15 Days North Historic Route & Omo Valley Tribes Tour

Tour Name – 15 Days North Historic Route & Omo Valley Tribes Tour

No of Day/night – 15 Days & 14 Nights

Guide – English Speaking driver guide          

Mode of transportation – Car & Flights

Day 01 Sep 19 2026 Arrival at Addis Ababa & Drive to Hawassa       

You will meet our staff upon arrival from your international flight and after breakfast you will drive to Hawassa. On the way you will visit

Abijatta-Shalla National Park

It contains 887 square kilometers including Abijatta and Shalla two alkaline lakes. The habitat of Abijatta-Shalla National Park contains open grasslands, dry savannas, arid shrub lands and that were dominated by Acacia trees, which include umbrella thorn acacias, red acacias and gum acacias. You will see Grant’s gazelles, Common Warthogs, the park is also home to 300 species of birds that are listed as endemics, residents, and migratory. Common Ostriches and Somali Ostriches are mostly common for their breeding.

Continue toward Wendo Genet, a beautiful forested area famous for its natural hot springs, lush vegetation and birdlife. Depending on time and local conditions, enjoy a relaxing stop in the area before continuing to Hawassa.

Overnight in Lewi Resort Hawassa

Day 02 Sep 20 2026 Drive Hawassa to Arba Minch

After breakfast you will visit Hawassa Lake, 16 km long and 9 km wide, with a surface area of 129 square kilometers. It has a maximum depth of 10 meters and is located at an elevation of 1,708 meters. The local Fish Market and different kinds of bird watching at Amora Gedele After lunch you will drive to

Dorze people who are expert in weaving called Shammas Weaving are a primary profession for several Dorze people. The shape of their house looks Elephant, to remember the existence of these animals around the area many years ago. They are known for their traditional weaving of huts made out of local bamboo.  Enset “fake banana” is the stable food for these peoples.

Overnight Haile Resort Arba Minch

 

Day 03 Sep 21 2026 Drive Arba Minch – Konso – Turmi

After having your breakfast, you will take a boat cruise on the

Lake Chamo, the third biggest Lake in Ethiopia you will have a boat trip to see the crocodiles, hippos & aquatic bird species. The northern shores of Lake Chamo are famous for its large crocodiles, which can be seen in numbers lounging in the heat. The lake is about 32km long and provides a lush wetland habitat for many species of flora and fauna. Visit and proceed southwards to

Mursi village, the Mursi women, like their Surma cousins, live on the other bank of the Omo River, are famous for their large round (and not only) lip plates worn by women. There are several theories of the wearing of lip plates: disfiguring to prevent enslavement by Arabs in antiquity; protection against the penetration of evil spirits into the body through the mouth; determination of social status, showing the amount of cattle that the groom must pay as a dowry for the bride owning the plate. Mursi are unsurpassed masters of scarification. The scars on their bodies symbolize social status and past merits. The scars are created by using a razor blade and camel thorn. To achieve a bulge, an ash or a fly larva is planted in the wound, which, among other things, eliminates all possible infections.

Overnight Paradise Lodge in Turmi

Day 04 Sep 22 2026 Drive to Nyangatom tribe — Karo – Turmi

This morning, we continue through the savannah with shrubs and umbrella acacia trees.

Kangaten (Nyangatom tribe) To adore their long and lean bodies, the Nyangatom women wear numerous necklaces and long Skirts from goatskins that are richly decorated They are indeed fierce warriors which is supposedly demonstrated by their custom to scar their chest; one scar for each killed enemy. Herds of cows are their most valuable property. Later drive to Kolcho, the village of

Karo people at the eastern bank of Omo River with beautiful views, Karo are famous for their intricate face and body painting practices, which they apply on their heads and torso before major events and on the weekly markets. Karo is the smallest tribes of the Omo Valley and Karo men also sculpts and shave their hair into extravagant shapes, with special ochre “caps” of hair usually containing several ostrich feathers.

Hammer people, distinguished by the fact that their women wear leather skirts decorated with shells, wear several copper bracelets on their hands and heavy iron necklaces around their necks, symbolizing their social status, and their hair is colored with ocher and animal fat. Men, in case of victory over the enemy or a dangerous beast, fix the hairstyle with clay and decorate with ostrich feathers. This hairstyle is carefully guarded the Hamar sleep with a special borkotos chair under their neck. they are also known for their unique custom of “bull jumping,” which initiates a boy into manhood, practice of body adornment and wearing a multitude of colorful beads.

Overnight Paradise Lodge in Turmi

Day 05 Sep 23 2026 Drive Turmi – Omorate – Turmi – Konso

After breakfast you will drive to Omorate crosses the Omo River to visit the

Dassanech tribe only 72 Km from Turmi, Dassanech are traditional pastoralists, but in recent years began to move to a semi-nomadic way of life. The highest expression of male beauty is the vulgar transverse scars across the entire chest and back, resembling crocodile skin. Such scars are inflicted on a body of the warrior who showed himself heroically in battle, who killed the enemy in course of tribal cattle raids. After lunch you will drive to Konso.

