Monday - Saturday 08:00 - 20:00
Sunday 08:30 - 17:00
Sunday 08:30 - 17:00
Mobile: +251933515161
info@enterethiopiatours.com
info@enterethiopiatours.com
Mickey Leland Street, NB Business Center , 2nd floor, Office # 205. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
North & South 16 Days/ 15 Nights - 1
Home > Tour Package > Fixed Departure > North & South 16 Days/ 15 Nights - 1
Trip highlights
Tour
code:-ETNS005
Tour Type: Historic, Religious, Scenery & Cultural
Duration: 16 days and 15 Nights
Program: Fixed package for “Genna“& “Timket”
Transportation: Flight & Surface
Tour Type: Historic, Religious, Scenery & Cultural
Duration: 16 days and 15 Nights
Program: Fixed package for “Genna“& “Timket”
Transportation: Flight & Surface
►▼Highlight Information
- Explore the capital, Addis Ababa - the third
highest capital city in the world
-
Experience the Eve celebration of “Genna” and
Ethiopia Christmas Ceremony
-
Marvel at the monolithic churches of Lalibela
-
Witness the Timket Festival celebrations
-
Discover the medieval castles in the old capital
of Gondar
-
Undertake a day walk in the beautiful Simien
Mountains
-
Cruise to the tranquil island monasteries of
Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls
-
Visit the Dorze & Hammer tribes
-
Journey to the ancient obelisks of Axum
-
Bird watching at Lake Ziway
►▼Hotel Information
|
Place
|
Hotel
|
Hotel
type |
Night
|
Web
|
|
Addis
Ababa |
Sapphire
Addis |
4
Star |
2
Night |
http://www.sapphireaddishotel.com |
|
Lalibela
|
Maribela
|
4
Star |
2
Night |
https://hotelmaribela.com/ |
|
Hawassa |
Haile
Hawassa |
Resort |
1
Night |
|
|
Arba
Minch |
Haile
Resort |
Resort |
1
Night |
http://www.hailehotelsandresorts.com/arbaminch-resort |
|
Turmi |
Paradise
lodge |
Lodge
|
2
Night |
www.paradiselodgeethiopia.com |
|
Jinka |
Eco
Omo |
Lodge |
1
Night |
https://www.eco-omo.com/ |
|
Konso |
Kanta
lodge |
Lodge
|
1
Night |
|
|
Axum |
Yared
Zema |
3
Star |
1
Night |
http://yaredzemainternationalhotelaxum.com/ |
|
Semien
National Park |
Semien
lodge |
Lodge |
1
Night |
http://www.simiens.com/ |
|
Gondar |
Goha
Hotel |
3
Star |
2
Night |
http://gohahotel.com/ |
|
Bahir
Dar |
Avanti
Blue Nile |
5
Star |
1
Night |
http://www.bluenileresorthotels.com/ |
Itinerary
►▼
Day 1: Addis Ababa (6th January)
On arrival at Bole
International airport, Enter Ethiopia Tour Operator representative will welcome
you and transfer you to your reserved hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you will have a half-day city tour of Addis
Ababa. We will visit the National Museum (home of the remains of the famous
hominid fossil, “Lucy”) and the Ethnological Museum at the Addis Ababa
University (housed in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie). If you
arrive late, the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight
Sapphire Addis hotel or similar standard
►▼
Day 2: Addis Ababa - Fly to Lalibela
(7th January)
For the Ethiopian
Christmas Eve celebration (Genna Festival), early
this morning we take a flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, which contains 11
monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are
carved out of the local pink basaltic scoria rock; they have been classified
as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each church has a unique architectural style
and all are superbly carved. Most of them are decorated with fascinating and
well-preserved paintings. Upon arrival, we will spend time admiring and
exploring the rock-hewn churches. This evening, we will witness the white-robed
devotees celebrating the eve of the Ethiopian Christmas (known as “Genna”) in a
church ceremony at the Bete Maryam (Church of the Virgin Mary) which runs from
8:00 pm until midnight.
Overnight Maribela hotel or similar standard
(Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and availability)
(Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and availability)
►▼
Day 3: Lalibela (8th
January)
Ethiopian Christmas celebration (Genna
Festival) always is celebrated on 7th day of January but once in a four years will be celebrated on
the 8th day of January, the
main celebration day for the Ethiopian Christmas (known as “Genna”), and also
the birthday of King Lalibela, which makes it doubly fascinating. The spectacle
of tens of thousands of faithful pilgrims thronging the rock-hewn churches such
as Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George), passageways, courtyards, cliff edges,
and surrounding hills, plus the rhythmic chanting of elaborately dressed
“deacons” and priests to the beating of drums, is an unforgettable experience.
