$4,554 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Ancient Origins and Cultural Flavors
Ancient Origins and Cultural Flavors
After your check in at the hotel, spend this day visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia - a unique opportunity to come face-to-face with Lucy, the world's most famous early human ancestor. Located in the museum's basement, Lucy is a 3.2-million-year-old Australopithecus afarensis skeleton that revolutionized our understanding of human evolution. The paleontology section also showcases other fascinating prehistoric fossils and while exploring the four floors of the museum, you can also admire Ethiopian manuscripts, royal artifacts, and Emperor Haile Selassie's wooden throne! End the day with a visit to Yod Abyssinia Traditional Restaurant, an immersive cultural experience that goes beyond just dining. Located in the heart of the city, this popular establishment serves authentic Ethiopian cuisine, including traditional dishes like injera, doro wat, and tibs. The restaurant's atmosphere is enhanced by live cultural performances featuring Ethiopian music, dance, and folklore.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Markets, Museums, and Melodies
Markets, Museums, and Melodies
Begin at Addis Mercato, Africa's largest open-air market. Explore areas of spices, coffee, and incense and admire colorful textiles and handmade crafts showcasing Ethiopian artistry.
Next, visit the Ethnological Museum in Haile Selassie's former palace. This cultural treasure houses over 13,000 items, including religious manuscripts and traditional clothing. Explore exhibits highlighting Ethiopia's diverse ethnic groups and glimpse the emperor's private rooms.
Lunch at Meskott Culinary Experience offers traditional Ethiopian cuisine with a modern twist, where authentic flavors are prepared with local ingredients in a contemporary setting.
The day ends at Dr. Mulatu Astatke's Ethio-Jazz club, African Jazz Village, in the historic Ghion Hotel. Experience live performances of Ethio-Jazz, a unique blend of traditional Ethiopian music and jazz elements pioneered by Astatke.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
From Capital to Caravans - Addis to Ancient Harar
From Capital to Caravans - Addis to Ancient Harar
Your journey begins with a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa, Ethiopia's second-largest city. Upon arrival, embark on a brief but insightful tour of Dire Dawa, a city known for its diverse cultural influences.
First, explore the vibrant Kefira Market, wandering through stalls filled with fresh produce, spices, and traditional crafts.
Next, visit the Old Train Station, locally known as La Gare. This historic site, once a crucial stop on the Ethio-Djibouti Railways, offers a glimpse into the region's colonial past and its importance as a trade hub.
After your tour of Dire Dawa, a scenic transfer takes you to the ancient walled city of Harar. As you approach, notice the landscape changing, hinting at the unique character of your destination. Upon arrival in Harar, check into the charming Rewda Guesthouse. This traditional accommodation provides an authentic experience, allowing you to settle into the rhythm of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Main Destination:
- Harar (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Rewda Guest House
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Unveiling Harar's Sacred Secrets
Unveiling Harar's Sacred Secrets
Your day begins with a sensory journey through Harar's vibrant markets. Wander through narrow alleys filled with colorful stalls, inhaling the aroma of spices and freshly roasted coffee. The Kefira Market offers a glimpse into daily Ethiopian life, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts.
Next, explore the walled city of Harar Jugol, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Meander through its 368 alleyways, admiring the unique architecture of the gey gar (Harari houses) and the 82 mosques that dot the landscape. In the afternoon, visit the Arthur Rimbaud Center, housed in a beautiful Indian merchant house, and the Sherif Harar City Museum, once Haile Selassie's residence. As dusk falls, experience the thrilling hyena feeding ritual outside the city walls. If time permits, witness a mesmerising Sufi zikri ceremony, where devotees chant praises to Allah while consuming khat, a mild stimulant leaf.
- Main Destination:
- Harar (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Rewda Guest House
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Awaday's Green Gold and Addis Ababa's Artistic Soul
Awaday's Green Gold and Addis Ababa's Artistic Soul
Your journey begins with a transfer from Harar to Dire Dawa, punctuated by a fascinating stop in Awaday. Here, you'll witness the bustling activity of Africa's largest khat market. Observe the trade of this mild stimulant leaf, locally known as "green gold," as farmers and merchants haggle over fresh bundles in a vibrant atmosphere of commerce and tradition.
From Dire Dawa, you'll board a flight back to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital and cultural hub.
