13 Days Ethiopia Tours

Experience the best of Ethiopia on this 13-day Grand Discovery Tour, combining the historic treasures of the north with the spectacular landscapes and diverse cultures of southern Ethiopia. Explore Lake Tana, Blue Nile Falls, Gondar, the Simien Mountains and Lalibela, before traveling south to discover Dorze, Konso, Mursi, Hamer, Karo and Dassanech communities.

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa – Capital City Experience

Arrive in Addis Ababa, where you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, begin your city tour with the National Museum, home to the famous fossil remains of Lucy. Continue to Holy Trinity Cathedral and Mount Entoto, where you can enjoy panoramic views over the capital. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner accompanied by cultural music and dancing.

Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar – Lake Tana

Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar. After arrival, enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake. Visit historic monasteries on the lake’s islands and shores and admire their traditional religious paintings, manuscripts and architecture. In the afternoon, relax along the lakefront and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Bahir Dar.

Overnight: Bahir Dar.

Day 3: Bahir Dar – Blue Nile Falls – Gondar

After breakfast, drive to the spectacular Blue Nile Falls. Enjoy a scenic walk through the surrounding countryside and take photographs of the waterfall and landscape. Continue to Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, visit Fasil Ghebbi, the impressive royal enclosure containing castles and palaces from the Gondarine period. Continue to Fasilides’ Bath before checking into your hotel.

Overnight: Gondar.

Day 4: Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park

After breakfast, drive toward Simien Mountains National Park. Enter the park and continue to Sankaber, enjoying spectacular views of dramatic escarpments, deep valleys and rugged peaks. Take a scenic nature walk and look for Gelada monkeys, endemic birds and other highland wildlife. Enjoy the peaceful mountain environment and spectacular sunset.

Overnight: Simien Mountains.

Day 5: Simien Mountains – Scenic Trek – Gondar

After breakfast, enjoy a morning trek through the spectacular Simien Mountains. Walk along the escarpment and enjoy panoramic views of the valleys and surrounding peaks. Search for Gelada monkeys and highland birds along the trail. After lunch, drive back to Gondar. In the afternoon, visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its beautifully painted ceiling featuring angel faces.

Overnight: Gondar.

Day 6: Gondar – Lalibela – Rock-Hewn Churches

Take a morning flight from Gondar to Lalibela. After arrival and lunch, begin exploring the extraordinary Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches. Visit Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Maskal and Bete Denagel. Explore the ancient tunnels and courtyards connecting the churches. Continue to Bete Giyorgis (St. George), the iconic cross-shaped church carved directly into the rock.

Overnight: Lalibela.

Day 7: Lalibela – Cultural Experience – Addis Ababa

After breakfast, continue exploring Lalibela’s remarkable churches, including Bete Amanuel, Bete Gabriel-Rufael and Bete Mercoreus. Visit the surrounding countryside and experience an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Take time to explore local handicrafts and traditional village life. Later, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.

Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Day 8: Addis Ababa – Arba Minch – Rift Valley

Take a morning flight to Arba Minch, the gateway to southern Ethiopia. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and explore the beautiful Rift Valley scenery. Depending on your arrival time, visit viewpoints overlooking Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo. Spend the afternoon relaxing and preparing for your journey into the Lower Omo Valley.

Overnight: Arba Minch.

Day 9: Arba Minch – Dorze Village – Lake Chamo – Konso

After breakfast, travel into the Gamo Highlands to visit a traditional Dorze village. Discover the distinctive Dorze houses, weaving traditions, farming practices and local cuisine. Experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and learn about daily village life. Return toward Arba Minch for a Lake Chamo boat excursion, where you may see Nile crocodiles, hippos and waterbirds. Continue to Konso and explore its spectacular terraced landscapes and traditional settlements.

Overnight: Konso.

Day 10: Konso – Jinka – Mursi Village

After breakfast, drive south toward Jinka, the gateway to the Lower Omo Valley. After lunch, travel toward Mago National Park and visit a traditional Mursi village. Learn about Mursi culture, cattle keeping, traditional body adornment, livelihoods and community life. Return to Jinka in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Jinka.

Day 11: Jinka – Key Afer Market – Turmi – Hamer Village

Travel toward Turmi, stopping at Key Afer Market when the itinerary coincides with the local market day. Experience the colorful market and see local people trading livestock, agricultural products, clothing, jewelry and handicrafts. Continue to Turmi and visit a traditional Hamer village. Learn about Hamer traditions, hairstyles, jewelry, cattle keeping and daily life. If a bull-jumping ceremony or Evangadi dance is taking place, your guide will help arrange the experience where possible. Ceremonies depend on local community schedules and cannot be guaranteed.

Overnight: Turmi.

Day 12: Turmi – Karo – Omorate – Dassanech – Turmi

Start early and travel toward the Omo River to visit the Karo people, renowned for their distinctive body painting and cultural traditions. Continue to Omorate, near the Kenyan border. Cross the Omo River by local boat and visit a traditional Dassanech village. Experience their traditional homes, clothing, jewelry, livelihoods and relationship with the Omo River. After the visit, cross back and return to Turmi.

Overnight: Turmi.

Day 13: Turmi – Arba Minch – Addis Ababa – Departure

After breakfast, begin the journey north toward Arba Minch, enjoying the changing landscapes of southern Ethiopia. Depending on your flight schedule, continue to Arba Minch Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, enjoy a final Ethiopian coffee ceremony, souvenir shopping or farewell lunch before transferring to Bole International Airport for your international departure. End of Tour