It is impossible not to be mesmerized by this unique spectacle, which has been
celebrated for centuries. After lunch will do an excursion to the Church of
Asheton Maryam about 7 km outside the city after driving a short distance, the
monastery itself (3,150m) (some steep sections) or by riding on a mule if you
are interested (done at own risk and own expense).
Overnight Maribella hotel or similar standard
►▼
Day 4: Lalibela - Addis Ababa - Hawassa
(275km) (9th January)
Early in the morning, you will
catch your flight back to Addis Ababa upon arrival; you will be transferred to
Hawassa. En route, we will make a few stops in Lake Ziway for birding and to
view the beautiful surroundings. If time permits, we may also visit the Fish
Market in Hawassa.
Overnight in Hawassa Haile Resort
(Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and availability)
►▼
Day 5: Hawassa - Arba Minch (275km)
(10th January)
This morning we will continue
driving to Arba Minch. En route, we will visit the Dorze ethnic group 30 km
drives. One of the smaller ethnic groups, Dorze is known for its textile
weaving and beehive-shaped huts.
Overnight hotel in Arba Minch Haile resort
This morning, continue our journey
to Turmi, one of the largest towns in the region. En route, we enjoy a boat
trip on Lake Chamo, one of the best in Ethiopia. There is a chance to spot many
hippos and large concentrations of giant crocodiles. Water birds are abounding
and the scenery is truly unforgettable. The lake is about 32km long and
provides a lush wetland habitat for many species of flora and fauna. Afterward,
we will pass through the village of Weyto (market day Saturday), which is home
to the Tsemai tribe.
Overnight hotel in Turmi Paradise lodge
Overnight hotel in Turmi Paradise lodge
►▼
Day 7: Turmi - Karo & Hamer
villages - Turmi (140km) (12th January)
This morning we begin with a memorable excursion to the Karo
Tribe (63 km drive), who are very famous for their body painting. The Karo
people use clays and locally available vegetable pigments to trace fantastic
patterns on each other’s faces, chests, arms, and legs. Karo men, as with
neighboring tribes, are also famous for their unique hairstyles and we return
to Turmi. In the afternoon we visit a Hamer village. The Hamer tribe is one of
the largest groups in the Valley. They are known for the fine pottery they
produce as well as their remarkable hairstyling. The women wear beaded
necklaces and iron coils around their arms and decorate their skin with cowry
shells. These decorations indicate the wealth and prestige of a woman’s
husband. Finally at night, ''if there is'' we may see the traditional night
dancing of the Hamer tribe, known as Evangadi.
Overnight hotel in Turmi Paradise lodge
►▼
Day 8: Drive to Jinka (115km) (13th
January)
This morning drive to Jinka, which is the nearest town, set
in the hills above Mago National Park. On arrival, begin with an excursion to a
Mursi village. The Mursi are one of the original ethnic groups in Ethiopia.
They live in very low huts made of straw leaves. The women like to wear terracotta jewelry on their enormously stretched lower lips and ear lobes. The men
are famous for their hairstyles. Overnight stay will be in a hotel at Jinka.
Overnight
in Jinka Eco omo lodge or similar standard
►▼
Day 9: Visit Konso tribal village
(300km) (14th January)
Today we will witness the distinguishing behavior of another
ethnic group by visiting Konso tribal village, a World Heritage-listed site of
cultural significance. Invariably built on hilltops as protection from the
lowland tribes, traditional Konso villages are surrounded by high stone walls
and encompass separate compounds, with outlying terraced agricultural fields.
You will be fascinated by the unique architectural aspects, largely unchanged
cultural heritage and social cohesion of the village, and how it has adapted to
its harsh environment.
Overnight
hotel in Konso or Kanta lodge
►▼
Day 10: Drive to Arba Minch, fly to
Addis Ababa (15th January)
After a relaxed morning, we will drive to Arba Minch to
board our flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival at the airport will be
transferred to the hotel to take rest.
Overnight
Sapphire Addis hotel or similar standard
(Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and
availability)
►▼
Day 11: Fly to Axum, visit churches
(16th January)
Early this morning fly to Axum, ‘Aksum’. Believed to be
Ethiopia’s oldest city, a city with more than 3000 years of history Axum was
once the center of a great empire and ancient civilization. Axum is exclusively
known for being the home of the original Ark of the Covenant. The sightseeing
of this ancient city include St. Mary’s Church, the sanctuary Chapel which is
the repository for ‘Ark of the covenant’, the coronation yard, the Stelae Park,
Tombs of Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel, Ezana’s inscriptions and ruins of
Queen of Sheba’s. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian
monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept.
