This is a great itinerary offering visitors the opportunity to discover Ethiopia. You will be starting off with the enchanting Historical Route, rich in cultural heritage, followed by the spectacular...[more]

Itinerary: 14 nights

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. At Bole International Airport, you will be met by our Ethiopian agents, who will assist you with formalities and transfer you to the hotel. If time allows our agents will take you to the National Museum, local cathedrals with exquisite artwork, traditional coffee shops where you can purchase fresh coffee and if there is time visit the merkato (Africa's largest open air market). Overnight stay at the Bole Ambassador Hotel (Dinner, bed and breakfast).

Day 2: Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Bahir Dar, the source of the Blue Nile. Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and the various islands and peninsulas are home to more than twenty monasteries most of which were founded during the 14th Century. The Zege Peninsula has a large natural forest with a large population of monkeys and forest birds. Travel from Bahir Dar by motorised boat to Ura Kidhane Mihret which has one of the most beautiful churches in this region with over hundred paintings. Bahir Dar is a birdwatcher's delight with regular sightings of white pelicans, hornbills, cranes, storks, rollers, bee-eaters etc. Overnight stay at the Papyrus Hotel (Full Board).

Day 3: After breakfast a morning excursion to the Blue Nile Falls, not far from the source of the mighty Blue Nile River. The vehicle stops about forty-five minutes from the actual falls and from here you will walk down a small ravine, across the Portuguese Bridge and up to the Blue Nile Falls - fairly strenuous but not unbearable. Please remember to wear proper hiking shoes/boots and stock up on bottled water. Back to the hotel for lunch and then a visit to one of the popular markets in Bahir Dar, or alternatively do some bird watching in the forest. Overnight stay at the Papyrus Hotel (Full Board).

A special note: Unfortunate consequences of a recent hydroelectric development have caused the virtual disappearance of the Blue Nile Falls. As well as destroying the beauty of the falls, the project is likely to have severe long-term effects on both the plant and bird life of the region. While at this stage the bird and plant life is still spectacular, visitors need to be aware that the falls are not as impressive as they once were. At this stage, when electrical demand is low and in the rainy season, the diversion through the hydroelectric plant is switched off for several hours at the time allowing the falls to resume some of their former glory.

Day 4: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar, a remarkable town founded in 1632 by the great Emperor Fasilidas. Gondar was the royal capital of Ethiopia. After checking into your hotel you will set off to explore the castles and Emperor Fasilidas's bathing pool. From here it is a short walk to the Debre Birhan Selassie church, possibly the most famous church in Ethiopia with breathtaking murals on the ceiling. Goha Hotel is your accommodation for the night (Full Board).

Day 5: After breakfast it is off to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Lalibela is famous for its rock-hewn churches carved well below ground level, and the town is situated among impressive mountains looking down into the Rift Valley. The churches are quite eerie and you access them by walking through mysterious tunnels, passages and courtyards. The churches are A World Heritage Site and also home to hermits and priests and their younger scholars.  Many of the churches are surrounded by protective scaffolding to try and conserve these magnificent buildings from further weathering. Overnight at the Roha Hotel (Full Board).

Day 6: After breakfast the adventure continues with a full day excursion by mule to Asheton Mariam monastery which is 4 000 m above sea level and overlooks the Lalibela valley. The journey is quite remarkable with incredible views. Asheton Mariam Monastery has some interesting church treasures including ornate crosses.  Overnight stay at the Roha Hotel (Full Board).

Day 7: After breakfast, leave the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Axum. Axum is the oldest town in Ethiopia and by far the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and is a photographer's delight. This small town is home to the ancient stelae (mysteriously erected and transported), the Queen of Sheba's swimming pool and the ruins of her palace, the Axum Museum and most importantly St Mary's Church where the Ark of the Covenant is believed to be housed. Overnight stay at the Remhai Hotel (Full Board).

Day 8: Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. From Bole airport you are driven by 4x4 vehicle via the crater lakes to Mojo. Overnight Daema Hotel.

Day 9: After breakfast it is time to drive to Awassa, via the Rift Valley Lakes of Ziway, Abiata and Shala. All of these lakes support massive concentrations of water birds and the scenery is spectacular with abundant wildlife. Awassa, situated in the Rift Valley is a pleasant town and the perfect place to start off the tour to the South. Watch out for the Grivet and Guereza monkeys in the grounds of the hotel. There are also hippos in the lake. Awassa is a bird watcher's delight with sightings of Afrocan Fish-eagle, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Grey Kestrel, weavers and the endemic Black-winged Lovebird, Yellow-fronted Parrot and Banded Barbet. Overnight at Awassa Wabeshebelle Hotel # 2 (Full Board).

