Northern Historic Route, Erta Ale and Southern Ethiopia Omo Valley Tour 15 Days

Fly to Bahir Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and visit ancient monasteries on the Zege Peninsula. We will visit two of the following monasteries: Ura Kidane Mihret, Azwa Maryam, Mehal Zege Giorgis, and Bete Maryam. End the day with a sunset visit to Bezawit Hills overlooking the Nile River.
Overnight: Hotel

Drive through the countryside to Gondar. Visit the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring castles built by Ethiopian kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars including air raids during World War II, these castles represent the resilience of this once powerful empire. Later visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its religious artwork and angel-covered ceiling.
Overnight: Hotel

After breakfast, drive to the dramatic landscapes of Simien Mountains National Park, famous for its jagged scenery, Afro-alpine vegetation, and unique wildlife. Here you may see the endemic Walia ibex, troops of gelada baboons, bushbuck, and klipspringer. Later drive back to Gondar.
Overnight: Hotel

Fly to Lalibela. Visit the magnificent rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These eleven monolithic churches were carved directly into the rock over 800 years ago. The complex features tunnels, passages, carved reliefs, and ancient icon paintings. In the late afternoon, enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony and learn how injera, Ethiopia’s staple bread, is prepared.
Overnight: Hotel

In the morning, explore the surroundings of Lalibela including local markets and cultural sites. In the afternoon, fly back to Addis Ababa.
Overnight: Hotel

Fly to Semera. From the airport, drive to the Danakil Depression and continue toward Lake Afdera, a salt lake located in the heart of the Danakil Depression where swimming is possible. Continue driving to Dodom at the base of Erta Ale. In the evening, trek to the volcano and watch the dramatic boiling lava lake.
Overnight: Camping

After breakfast, drive to Hamad Ela. Visit Ragad where local Afar people mine salt by cutting blocks from the ground and loading them onto camels. Continue to Dallol to see the colorful landscapes created by volcanic activity including salt formations, sulfur springs, and salt flats.
Overnight: Camping

After sunrise and breakfast, drive back to Semera and fly to Addis Ababa.
Overnight: Hotel

Fly to Axum and begin your city tour with Stelae Park, where ancient granite obelisks stand as reminders of the powerful Axumite Kingdom. Visit the Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Ezana Inscription, tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebremeskel, and St. Mary of Zion Church where the Ark of the Covenant is believed to be kept.
Overnight: Hotel

Drive through the scenic Adwa Mountains to Yeha Temple, one of the oldest standing structures in Ethiopia dating back to the 8th century BC. Continue to visit Debre Damo Monastery before heading to Hawzen via Adigrat.
Overnight: Hotel

Today we will attempt a hike to Abune Yemata Church. If the hike is difficult, we will instead explore the beautiful Gheralta Mountains and take photographs. On the way to Mekelle, stop to view Al Nejashi Mosque before flying back to Addis Ababa.
Overnight: Hotel

Fly to Jinka where your driver will meet you at the airport. Continue driving to Turmi with stops at Dimeka Market and Hamer villages. The Hamer people are pastoralists who raise cattle, goats, and sheep.
Overnight: Turmi

Drive to Omorate to visit the Dassanech tribe who live along the Omo River. Learn about their lifestyle adapted to the harsh environment of the Omo Valley. Later return to Turmi.
Overnight: Turmi

Drive to visit the Karo tribe along the Omo River. They are closely related to the Hamer but have their own language and culture. They are famous for their body painting traditions. Continue to Jinka with stops at Benna villages and Key Afer Market.
Overnight: Jinka

After breakfast, drive through Mago National Park to visit the Mursi village. The Mursi women wear circular clay plates in their lower lips and ear lobes, while the men are known for their traditional stick fighting. After visiting the village, return to Addis Ababa.