Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa | City Introduction

   • Arrive in Addis Ababa and meet your guide.

   • Transfer to your hotel and rest.

   • Explore the National Museum, home to the famous fossil “Lucy.”

   • Visit Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets.

   • Flexible program depending on arrival time.

   Overnight: Bentark Hotel, Addis Ababa

2. Day 2: Fly Addis Ababa → Lalibela | Rock-Hewn Churches

   • Morning flight to Lalibela, the “New Jerusalem.”
   • Explore the first group of rock-hewn churches, including Bet Medhane Alem and Bet Maryam.
   • Visit the iconic Church of St. George.
   • Moderate walking on stone paths and trenches.

   Overnight: Tabor Hotel, Lalibela

3. Day 3: Lalibela | Sacred Heritage & Culinary Experience

   • Visit remaining groups of churches, including hidden tunnels and symbolic carvings.
   • Learn about the spiritual significance of each site.
   • Afternoon traditional Ethiopian culinary experience in a local home.
   • Cultural immersion and hands-on experience.

   Overnight: Tabor Hotel, Lalibela

4. Day 4: Fly Lalibela → Dire Dawa (via Addis) | Drive to Harar

   • Fly back to Addis Ababa, then continue to Dire Dawa.
   • Drive to the historic city of Harar.
   • Evening: Witness the Hyena Feeding ritual outside the city walls.

   Overnight: Rawuda Guest House, Harar

5. Day 5: Harar | Exploring the Walled City

   • Explore Harar Jugol, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   • Walk through narrow alleyways and traditional Harari houses.
   • Visit local markets, the Harar Museum, and the Arthur Rimbaud House.

   Overnight: Rawuda Guest House, Harar

6. Day 6: Harar → Hawassa | Rift Valley Journey

   • Drive through Ethiopia’s scenic Rift Valley.
   • Visit Khat markets and Awash National Park.
   • View Rift Valley lakes: Lake Koka, Lake Ziway, and Abijatta–Shalla National Park.

   Overnight: Lake View Hotel, Hawassa

7. Day 7: Hawassa → Yirga Alem | Coffee & Village Life

   • Morning visit to Hawassa Fish Market.
   • Continue to Yirga Alem, Ethiopia’s coffee-growing region.
   • Visit a coffee plantation and nearby villages.
   • Learn about coffee cultivation and local life.

   Overnight: Aregash Lodge, Yirga Alem

8. Day 8: Yirga Alem → Arba Minch | Dorze Village

   • Drive to Arba Minch, gateway to the Omo Valley.
   • Visit Dorze Village, famous for beehive-shaped huts and traditional weaving.
   • Enjoy panoramic views over Rift Valley lakes.

   Overnight: Wubete Hotel, Arba Minch

9. Day 9: Arba Minch → Konso → Turmi

   • Drive through Konso highlands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   • Visit an Arbore village to meet one of the lesser-visited ethnic groups.
   • Continue to Turmi, cultural heart of the Omo Valley.

   Overnight: Emerald Lodge, Turmi

10. Day 10: Turmi | Dassenech & Hamer Tribes

    • Drive through Konso highlands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Visit an Arbore village to meet one of the lesser-visited ethnic groups.
    • Continue to Turmi, cultural heart of the Omo Valley.

    Overnight: Emerald Lodge, Turmi

11. Day 11:-  Turmi → Karo & Nyangatom → Arba Minch (via Mursi)

    • Visit Karo tribe, known for artistic body painting.
    • Meet Nyangatom tribe, noted for their strong cultural identity.
    • Stop at a Mursi village, famous for traditional lip plates.
    • Continue driving to Arba Minch.

    Overnight: Wubete Hotel, Arba Minch

12. Day 12: Arba Minch → Wolita Sodo → Addis Ababa | Farewell

    • Drive north through scenic landscapes and local villages.
    • Stop at Wolita Sodo and Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary, home to endemic species such as Swayne’s hartebeest.
    • Arrive in Addis Ababa in the evening.
    • Free time for shopping or relaxation.
    • Farewell dinner at a top cultural restaurant.
    • Transfer to the airport or preferred drop-off location.