A land of rugged mountains, broad savannahs, lakes and rivers - one of the most glorious empires of the past - Ethiopia will amaze you. Experience the culture on the Omo Valley Extension.
Inclusions INCLUSIONS & HIGHLIGHTS
Deluxe & first class hotels with private facilities
Visit the Karo people, famous for their unique hairstyle
Visit the Erobe and Borena people who own herds of cattle
Opportunity for hiking, horseback riding, visit to historical caves, sacred sites and natural springs at Yirgalem
Local English speaking guides throughout
Entrance fees
Internal flight Addis/Jinka
Call (800) 533-5343 for more information or to book today! Mention code 4743698
Tour Operator
SITA World Tours
Duration
8 Days
Escorted
Escorted - Yes
Itinerary
Day
Destination
Description
Day 1
Addis Ababa
Arrive Addis Ababa : Arrive in Ethiopia's capital of Addis Ababa today, where you are welcomed and transferred to the HILTON ADDIS ABABA HOTEL or SHERATON ADDIS. (D)
Day 2
Bahar Dar
Addis Ababa / Bahar Dar : Fly to the well-known lakeshore town of Bahar Dar. Drive to the majestic Blue Nile Falls. Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the 13th-century monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret, which is still in use today, as well as Kibran Gabriel, where only men are allowed to enter. TANA HOTEL (BD)
Day 3
Gondar
Bahar Dar / Gondar : Fly to the city of Gondar, known as the "Camelot of Africa." Visit the castles and churches of Gondar, which were built by King Fassiladas and his descendants. GOHA HOTEL (BD)
Day 4
Lalibela
Gondar / Lalibela : Fly to Lalibela, where 11 medieval, monolithic cave churches have made this 13th-century "New Jerusalem" well known. Visit the first group of rock-hewn churches, which were built between AD 800 and 1200 and which are still active worship places. ROHA HOTEL (BD)
Day 5
Lalibela
Lalibela : Tour the second group of rock-hewn churches. It is estimated that it took 25 years to construct the churches. Later, visit Na'akuto La'ab, a veritable jewel of a church built in a cave, where King Na'akuto La'ab led a hermit's life when abdicating his throne in AD 1276. (BD)
Day 6
Axum
Lalibela / Axum : Fly to Axum to see the remarkable stelae, or obelisks, which are a few of the largest single pieces of standing stone anywhere in the world. See St. Mary's Church, the Sanctuary Chapel, the Coronation Yard, Axum Museum, Queen Sheba's Palace, and King Kaleb's Tomb. YEHA HOTEL. (BD)
Day 7
Addis Ababa
Axum / Addis Ababa : Fly to Addis Ababa and take a city tour. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, home to the 3.6 million-year-old skeleton of "Luky." Enjoy panoramic views from Mount Entoto. Also visit St. George Cathedral and Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. HILTON ADDIS ABABA HOTEL or SHERATON ADDIS (BD)
Day 8
Addis Ababa
Depart Addis Ababa : Depart Ethiopia on your flight home, or continue your journey with an extension to the Omo Valley. (B)
Day 1
Addis Ababa
OMO VALLEY EXTENSION
Addis Ababa / Arba Minch : Depart Addis on a full day drive to Arba Minch, situated by Lake Chamo and Abaya, the most southerly of Ethiopia's Rift Valley lakes. Overnight SAYNESS HOTEL. (D)
Day 2
Arba Minch
Arba Minch : Explore Chencha, home to the Dorze people - famed for their bee-hive shaped houses and their weaving skills - and Nech Sar Park.
Day 3
Jinka
Arba Minch / Jinka : Drive to Jinka to visit the surrounding Ari and Bena people who are coffee cultivators. JINKA RESORT HOTEL (BD)
Day 4
Mago National Park Excursion
Mago National Park Excursion : Drive to Mago National Park and the Mursi village. Meet women who wear huge lip plates as a sign of beauty and men who celebrate adulthood with special colored hair buns. Return to Jinka for the night. (BD)
Day 5
Turmi
Jinka / Turmi : Drive to Turmi, via Key Afer to visit the Bena and Tsemay people. Overnight camping. (BD)
Day 6
Murelle Excursion
Murelle Excursion : Drive to Murelle to visit the Karo people, experts in body painting who are famous for their unique hairstyle. Return to Turmi for the night. (BD)
Day 7
Yabello
Turmi / Yabello : Depart for Yabello, where you will visit the Erobe tribes and the Borena pastoralists who own vast herds of cattle. YABELLO MOTEL (BD)
Day 8
Yirgalem
Yabello / Yirgalem : Drive to Yirgalem. Stay overnight at AREGASH LODGE, which is nestled between coffee fields and lush vegetation. Available activities include hiking, horseback riding and visits to historical caves, sacred sites and natural springs. (BD)
Day 9
Addis Ababa
Yirgalem / Addis Ababa : Return to Addis Ababa, visiting the Rift Valley lakes of Abiyatta and Shalla National Park en route. (B)
Dates/Pricing
Disclaimer
NOTE: Holiday surcharge applies over Easter, Christmas & New Year
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE Excellent international airfares are available upon request at the time of booking. The land price does not include any airfare, unless specified.
OMO VALLEY EXTENSION : Jan - Dec : Double Occ $2290 - Single Supp. $160
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East Africa Tours : Ethiopian Experience