Overnight Yared Zema hotel in Axum
(Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and availability)
Overnight Yared Zema hotel in Axum
(Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and availability)
►▼
Day 12: Drive - Debark - Sankaber (17th
January)
Today we drive to the small town of Debark, in the foothills
of the Simien Mountains. The views are spectacular but, be prepared for a long,
rough, adventurous day through Debark to Sankaber, an impressive landscape.
Overnight
night Simien lodge or camping
►▼
Day 13: Semien Mountains - Gondar (145 km)
(18th January)
In Amharic, ‘Simien’ means ‘north’. Six hundred million
years ago, the mountains were an enormous volcanic mass. Rain and ice have
carved deep fissures into them and rivers have continued the erosion, creating
one of the greatest sculptures on the planet. The landscape is stunning with
peaks, canyons, gorges, clefts and pointed, amethyst- colored pinnacles like
obelisks making dramatic panoramic vistas. We have the opportunity to walk in
the area and take in the immense beauty of these mountains. We try to spot some
of the region’s endemic wildlife. In late afternoon drive to Gondar.
Overnight
Goha hotel in Gondar or similar standard
►▼
Day 14: Gondar sightseeing, Timket
celebrations (19th January)
Gondar was once the capital city of the Ethiopian empire,
which began in 1632 with the reign of Fasiladas. Gondar has now become one of Ethiopia’s
largest and most impressive cities. In addition to the impressive walled Royal
Enclosure, there are a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course
of 236 years. The city seems more European than African and also has Islamic
influences. We will visit the palaces, residences and also the church of Debre
Birhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity) which is located at the summit of a hill
and surrounded by fortified walls. The interior is decorated with beautiful
frescoes.
►▼
Day 15: Timket Festival, drive to
Bahir Dar (20th January)
Today is the main celebration day for the Timket Festival
and is marked by a public holiday. We start very early in the morning with a
transfer to Fasiladas’ Bath where priests and faithful Christians have spent an
all-night vigil watching over the tabots (replicas of the Ark of the Covenant).
Crowds gather at the Bath in the morning where the water is blessed and
splashed over the believers and the gathered people.
We will witness the whole baptism ceremony where religious
vows are renewed before the Tabots are paraded back to the church accompanied
by a spiritual singing. The spectacle of thousands of white-robed faithful
following a procession of colorful and elaborately dressed priests is truly
incredible. It is impossible not to get caught up in the fever of excitement
associated with this celebration. This afternoon we will drive from Gondar to
Bahir Dar, situated at 1,800 meters above sea level it is situated on the
shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia.
Overnight
Avanti Blue Nile hotel in Bahir Dar
►▼
Day 16: Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa (21st
January)
This morning we take a boat trip on
Lake Tana to fully appreciate the sheer size of this waterway. There are myriad
of monasteries and churches on the islands; some are private and not accessible
to the public. We will visit Ura Kidane Mihret church on the Zeghie peninsula
with its rich history and ornate frescoes; afterwards we drive to marvel at the
Blue Nile Falls or “Tiss Abay”. The falls are located about 2 hrs drive. In the
late afternoon, fly from Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa (Please note that flight
schedule is subject to change and availability). Upon arrival, there will be a
farewell traditional dinner with live cultural music and dance. Your trip
arrangements conclude with a drop-off at the airport.
Additional Information
►▼
Cost Inclusions:
- 15 nights in 3 star hotel in Addis or best
available hotels where possible elsewhere on a twin share basis
-
Local guides in each location (English speaking
tour leader throughout for 6 or more guests)
-
Driver-guide plus local guides in each location
-
Airport transfers
-
Private road transport
-
Boat trip on Lake Chamo and Lake Tana
-
Site entrance and national park fees as listed
in itinerary
-
Genna Festival (Ethiopian Christmas) and Timket
Festival supplements
►▼
Cost Exclusions:
- Any flight (International and Domestic)
-
Alcoholic drinks
-
Video and camera fees if and where applicable
(in the south they ask about 5 birr per photo)
-
Tips, telephone calls, laundry services and
other expenses of personal nature
►▼
Remark:
- Ethiopian Airlines Passengers – Discounted Rate:
$255 Per Person (Subjected to change)
- Other Airlines Passengers - Regular Rate: $520
Per Person (Subjected to change)
Map goes here
North & South 16 Days/ 15 Nights - 1
Home > Tour Package > Fixed Departure > North & South 16 Days/ 15 Nights - 1
Trip highlights
