principal cathedral and serves as the final resting place of the last emperor, Haile Selassie.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Monarch Parkview Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly to Bahir Dar and Visit

In the morning, catch a flight to Bahir Dar. Your day begins with a city tour, commencing with a boat excursion on Lake Tana. You'll explore the monasteries situated on the Zege Peninsula, including Kibran Gebriel (please note that it may not be accessible to women), and visit the source of the Blue Nile River.

In the afternoon, venture to the Blue Nile Falls for a brief hike in the surrounding area. Upon returning to Bahir Dar, make your way to Bezawit Hill, where Emperor Haile Selassie I had his palace constructed in 1967. From this vantage point, savor the breathtaking views overlooking Lake Tana and the city, especially as the sun sets. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner, enjoying the beautiful sunset over the lake.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

• Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Gondar

In the morning, make your way to Gondar. This four-hour drive will lead you through rural villages, providing a captivating glimpse into the Amhara culture. Upon your arrival and a brief check-in at your hotel, embark on an exploration of Gondar's fascinating sites.

Your journey will take you to the 17th Century Royal Enclosure, where you'll encounter six splendid castles and various other historic structures. Following this, pay a visit to Fasilides' pool, which continues to be used during the Timkat celebration, the Ethiopian Orthodox Epiphany held on the 19th of January. Lastly, explore the Debre Birhan Selassie church, renowned for its iconic ceiling adorned with countless gazing angels, making it one of Ethiopia's most famous religious sites.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Florida International Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Semein Mountain National Park

In the early morning, we journey to the Simien Mountains National Park, with a stop at Woleka, a site significant to the black Jewish people known as Felasha. Here, we explore their synagogue and a black pottery shop, reflecting Ethiopia's rich history with Jewish communities.

Our adventure unfolds in the Simien Mountains National Park, a remote and rugged region with breathtaking scenery. This lesser-visited area often offers a serene experience. We'll hike well-worn paths, keeping an eye out for the endemic gelada monkeys, known for appearing suddenly in large numbers and being comfortable around humans.

After a packed lunch, we embark on a more challenging afternoon hike, taking established trails with stops for rest and photos. As the day winds down, we return to Gondar, wrapping up a day of exploration and natural wonders.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit September to December (Beautiful scenery)

High Season October to April (Lodges are busy)

Best Weather October to April

Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP

Gelada monkey Abundant

Walia ibex Occasional

Ethiopian wolf Rare

Klipspringer Rare

Bushbuck Rare

Show more

Golden jackal Rare

Hyena Rare

Accommodation:

Florida International Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Lalibela

In the early morning, commence your journey to Lalibela. This scenic route spans approximately 350 kilometers and takes roughly 6 hours. En route, you'll have the opportunity to admire the picturesque landscape of the Amhara Region and observe the daily lives of the highland communities.

Upon your arrival in Lalibela, indulge in a well-deserved dinner with breathtaking views overlooking the Lasta Mountains, treating yourself to what might be one of the world's most exquisite sunsets.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Panoramic View Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Visit Lalibela

Spend a full day in Lalibela, exploring the extraordinary marvels of engineering and architecture that many consider to be the "8th wonder of the world." It's truly exceptional to find eleven rock-hewn churches of such masterful craftsmanship all in one place.

In the morning, you'll begin your exploration with a visit to the first cluster of churches among the eleven remarkable rock-hewn structures. These churches were built by King Lalibela in the late 12th and 13th century A.D., and they symbolize the earthly Jerusalem.

After a break for lunch, your journey continues with a visit to the second cluster of churches, representing the heavenly Jerusalem. Finally, you'll explore the most exquisite and captivating monolithic cruciform church of Saint George.

As the late afternoon approaches, partake in an Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony and savor some honey wine, adding a delightful cultural touch to your day.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Panoramic View Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Awasa

In the early morning, you have the option to visit the Na'akuto La'ab Monastery, one of the ancient churches and monasteries nestled in the highlands surrounding Lalibela. This particular monastery is attributed to Na'akuto La'ab, the successor to King Lalibela, who is renowned for developing the rock-hewn churches in central Lalibela, including the famous Bete Giyorgis church at their epicenter. However, those who venture into the surrounding mountains can uncover monasteries hidden in remote crevices, far from civilization, and these churches predate those in the town center.

Upon your return to Lalibela, your car will be ready to transport you to Awasa, one of the Great Rift Valley lakes. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing by the lakeside, enjoying the serene surroundings.

Main Destination:

Awasa (City)

Accommodation:

Heron Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Awasa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Arba Minch

Following an early breakfast, embark on a journey to Arba Minch via Awasa. Along the way, consider stopping to observe the vibrant daily activities at the fish market. Continue your drive to Arba Minch, passing through the picturesque coffee-growing region.

After a satisfying lunch in Arba Minch, explore the Dorze Village, celebrated for its expertise in working with cotton. Here, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in their way of life and visit the distinctive beehive-shaped huts that are characteristic of the Dorze culture.

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner, all while enjoying breathtaking views overlooking the lakes of Chamo and Abaya.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Turmi

In the morning, explore Nechisar National Park with a boat trip on Lake Chamo, where you'll spot crocodiles, hippos, and various bird species. On the opposite shore, watch for Burchell's zebras, Grant's gazelles, and occasional Swayne's hartebeest.

Head to Konso for lunch and visit the intriguing 55-kilometer stonewalled terraces and fortified settlements, often called the "natural New York Village" due to skyscraper-like sand formations. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the Konso highland tribe's intricate terraces.

In the afternoon, drive to Turmi to encounter the vibrant Hamer tribe, known for their colorful beadwork, ochre-braided hair, and painted faces, offering a unique cultural immersion.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Emerald Lodge Turmi

• Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Visit Dassanach and Karo Tribes

In the morning, journey to Omorate and cross the river to visit the Dasanech tribe. Explore their unique culture and way of life.

In the afternoon, continue to the Karo village of Korcho and meet the Karo tribe, renowned for their striking body decorations and traditions.

Return to Turmi and witness the captivating bull-jumping ceremony, an event where men demonstrate their readiness for marriage. This ritual often takes place in the evening and is a significant cultural experience.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Emerald Lodge Turmi

• Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Jinka and Visit the Morsi Tribes

In the morning, embark on a journey to Mago National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to meet one of Ethiopia's most renowned indigenous tribes: the Mursi people. This visit will provide a captivating glimpse into the unique traditions of the Mursi, including the practice of inserting large circular clay discs into the lower lips of their women.

Afterwards, continue your drive to Jinka, and if timing aligns, you may have the chance to explore one of the local markets. In the evening, consider a visit to the Omo Valley Research Center, where you can delve deeper into the region's cultural and anthropological richness.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Jinka Resort

• Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Fly to Addis Ababa and Departure

In the morning, explore some attractions in Jinka before catching a flight to Addis Ababa, where you'll undergo your PCR test. This period provides an opportunity for souvenir shopping or additional sightseeing in the city.

In the evening, Inside Ethiopia Tours offers a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant, complete with live music and dancing performances. Depending on your departure schedule, you will either be transferred to the airport or accommodated in a hotel for an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.