Overnight in Kanta Lodge Konso

Day 06 Sep 24 2026 Explore Konso Cultural Landscape & drive to Sodo

After breakfast, explore the remarkable Konso Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its unique agricultural terraces, traditional settlements, stone structures and distinctive cultural heritage.

Visit a traditional Konso village and learn about the community’s highly organized social structure, farming methods and traditional architecture. The Konso are particularly renowned for their extensive stone terraces, which demonstrate generations of sophisticated environmental management in a challenging highland landscape. After the cultural visit, continue north toward Sodo, enjoying the changing scenery of southern Ethiopia along the way.

Overnight in Lewi Resort Sodo

 

Day 07 Sep 25 2026 – Sodo – Tiya – Adadi Mariam – Addis Ababa

After breakfast, the drive back toward Addis Ababa begins. Along the way, visit the Tiya archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its collection of mysterious carved stone stelae. The stones are decorated with distinctive symbols and represent one of Ethiopia’s most important archaeological sites.

Continue to Adadi Mariam, one of Ethiopia’s remarkable rock-hewn churches. Unlike the churches of Lalibela, Adadi Mariam is located in the central Ethiopian highlands and provides another perspective on Ethiopia’s long tradition of rock-hewn religious architecture. Continue to Addis Ababa and check into your hotel. The evening can be spent relaxing after the long journey.

Overnight in Aya Hotel Addis Ababa

Day 08 Sep 26 2026 Meskel Festival at Addis Ababa

After taking some rest in the morning, we will visit Meskel Square, the main venue for the national Meskel celebration in Addis Ababa. This is the main bonfire ceremony and the most spectacular day to experience the Meskel Festival. In the afternoon, visitors can witness the preparation of the huge Demera, followed by religious processions, Ethiopian Orthodox priests and deacons dressed in colorful traditional ceremonial clothing, traditional chanting, singing, and dancing. The celebration continues into the evening with the lighting of the enormous Demera bonfire, creating a truly memorable cultural experience. Meskel commemorates the discovery of the True Cross and has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Tourists will have a unique opportunity to experience one of Ethiopia’s most important religious and cultural celebrations.

Overnight in Aya Hotel Addis Ababa

Day 09 Sep 27 2026 Fly Addis Ababa to Lalibela

After breakfast you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. You will be met upon arrival and taken to your Hotel. After lunch you will Visit

Bete Golgotha‑Mika’el: a twin‑church complex marking the most sacred area, featuring the Selassie Chapel within Bete Golgotha said to house the tomb of King Lalibela and striking carved reliefs of saints inside Bete Mika’el

Bete Maryam: possibly the oldest church in the site, with an intricately painted ceiling depicting biblical scenes and windows symbolizing the Trinity and crucifixion

Bete Meskel: a small chapel carved into the courtyard of Bete Maryam, the “House of the Cross”

Bete Denagel (House of the Virgins): an intimate, grotto‑like chapel adjacent to Bete Maryam, reputed to commemorate fifty Christian nuns martyred in late antiquity

Bete Medhane Alem: the largest free‑standing monolithic church in the world, shaped like a Greek temple. Inside, dozens of columns support the vaulted ceiling, and the polished stone floor reflects shafts of light from high‑aperture windows. In one corner stand three symbolic empty graves for the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Later in the afternoon, you’ll visit the western group’s standalone masterpiece:

Bete Giyorgis (Church of Saint George): isolated on a sloping rock terrace to the southwest of the village, this church is carved in the shape of a perfect cross and often considered the most elegant of all 11. It stands in a sunken pit and is reached via tunnels and trenches

Overnight Maribela Hotel Lalibela

Day 10 Sep 28 2026 Drive Lalibela to Asheten Maryam and Na’akuto La’ab

After breakfast, you’ll journey to

Na’akuto La’ab Monastery founded by Na’akuto La’ab, the successor of King Lalibela. Inside, you’ll discover a fascinating collection of sacred artifacts believed to have belonged to Na’akuto La’ab himself: crowns, gold-painted drums, ornate crosses, a large painted canvas featuring ancient monarchs, and an illuminated Bible of remarkable beauty. Of particular interest are the ancient stone basins that collect water dripping from the cave’s roof widely regarded as holy.

Afterwards, you’ll drive on to

Asheton Maryam Church, another longstanding sanctuary packed with sacred treasures. Here, the priest graciously displays a collection of intricate crosses and a richly illustrated Bible, showcasing colorful and elaborate artworks that date back centuries.