Day 10: Early morning walk along the shores of Lake Awassa for more incredible bird watching in the marshy scrubland. Here you should see Blue-headed Coucal, Bruce's Green Pigeon, White-rumped Babbler and the endemic Thick-billed Raven. Back to the hotel for breakfast and after this the long journey to Goba - a five hour drive into the Bale Mountain National Park which offers five vegetation zones and is home to many endemic birds and the endangered Ethiopian Wolf. Please be aware that the road is in very bad shape which makes for a rather arduous journey! Other wildlife is the Mountain Nyala, Menelik's Bushbuck, Warthog, Bohor Reedbuck, Olive Baboon. There are rare sightings of African Wild Dog, Leopard and Lion. Overnight stay at the Goba Wabeshebelle Hotel (Full Board).

Day 11: After an early breakfast you will be taken up to the Sanetti Plateau, also part of Bale National Park. This represents an outstanding example of Afro-alpine moor land. With luck, you'll enjoy close-up views of the Ethiopian wolf - Africa's rarest canid. Of the 400 remaining Ethiopian Wolves, 75% live in Bale National Park. Their habitat preference means the Sanetti Plateau is the best place to find them. Fortunately, they are very approachable and offer superb photo opportunities. Sanetti Plateau offers great birding: look for endemics like Blue-winged Goose; Spot-breasted Lapwing and Rouget's Rail, all common here. Overnight at the Goba Wabeshebelle Hotel (Full Board).

Day 12: Early morning walk (1 - 2 hours) in Dinsho. Look in the juniper forest for mammals like the endemic mountain nyala and Menelik's bushbuck. You may also see endemic birds like the Abyssinian catbird, regarded as Africa's finest diva! Transfer to Nazret which is the third largest town in Ethiopia. Offering a wide choice of restaurants, hotels and authentic coffee shops this town has a very laid back feel. Overnight Adama Mekonnen Hotel before going to Awash National Park.

Day 13: Early morning departure and drive to the Awash National Park with lunch stop in Asela. Awash National park is situated in dry acacia savannah some 200km east of Addis Ababa with a spectacular gorge and waterfall. Interesting mammals include Beisa Oryx, Soemmering's Gazelle, Defassa Waterbuck, Salt's Dik-Dik, Hamadryads Baboon, Striped Hyena and Golden Jackal. Accommodation provided in the Awash Genet Hotel in Awash Saba (Full Board).

Day 14: After breakfast start the long drive back to Addis Ababa and overnight at the Bole Ambassador Hotel (Full Board).

Day 15: Transfer to the airport and depart.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010)

• Euro3925 departure from Johannesburg
  
• Euro3250 departure from Addis Ababa

This is the most popular circuit for those visiting Ethiopia - the 'Cradle of Mankind'. See a range of fabulous constructions, such as the enchanting castles in Gondar; the imposing obelisks at Axum...[more]

Itinerary: 9 nights

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. At Bole International Airport, you will be met by our Ethiopian agents, who will assist you with formalities and transfer you to the hotel. If time allows our agents will take you to the National Museum, local cathedrals with exquisite artwork, traditional coffee shops where you can purchase fresh coffee and if there is time visit the merkato (Africa's largest open air market). Overnight stay at the Bole Ambassador Hotel (Dinner, bed and breakfast).

Day 2: Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Bahir Dar, the source of the Blue Nile. Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and the various islands and peninsulas are home to more than twenty monasteries most of which were founded during the 14th Century. The Zege Peninsula has a large natural forest with a large population of monkeys and forest birds. Travel from Bahir Dar by motorised boat to Ura Kidhane Mihret which has one of the most beautiful churches in this region with over hundred paintings. Bahir Dar is a birdwatcher's delight with regular sightings of white pelicans, hornbills, cranes, storks, rollers, bee eaters etc. Overnight stay at the Papyrus Hotel (Full Board).

Day 3: After breakfast a morning excursion to the Blue Nile Falls, not far from the source of the mighty Blue Nile River. The vehicle stops about forty-five minutes from the actual falls and from here you will walk down a small ravine, across the Portuguese Bridge and up to the Blue Nile Falls - fairly strenuous but not unbearable. Please remember to wear proper hiking shoes/boots and stock up on bottled water. Back to the hotel for lunch and then a visit to one of the popular markets in Bahir Dar, or alternatively do some bird watching in the forest. Overnight stay at the Papyrus Hotel (Full Board).