Tour
code:-ETNS005
Tour Type: Historic, Religious, Scenery & Cultural
Duration: 16 days and 15 Nights
Program: Fixed package for “Genna“& “Timket”
Transportation: Flight & Surface
Tour Type: Historic, Religious, Scenery & Cultural
Duration: 16 days and 15 Nights
Program: Fixed package for “Genna“& “Timket”
Transportation: Flight & Surface
►▼Highlight Information
- Explore the capital, Addis Ababa - the third
highest capital city in the world
-
Experience the Eve celebration of “Genna” and
Ethiopia Christmas Ceremony
-
Marvel at the monolithic churches of Lalibela
-
Witness the Timket Festival celebrations
-
Discover the medieval castles in the old capital
of Gondar
-
Undertake a day walk in the beautiful Simien
Mountains
-
Cruise to the tranquil island monasteries of
Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls
-
Visit the Dorze & Hammer tribes
-
Journey to the ancient obelisks of Axum
-
Bird watching at Lake Ziway
►▼Hotel Information
|
Place
|
Hotel
|
Hotel
type |
Night
|
Web
|
|
Addis
Ababa |
Sapphire
Addis |
4
Star |
2
Night |
http://www.sapphireaddishotel.com |
|
Lalibela
|
Maribela
|
4
Star |
2
Night |
https://hotelmaribela.com/ |
|
Hawassa |
Haile
Hawassa |
Resort |
1
Night |
|
|
Arba
Minch |
Haile
Resort |
Resort |
1
Night |
http://www.hailehotelsandresorts.com/arbaminch-resort |
|
Turmi |
Paradise
lodge |
Lodge
|
2
Night |
www.paradiselodgeethiopia.com |
|
Jinka |
Eco
Omo |
Lodge |
1
Night |
https://www.eco-omo.com/ |
|
Konso |
Kanta
lodge |
Lodge
|
1
Night |
|
|
Axum |
Yared
Zema |
3
Star |
1
Night |
http://yaredzemainternationalhotelaxum.com/ |
|
Semien
National Park |
Semien
lodge |
Lodge |
1
Night |
http://www.simiens.com/ |
|
Gondar |
Goha
Hotel |
3
Star |
2
Night |
http://gohahotel.com/ |
|
Bahir
Dar |
Avanti
Blue Nile |
5
Star |
1
Night |
http://www.bluenileresorthotels.com/ |
Itinerary
►▼
Day 1: Addis Ababa (6th January)
On arrival at Bole
International airport, Enter Ethiopia Tour Operator representative will welcome
you and transfer you to your reserved hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you will have a half-day city tour of Addis
Ababa. We will visit the National Museum (home of the remains of the famous
hominid fossil, “Lucy”) and the Ethnological Museum at the Addis Ababa
University (housed in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie). If you
arrive late, the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight
Sapphire Addis hotel or similar standard
►▼
Day 2: Addis Ababa - Fly to Lalibela
(7th January)
For the Ethiopian
Christmas Eve celebration (Genna Festival), early
this morning we take a flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, which contains 11
monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are
carved out of the local pink basaltic scoria rock; they have been classified
as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each church has a unique architectural style
and all are superbly carved. Most of them are decorated with fascinating and
well-preserved paintings. Upon arrival, we will spend time admiring and
exploring the rock-hewn churches. This evening, we will witness the white-robed
devotees celebrating the eve of the Ethiopian Christmas (known as “Genna”) in a
church ceremony at the Bete Maryam (Church of the Virgin Mary) which runs from
8:00 pm until midnight.
Overnight Maribela hotel or similar standard
(Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and availability)
(Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and availability)
►▼
Day 3: Lalibela (8th
January)
Ethiopian Christmas celebration (Genna
Festival) always is celebrated on 7th day of January but once in a four years will be celebrated on
the 8th day of January, the
main celebration day for the Ethiopian Christmas (known as “Genna”), and also
the birthday of King Lalibela, which makes it doubly fascinating. The spectacle
of tens of thousands of faithful pilgrims thronging the rock-hewn churches such
as Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George), passageways, courtyards, cliff edges,
and surrounding hills, plus the rhythmic chanting of elaborately dressed
“deacons” and priests to the beating of drums, is an unforgettable experience.
It is impossible not to be mesmerized by this unique spectacle, which has been
celebrated for centuries. After lunch will do an excursion to the Church of
Asheton Maryam about 7 km outside the city after driving a short distance, the
monastery itself (3,150m) (some steep sections) or by riding on a mule if you
are interested (done at own risk and own expense).
Overnight Maribella hotel or similar standard
►▼
Day 4: Lalibela - Addis Ababa - Hawassa
(275km) (9th January)
Early in the morning, you will
catch your flight back to Addis Ababa upon arrival; you will be transferred to
Hawassa. En route, we will make a few stops in Lake Ziway for birding and to
view the beautiful surroundings. If time permits, we may also visit the Fish
Market in Hawassa.