As evening approaches, immerse yourself in the city's thriving arts scene with a visit to the Fendika Cultural Centre. This dynamic venue showcases the best of Ethiopian contemporary culture. Experience live traditional music, witness mesmerizing Eskista shoulder dancing, and perhaps join in a spontaneous coffee ceremony. The centre's intimate setting allows for genuine interactions with local artists and performers, offering insight into Addis Ababa's vibrant creative community.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Soaring South from Addis to Arba Minch
Soaring South from Addis to Arba Minch
Your day begins with an early morning flight from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch, a name meaning "Forty Springs" in Amharic. As you descend, marvel at the dramatic landscape below, a patchwork of lakes and forests that hint at the natural beauty awaiting you. Upon arrival, check into the Paradise Lodge Arbaminch, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the two Rift Valley lakes, Chamo and Abaya. Your cultural immersion starts with a visit to the Dorze village. Here, witness the unique lifestyle of the Dorze people, known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses and intricate weaving skills. Observe traditional cotton spinning and weaving, and perhaps taste their staple food, kocho, made from the false banana plant.
The day concludes with a short trek through Arba Minch forest park - a lush "white grass" paradise is home to diverse wildlife and over 300 bird species.
- Main Destination:
- Arba Minch (City)
- Accommodation:
- Paradise Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
From Crocs to Culture
From Crocs to Culture
Your adventure begins as you bid farewell to Paradise Lodge Arbaminch and head to Lake Chamo. Here, embark on a boat trip to the famous "crocodile market" - a sandbank where dozens of massive Nile crocodiles bask in the sun. Keep an eye out for hippos and a variety of water birds that call this lake home. Next, journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Konso. This remarkable village showcases the unique culture of the Konso people, known for their intricate terraced hillsides, wooden statues (waka), and complex social system. Explore the village's narrow pathways, admire the traditional stone-walled settlements, and learn about their sustainable agricultural practices that have endured for centuries.
As the day winds down, travel to Turmi, home of the Hamer people. Check into the Paradise Lodge Turmi, your comfortable base for exploring more of Ethiopia's Omo Valley.
- Main Destination:
- Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Paradise Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Omo Valley Rituals - Kara Artistry and Hamer Traditions
Omo Valley Rituals - Kara Artistry and Hamer Traditions
Your day begins with a visit to the Kara village, home to one of the smallest ethnic groups in the Omo Valley. The Kara are renowned for their intricate body painting, a form of living art that serves both aesthetic and cultural purposes.
The highlight of your day is the chance to observe the unique Hamer bull-jumping ceremony, a rite of passage for young Hamer men. This ancient ritual marks a boy's transition into manhood. Watch as the initiate runs naked across the backs of several bulls lined up side by side, attempting to complete four runs without falling. The ceremony is accompanied by the rhythmic singing and dancing of Hamer women, their bodies adorned with ochre-colored hair and intricate beadwork.
You may also witness the whipping ceremony, where young women, as an expression of devotion, request to be whipped by men who have recently completed the bull-jumping ritual. If the ceremonies are not taking place, you'll have the opportunity.
- Main Destination:
- Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Paradise Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Tribal Tapestry - From the Dassanech to Jinka's Cultural Treasures
Tribal Tapestry - From the Dassanech to Jinka's Cultural Treasures
Your journey begins as you set out for the lands of the Dassanech tribe. These semi-nomadic people, known as the "People of the Delta," have adapted to the harsh environment near Lake Turkana. Witness their unique way of life, closely tied to the Omo River. Observe their distinctive hairstyles, intricate beadwork, and traditional homes made from a mix of wood, reeds, and animal hides. Next, you'll head to Jinka, the gateway to the Omo Valley. Here, you have two options: you can explore the Jinka Museum, also known as the South Omo Research Center and Museum, or you may visit an Ari tribe village. The Ari people are known for their pottery, blacksmithing, and traditional farming methods. Observe their daily activities and perhaps participate in a coffee ceremony, a significant social ritual in Ethiopian culture.
As the day winds down, check into the Eco Omo Lodge, your comfortable and environmentally conscious accommodation.
- Main Destination:
- Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Eco Omo Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
The Mursi - From Lip Plates to City Lights
The Mursi - From Lip Plates to City Lights
Your day begins with a checkout from Eco Omo Lodge, embarking on a journey through the rugged beauty of Mago National Park. This diverse ecosystem serves as a stunning backdrop for your main destination: a Mursi village.
The Mursi, known for their distinctive lip plates and body modifications, offer a glimpse into one of Africa's most unique cultures. As you enter their village, witness the daily life of this semi-nomadic tribe. Observe the famous clay lip plates worn by Mursi women, a tradition that has fascinated anthropologists for decades. Engage with the community, learning about their pastoral lifestyle, intricate scarification practices, and the challenges they face in the modern world.
You'll then head to Arba Minch for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Watch as the landscape transforms from the rural expanse of the Omo Valley to the urban sprawl of Ethiopia's capital. Night at the luxurious Hyatt Regency.
- Main Destination:
- Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Farewell to Ethiopia
Farewell to Ethiopia
As your Ethiopian adventure concludes, you'll check out of the Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa and head to the airport. Board your international flight to Nairobi, carrying with you a wealth of memories from your journey through Ethiopia's diverse landscapes and cultures.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
