LLT007 - Bahir Dar, Gonder, Semein Moutain, Lalibela, Rift Valley And Omo Valley
Duration: 15 Night/ 16 Days
Day 1: Arrival to Addis Ababa
Arrival to Addis Ababa, transfer to the hotel. Overnight hotel.
Day 2: City tour of Addis Ababa
Arrival to Addis Ababa. Addis Ababa, this is the world’s third highest capital city. Meet our local tour guide at the airport. After checking in at the hotel, set out a sightseeing tour of the city of 4 million people, taking in the Trinity Cathedral and excellent National Museum, with its archaeological discoveries including the famous hominid “Lucy”. Drive up Mt Entoto, the highest part of the capital, for the panoramic view, and then explore the Mercato, the largest open-air market in East Africa, Back to hotel. Stay 1 night: The Hotel, Addis Ababa; dinner not included.
Day 3: Fly to Bahir Dar
To Bahir Dar. Early morning transfer back to the Airport, to depart on the Ethiopian Airlines ET126 depart at 07:20 arrive at Bahir Dar 08:20. flight north to Bahir Dar, on the shores of the country's largest lake, Lake Tana. On arrival, travel by coach to the village of Tisissat about 35 km away, to see the “Smoke of the Nile”, the famous Falls of the Blue Nile which flows out of Lake Tana. . “The gentle river pours over the side of a sheer chasm and explodes into a melange of mists and rainbows before continuing on its tumultuous path to Khartoum where it finally gets to kiss the White Nile” (LP); the falls are 400 metres wide, and drop 42 metres, and they are the largest falls in Africa after the Victoria Falls in SW Africa. Back in town, after an included lunch, you will have a Cruise on Lake Tana. It is around Lake Tana that in 1636 and for two and a half centuries crystallized the essence of the political, religious and artistic events in the country. Lake Tana is one of the Biggest Highland Lake in Ethiopia, powered by dozens of small streams, board a boat for a cruise on Lake Tana to visit some of the ancient churches and monasteries built around the lake and on some of its 30+ islands in the 17th century or earlier; they are adorned with Biblical murals and portraits of Ethiopian Saints. The lake is also home to many bird species. Lunch will be on the boat, Late in the afternoon arrive at Gorgora where we will meet our bus. Overnight Hotel.
Day 4: Drive to to Gonder
Morning drive to Gonder 180KM upon arrival you will check in to Taye Belay Hotel. Full day tour in Gonder (World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979), population 210,000, at 2210m. start the exploration of the 17th century city which was the country's capital dating from the Reign of Fasiledes from 1632; at that time Gonder had become the second largest city in Africa after Cairo. Impressive medieval castles and palaces were built by various emperors over the course of 236 years and have given Gonder the title of the “Camelot of Africa”. Visit the palaces, residences and baths of Fasiledes which became UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1979. Then visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity), which is located at the summit of a hill; “this is one of the most stunning churches in the nation” (LP). The interior is decorated with beautiful frescos. A high stone wall with 12 round towers, representing the 12 Apostles, surrounds the church compound. Stay 2 nights: Overnight Hotel . (B, L, D)
Day 5: Day trip to Semien Moutain
A day excursion to Semien Mountains National Park. (World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1978) Travel 136 km out of Gonder to undertake a short trek in the mountains at about 3250 m a.s.l to various viewpoints and with the hope of seeing some of Ethiopia's endemic birds. Lunch will be served in lunch boxes on top of the main view point. Overnight Hotel in Gonder.
Day 6: Fly to Lalibela
To the amazing sights of Lalibela. (World Heritage site by UNESCO 1978) Morning drive to airport for Ethiopian airlines flight ET122 departs at 08:35 from Gonder arrive at Lalibela at 09:05AM, take flight to the small town of Lalibela to see its remarkable 12th century churches which King Lalibela had excavated out of solid bedrock – 11 of them, and now officially registered as world wonders. “Truly, the wonder of Africa” (LP). After checking into the hotel and having lunch, visit the first group (consisting of 6 rock-hewn churches to the north); as the churches are still in use, shoes have to be removed, and dress modest. Stay 2 nights: Overnight Hotel.