Overnight in Hawassa Haile Resort
(Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and availability)
►▼
Day 5: Hawassa - Arba Minch (275km)
(10th January)
This morning we will continue
driving to Arba Minch. En route, we will visit the Dorze ethnic group 30 km
drives. One of the smaller ethnic groups, Dorze is known for its textile
weaving and beehive-shaped huts.
Overnight hotel in Arba Minch Haile resort
This morning, continue our journey
to Turmi, one of the largest towns in the region. En route, we enjoy a boat
trip on Lake Chamo, one of the best in Ethiopia. There is a chance to spot many
hippos and large concentrations of giant crocodiles. Water birds are abounding
and the scenery is truly unforgettable. The lake is about 32km long and
provides a lush wetland habitat for many species of flora and fauna. Afterward,
we will pass through the village of Weyto (market day Saturday), which is home
to the Tsemai tribe.
Overnight hotel in Turmi Paradise lodge
Overnight hotel in Turmi Paradise lodge
►▼
Day 7: Turmi - Karo & Hamer
villages - Turmi (140km) (12th January)
This morning we begin with a memorable excursion to the Karo
Tribe (63 km drive), who are very famous for their body painting. The Karo
people use clays and locally available vegetable pigments to trace fantastic
patterns on each other’s faces, chests, arms, and legs. Karo men, as with
neighboring tribes, are also famous for their unique hairstyles and we return
to Turmi. In the afternoon we visit a Hamer village. The Hamer tribe is one of
the largest groups in the Valley. They are known for the fine pottery they
produce as well as their remarkable hairstyling. The women wear beaded
necklaces and iron coils around their arms and decorate their skin with cowry
shells. These decorations indicate the wealth and prestige of a woman’s
husband. Finally at night, ''if there is'' we may see the traditional night
dancing of the Hamer tribe, known as Evangadi.
Overnight hotel in Turmi Paradise lodge
►▼
Day 8: Drive to Jinka (115km) (13th
January)
This morning drive to Jinka, which is the nearest town, set
in the hills above Mago National Park. On arrival, begin with an excursion to a
Mursi village. The Mursi are one of the original ethnic groups in Ethiopia.
They live in very low huts made of straw leaves. The women like to wear terracotta jewelry on their enormously stretched lower lips and ear lobes. The men
are famous for their hairstyles. Overnight stay will be in a hotel at Jinka.
Overnight
in Jinka Eco omo lodge or similar standard
►▼
Day 9: Visit Konso tribal village
(300km) (14th January)
Today we will witness the distinguishing behavior of another
ethnic group by visiting Konso tribal village, a World Heritage-listed site of
cultural significance. Invariably built on hilltops as protection from the
lowland tribes, traditional Konso villages are surrounded by high stone walls
and encompass separate compounds, with outlying terraced agricultural fields.
You will be fascinated by the unique architectural aspects, largely unchanged
cultural heritage and social cohesion of the village, and how it has adapted to
its harsh environment.
Overnight
hotel in Konso or Kanta lodge
►▼
Day 10: Drive to Arba Minch, fly to
Addis Ababa (15th January)
After a relaxed morning, we will drive to Arba Minch to
board our flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival at the airport will be
transferred to the hotel to take rest.
Overnight
Sapphire Addis hotel or similar standard
(Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and
availability)
►▼
Day 11: Fly to Axum, visit churches
(16th January)
Early this morning fly to Axum, ‘Aksum’. Believed to be
Ethiopia’s oldest city, a city with more than 3000 years of history Axum was
once the center of a great empire and ancient civilization. Axum is exclusively
known for being the home of the original Ark of the Covenant. The sightseeing
of this ancient city include St. Mary’s Church, the sanctuary Chapel which is
the repository for ‘Ark of the covenant’, the coronation yard, the Stelae Park,
Tombs of Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel, Ezana’s inscriptions and ruins of
Queen of Sheba’s. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian
monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept.
Overnight Yared Zema hotel in Axum
(Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and availability)
Overnight Yared Zema hotel in Axum
(Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and availability)
►▼
Day 12: Drive - Debark - Sankaber (17th
January)
Today we drive to the small town of Debark, in the foothills
of the Simien Mountains. The views are spectacular but, be prepared for a long,
rough, adventurous day through Debark to Sankaber, an impressive landscape.
Overnight
night Simien lodge or camping
►▼
Day 13: Semien Mountains - Gondar (145 km)
(18th January)
In Amharic, ‘Simien’ means ‘north’. Six hundred million
years ago, the mountains were an enormous volcanic mass. Rain and ice have
carved deep fissures into them and rivers have continued the erosion, creating
one of the greatest sculptures on the planet. The landscape is stunning with
peaks, canyons, gorges, clefts and pointed, amethyst- colored pinnacles like
obelisks making dramatic panoramic vistas. We have the opportunity to walk in
the area and take in the immense beauty of these mountains. We try to spot some
of the region’s endemic wildlife. In late afternoon drive to Gondar.
