Ethiopia

Ethiopia

DURATION

15 DAYS

PRICE

$ 8750.00

WHEN

Sep 24th, 2022

DESTINATION

Ethiopia

TYPE

SMALL GROUP 

Ethiopia 2022

Ethiopia is one of the most incredible travel destinations on our planet due to its highly diverse wildlife and culture. Ethiopia is also a land of «firsts»: The first hominid, the first country to embrace Christianity, the origin of coffee, the first human group to develop agriculture, the lowest point on earth, the most significant number of endemic species in continental Africa, and the list goes on! Filled with endemics, you will enjoy some unique encounters with Mountain Nyalas, the largest population of Ethiopia Wolfs, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Baboons, Bushbuck, Warthogs, among others. Also, it is recognized by Birdlife International as the foremost Important Bird Area (IBA) in Ethiopia and all of Africa, with over 280 species recorded, including 7 of the species endemic to Ethiopia.

*Due to Ethiopia’s current political instability, this expedition has been closed. For more details, do not hesitate to contact us.

WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP EXTRAORDINARY

  • Travel during good weather, but when there are few tourists.
  • Northern route with Lalibela Saint Mary festivity (Even better than the other, better known by tourists, festivals)
  • Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela in detail.
  • We have reduced the driving times to the minimum possible.
  • Spend two nights at the impressive Semien Mountains Park (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve)
  • Walk among hundreds of Gelada Baboons, one of the greatest wildlife experiences on the planet.
  • Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls, the origin of the Blue Nile, with great birding.
  • Chartered flight over the Rift Valley, directly to the heart of the Omo Valley (Avoiding very long drive days). These flights are a true highlight in themselves.
  • Meet over eight tribes of the Omo Valley, including the Mursi.
  • Escorted by a New Paths Expeditions Senior Leader, a Master Local Guide plus local guides at each destination.
  • The best hotels and transport are available.
  • Window seat guaranteed when using 4×4 (Omo Valley). 4×4’s are the most modern in the country and truly comfortable.
  • Superb endemics wildlife extension at the Bale Mountains. A wildlife photographer’s dream.

If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.

– John Hemingway

QUESTIONS?


If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help you!

Explore the “land of firsts” in the most complete itinerary in the market! Startting from $ 8750

Itinerary in Brief

Day 1 

Arrive Addis Ababa

Meet with our representative upon arrival at the Bole International Airport and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at Sheraton Hotel. (D)

Day 2

Explore Addis Ababa

City tour including the Trinity Catedral and the National Museum where we will meet “Lucy”, the oldest hominid ever discovered. After lunch, we will drive to Mount Entoto that reaches 9600 ft from where we will enjoy stunning Panoramic Views. Then visit the famous Saint Mary Church where Menelik II has crowned Emperor of Ethiopia in 1889.

Overnight at Sheraton Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 3 & 4

Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches and outstanding Saint Mary festival

Fly to visit another World Heritage Site, the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Our visit to Lalibela will coincide with Saint Mary’s day festivities, which will provide unique cultural experiences and superb photographic opportunities.

While in Lalibela, we marvel at 9 of the 13 churches, which are grouped into 4 clusters. Among them is Bete Emanuel, a 36-foot-high monolith.

We will also visit a local family to participate in a traditional coffee ceremony and share a very special moment with the family.

Overnight at Tukul Village Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 5 & 6

Two full days exploring the beautiful Simien Mountains with truly close encounters with Gelada Baboons and other endemic wildlife

The Simien Mountains are one of Africa’s largest ranges, with over a dozen peaks higher than 12,000 ft, including Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. The western side of the range was designated as a national park in 1969, and the entire range was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. You will look for the endemic and impressive Geledas and observe the Afro-Alpine flora, look for Walia Ibex and birds.

Overnight at Simiens Mountain Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 7 

Medival Gondar

Drive to Gondar. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Debre Birhan Selassie Church wich walls and ceilings have been decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval Ethiopian history.

Overnight at Mayleko Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 8 & 9

Drive to the source of the Blue Nile, explore by boat Lake Tana and visit the Blue Nile Falls with birdwatching

With a surface area of 2,282 square miles, Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and is also the source of the Blue Nile, a connection that explains many of Ethiopia’s links with the ancient world. The lake is dotted with islands, many of which shelter isolated monasteries containing the remains of ancient Ethiopian emperors and treasures of the Ethiopian Church. You will also enjoy incredible birding at the Blue Nile Falls.

Overnight at Kuriftu Resort or similar for 2 nights (B, L, D)

Day 10

A day in Addis Ababa

Fly back to the capital city. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy some shopping. The guide will be at our disposal.

Radisson Blu or similar (B, L, D)

Day 11

Fly over the Rift Valley to the heart of the Southern Omo Valley

Fly to Weito and drive to Jinka including tribes encounters on the way.

In the afternoon, we will visit the South Omo Research Centre and Museum to inspect their collections of tribal artifacts and learn more about the interactions and history among tribes of the area.

Overnight at the Eco Omo Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 12

Through the Mago National Park to visit the remote Mursi Tribe

We leave early morning to the Mago National Park and visit a Mursi village that lies along the Mago River in the heart of the park.

