Duration
15-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
15-Day Ethiopia Tour the Historic North and Omo Vally
Overview
The tour starts with the Northern Historic route to witness the richest Ethiopian history. You will stop by iconic sites such as the Blue Nile Falls, the Gondar castles, and the Simien Mountains National Park. This part of the trip ends up at one of the most spiritual places in the country Lalibela and its magnificent rock-hewn churches. The route continues through the Omo Valley where you will discover ancient lifestyles still used today by the ethnic groups in this Southern Ethiopian region.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Bahir Dar (City), Gondar (City), Lalibela (Town)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
4 years
Activities
game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide), nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
Mado Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$3,520 USD
$3,300 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$3,520 USD
$3,300 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is not available to groups larger than 15 people.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 4 years and older. Children under 12 receive a discount and children under 6 are free.
Rates include a local payment. This means that part of the rate must be paid upfront and part on location during the tour. Move your mouse pointer over a rate to see the local payment.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Ethiopia
Start
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 2
Bahir Dar (City)
Day 3-4
Gondar (City)
Day 5-6
Lalibela (Town)
Day 7
Lake Langano
Day 8
Arba Minch (City)
Day 9-10
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 11-12
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 13
Konso (Cultural Village)
Day 14
Awasa (City)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 15)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges and resorts.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
4
Minimum age of 4 years
The minimum age for this tour is 4 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide), nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: minivan, boat, normal 4x4 vehicle, hiking/walking & air transfer
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Mado Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2-3
Jacaranda Hotel Nairobi
Mid-range hotel in Nairobi (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5-6
Mountain View Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Sabana Beach Resort
Mid-range resort at Lake Langano – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
Haile Resort Arba Minch
Mid-range hotel in Arba Minch (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9-10
Eco Omo Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 11-12
Buska Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 13
Kanta Lodge Mid-range lodge in Konso (Cultural Village) – All Meals Included
Mid-range lodge in Konso (Cultural Village) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 14
Haile Resort Hawassa
Mid-range resort in Awasa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 15
End of tour
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Visit Addis Ababa Trinity Cathedral
Addis Ababa You will visit Trinity Cathedral, the resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. You'll tour the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. You will make a short drive to the Entoto Hills for a view of the city and visit Maryam Church. En route, you will stop at Sheromeda traditional cloth market. You'll visit the Mercato or the Sholla Market, two of Addis Ababa's main markets. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Mado Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 2
Bahir Dar
Addis Ababa - Bahar Dar You'll take a boat tour of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and tour ancient monasteries on the Zege Peninsula. You will visit two of the following monasteries: Ura Kidane Mehiret, Azwa Maryam, Mehal Zege Giorgis, and Bete Maryam. You will end the day with a sunset visit to Bezawit Hills overlooking the Nile River. Mid-range hotel located in Nairobi (City) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Stay: Jacaranda Hotel Nairobi Mid-range hotel located in Nairobi (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 3
Bahar Dar - Gondar
Bahar Dar - Gondar You will drive through the countryside to Gondar. You'll tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty empire. You will visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels. You'll have an overnight stay in Jacaranda Hotel (B, L, D). Mid-range hotel located in Nairobi (City) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Jacaranda Hotel Nairobi Mid-range hotel located in Nairobi (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 4
Simien Mountains
You will drive to Sankabar the gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will take an easy hike (2 - 3 hours) to take in the spectacular scenery and spot wildlife such as the endemic Gelada Baboons. You will return to Gondar by evening. Your overnight stay will be in Goha Hotel (B, L, D). Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 5
Lalibela
You will tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic churches was carved directly into the stone mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings. In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony and learn the process of baking injera (a staple food for much of Ethiopia.) Your overnight stay will be at Mountain View Hotel (B, L, D). Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Mountain View Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 6
Lalibela
This morning you have two choices: Take a morning hike with mules to Mount Asheton, with its 13th-century rock-hewn monastery and great views of the town; - OR - Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will also allow you to view the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Following either option above, you will continue with a tour of Lalibela’s churches in the afternoon. Your overnight stay will be in Mountain View Hotel (B, L, D). Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Mountain View Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 7
Visit Langano for Lake Swimming
You will fly to Addis Ababa and then drive to the Rift Valley Lake Langano. You will relax at the Sabana Lodge. Lake Langano is safe for swimming. You will enjoy swimming on Lake Langano —one of the best recreational centers in the country. Your overnight stay will be at Sabana Beach Resort. Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Lake Langano Stay: Sabana Beach Resort Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 8
Arba Minch
You will drive to Arba Minch (“Forty Springs”) located in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region. En route, you will visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location. Your overnight stay will be at Haile Resort Arba Minch (B, L, D). Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Arba Minch (City) Stay: Haile Resort Arba Minch Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 9
Jinka
You will take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. You will drive to Jinka to visit various people such as the Gamo and Derashe. You will stop at Key Afar's weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods. Your overnight stay will be at Eco Omo Lodge (B, L, D). Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Eco Omo Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 10
Mago National Park
You will enjoy an early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, you will visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka. Your overnight stay will be at Eco Omo Lodge (B, L, D). Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Eco Omo Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 11
