Combination Tour Of Historical Route Of North & Tribes Of Omo Valley South – 18 Days

Meet your guide upon arrival at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Relax and recover from your flight.
Overnight: Jupiter International Hotel

Visit the panoramic Entoto Mountains, the National Museum (home to “Lucy”), St. George Church, and the bustling Merkato—the largest open-air market in Africa.
Overnight: Jupiter International Hotel

After arrival, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the medieval island monasteries (Kibran Gabriel*, Entos, Ura Kidane Mehret, Azuwa Mariam). In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat) for a scenic hike and birdwatching.
Overnight: Homeland Hotel, Bahir Dar
*Note: Kibran Gabriel is open to men only.

Drive 180 km to Gondar. Visit the Royal Enclosure, Fasiladas’ Bath, and Debre Berhan Selassie Church with its famed ceiling of winged angels. Time permitting, visit the Empress Mentewab’s palace (Qusquam Complex).
Overnight: Florida International Hotel

Upon arrival, visit Axum’s towering obelisks, St. Mary of Zion Church (reputed resting place of the Ark of the Covenant), archaeological museum, and Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins. Also explore the 6th-century tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel.
Overnight: Sabean Hotel

Explore the iconic 12th-13th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved from solid rock and divided into clusters. Today, visit the first and third groups of churches.
Overnight: Mountain View Hotel

Choose between a mule trek to Asheton Mariam Church or a drive to Yemrehanna Kristos Church (45 km). In the afternoon, visit the second group of rock churches.
Overnight: Mountain View Hotel

Return to Addis. Continue your city tour or enjoy a relaxed afternoon with optional shopping or spa visit.
Overnight: Jupiter International Hotel

En route, stop at Awash River and Lake Ziway for birdwatching. Observe aquatic birds such as African fish eagles, jacanas, storks, and herons. Enjoy sunset views by the lakeshore in Awassa.
Overnight: Oasis International Hotel

Visit the lively fish market on Lake Awassa, where fishermen trade Tilapia and catfish as pelicans and storks wait for leftovers. Drive to Arba Minch via Wolayta villages.
Overnight: Paradise Lodge

• Morning boat trip on Lake Chamo: see hippos, crocs, pelicans.

• Afternoon drive to Dorze Village; experience traditional weaving and house styles.

• Overnight at Paradise Lodge.

• Scenic drive past Konso terraced hills.

• If Thursday, visit the vibrant Key Afer market (Ari, Bena, Tsemay, Hamar tribes).

• Overnight at Jinka Resort.

• Morning safari through Mago National Park.

• Visit Mursi village, known for lip plates and unique customs.

• Return to Jinka Resort.

• Stop at Dimeka Market (Saturday) if available.

• Visit Hamar village and learn about the Bull-Jumping initiation ceremony and Evangadi dances.

• Overnight at Buska Lodge.

• Cross the Omo River by local canoe.

• Visit Dassanech (Galeb) village and learn about their desert adaptation and culture.

• Return to Buska Lodge.

• Drive to Kolcho village by the Karo people, known for body painting and riverine life.

• Return to Buska Lodge.

• Visit Konso village – a UNESCO site for its unique terracing and waga sculptures.

• Overnight at Paradise Lodge, Arba Minch.

• Scenic drive via Ziway–Butajira route.

• Stop at Tiya Stelae (UNESCO) and Melka Kunture Paleolithic site.

• Farewell cultural dinner in Addis Ababa.

• Evening transfer to airport for international departure.