Quick Summary
12-Days South and Norther Ethiopian Tour Beyond is a 12 days tour in Ethiopia via the Ethiopia route, starting from USD 2420. Below you'll find the latest itinerary, inclusions & exclusions, and how to book.
12 days
Ethiopia
USD 2420
Kitano Tours & Safaris
ABOUT 12-Days South and Norther Ethiopian Tour Beyond
This tour combines the Northern Historic Route with the Omo Valley tribes experience. You'll begin your journey along the Northern Historic Route to explore Ethiopia's rich heritage. You'll visit iconic landmarks such as the Blue Nile Falls, the castles of Gondar, and the Simien Mountains National Park. The first leg of the journey concludes at one of Ethiopia’s most sacred sites: Lalibela, home to its awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches.
- Duration: 12 days
- Route: Ethiopia
- Starts at: USD 2420
Highlights for 12-Days South and Norther Ethiopian Tour Beyond
Day 1: Addis Ababa City Tour
Day 2: Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar
Day 3: Bahir Dar to Gondar
Day 4: Simein Mountain National Park Excursion
Day 5: Gondar to Lalibela
Day 6: Visit Yemerhane Kirestoes Cave Church
Day 7: Lalibela Addis to Langano Awassa
Day 8: Langano to Arbaminch via Awassa
Day 9: Arbaminch Necheisar Park, Konso to Tumri
Day 10: Visit Omorate Dessanech People
Day 11: Karo Village and Visit Mursi Indigenous People
Day 12: Jinka Fly Addis Ababa
Itinerary Overview
| Day | Title |
|---|---|
| Day 01 | Addis Ababa City Tour |
| Day 02 | Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar |
| Day 03 | Bahir Dar to Gondar |
| Day 04 | Simein Mountain National Park Excursion |
| Day 05 | Gondar to Lalibela |
| Day 06 | Visit Yemerhane Kirestoes Cave Church |
| Day 07 | Lalibela Addis to Langano Awassa |
| Day 08 | Langano to Arbaminch via Awassa |
| Day 09 | Arbaminch Necheisar Park, Konso to Tumri |
| Day 10 | Visit Omorate Dessanech People |
| Day 11 | Karo Village and Visit Mursi Indigenous People |
| Day 12 | Jinka Fly Addis Ababa |
Day 01: Addis Ababa City Tour
>> Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, a representative from our team will greet you and escort you to your hotel. You'll begin your exploration of Addis Ababa with a visit to the Ethnological Museum, where you’ll gain insight into Ethiopia’s diverse cultures and traditions. You'll continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important religious and historical landmark, before heading to Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets.
Your overnight stay will be in the Addis Ababa Capital Hotel and Spa.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 02: Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar
>> You'll catch a morning flight to Bahir Dar. You'll start your day with a boat trip on Lake Tana to explore the ancient monasteries of the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gebriel (accessible only to men). Then, you'll visit the source of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, you'll embark on a short hike around the Blue Nile Falls, admiring the breathtaking scenery. Later, you'll head to Bezawit Hill, home to Emperor Haile Selassie’s former palace, and enjoy a magnificent sunset over Lake Tana. You'll conclude the day with a delightful dinner by the lakeshore.
Your overnight stay will be in the Bahir Dar Jacaranda Hotel.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 03: Bahir Dar to Gondar
>> You'll depart for Gondar in the morning, a four-hour journey through picturesque countryside and traditional Amhara villages. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and set out to explore the historic sites of Gondar. You'll visit the 17th-century Royal Enclosure, which houses six castles and numerous other historical structures. Next, you'll see Fasilides' Bath, a site still used for the Timkat (Epiphany) festival. Finally, you'll visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its mesmerizing ceiling adorned with angelic faces.
Overnight stay in Gondar – AG Hotel.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: AG Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)
Day 04: Simein Mountain National Park Excursion
>> You'll set off for the Simien Mountains National Park, passing through Debark to obtain the necessary trekking permits and a scout. You'll enjoy a scenic hike around Sankabar, where you have a good chance of spotting groups of the endemic Gelada baboons. After a day of exploration, you'll return to Gondar in the late afternoon.
Overnight stay will be in Gondar –Ag Hotel.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: AG Hotel Mid-range hotel located 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP
Day 05: Gondar to Lalibela
>> Arrival in Lalibela.