A special note: Unfortunate consequences of a hydroelectric development have caused the virtual disappearance of the Blue Nile Falls. As well as destroying the beauty of the falls, the project is likely to have severe long-term effects on both the plant and bird life of the region. While at this stage the bird and plant life is still spectacular, visitors need to be aware that the falls are not as impressive as they once were. At this stage, when electrical demand is low and in the rainy season, the diversion through the hydroelectric plant is switched off for several hours at the time allowing the falls to resume some of their former glory.

Day 4: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar, a remarkable town founded in 1632 by the great Emperor Fasilidas. Gondar was the royal capital of Ethiopia. After checking into your hotel you will set off to explore the castles and Emperor Fasilidas bathing pool. From here it is a short walk to the Debre Birhan Selassie church, possibly the most famous church in Ethiopia with breathtaking murals on the ceiling. Goha Hotel is your accommodation for the night (Full Board).

Day 5: After breakfast it is off to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Lalibela is famous for its rock-hewn churches carved well below ground level, and the town is situated among impressive mountains looking down into the Rift Valley. The churches are quite eerie and you access them by walking through mysterious tunnels, passages and courtyards. The churches are A World Heritage Site and also home to hermits and priests and their younger scholars. Many of the churches are surrounded by protective scaffolding to try and conserve these magnificent buildings from further weathering. Overnight at the Roha Hotel (Full Board).

Day 6: After breakfast the adventure continues with a full day excursion by mule to Asheton Mariam monastery which is 4 000 m above sea level and overlooks the Lalibela valley. The journey is quite remarkable with incredible views. Asheton Mariam Monastery has some interesting church treasures including ornate crosses. Overnight stay at the Roha Hotel (Full Board).

Day 7: After breakfast, leave the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Axum. Axum is the oldest town in Ethiopia and by far the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and is a photographer's delight. This small town is home to the ancient stelae (mysteriously erected and transported), the Queen of Sheba's swimming pool and the ruins of her palace, the Axum Museum and most importantly St Mary's Church where the Ark of the Covenant is believed to be housed. Overnight stay at the Remhai Hotel (Full Board).

Day 8: Today you will drive to Yeha, a village of rustic houses, situated about 50 km northest of Axum. Yeha used to be Tigray's most important town. The temple of the the Moon is 2500 years old and and well worth a visit. Enjoy the scenic drive and visit some of the local shops for exquisite locally made clothing and jewellery. Overnight stay at the Remhai Hotel (Full Board).

Day 9: Transfer to the airport and fly to Addis Ababa. Balance of the day for souvenir shopping and sightseeing in the capital. Farewell dinner. Overnight stay at the Bole Ambassador Hotel (Full Board).

DAY 10: Transfer to the Bole International Airport.  

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010)

• ±Euro3050 ex Johannesburg
  
• ±Euro2365 ex Addis Ababa

The vast Simien Mountains National Park is majestically situated in one of Africa's largest ranges. Ras Dashen is Africa's 4th highest peak (4543m). Mule trekking is the mode of transport to view the...[more]

Itinerary: 6 nights

Day 1: Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. Our agents will meet you at the Bole International airport and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight stay at the Bole Ambassador Hotel (Dinner).

Day 2: Addis Ababa - Gondar - Geech campsite
Transfer to the airport your check in for your flight to Gondar, a remarkable town founded in 1632 by the great Emperor Fasilidas. A 3½ hour drive from the Gondar to the outback town of Debark, the access town for the Simien Mountains National Park. In Debark the mules, permits, supplies and guides are organised. Drive a further ½ hour to Sankabar ascending gradually. A three hour hike brings you to the Geech campsite (3660 m) on the precipitous Simien escarpment, where there are wonderful views of the mountains and gorges. At Geech Abyss there is a waterfall and great sightings of Egyptian Vultures and Lammergeyers soaring effortlessly over the gorge. The trek passes through cultivated areas and into true Afro-alpine vegetation, where Giant Lobelias stand like sentinels presiding over the eerie landscape. This is the place to hopefully see the Gelada Baboons, famous for their leonine manes and "bleeding heart" patches. For birders you may get the chance to tick off Rueppell's Griffons, rockchats and choughs. Organised camping at Geech campsite (Full Board).