Overnight
Goha hotel in Gondar or similar standard
►▼
Day 14: Gondar sightseeing, Timket
celebrations (19th January)
Gondar was once the capital city of the Ethiopian empire,
which began in 1632 with the reign of Fasiladas. Gondar has now become one of Ethiopia’s
largest and most impressive cities. In addition to the impressive walled Royal
Enclosure, there are a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course
of 236 years. The city seems more European than African and also has Islamic
influences. We will visit the palaces, residences and also the church of Debre
Birhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity) which is located at the summit of a hill
and surrounded by fortified walls. The interior is decorated with beautiful
frescoes.
►▼
Day 15: Timket Festival, drive to
Bahir Dar (20th January)
Today is the main celebration day for the Timket Festival
and is marked by a public holiday. We start very early in the morning with a
transfer to Fasiladas’ Bath where priests and faithful Christians have spent an
all-night vigil watching over the tabots (replicas of the Ark of the Covenant).
Crowds gather at the Bath in the morning where the water is blessed and
splashed over the believers and the gathered people.
We will witness the whole baptism ceremony where religious
vows are renewed before the Tabots are paraded back to the church accompanied
by a spiritual singing. The spectacle of thousands of white-robed faithful
following a procession of colorful and elaborately dressed priests is truly
incredible. It is impossible not to get caught up in the fever of excitement
associated with this celebration. This afternoon we will drive from Gondar to
Bahir Dar, situated at 1,800 meters above sea level it is situated on the
shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia.
Overnight
Avanti Blue Nile hotel in Bahir Dar
►▼
Day 16: Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa (21st
January)
This morning we take a boat trip on
Lake Tana to fully appreciate the sheer size of this waterway. There are myriad
of monasteries and churches on the islands; some are private and not accessible
to the public. We will visit Ura Kidane Mihret church on the Zeghie peninsula
with its rich history and ornate frescoes; afterwards we drive to marvel at the
Blue Nile Falls or “Tiss Abay”. The falls are located about 2 hrs drive. In the
late afternoon, fly from Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa (Please note that flight
schedule is subject to change and availability). Upon arrival, there will be a
farewell traditional dinner with live cultural music and dance. Your trip
arrangements conclude with a drop-off at the airport.
Additional Information
►▼
Cost Inclusions:
- 15 nights in 3 star hotel in Addis or best
available hotels where possible elsewhere on a twin share basis
-
Local guides in each location (English speaking
tour leader throughout for 6 or more guests)
-
Driver-guide plus local guides in each location
-
Airport transfers
-
Private road transport
-
Boat trip on Lake Chamo and Lake Tana
-
Site entrance and national park fees as listed
in itinerary
-
Genna Festival (Ethiopian Christmas) and Timket
Festival supplements
►▼
Cost Exclusions:
- Any flight (International and Domestic)
-
Alcoholic drinks
-
Video and camera fees if and where applicable
(in the south they ask about 5 birr per photo)
-
Tips, telephone calls, laundry services and
other expenses of personal nature
►▼
Remark:
- Ethiopian Airlines Passengers – Discounted Rate:
$255 Per Person (Subjected to change)
- Other Airlines Passengers - Regular Rate: $520
Per Person (Subjected to change)
Map goes here
North & South 16 Days/ 15 Nights - 1
Home > Tour Package > Fixed Departure > North & South 16 Days/ 15 Nights - 1
Trip highlights
Duration: 21 Days/ 20 Nights
Program: Fixed package for “Genna“& “Timket”
Transport: Flight & surface
►▼Highlight Information
- City tour of Addis Ababa includes National
museum & Mount Entoto for the scenic view of Addis Ababa
-
Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, is the
largest lake with 37 islands
-
Al Nejashi, one of the earliest holy Muslim
centers from the Prophet Muhammad Era
-
The roof of Africa Simien Mountain National
-
Join Bete Mariyam chanting and in the morning
Beza kulu celebration. As it is Eve of Ethiopian “Gena”
-
Chencha (Dorze people, Boat Safari (Lake Chamo),
Nechsar national park
-
Omo Valley with unique tribes, Colorful markets
of Key Afer and Dimeka in the Omo Valley
-
Konso landscape/ Mago National Park (Mursi
people)/ Karo people (body painting)/ The Tribes (Derashe people, Tsemaey
people, Benna people, Ari people, Hammer)/ Omorate (Dassanech people)
►▼Hotel Information
|
Place |
Hotel |
Hotel type |
Night |
Web |
|
Addis Ababa |
Sapphire Addis |
4 Star |
2 Night |
http://www.sapphireaddishotel.com |
|
Bahir Dar |
Avanti Blue Nile |
5 Star |
2 Night |
http://www.bluenileresorthotels.com/ |
|
Gondar |
Goha Hotel |
3 Star |
1 Night |
http://gohahotel.com/ |
|
Axum |
Yared Zema |
3 Star |
2 Night |
http://yaredzemainternationalhotelaxum.com/ |
|
Mekelle |
Planet |
4 Star |
1 night |
https://www.planetinternationalhotel.com |
|
Lalibela |
Maribela |
4 Star |
3 Night |
https://hotelmaribela.com/ |
|
Arba Minch |
Haile Resort |
Resort |
2 Night |
http://www.hailehotelsandresorts.com/arbaminch-resort |
|
Turmi |
Paradisie lodge |
Lodge |
2 Night |
www.paradiselodgeethiopia.com |
|
Jinka |
Eco Omo |
Lodge |
2 Night |
https://www.eco-omo.com |
|
Hawassa |
Haile Hawassa |
Resort |
1 Night |
http://www.hailehotelsandresorts.com/awass-resort |
|
Goba |
Bale
Goba Hotel |
|
3 Night |
|
Itinerary
►▼Day 1: Addis Ababa (29th
December)
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be welcomed and
transferred to your hotel by Enter Ethiopia Tour Operator representative.