When we are back in Jinka, we will attend the colorful local market.

Overnight at the Eco Omo Lodge (B, L, D)

 

Day 13

Encounter with the Bena and Hammar tribes

Today, we will drive to Turmi. We will stop along the way to visit the Benna tribe who reside along the bounds of the Lower Omo River.  The Benna incorporate rich cultural symbolism into their rituals and use impressive ornate body art.

Then check-in at the lodge, and after a rest time we will visit one of the close-to-town striking Hamer villages. 

Overnight at Buska Lodge. (B, L, D)

 

Day 14

Visit the Desanech tribe

The Dessanech is the most remote of the Omo tribes, living just north of Kenya’s Lake Turkana. The tribe is typical in that it is not strictly defined by ethnicity, anyone will be admitted, and this makes into a very interesting mix of traditions and believes.

We will spend the afternoon at the lively Turmi market.

Overnight at Buska Lodge. (B, L, D)

 

Day 15

Fly back to Addis. Farewell dinner and fly back to the U.S, or continue with the Bale Endemic Wildlife Extension.

Before leaving the Omo Valley, we will visit a Karo tribe village. They paint themselves daily with colored ochre, white chalk, yellow mineral rock, charcoal, and pulverized iron ore.

Fly back to Addis Ababa and rest time until the fabulous farewell dinner.

Then transfer to the airport to catch your flight to the U.S.

Day-use (or overnight if you take the recommended Bale extension) at the Radisson Blu (B, L, D)

Lodgings

Sheraton Addis Luxury Collection

The Sheraton Addis Luxury Collection, is a centrally located hotel with a view of the city tucked between the National Palace and the prime minister’s residence. This five-star hotel in Ethiopia has miles of green space, breathtaking views and is only 20 minutes from Bole International Airport. The distinctive architecture of Sheraton Addis represents the pinnacle of gracious living by fusing modern elements with African delicacy. This hotel satisfies the senses with its sparkling pools, calming underwater music, lavish spa menu, relaxing massages at Aqva Club, and numerous fine dining establishments where guests can dine and mingle. Rooms and suites offer round-the-clock care and luxurious facilities while offering exceptionally comfortable and customized service.

Tukul Village Hotel

Established in 2007, Tukul Village Hotel is one of the most authentic hotels to stay in Ethiopia. This village is conformed by 24 tukul huts and is just a 10-15 minute walk downhill from most of the prominent rock-hewn churches. The hotel is renowned for its conceptualized architecture, a reproduction of the two-story traditional tukuls distinctive to Lalibela.

Simiens Mountain Lodge

The Simien Lodge is the highest in Africa at more than 3200 meters. The Simien Lodge is an excellent option for camping in the Simiens and is made up of tukuls with stone walls and thatched roofs. There are stunning vistas for miles in every direction, and Gelada Monkey groups have been seen wandering around the resort grounds.

Explore the breathtaking vistas, varied animals, and local populations that make the Simien Mountains one of Africa’s best national parks by starting your trip from the hotel.

Mayleko Lodge

The rooms at Mayleko Lodge have a very natural appearance and feel because they were built using natural, local, and sustainable resources, including stone walls and thatched roofs. All the rooms are attractively decorated with classic and modern features, and they are bright, spacious, and pleasant. The rooms include balconies that provide excellent views of the mountains and gardens.

Kurifu Resort

This resort provides opulent luxury in an Ethiopian tropical environment. The resort is surrounded by breathtaking scenery while visitors relax by our outdoor pool and sundeck, which look out over the natural beauty of Lake Tana. Its organic spa and fine dining establishments are the ideal places to unwind after seeing the natural beauty of the local fauna and scenery as you prepare to continue your trip. Kuriftu is where luxury achieves its pinnacle, and service is equally kind, honest, and fantastic. The views are achingly wonderful.

Radisson Blu Addis

In the heart of Ethiopia’s capital city—close to the United Nations compound—is the Radisson Blu Hotel. The hotel provides 212 tastefully decorated guestrooms and suites with first-rate extras including complimentary Wi-Fi and individual climate control. Enjoy French bistro cuisine at Verres en Vers, our on-site restaurant, or have a cool beverage at the hotel’s Signature Bar.

Buska Lodge

The finest spot to learn about the Omo people is Buska Lodge in Omo Valley. This unassuming eco-lodge is simple but comfortable, located in the Omo Valley with a view of the Buska Mountain plains, and provides some of the best lodging and food in the area.

Buska Lodge in Omo Valley is situated on a large compound resembling a tiny hamlet due to the 20 standalone forest green tukuls seamlessly blending in with the surrounding African landscape. Inside, pristine rondavel rooms exude genuine Ethiopian beauty and offer comfortable conveniences like private bathrooms, mattresses with mosquito nets, and sunrise patios. For those who prefer camping, there are ten covered island camping sites with eight shared bathroom facilities, six shared kitchens, and dining rooms.

Departure Dates & Rates

DEPARTURE

24 Sep 2022

PRICE

$8750

Single Supplement

$1674

STATUS

CLOSED

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