Day 3: Geech - Imet Gogo - Geech
More mule trekking from Geech camp to Imet Gogo (3990 m). This is where you may well see the rare Walia Ibex who browse the inaccessible cliff faces. Breathtaking views from Gidgergot and two other peaks Kadadit (hole in the rock) and Saaha. Organised camping at Geech campsite (Full Board).

Day 4: Geech - Chenek campsite
Hike along the escarpment to Inatye, a viewpoint with breathtaking views. Then resume walking along the trail to Chenek campsite (3700m), passing Giant Heath (trees) along the way. Although this route is more strenuous it is very scenic. Chenek campsite has a small hut providing shelter for cooking and a deck with spectacular views. Organised camping at Chenek campsite (Full Board).

Day 5: Chenek campsite - Gondar
Transfer by vehicle and drive to Gondar (5 hours). Visit the Royal Compound in the afternoon. Gondar was the royal capital of Ethiopia. Explore the castles and Emperor Fasilidas bathing pool. From here it is a short walk to the Debre Birhan Selassie church, possibly the most famous church in Ethiopia with breathtaking murals on the ceiling. Overnight Goha Hotel (Full Board). Day 6: Gondar - Addis AbabaTransfer to the airport and fly to Addis Ababa. Balance of the day spent souvenir-shopping, visiting the colourful and vast Merkato market. Overnight at the Bole Ambassador Hotel (Full Board).

Day 7: Transfer to the airport for outbound flight.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010)

• ±Euro2750 ex Johannesburg
  
• ±Euro2100 ex Addis Ababa

An adventurous itinerary offering a full spectrum of what Ethiopia has to offer. This itinerary encompasses the historical route in the North, Harar in the East and the cultural South. A hard going...[more]

Itinerary: 16 nights

Day 1: Addis Ababa
Arrival in Addis Ababa. On arrival you will be met by our English speaking agents and transferred to your Hotel. After breakfast do a city tour of Addis Ababa. Return for overnight at the Bole Ambassador Hotel.

Day 2: Addis Ababa - Dire Dawa - Harar
Fly from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa. On arrival you will be met by our agent and driven to Harar. The walled city of Harar was founded in the 7th century and is one of the country's oldest cities. After having checked into your hotel, take a stroll through the ancient twisted streets between tall balconied houses, absorbing the customs and visit the colourful Shoa Gate Market, the Adre-houses, and the National Museum of Harar and the House of the French Poet Arthur Rimbaud. In the evening view the city's unique attraction: the Hyena Men who make their living by collecting offal and bones, which they feed to the hyenas who live in the surrounding hills and answer to their names. Overnight stay at the Belayneh Hotel (Full Board).

Day 3: Harar - Dire Dawa - Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar
After break fast, drive from Harar to Dire Dawa, en route visit the "chat" Kat Market at Awedai and proceed to Dire Dawa in time to check in for your flight to Addis Ababa and then check in for your connecting flight to Bahir Dar is situated on lovely Lake Tana. On 20 of this lake's 27 islands, there are monasteries. Great birding to be had in the lush forest surrounding much of the lake. Later in the afternoon, city tour of Bahir Dar. Overnight stay at the Tana Hotel (Full Board).

Day 4: Bahir Dar
Full day in Bahir Dar. After breakfast, an excursion to the Blue Nile Falls, not far from the source of the mighty Blue Nile River. Along the walk to the falls, birding is excellent. Afterwards, you will be taken across the river by 'tankwa', the traditional papyrus boats. After lunch at the hotel, boat trip on Lake Tana to the Church of Ura-Kidane-Mihiret and Azua Mariam. Overnight stay at the Tana Hotel (Full Board)

A special note: Unfortunate consequences of a recent hydroelectric development have led tothe virtual disappearance of the Blue Nile Falls. As well as destroying the beauty of the falls the project is likely to have severe long-term effects on both the plant and bird life of the region. While at this stage the bird and plant life is still spectacular, visitors need to be aware that the falls are not what they once were. At this stage, when electrical demand is low and in rainy season, the diversion through the hydroelectric plant is switch off for several hours at the time allowing the falls to resume some of their former glory.

Day 5: Bahir Dar - Gondar
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Goha Hotel. Balance of the day, visit the Royal Compound, where enchanting 17th century castles stand, the bath of King Fasil and the Church of Debre-Brehanselassie. Overnight stay at the Goha Hotel (Full Board).