Depending on your arrival time city tour of Addis Ababa will be arranged. The
city tour of Addis includes; National Museum, home for the oldest and famous hominid
fossil of ‘Lucy’, Ethnographic museum: treasured with cultural and historical
artifacts from all over Ethiopia, Mount Entoto for the scenic view of Addis
Ababa, Trinity cathedral church.
Overnight: Sapphire Hotel or similar standard
►▼
Day 2: Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar (30th
December)
►▼
Day 3: City Tour of Bahir Dar (31st
December)
►▼
Day 4: Drive to Gondar and City Tour
(1st January)
Drive about 180 KM to the legendary town of Gondar known for
its Magnificent Castles. This drive will give you a highlight of the Landscape,
culture and countryside view of Ethiopia. After lunch, visits the Castles of
Gondar known as the Camelot of Africa and the mesmerizing Debrebirihan Selassie
church exclusively known for its Ethiopian angel painting on its ceilings.
Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool or swimming pool of Fasil, still used for
Timket celebration today, Ras Gimb Palace Museum. Lunch & Dinner will be in
Gondar Hotels.
Overnight in Gondar Goha hotel or similar
standard
►▼
Day 5: Drive to Axum via the Semien
Mountains (2nd January)
After an early breakfast drive north
of Gondar through the chains of the Simien Mountains and the crossing Tekeze
River to the ancient town of Axum. Pass some villages and limalimo road you
will reach to Axum after lunch check-in the hotel and have some rest in the
hotel and evening in Axum.
Overnight in Axum Yared Zema or similar standard
►▼
Day 7: Axum - Yeha - Mekelle (4th
January)
►▼
Day 8: Drive from Mekelle to
Lalibela (5th January)
After having breakfast, leave Mekelle and drive through the
Chain Mountains of Ambalage. On the way, we will admire the landscape and the
small towns of Amhara tribes. Proceed to the 12th Century legendary
and sacred city of Lalibela.
Overnight in Maribela hotel or similar standard
►▼
Day 9: City tour of Lalibela (6th
January)
This morning after breakfast we start visiting the
magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site of the
first group. These monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved
directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This
complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, this day you will
visit the famous 11 rock-hewn churches including the legendary St. George
church, the river of Jordan and Tomb of Adam. In the evening Christmas
Ceremony; this day in Ethiopian Orthodox church they spend the whole night
chanting and praising the birth of Jesus Christ. We will join Bete Mariyam
chanting and get some rest for the morning Beza kulu celebration.
Overnight in Maribela hotel or similar standard
►▼
Day 10: Excursion to Yimrehane
Kirstos (7th January)
Early morning, we will go to church of Bete Mariyam again to
admire the amazing chanting around the church of Bete Mariyam. This is the most
amazing Chanting you will ever see in the world. Thousands of pilgrims from all
over the country come to attend this ceremony every year. After attending the
ceremony back to Hotel and have a late breakfast then drive to Yimrehane Kristos
through the small village of Bilbala. The built-up cave church of Yimrehane Kristos
itself predates the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. This is one of the most
beautiful and colorful cave churches, built from marble, wood and beautifully
decorated from inside and outside with remarkable architectural skill. On the
other side of the cave, you will also see many mummified bodies of pilgrims
from centuries ago. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Maribela hotel or similar standard
►▼
Day 11: Lalibela Addis Ababa - Arba
Minch (8th January)
Fly from Lalibela to Addis with the morning flight. Pick
from the airport and drive to Arba Minch,
on the way stop at Ziway for spotting some aquatic birds and afterward heading
to Arba Minch.