Day 7: Full day in Laibela
In the Lalibela District. This morning there is an optional excursion tour to a rock hewn monastery of Asheten Mariam, set at over 3150m, atop a mountain rising directly above Lalibela. “The Church is unusual because it is mostly built rather than excavated” and “it is thought that it may predate Lalibela’s churches by about 80 years”. “The carving and decoration are exceptional, especially the cruciform windows and the elaborate nave ceiling” (LP). In the afternoon, make a visit to the second group of Labila’s churches (consisting of 4), and the third group consisting of only one, but the most beautiful (“Lalibela’s masterpiece”) - the monolithic cruciform church of Bet Giyorgis (St. George); “It is a 15m-high three-tiered plinth in the shape of a Greek cross”.
Day 8: Fly from Lalibela to Addois Ababa
Morning drive to airport to Fly back to Addis, Drive from Addis Ababa to Awassa Further south, pass by five large rift valley lakes; see Koka and Ziway Lakes, explore the area around two Lakes Abijatta and Shalla. where flamingos are usually seen in a National Park. Overnight Tadesse Enjore Hotel. Or Similar.
Day 9: Awassa-Arbaminch
After an early beakfast visit Drive further south to Awasa on Lake Awasa which teems with fish and attracting water birds. See the fish markets on the shoreline, and walk part of the board-walk beside the wetlands viewing some of the birds., continue on to Arbaminch. On your route to Arbaminch visit the Dorez village at Chencha Moutain. Stay 2nights: Overnight Hotel.
Day 10: Nech Sar National Park
In the morning, you will visit Nech Sar National Park, famous for its wild animal, bird and plant collections. Sites very much worth your attention are the two rift valley lakes i.e. Abaya and Chamo, found in the park. In the afternoon, go for boat ride on Lake Chamo to view the huge hippopotamus family, great white pelicans and other offshore birds, as well as the biggest crocodiles in Africa. Overnight Hotel.
Day 11: Arbaminch – Jinka
Morning drive to Jinka. If it is a Thursday, you will visit the colorful market of the Benna and Tsemay tribes at Keyafer on your way, 42 Kms before you reach Jinka. We enjoy spectacular scenery as the road crosses soft rolling hills with dark red soil and plentiful crops and woods. An excellent day to meet the people and visit the markets of Benna and Ari people in Kako, take photographs with them and learn of a culture that has had very little outside influence O/n Jinka Resort or Tebikew Motel.
Day 13: Dimeka – Turmi SAT
Drive to Turmi via Dimeka village. At Dimeka, you will see the big and very colorful market of the Hamar, Ari, Bena and Dassanech tribes. Later in the afternoon you will reach Turmi, home of Hammer tribes. If you are will it, your guide could organize for you to watch the beautiful late afternoon dance of the Hammer youngsters called ‘Evangadi’.Lunch will be served en route from lunch box, late in the afternoon arrive at Turmi. Overnight will be at Evangadi Lodge or Turmi Lodge bangalow.
Day 14: Omorate SUN
After breakfast, you will make a day excursion from Turmi to Omorate, 70 Km away from Turmi, then cross the river by local boat to go visit the Omo Geleab people. Afternoon Drive from Turmi to Korcho, visits the colorful karo people, then drive back to back to Turmi. Overnight will be at Evangadi Lodge or Turmi Lodge bangalow.
Day 15: Turmi – Arbaminch MON
Drive back to Arbaminch. On the way, visit the Erbore and Konso tribes. Make sure to observe the Konso land terracing culture which has been so for 6000 years, you will see their market too. Also you will meet the konso King. Overnight Hotel.
Day 16: Arbaminch – Addis Abeba TUE
Return to Addis Ababa via the Rift valley lakes on the route you will see the Abijata Shalla and the Ziway Lake, late in the afternoon arrive at Addis Ababa, After check-in to the hotel drive to the traditional restaurant, where you will enjoy traditional Ethiopian music performances at your farewell dinner. Transfer from the cultural restaurant the airport for the international airport.
