Historical & Cultural Tour – 20 Days

The trip of a lifetime – focusing on the history and culture of Ethiopia. From the monasteries of Lake Tana, to the castles of Gondar and the most incredible scenery; churches perched on cliffs and cut into the rock, ancient ruins and amazing wildlife; the Omo valley to meet the tribes of this area.

Day-By-Day itinerary

Day 1 – Addis Ababa

After arriving in the Capital you will meet us, check-in to your hotel and then visit the sites of Addis Ababa. We will stop at the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.2 million year old remains of “Lucy”. We will see Mount Entoto at 3,200m and take in the panoramic view of the city. We will also visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Day 2 – Drive to Bahir

An early start and we head to Bahir Dar via the 13th Century monastery Debre-Libanos – teaching centre and prayer site for the Ethiopian Orthodox faith. The monastery overlooks the Jema River Gorge, a tributary of the Blue Nile where we may see wildlife.

Day 3 – Bahir Dar

We will take a boat trip on Lake Tana – the largest lake of Ethiopia. There are numerous islands in the lake, many of which have monasteries and churches. We visit the Zega peninsula & fascinating monasteries like Azuwa Maryam & Ura Kidane Mhiret. In the afternoon we drive to the small town of Tiss Issat and will cross the Blue Nile on a small boat. Finally we see the sunset from Bezawit Hill.

Day 4 – Bahir Dar to Gondar

We drive north to Gondar and visit the older Guzara Castle ruins on the way. We explore the Fasiladas’ Castle compound; surrounded by high stone walls. We visit Debre Berhan Salassie Church and see the famous ceiling covered with cherubs, martyrs, and saints.

Day 5 – Debark, Simien Mountains

We trek in the Simien Mountains today – such a beautiful place to spend time and breathe in the fresh air. We can see endemic animals such as the bleeding heart Gelada baboon, the Walia Ibex, the Simien wolf and plentiful birds, such as the thick billed raven, wattled ibis and and white backed black tit.

Day 6 – Debark to Axum

A stunning drive, first past the Simien Mountains with all their drama and then on to Limalimo, plunging 2500m down the escarpment. Memorable views abound on the journey and we will have a picnic on the way. We arrive in Axum in time to eat a meal and check-in to the hotel.

Day 7- Axum

A full-day tour of Axum, including: the history and myths of the Queen of Sheba in her Palace and Bathhouse, then on to St Mary of Zion where the Ark of the Covenant is said to be stored. We will also see the tombs of King Kelab and Gebre Meskel – important rules of Axum who ruled as far as southern Arabia. We will visit a field of ancient stelae and see the local countryside before a private visit to a local artist.

Day 8 – Axum – Hawssen

We journey to Hawssen via Yeha – site of Ethiopia’s first known capital city and the birthplace of its earliest civilization. Now a peaceful remote place, the ruins are from 5th Century BC. Near to this we will see the oldest monastery in the country – Debre Damo – a very impressive site from Aksum-ite times.

Day 9 – Hawssen – Mekele

We will visit either Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor – stunning churches that require an hour hike to reach. After lunch, we will then visit more easily-accessed churches at Abreha Atsbeha and Chirkos.

Day 10 – Mekele – Lalibela

We depart early to head to Lalibela by car – approaching this famous UNESCO city.

Day 11 – Lalibela

Today we explore Lalibela – this famous city of churches. Firstly we explore the group of: Medhan Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (the latter not allowed for women). And then after lunch we visit the second group of churches, finishing at the famous cross-shaped St George church, believed to be the last work by King Lalibela. The churches are hewn from the rock and take the breath away.

Day 12 – Lalibela

Today you will go either by mule or on foot to Ashetun Mariam church – approx 4 hours round trip. Alternatively we can visit an Axum-ite church built from layers of different materials (Yimrehanne Kristos) outside Lalibela.

Day 13-  Lalibela – Addis Ababa

We will fly to Addis and then head south to Awassa, visiting ancient cities along the journey. We first stop at UNESCO World Heritage Site Tiya and then Adadi Maryam and Melka Kunture. We rest at Awassa for the night.

Day 14 – Awassa to Arba Minch

We will visit the fish markets of Awassa in the morning before resting by the shores of Lake Awassa. We then depart for Arba Minch and Dorze. The Dorze villagers are renowned for their tall beehive-like houses and their cotton weaving. We will see the town’s market or that of neighbouring Chencha, depending what day it is. We spend the night in a traditional Dorze hut or if you’d prefer a hotel we can go on to Arba Minch.

Day 15 – Arba Minch to Turmi

We will take a boat tide on Lake Chamo to visit the crocodile market, possibly seeing hippos on the way. After this we depart for Turmi passing Weyto village on the way to see the Tsemai tribe, and then Erbore village, stopping for market days if they are on. We will meet the Hamer tribe in Turmi where the villages will dance the evangadi dance.

Day 16 – Omo

Today we visit the Dassenech tribe by crossing the Omo River by boat. We return to Turmi to see the traditional Jumping of the Bulls Ceremony, done to represent a man’s coming of age.

Day 17 – Turmi to Jinka

Deparing Jinka, we pass through Dimeka and Key Afar to see their colourful markets. We continue on to Jinka before resting for the night.

Day 18 – Mango National Park to Jinka

We drive to the Mango National Park and visit the Mursi tribe, known for having plates in their earlobes and rings in their lower lips. We will visit the South Omo Museum and Research Center to learn about the traditional life of the different local tribes. We can also hike into the surrounding hills.

Day 19 – Konso

We leave Jinka and stop to see local tribes and markets on the way. Heading to Konso to see their famous woodwork and agricultural terracing. We continue on to Arba Minch for the night.

Day 20 – Arba Minch to Addis Ababa

Back to Addis Ababa via car – seeing sites on the way. We arrive back in the city and finish our incredible tour.

To book or ask questions about this itinerary contact Mitiku here.