Overnight at Haile Resort Arba Minch or similar
standard
►▼
Day 12: Arba Minch - Turmi (9th
January)
This morning, will do a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the
“crocodile market”, and the local hippos. Afterwards, depart from Arba Minch to
Turmi. On the way you will pass through the village of Weyto (market day
Saturday), which is home to the Tsemai tribe. Continue through the Weyto Valley
to Erbore, where you will have a brief visit to a local Erbore village (market
day is Saturday). Finally, proceed to Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe. At night,
''if there is'' we can see the traditional night dancing of the Hamer tribe,
known as Evangadi.
Overnight: Paradise lodge Turmi or similar
standard
►▼
Day 13: Turmi – Omorate - Turmi (140
km) (10th January)
In the morning, we have a day trip to Omorate to visit the
Dassenech tribe. Here you will cross the Omo River by local boat and enter a
Dassenech village. Afterward, return to Turmi (Monday is market day) for a
visit to a local Hamer village. If there is jumping of the Bulls traditional
Hamer coming-of-age ceremony that will be visited.
Overnight: Paradise lodge Turmi or similar
standard
►▼
Day 14: Turmi - Jinka (11th
January)
Depart for Jinka, via Dimeka and Key
Afar. Tuesdays and Saturdays are market days in Dimeka, which is one of the
most colorful markets in the area and is visited by many tribes, including
Hamer, Benna, and Karo. Afterward, continue to Jinka.
Overnight at Eco Omo Lodge Jinka or similar
standard
►▼
Day 15: Jinka - Mago National Park
(Mursi) (12th January)
In the morning, drive through the
Mago National Park to the local village of the Mursi ethnic group. The Mursi
are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates. In the afternoon, after
returning to Jinka, you can visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to
learn more about the local ethnic group. Alternatively, take a hike in the
surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village.
Overnight at Eco Omo Lodge Jinka or similar
standard
►▼
Day 16: Arba Minch - Key Afer -
Konso - Jinka (240 km) (13th January)
After breakfast, depart from
Jinka to Arba Minch via Key Afar and Konso. Thursday is market day in Key Afar,
where you will see the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods. This is another
very popular market in the region. After the visit, proceed to Konso (market
days are Mondays and Thursdays). The Konso people are known for their wooden
statues, known as wakas, which are erected in honor of dead heroes as well as
their innovative agricultural terracing. Today you will have a brief
opportunity to visit a local village and the cultural museum displaying many
waka statues. After the visit, proceed driving to Arba Minch.
Overnight at Haile Resort Arba Minch or similar
standard
►▼
Day
17: Arba Minch - Hawassa (14th January)
►▼
Day 18: Hawassa - Shashemene - Goba
(15th January)
Overnight Bale Goba hotel or similar standard
►▼
Day 19: Goba (visit Bale Mountains
NP) (16th January)
The whole day will be spent to
explore the Bale Mountains. This is going to be a day of extraordinary scenery
and of course, we search for the endemic species of which many are found in
this area. Among them are the mountain Nyala, Menelik's bushbuck, Ethiopian
wolf, and many birds.
Overnight Bale Goba hotel or similar standard
Overnight Bale Goba hotel or similar standard
►▼
Day 20: Goba (visit Sof Omar caves)
(17th January)
This day, weather permitting, we
travel to Sof Omar, 100 km/ 2 1/2 hr to the east. Here we admire what is
believed the largest network of limestone caves in Africa. The Web River flows
through the cave system and when the river is too high the caves are not
accessible. In that case, we explore more of the Bale Mountains.
Overnight Bale Goba hotel or similar standard
Overnight Bale Goba hotel or similar standard
►▼
Day 21: Goba - Addis Ababa, 414 km/
8 hr (18th January)
Additional Information
►▼
Cost Inclusions:
- Accommodation on double/twin bed basis
-
Meals: full board Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
-
All entrance fees according to the tour program
-
Return transfer to airport
-
Ground transportation per the package itinerary
-
English speaking Local guide at all destinations
-
Escort Guide
-
Driver allowance
-
Boat trip on Lake Tana
-
English speaking local guide
►▼
Cost Exclusions:
- Flight (International and Domestic)
-
Alcoholic drinks
- Video and camera fees if and where applicable (in the south they ask about 5 birr per photo)
- Tips, telephone calls, laundry services and other expenses of personal nature
►▼
Remark:
- Ethiopian Airlines Passengers – Discounted Rate: $ 255 Per Person (Subjected to change)
Other Airlines Passengers - Regular Rate: $ 520 Per Person (Subjected to change)
Map goes here
