
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
Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Bahir Dar
- - At 7 am we depart on a 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 take 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 enscription, 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 awaits us today, that being Lalibela.
- - After lunch, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
- - We take in the 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 (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.
- - Enroute 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 tribes people are renouned 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.
- - Afte the Lake Chamo excursion we depart for Turmi.
- - Enroute 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 colorful 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 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 to the town of Konso.
- - Along the way we stop of 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), that are erected in honor 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.
- - Enroute 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.
Rates From
From US$ 1550.00 pp sharing
Rates Information
The Above Rates should be used as a guideline only.
- Rates are based on four people per safari
- Domestic flights: From US$ 615.00 per person
- All rates are subject to availability
- Rates may vary according to season
- Lodging may change depending on your budget
- All rates may change without notice
- Single supplement may apply
Rates Include
- Domestic airfare as listed above (quoted separately below)
- North: Private ground transportation (including all airport transfers), inclusive of fuel and insurance
- South: Vehicle hire in 4WD (Toyota Land-cruiser or similar), including English-speaking driver/guide, driver’s allowance (for his food and accommodation), fuel and insurance
- Hotel accommodation as listed above (or similar quality, based on availability), double or twin share including breakfast
- Entrance fees to all locations including local guide service and boat trip on Lake Tana and Lake Chamo
- All applicable taxes
Rates Exclude
- Accommodation and activities in Addis Ababa (quoted separately)
- Lunch, dinner and beverages, including all alcoholic beverages
- Camera and/or photo fees
- Tips for driver, guides, etc (at your discretion)
- Items of a personal nature
St. Mary of Zion
Around 300AD the first St. Mary of Zion was built in the town of Axum by the first and largest Christian Kingdom outside of the Roman Empire. The church itself has been rebuilt several times over the past 1700 odd years, with the latest version (as you can see below) having been finished in 1964.
Entos Eyesu Monastery
The boat ride from the main land to the monastery island is maybe 20 to 25 minutes in duration but a scenic boat ride over Lake Tana all the same. The walk through the Entos Eyesu Monastery and up to the church is all through thick tropical forest stopping along the way to see a small museum and crafts stall.
Fasil Ghebbi
Positioned right in the heart of the modern city of Gondar ones comes across Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure), with over 70 000 square metres of castle ruins. Now to say that this is a fascinating place to explore is probably the understatement of the year, a photographers paradise, to be honest.
Bet Giyorgis Church
Bet Giyorgis is the most famous of Lalibela's rock hewn churches and gets its name from the patron saint of Ethiopia, St George. The church lies uncovered unlike all the other churches and is accessible by a short walk from either of the clusters (often described as the "8th Wonder of the World").
Debre Birhan Selassie Church
Located in the heart of Gondar, is one of Ethiopia most beautiful churches, the famed Debre Birhan Selassie. As one enters the compound one first notices the stone wall surrounding the church grounds, again it is a good idea to walk the wall and take in those 12 amazing rock towers.
Blue Nile Falls
The height of the falls is around the 40-metre mark and in full flood, they can span almost 700 metres. In full flood, I reckon these falls could compete with many of the more famous water falls in Africa. For those interested in birding, bring your big lenses with. The birdlife is simply amazing along the banks of this river.