5-Day Ethiopia Tour with Addis Ababa, Rift Valley Lakes and Hawassa

5 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Addis Ababa's iconic landmarks, including the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the vast Merkato market
  • 02 Discover the spiritual Debre Libanos Monastery and the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Nile Gorge
  • 03 Experience the serene beauty of Wenchi Crater Lake and the wildlife-rich Abijatta-Shalla National Park in the Great Rift Valley
  • 04 Enjoy a lakeside walk, a fish market visit, and a boat trip on stunning Lake Hawassa

Discover Ethiopia on an immersive 5-day private tour starting in Addis Ababa. Explore the National Museum of Ethiopia, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the vibrant Merkato market, then visit Debre Libanos Monastery and the dramatic Blue Nile Gorge. Experience the serene beauty of Wenchi Crater Lake and journey through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Langano and Abijatta-Shalla National Park. End your adventure in Hawassa with a lakeside walk, a fish market visit, and a boat trip surrounded by birds and stunning natural scenery.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Addis Ababa, Awassa, Lake Langano, Abijatta-Shalla National Park, Debre Libanos, Mount Entoto
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Addis Ababa and City Highlights

  • Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, where you will meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
  • Begin exploring Addis Ababa with a visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous fossil "Lucy," followed by the historic Holy Trinity Cathedral.
  • Continue to the bustling Merkato, one of Africa's largest open-air markets.
  • Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch before visiting Mount Entoto for panoramic views over the city.
  • Spend the evening enjoying a cultural dinner with traditional music and dance.

Overnight in Addis Ababa.

2
Day 02

Debre Libanos Monastery and Blue Nile Gorge

  • After breakfast, drive through scenic highlands to Debre Libanos Monastery, approximately three to four hours from Addis Ababa.
  • Explore the monastery, learn about its rich spiritual history, and enjoy the stunning mountain landscapes surrounding it.
  • Continue to the breathtaking Blue Nile Gorge for panoramic viewpoints and photography opportunities.
  • Enjoy lunch near the monastery area before returning to Addis Ababa in the afternoon.

Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Addis Ababa.

3
Day 03

Wenchi Crater Lake Nature Excursion

  • After an early breakfast, drive to Wenchi Crater Lake through beautiful Ethiopian countryside.
  • On arrival, enjoy optional activities including hiking, horse riding, or boat trips on the lake.
  • Visit the island monastery and explore the peaceful natural surroundings of the crater.
  • Have lunch by the lake while enjoying the scenic views.
  • Return to Addis Ababa in the afternoon for dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.
4
Day 04

Great Rift Valley to Lake Langano and Abijatta-Shalla

  • Drive to Lake Langano through the Great Rift Valley, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way.
  • Arrive at the lake for relaxation, swimming, and bird watching by the water's edge.
  • After lunch, visit Abijatta-Shalla National Park, home to flamingos and a diverse range of wildlife.
  • Continue exploring the park's natural beauty before returning to Langano for dinner and overnight stay.
5
Day 05

Lake Hawassa Visit and Departure

  • After breakfast, drive to Hawassa, enjoying beautiful views along the shores of Lake Hawassa.
  • Visit the lively fish market and walk along the scenic lakeside promenade.
  • Enjoy a boat trip on the lake to experience the wildlife and peaceful surroundings.
  • After lunch at a lakeside restaurant, relax before returning to Addis Ababa or transferring to the airport for your departure.
  • Your unforgettable Ethiopia journey comes to a close.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Addis Ababa 6 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Private transportation
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Daily breakfast
  • Boat trip on Lake Hawassa
  • Entrance fees
  • Airport transfers

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities

What to bring

  • Light comfortable clothing
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Camera/binoculars
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Personal medications
  • Light jacket for evenings

Know before you go

  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
  • The Rift Valley region has warm daytime temperatures.
  • Birdwatching opportunities are excellent year-round.
  • Respect local culture and traditions during village visits.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tour start
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Addis Ababa.

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