You'll visit the First Group of Churches: Start with a visit to the most famous rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, such as Bete Medhane Alem (the largest of the churches), Bete Maryam (dedicated to the Virgin Mary), and Bete Golgotha (home to the tomb of King Lalibela). Later, you'll transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Top Twelve Hotel Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)
Day 06: Visit Yemerhane Kirestoes Cave Church
>> You'll drive to Yemrehanna Kirstos Church: Located about 42 kilometers from Lalibela, this church is nestled in a beautiful cave. The journey takes around 1.5-2 hours by car.
You'll explore Yemrehanna Kirstos Church: A lesser-known gem, this 11th-century church is famous for its unique architecture, constructed from wood and stone, and its stunning location surrounded by a forested landscape. The church is a blend of both Axumite and Lalibela-style rock-hewn architecture.
Afternoon:
You'll visit the Second Group of Churches: These include Bete Giyorgis, one of the most renowned churches, shaped like a Greek cross, and Bete Meskal. Stroll around the Lalibela Monastery: Discover the beautiful landscapes and surrounding areas. Your overnight stay will be at Top Twelve Hotel.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Top Twelve Hotel Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)
Day 07: Lalibela Addis to Langano Awassa
>> Early morning, you will have breakfast and enjoy the sunrise from Lalibela town. Later, you'll have a flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, a vehicle will be waiting to take you to Awassa Langano, one of the Great Rift Valley lakes. You'll spend a relaxing afternoon unwinding by the lakeshore. Your overnight stay will be at Lake Views Hotel.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Hawassa Lake View Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Awasa (City)
Day 08: Langano to Arbaminch via Awassa
>> After breakfast, you'll drive towards Arba Minch, stopping in Awassa along the way. You'll visit the lively fish market to observe the local fishing culture. You'll continue through Ethiopia’s coffee-growing region before arriving in Arba Minch. After lunch, you'll visit a Dorze village, where you’ll experience the unique beehive-shaped huts and the community’s rich weaving traditions. You'll end the evening with dinner overlooking the scenic lakes Abaya and Chamo.
Overnight stay will be in Arba Minch Emerald Lodge and Resort.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 09: Arbaminch Necheisar Park, Konso to Tumri
>> Arba Minch, Nechisar National Park, Konso, and Turmi
You'll start the day with a boat excursion on Lake Chamo, where you may encounter large crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species. On the opposite shore, you might also spot Burchell’s zebras, Grant’s gazelles, and the endemic Swayne’s hartebeest. Afterward, you'll drive to Konso and enjoy lunch before visiting the UNESCO-listed Konso cultural landscape, known for its terraced farming and fortified villages. In the afternoon, you'll continue to Turmi to meet the Hamer people, known for their intricate hairstyles, body adornments, and cultural traditions.
Your overnight stay will be in Turmi Emerald Lodge and Resort.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10: Visit Omorate Dessanech People
>> In the morning, you'll travel to Omorate, where you’ll cross the Omo River to visit the Dassanech people, known for their pastoral lifestyle. In the afternoon, you'll go back to Turmi and witness the traditional Hamer bull-jumping ceremony, a rite of passage for young men preparing for marriage.
-Your overnight stay will be in Turmi Emerald Lodge and Resort.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11: Karo Village and Visit Mursi Indigenous People
>> After breakfast, you'll drive to visit the Karo people in the Omo Valley. Known for their elaborate body paintings, beadwork, and lip plates, the Karo practice subsistence farming and have unique cultural traditions, including bull-jumping. In the afternoon, you'll return to Turmi to meet the Mursi people, famous for their large lip plates and warrior traditions. The Mursi are pastoralists and are known for their annual bull-jumping and stick fighting rituals. Your overnight stay will be at Jinka Nasa Hotel.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Nasa Hotel Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 12: Jinka Fly Addis Ababa
>> After breakfast, you'll fly to Addis Ababa and enjoy some time to refresh. Later, you'll explore local shops and markets. In the evening, you'll enjoy a farewell dinner at Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant, experiencing traditional Ethiopian music and dance, before preparing for your departure.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Inclusions
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All flights during the tour
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (On all days)
Exclusions
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)