Turmi
You will drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of "bull-jumping" which every young man must accomplish before marriage. En route to Turmi, you will visit the Benna and Ari people. Your overnight stay will be at Buska Lodge (B, L, D). Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Buska Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 12
Turmi Vilage
You'll have an excursion to Omorate to visit the Dassanech people, known for their elaborate body painting. You will cross the famous Omo River by canoe close to the Kenyan border. Here, you will visit their villages and photograph daily life. This is an arid area with very fine silt soils deposited by the Omo River in the past. After your visit to the Dassanech, you will go to the Dimeka market. In the late afternoon, you will proceed back to Turmi, perhaps stopping at a Hamar village to get the best of the light in the golden hour. You'll return to Turmi for your overnight stay at Buska Lodge. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Buska Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 13
Konso Village
You will drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages. You will depart early to visit the Konso tribe via the Key Afer market. Their stone-walled village fencings with narrow alleyways, iconic thatched huts, colorful skirts of their women, etc. In July 2011 the Konso Community was named the 9th UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ethiopia for its nine-clan community structure, terraced fields, and unique farming skills. Your overnight stay will be at Kanta Lodge (B, L, D). Mid-range lodge located in Konso (Cultural Village) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Konso (Cultural Village) Stay: Kanta Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Konso (Cultural Village) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 14
Awasa
You will drive to Hawassa via the Shenkele game reserve. This park is the last pocket of the original Ethiopian savannah. You will have a chance to spot the endemic antelope called Swayne`s hartebeast, one the rarest and most elegant animals in all of Africa. You will continue to Hawassa and relax at a lakeside resort. Your overnight stay will be at Haile Resort Hawassa (B, L, D). Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Awasa (City) Stay: Haile Resort Hawassa Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 15
Addis Ababa
You will drive to Addis Ababa stopping at Rift Valley Lakes which are renowned for their endemic birdlife. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you'll have an optional souvenir shopping if time permits. You will enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. You will transfer to the airport for late-night departure or additional hotel nights booked upon request. All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
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)
Excluded
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
Drinks
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Ethio Tours
5.0 operator rating
4 reviews
Ethio Tours managed by local professional group for the travel business. Our company managed to form strong and big team covers all Ethiopia tourist destinations. we afford the best vacation holidays in Ethiopia. We have the widest choices of well designed tour packages for groups and individuals throughout Ethiopia. Our package tours include: cultural tours, historical tours, festival tours, adventure tours, wildlife safari, trekking, business in Ethiopia, bird watching, car rental , Food Tour
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2014)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Wonderful tour, well organized
The tour was very well organized and a lot of fun. Hiking in Gondar and the churches in Lalibela were highlights.
Aaron · United States
Awesome
I landed on November 4th without any luggage. Car and guide Yihun were at airport and drove me to the hotel. Melese met me at the hotel and immediately took me shopping for bag clothes etc. he even negotiated the price for me. It was to be a group tour but due to political problems I got a personally guided tour at the group price. I appreciated the fact that Melese hadn’t cancelled the tour. Next day we toured Addis. Yihun and the driver were excellent and we even had a traditional injera, raw meat, BBQ chicken and local beer lunch. Melese and I flew to Bahar Dar and spent two nights at a decent hotel. First day lake and monasteries. We talked about if there was any chance I could spend time with a local Bahar Dar family Next lunch was at his sisters with coffee home made beer araki injera meat and vegetables. It was simply amazing as the kids were there as well. I really felt at home. By organizing the get together Melese surpassed all of my expectations. Fighting broke out that day in Lalibella and we had to reschedule with Melese help. Manuel was my guide in Gander. Sightseeing and Ethiopian lunch. Made local friends at the airport. Ethiopians are friendly and young people approached me so as to practice their English. Lalibela trip was memorable. Muchuw was my guide. We visited the rock churches met drank and ate with locals at an outdoor bar. Children with smiling innocent faces crowded around and it was amazing. This was innocence in the face of war. I was the Only guest at hotel with bullet holes in some rooms due to fighting near by. Next day attended church with the locals. Muchuw and I stopped at a shop and bought a proper football for a group of 10 children who were playing without a proper ball. Met the ringleader at the rock church. Will never forget the look on his face when we gave him the ball. Got back to Addis and flew to South Africa the next day I travel because I want to meet people and learn about their life, aspirations, likes and dislikes. Melese and his team made sure that all my requirements were exceeded and I left Addis with wanting to go back some day. Friends I made there are in touch frequently thru WhatsApp and some have agreed to watch over the lalibela children. Even got another guide to agree to teach the kids to play football. Have travelled everywhere, but this trip I will fondly remember and cherish thanks to Melese and his team.
Narayan · Canada
Unforgettable cultural experience and tour
I decided only a few weeks in advance to book a tour in Ethiopia for holiday and I am so glad I found Ethio tours! Melese organised everything really well and was in communication to check on things when I was with local guides. The use of local guides is amazing and I learned so much from them. Muchaw in Lalibela was especially great and he knew a lot about the area and just about everyone in the city. It was interesting to see a mix of city and countryside in just four days. The hotels were all excellent, clean and comfortable. Gondar and Lalibela hotels also had beautiful views! Airport transfers worked well. All of the restaurants for lunch and dinner were very good and I enjoyed the traditional music and dance show in Addis. I would definitely recommend this company! My one recommendation is to put a little more detail in the daily itinerary. Thank you!
Lianna · United Kingdom
Reliable and efficient, Ethio Tours provided knowledgeable guides and safe drivers.
The weeklong tour satisfied expectations of a safe and interesting experience in exploring northern Ethiopia. Communications with the tour operator, Melese Aychew, were timely and all arrivals and departures, accommodations, and day tours were met and delivered as promised.
Mary Allard · United States
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 4 years and older. Children under 12 receive a discount and children under 6 are free.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Mado Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Ethio Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Ethio Tours.
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