Northern and Southern Ethiopia Explorer

Safari Information

• Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
• Duration; 14 Days / 13 Nights
• Lodging; Safari Lodges
• Group Size; Minimum 1
• Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris

Immerse Yourself in a Tailored African Safari Adventure That Combines Breathtaking Wildlife Encounters, Luxury Accommodations, and Cultural Immersion

If you're seeking the perfect blend of adventure and comfort, this African safari experience is designed just for you. Imagine yourself in the heart of the African wilderness, where every moment is filled with awe-inspiring wildlife sightings, golden sunsets, and the thrill of discovering nature's most captivating creatures. Whether you're an avid photographer eager to capture iconic shots or simply someone looking for an escape into unparalleled beauty, this safari offers a curated itinerary that ensures your every expectation is not only met but exceeded.

From bespoke game drives to private accommodations that define luxury, every detail has been carefully considered. You'll have the chance to explore hidden corners of the bush under the guidance of expert rangers, enjoy photography workshops led by seasoned professionals, and connect deeply with local cultures through authentic interactions. No matter what draws you to Africa’s wild heart, this safari promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience with memories you'll treasure forever.

Day 1: Bahir Dar

• At 7 am we depart on an early flight for Bahir Dar.
• On Lake Tana, we take a boat trip to a selection of monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake.
• Afterwards, we visit the Zege Peninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam, Ura Kidane Mehret and Debre Maryam (near the Blue Nile River).
• Finish the day with the sunset over the lake.
• Overnight in Bahir Dar at Kuriftu Resort & Spa/Abay Minch Lodge/Summerland Hotel/EthioStar Hotel.

Day 2: Gondar

• Gondar is our destination today, we head in a northerly direction to get there.
• This 4-hour drive takes us through rural villages all the while offering insight into the Amhara culture.
• In the afternoon we explore the sites of Gondar, including the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings.
• We also take in Fasilidas’s Pool, Ras Gimb Palace Museum and the Debre Birhan Selassie church (the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia).
• Overnight in Gondar at Taye Hotel/Fasil Lodge/Queen Taitu Pension.

Day 3: Axum

• A 07:45 flight to Axum await us this morning.
• We visit in Axum today the following; obelisks, archaeological museum, Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Ezana’s inscription, King Kaleb’s tomb, King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace.
• You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept.
• (Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept).
• Overnight in Axum at Sabean International Hotel/Remhai Hotel/Africa Hotel.

Day 4: Lalibela

• Another early morning flight awaits (08:00).
• The most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites await us today, that being Lalibela.
• After lunch, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
• We take in the North-western Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women).
• Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.

Day 5: Lalibela

• A morning trip to visit the church of Yimrehanne Kristos is on the cards.
• Yimrehanne Kristos is the most popular of the churches outside of Lalibela (the church is built with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern).
• Returning to Lalibela for lunch.
• In the afternoon we visit the South-eastern Cluster of churches; Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos.
• Finally, in the late afternoon, we visit the most famous of all the churches, Bet Giyorgis (constructed in honour of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George).
• Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.

Day 6: Awassa

• In the morning we fly back to Addis Ababa (09:00).
• From Addis Ababa, we head south for Awassa.
• En route to Awassa, we stop off at Lake Ziway to take in the vibrant birdlife and views.
• Overnight in Awassa at Haile Resort/Tadesse Enjory Hotel/Pinna Hotel.

Day 7: Dorze

• This morning we take in the fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa before driving to Dorze.
• The Dorze tribespeople are renowned for their tall beehive-like houses and fine cotton weaving.
• A village tour is on offer, we learn about these very industrious people and their ways of life.
• Overnight in Dorze in traditional Dorze hut (shared toilet facilities) or continue to Arba Minch for overnight at Paradise Lodge/Tourist Hotel/camping at Wabe Shabelle Hotel.

Day 8: Turmi

• This morning for Lake Chamo and a boat trip to visit the famed "crocodile market" and the local hippos.
• After the Lake Chamo excursion, we depart for Turmi.
• En route passing through the village of Weyto (home to the Tsemai tribe).
• Finally, proceed to Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe.
• At night, you can see the traditional night dancing of the Hamer tribe, known as evangadi.
• Overnight in Turmi at Buska Lodge/Evangadi Lodge/camping at Keske Campsite.

Day 9: Turmi

• In the morning, take a day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassenech tribe.
• Here you will cross the Omo River by local boat and enter a Dassenech village.
• Afterwards, return to Turmi (Monday is market day) for a visit to a local Hamer village.
• If there is Jumping of the Bulls traditional Hamer coming-of-age ceremony, that will be visited.
• Overnight in Turmi at Buska Lodge/Evangadi Lodge/camping at Keske Campsite.

Day 10: Jinka

• Departing for the Jinka area we travel through the towns of Dimeka and Key Afar.
• Dimeka offers one of the most colourful markets in the area and is visited by many tribes, including Hamer, Benna and Karo.
• Overnight in Jinka at Eco Omo Lodge/Orit Hotel/Goh Hotel.

Day 11: Jinka

• A morning drive through the Mago National Park awaits and onto a village of the Mursi tribe.
• The Mursi people are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates.
• Returning to Jinka in the afternoon.
• We visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes.
• Or alternatively, hike in the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village.
• Overnight in Jinka at Eco Omo Lodge/Orit Hotel/Goh Hotel.

Day 12: Konso

• After breakfast, we leave Jinka behind and head for the town of Konso.
• Along the way, we stop off in Key Afar where we witness the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods.
• Arriving in Konso in the afternoon.
• Konso people are well known for their wooden statues (wakas), which are erected in honour of dead heroes.
• Konso people are also interestingly known for their innovative agricultural terracing.
• Time permitting, you can also visit the “natural New York Village”, named after the tall sand formations resembling skyscrapers.
• Overnight in Konso at Kanta Lodge (tukul)/Kanta Lodge (standard room)/Strawberry Fields Ecolodge.

Day 13: Lake Langano

• Lake Langano is our destination today.
• En route, we stop off at the Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary (famed for its endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest).
• Overnight at Lake Langano at Bishangari Lodge/Sabana Beach Resort/Wenney Ecolodge/Abule Bassumo Hotel.

Day 14: Addis Ababa - Safari Ends

• A stunning morning swim in Lake Langano awaits before we head off for Addis Ababa.
• On the way to Addis Ababa there is the chance of stopping off at Abiatta-Shala National Park (time dependant).
• Abiatta-Shala National Park offers up two interesting lakes;
• Lake Shala, with its deep blue waters is the deepest lake in Ethiopia at 236m.
• Lake Abiatta is a soda lake at which thousands of flamingos can be seen at various times of the year.