13 Days Ethiopia Tours

Destinations: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar – Gondar – Simien Mountains – Axum – Lalibela – Rift Valley – Arba Minch – Jinka – Omo Valley – Addis Ababa
Best For: Culture • History • Nature • Tribal Life • Photography

🗓 Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

• Meet and greet at Bole International Airport.

• Transfer to hotel and rest.

• Afternoon city tour:

  • National Museum (home of Lucy)

  • Holy Trinity Cathedral

  • View from Mount Entoto

  • Traditional coffee ceremony

Overnight: Addis Ababa

🗓 Day 2: Addis Ababa → Bahir Dar (Flight)

• Morning flight to Bahir Dar (1 hour).

• Visit the Blue Nile Falls (“Tis Issat”) by car and short hike.

• Afternoon boat trip on Lake Tana to visit:

  • Ura Kidane Mehret Monastery on Zege Peninsula

• Evening lakeside stroll or visit a local market.

Overnight: Bahir Dar

🗓 Day 3: Bahir Dar → Gondar (3 hrs drive)

• Drive through beautiful highland scenery.

• Explore Gondar’s Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi) – castles and palaces.

• Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church with angel frescoes.

• Explore Fasilides’ Bath.

Overnight: Gondar

🗓 Day 4: Gondar → Simien Mountains National Park

• Scenic drive to the Simien Mountains (UNESCO site).

• Short hikes to see Gelada baboons, stunning views of cliffs and valleys.

• Visit the Sankaber area or Chennek (optional longer hike).

Overnight: Lodge or camping inside Simien Park

🗓 Day 5: Simien Mountains → Axum (via Debark & Tekeze Valley)

• Long but scenic drive (~8 hours) or optional flight from Gondar to Axum.

• Arrive in Axum, the ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire.

Overnight: Axum

🗓 Day 6: Explore Axum

• Visit:

  • Obelisks of Axum

  • Queen of Sheba’s Palace

  • Tomb of King Kaleb

  • Church of St. Mary of Zion (home of the Ark, by legend)

  • Ezana Stone

Overnight: Axum

🗓 Day 7: Axum → Lalibela (Flight or long scenic drive)

• Fly to Lalibela or drive via Adwa and Weldiya (if overland tour).

• Rest and enjoy the cool mountain town.

Overnight: Lalibela

🗓 Day 8: Explore Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches (North Cluster)

• Visit the famous rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site:

  • Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Golgotha

• Traditional coffee ceremony in the afternoon.

• Optional cultural evening with music/dance.

Overnight: Lalibela

🗓 Day 9: Lalibela (South Cluster & Bete Giorgis)

• Visit Bete Giorgis (St. George) – the iconic cross-shaped church.

• Hike or mule ride to Asheten Maryam Monastery with panoramic views.

• Explore more churches and spend time with locals.

Overnight: Lalibela

🗓 Day 10: Fly to Addis Ababa → Drive to Lake Langano (Rift Valley)

• Morning flight to Addis, then drive south (~4 hrs) into the Rift Valley.

• Stop at Lake Ziway (birdwatching) or Abijatta-Shalla National Park.

• Afternoon swim or relax at Lake Langano.

Overnight: Langano resort

🗓 Day 11: Langano → Arba Minch (via Dorze Village)

• Drive through Wolayta and Gamo Highlands to Arba Minch (~6–7 hrs).

• Visit Dorze Village (famous for beehive houses and weaving).

• Sunset over Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya (Twin Lakes).

Overnight: Arba Minch

🗓 Day 12: Arba Minch → Jinka (Omo Valley)

• Boat ride on Lake Chamo – spot hippos and Nile crocodiles.

• Drive through Konso (UNESCO cultural site) and Key Afer Market (market day depending).

• Continue to Jinka, gateway to the Omo Valley tribes.

Overnight: Jinka

🗓 Day 13: Mursi Tribe Visit → Return to Addis Ababa (Flight from Jinka)

• Morning visit to the Mursi tribe, known for their lip plates and body art.

• Return to Jinka for flight back to Addis Ababa.

• Farewell dinner with traditional music and dance (e.g., Yod Abyssinia).

• Evening transfer to the airport or optional overnight stay.

✅ Tour Inclusions (Typical):

• All domestic flights (Addis-Bahir Dar, Axum-Lalibela, Jinka-Addis)

• 4×4 or minivan transport with fuel and driver

• Professional English-speaking guide throughout

• All entrance fees and permits

• Accommodation in selected hotels/lodges (3–4 stars or higher on request)

• All breakfasts, some lunches/dinners

• Bottled water

• Airport transfers