Ethiopia Unveiled: 14-Day Historic North & Cultural Omo Valley Expedition

A flight further north takes you to the oldest city in Ethiopia, Axum ET 184 07:30 - 09:05. hour drive to the Town of Axum check in hotel. This afternoon explore the city. Visit the interesting museum in stelae field, the impressive Stelae Fields and also the grounds of the 16th-century Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, home of the original Ark of the Covenant, Queen of Sheba ruin palace and Tomb of Kaleb and Gebre Meskel at certain place will be dropped for souvenir and stretching your legs to the hotel.

Early morning drive back to Axum Airport and Catch Morning flight to Bahir Dar via Addis Ababa and transfer to your reserved Lodge/Hotel. after cheek in start your journey by Make boat cruise on the beautiful highland Lake Tana and visit beautifully decorated thatched roof Ancient monastery with their distinctive colorful frescoes of religious scenes and old manuscripts.

Heading to the legendary city of Gondar. In Gondar visit the Royal Enclosure that is surrounded by high stone walls containing the ruins of 17th century palaces of king Fasiladas, king Iyasu and queen Mentewab and different other buildings. The castles are a mixture of Ethiopian, European and probably also Indian styles. According to descriptions of 17th century travelers, the interior of the castle of king Fasiladas was extremely luxurious, decorated with gold, ivory and precious stones.

Today drive to the jagged panorama of the Simien Mountains National Park, famed for its exclusive landscape, afro-alpine vegetation and unique wildlife, where you may spot the endemic Wallia Ibex, Gelada Baboon troops, Bushbuck, Klipspringer. However, as we stay for one night we will enjoy the dramatic scenery and a troop friendly Gelada Baboon at very close distance and Birds such as Chestnut-napped Francolin, Mountain Thrush, Thick-billed Raven, Lammergeyer, White-collared Pigeon and Ankober Serin just to name a few.

Spend more time in an amazing the Simien Mountains National Park: the incredible mountain scenery is breathtaking. Hike along mountain trails enjoying the endless unique flora and fauna of this elevated region (Giant Lobelia). Drive to Chenek and trek see Wallia a unique species indigenous to Ethiopia and the Simien Mountains. In the afternoon drive back to Gonder.

In the morning transfer to the airport to fly Lalibela and excursion to visit the first group of the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela which are carved out of living volcanic tuff with super architectural skill that the world has never seen, yet elsewhere. UNESCO registers these churches as world heritage. Among churches of this group Bete Medahine Alem (house of the redeemer) is the largest with 5 aisles, 72 pillars, vaulted dome and molding decoration. Bete Mariam (house of St. Marry) is the most decorated among the rock hewn churches.

More excursion to Yemerhane Kirstos cave church outside of Lalibela through beautiful mountainous land escape of last region. Back to the hotel for lunch. After noon visit the second group of the rock-hewn churches; Bete Emanuel (house of Emanuel) is architecturally the finest. Bete Giorgise (the house of George) is the finest of all the churches in Lalibela for which reason art historians conclude that this church is carved at the end of the cluster, after the masons have developed their skill to carve the church in such extra ordinary perfection.

In the morning have flight to Arba Minch via Addis Ababa. ET 123 LLI -ADD 10:50 - 01:05 and connect ADD - AMH 02:35 -03:40Pm when you reach to Arba Minch transfer to the Lodge and get rest and relaxing in the lodge. or you can make 40 spring visit.

Take a morning boat cruise in one of the rift valley Lake Chamo to see some giant Nile crocodiles, Hippos and a lot of water birds. in the afternoon drive back to Dorze Village to visit Dorze people. Among their culture weaving is a primary profession for many Dorzes and the other very interesting cultures are their houses built from bamboo way of life and cultivation of the false banana (from which they extract their local bread, called Kotcho).

Take a morning boat cruise in one of the rift valley Lake Chamo to see some giant Nile crocodiles, Hippos and a lot of water birds. Then drive to Turmi on the way visit Konso tribe village. Konso tribe is known for their unique social life structure and practicing the agriculture terracing.

Today will take an excursion to Omorate to visit the Dasenach tribes across the Omo River by wooden local boat then come back to Turmi in the afternoon to visit the nearby hammer tribe village, also possibility to see special occasion ceremonies like wedding and ritual.

In the cool morning will drive to Karo. To Make an Excursion to Karo village for the visit of Karo tribes with their interesting body decorations and scarification; Then drive to Jinka

Enter to the Mago National Park to visit Mursi tribes’ village. The Mursi’s are the best known of the Omo peoples; the most famous tradition includes the lip plate worn by the women. The origin of this tradition is not known but the Mursi themselves consider it as something that makes them distinguish from the surrounding tribes. In the afternoon transfer to the airport and fly back to Addis. have final shopping at souvenir Shop and Welfare Dinner at traditional restaurant and transfer to the airport to fly back home.