Overnight Maribela Hotel Lalibela

Day 11 Sep 29 2026 Fly Lalibela to Gondar

After breakfast, you’ll spend the morning exploring the remaining rock hewn churches of Lalibela like:-

• Bete Gabriel‑Rufael (House of Archangels Gabriel and Raphael)
• Bete Marqorios (St. Mercurius/Mark the Evangelist)
• Bete Emmanuel (House of Emmanuel)
• Bete Abba Libanos (House of Abbot Libanos)

These southeastern cluster churches, carved into volcanic rock, showcase exceptional Aksumite architectural features and intricate decorative motifs unique to Lalibela, After visiting these sacred sites, you’ll be transferred to Lalibela Airport to catch your flight to Gondar. After lunch you will begin to visit the Royal Capital of Ethiopia. Gondar was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasiledes

Castle of Gondar Because of its historical importance and architecture, the fortress was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The complex of buildings includes Fasilides’ castle, Iyasu I’s palace, Dawit III’s Hall, Empress Mentewab’s castle, a chancellery and library from Yohannes I, a banqueting hall from the emperor Bakaffa.

Debre Birhan Selassie (The Enlightening of Trinity) It was founded in the late 17th century by Iyasu I, but the building had to be rebuilt after fire and lightning. Most other churches in Gondar were destroyed by the Dervish of Sudan; Debre Birhan Selassie escaped because it was protected by brave bees. The walls contain biblical stories, depicting several scenes of the life of Christ and various saints. Some of the scenes are brutal, beheadings are depicted with bloody detail, and the devil also made it to the colorful walls.

Fasiledes Bath is a significant historical and cultural site in Gondar. It’s a square Embattlement pool with a two storied palace situated within and it plays a crucial role in the celebration of Epiphany, the Timkat festival. The compounds walls have been slowly engulfed by the thick slithering roots of ancient badian trees that are now intertwined with the crumbling brickwork.

Overnight Haile Resort Gondar

Day 12 Sep 30 2026 Gondar Excursion to Simien Mountain National Park

After breakfast the trip starts from Gondar to the famous and beautiful Simien Mountains National Park. The park is known as the roof of Africa and contains several high mountains and the only place in Ethiopia registered by the UNESCO as a natural beauty. After two hours’ drive from Gondar we will start hiking admiring Beautiful landscapes and mountains and enjoying nature. There will be a chance to see some wild animals especially the endemic Gelada Baboons. Later you will be drive back to Gondar.

Overnight Haile Resort Gondar

Day 13 Oct 01 2026 Drive Gondar to Bahir Dar

After breakfast at the hotel you will drive to Bahir Dar. After Lunch you will take

Boat trip on Lake Tana the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the Blue Nile River, on arrival we will visit Ura Kidane Mehret, one of the earliest monastic church in the peninsula. It was founded in the 14th century by the saint Betre Mariyam although the present circular church dates from the 16th century. Its interior is decorated with numerous murals painted between 100 and 250 years ago.

Overnight Naky Hotel Bahir Dar

Day 14 Oct 02 2026 Visit Blue Nile waterfall and Fly to Addis Ababa

After breakfast at the hotel you will drive to

Blue Nile Falls known as Tis Abay meaning great smoke it is situated on the upper course of the river about 30 kilometers downstream from the town of Bahir Dar. On arrival make a small trekking loop along the river side to view the water fall at every angle. (Note that the volume of the water could be minimal because of 2003 a hydro-electric station has taken much of the flow out of the falls except during the rainy season. Later drive back to Bahir Dar after Lunch you will take to airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.

Overnight Aya Addis hotel Addis Ababa

Day 15 Oct 03 2026 Addis Ababa City Tour

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Addis Ababa with visits to some of the city’s most iconic historical, cultural, and religious sites. The day includes the following highlights:

• Entoto Maryam Church: Located on the Entoto Hills, this is one of the oldest Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo churches, built in 1877 by Emperor Menelik II. The church features traditional Ethiopian architecture with octagonal domes. Inside, you’ll find a collection of royal artifacts, including Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu’s crowns, ceremonial garments, their royal bed, and a mirror gifted to the Empress by Queen Victoria.
• Entoto Hills: At an elevation of 2,900 meters above sea level, the Entoto Hills offer a stunning panoramic view of Addis Ababa. This area, once the capital before the city moved to its current location, holds great historical and spiritual significance.
• Ethnological Museum: Situated within the main campus of Addis Ababa University, this museum is housed in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. It offers a deep insight into Ethiopia’s diverse cultures, with exhibits covering anthropology, music, and traditional life. It is also recognized as the first university museum in Ethiopia.
• National Museum of Ethiopia: One of the most important museums in sub-Saharan Africa, it showcases Ethiopia’s rich archaeological heritage. Here, you will find the world-famous fossil remains of Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis), as well as Selam, a remarkably complete child hominid fossil estimated to be 3.3 million years old.
• Merkato: Conclude your day with a visit to Africa’s largest open-air market. Established during the Italian occupation in the late 1930s, Merkato spans several square miles and hosts over 7,000 businesses. It offers a dynamic experience of the city’s daily life, where you can find everything from spices and textiles to handmade crafts and electronics.

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