Day 6: Gondar - Lalibela
After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. This is the most important stop on the historical route and even from the air; the 11 rock-hewn churches carved into the rugged mountainside present an awesome spectacle. Balance of the day, excursion to the spectacular churches. No-one is quite sure how these churches were built. Legend has it that King Lalibela received divine instruction in a dream, after which construction commenced and that Angels completed the work by night. Overnight stay at the Roha Hotel (Full Board).

Day 7: Lalibela - Addis Ababa
In the morning visit the remaining churches which have not been visited on the first day and if time allows, take an excursion to the Church of Neakuto Leab. After lunch, transfer to the airport and fly to Addis Ababa. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at the Bole Ambassador Hotel (Bed and breakfast).

Day 8: Addis Ababa - Arba Minch
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Arba Minch (meaning 40 springs) and transfer to the Swaynes Hotel. After check-in, drive to the Dorze-village at Chencha where you can visit the unique beehive shaped houses and the traditional Cotton weaving centre, offering items on display and for sale on the roadside. Overnight night stay at the Swaynes Hotel (Full Board).

Day 9: Arba Minch - Turmi
Drive from Arbaminch to Turmi via Konso and Woyito. On the way, at Berhaile/Woyito, you will see the friendly Tsemai Tribe. Lunch at Woyito. After lunch, proceed to Turmi, visiting on the way the wonderful Er-bore tribes. Camping at Turmi (Full Board).

Day 10: Turmi - Murule
After breakfast, visit the colourful Monday Market of the Hammer Tribe at Turmi; then, proceed to Murule. Camping at Murule (Full Board).

The Hammer are a handsome, photogenic and friendly tribe. The Karo and The Hammer are related in culture and they are the only people in the Omo Valley who are allowed to inter-marry between the two tribes. Like all small ethnic groups in the far South Omo area, they practice a combination of pastoralism which is the artistic treatment of rural life. The main part of their life and economy is based on cattle herding and great wealth is measured by the number of cattle. These tribes are famous for their hair styles, body painting and if you are lucky it may be possible to see the amazing "Bull-Jumping" done by young men qualifying for marriage.

Day 11: Murule - Mago National Park
Drive from Murule to Mago National Park. On the way visit the Karo Tribes. East of the Omo River and stretching south towards the Chew Bahir basin lies the Mago National Park, rich in wildlife and very few inhabitants. The vegetation is mainly savannah grassland and bush, extending across an area of 2,160 square kilometres. Mammal species total 81, including Hartebeest, Giraffe, Roan Antelope, Elephant, Lion, Leopard and perhaps even a rare black Rhino. Camping at Mago Park (Full Board).

Day 12: Mago National Park - JinkaIn the morning, drive from Mago National Park to the Mursi Village. The Mursi Tribe is the one tribe in Southern Ethiopia where the ladies mutilate their lips as a sign of beauty. This is a great opportunity to take photographs (for a fee) and then drive to Jinka. Overnight stay at Jinka resort (Full Board).

Day 13: Jinka to Konso VillageDrive from Jinka to Konso. The Konso were the first people in Ethiopia to practice agriculture and their way of life & house construction is one of a kind. The landscape and position of houses from a distance are magnificent. On arrival, visit the Konso Village and the house of King of Konso. O/n camping in tents or local Hotel (very basic)(Full Board).

Day 14: Konso Village - Arba MinchAfter breakfast, drive to Arbaminch. Lunch at the hotel and in the afternoon take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see the numerous Crocodiles and in particular the Crocodile named' Market'. Other animals to see are Hippopotami and birds. The fishing is renowned here for Nile perch, Tilapia and Tiger fish. Overnight stay at the Swaynes Hotel (Full Board).

Day 15: Arba MinchDrive to the Nechisar National Park where you will see the, Black Backed Jackal, Secretary Bird, the endemic Swayne's Hartebeest, Burchell's Zebra, Klipspringers, Olive Baboons, black and white Abyssinian Colobus Monkeys and more. Nechisar National Park has registered sightings of more than 380 bird species. Among these are the Kori Bustard, the African Fish Eagle, the endemic Thick-Billed Raven, and the Black-Headed Oriole. Balance of the day, free to relax. Overnight stay at the Swaynes Hotel (Full Board).

Day 16: Arbaminch - Addis AbabaFly from Arbaminch to Addis Ababa. Balance of the day, city tour of Addis Ababa. Overnight at the Bole Ambassador Hotel (Bed and breakfast).

Day 17: Transfer to the airport for your flight out.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010)

±Euro5775 ex Johannesburg

±Euro5090 ex Addis Ababa