Historic Route & Omo Valley Combination Tours – 9 Days
Tour Overview:
Embark on a breathtaking journey through Ethiopia’s ancient past and vibrant present. This 9-day adventure blends visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the northern highlands—Lalibela, Axum, and Gondar—with immersive encounters among the diverse tribes of the Omo Valley in the south. Witness dramatic landscapes, historic churches, royal palaces, active volcanoes, and colorful local traditions in one unforgettable cultural expedition.
Tour Highlights:
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Explore the 11 rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”
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Visit ancient Axum, home of the Ark of the Covenant and towering obelisks
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Discover Gondar’s royal castles and mural-covered churches
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Cruise Lake Chamo to view crocodiles, hippos, and birdlife
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Immerse in tribal cultures of the Omo Valley: Mursi, Dorze, Konso, Ari, and Arbore
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Witness Ethiopia’s diverse landscapes, from highlands to Rift Valley lakes
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Enjoy traditional Ethiopian cuisine, coffee ceremonies, and folkloric performances
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to Harmony Hotel. After lunch, begin exploring Ethiopia’s capital:
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National Museum – see the famous 3.2-million-year-old hominid “Lucy”
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Ethnological Museum – housed in Haile Selassie’s former palace
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Holy Trinity Cathedral – important Orthodox site and resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie
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Entoto Mountain – panoramic views of the city
Overnight: Harmony Hotel (L, D)
Day 2: Fly to Gondar (UNESCO SITE)
Fly north to Gondar, Ethiopia’s former imperial capital. Tour highlights:
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Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi) – castles and royal buildings
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Debre Berhan Selassie Church – stunning angelic ceiling paintings
Overnight: Local hotel in Gondar (B, L, D)
Day 3: Fly to Lalibela (UNESCO SITE)
Morning flight to Lalibela, famous for its monolithic churches.
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Visit the first cluster of 11 rock-hewn churches, including Bet Medhane Alem and Bet Giyorgis
Overnight: Mountain View Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 4: Fly to Axum (UNESCO SITE)
Explore Ethiopia’s ancient capital and spiritual center:
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Axum Obelisks – granite monuments from the 4th century
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Queen of Sheba’s Palace ruins and legendary bath
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St. Mary of Zion Church – believed to house the Ark of the Covenant
Overnight: Local hotel in Axum (B, L, D)
Day 5: Fly to Arba Minch via Addis Ababa
Connect through Addis Ababa to southern Ethiopia. In Arba Minch:
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Visit Dorze village – known for weaving, beehive houses, and terraced farming
Overnight: Paradise Lodge (B, D)
Day 6: Drive to Jinka via Konso
Stop to explore the Konso tribe – master stone terrace builders and spiritual wood totem carvers. Continue to Jinka, near Mago National Park.
Overnight: Eco Omo Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 7: Mursi Tribe Visit – Drive to Turmi
Morning visit to the Mursi tribe, famous for lip plates and body art.
Afternoon visit to an Ari community to observe local food and alcohol production.
Drive to Turmi.
Overnight: Lodge in Turmi (B, L, D)
Day 7: Mursi Tribe Visit – Drive to Turmi
Morning visit to the Mursi tribe, famous for lip plates and body art.
Afternoon visit to an Ari community to observe local food and alcohol production.
Drive to Turmi.
Overnight: Lodge in Turmi (B, L, D)
Day 8: Return to Arba Minch via Arbore Tribe
Meet the Arbore tribe, known for elaborate body paint and unique hairstyles.
Return to Arba Minch in the evening.
Overnight: Paradise Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 9: Lake Chamo Boat Safari – Fly to Addis & Departure
Morning boat trip on Lake Chamo to spot Nile crocodiles, hippos, and birds.
After lunch, fly to Addis Ababa.
Enjoy a farewell dinner with live music, dance, and traditional coffee ceremony.
Transfer to the airport for your international flight.
Includes:
- Airport transfers and road transport by private car
- Full board, including mineral water.
- Full camping equipment including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags for camping and trekking.
- Recommended to bring your own sleeping bag.
- Fees for entrances, local guides, compulsory scouts/ security personnel for activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- All government taxes for the services included in the tour price
Excludes:
- Additional food and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Souvenirs
