On arrival at Addis Ababa International Airport, you will be met by a SafariDMC representative and transfer to Jupiter Hotel for overnight.
Following lunch, on own account, you will enjoy a City Tour of Addis Ababa.
We begin with a drive up Mount Entoto for a panoramic view of Addis. Proceed to the Ethiopia National Museum where you will have a chance to spot the oldest hominids of ‘Lucy’ fossil. Afterwards, tour the Holy Trinity Cathedral built during WWII where the remains of Haile Selassie and his wife are laid. You will then proceed to the Ethnographic Museum which is housed in the former Emperor Haile Selassie’s palace. You wrap up your tour with a visit to Merkato, the biggest open air market in East Africa where you can shop for unique Ethiopian crafts, curios and garments.
After dinner at a local restaurant you return back to your hotel later evening for overnight. Jupiter Hotel (D)
After an early breakfast, transfer back to the airport, check in and fly to Bahir Dar on Lake Tana. Bahir Dar sits on the shores of Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, one of the two major tributaries of the mighty River Nile and whose upper sections are considered holy by orthodox Ethiopians.
Attractions include the theUraKidaneMihret Monastery and Church. Founded in the 14th-C by St. BetreMariyam, the monastery with its beautiful murals each depicting a specific biblical story cum teaching is one of the Convent of Mercy complex and arguably the most beautiful and famous of the Zege peninsula monasteries.
On arrival at the airportyou will be met and transferred toKuriftu Resort and Spa for overnight. Afterwards, join your guide on a boat ride over Lake Tana to visit some of the amazing island monasteries therein.
The Blue Nile Falls is a magnificent waterfall on the Blue Nile River which originates in Lake Tana in northern Ethiopia and is the larger of the two tributaries that form the mighty River Nile. Situated 30kms south of the City of Bahir Dar and the lake itself, the breathtaking falls, also known as the Tis Abay (the great smoke, in Amharic) comprises four major streams that plunge 45m over canyon cliff in one of the most breathtaking displays in Ethiopia. Although the falls can substantially shrink in the dry season, it can also reach a staggering 400m wide in the rainy season! The upstream regulation of Lake Tana and on-going construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance hydro-power Dam has affected the volume and reduced the extremes, but it is still a marvel to be behold and quite totally amazing especially during the rainy season. Downstream of the falls sits the oldest stone bridge in Ethiopia, dating back to 1626 in the reign of Emperor Susenyos. The falls’ canyon is also significant for ecologically separating the Lake Tana from the rest of the Nile which has contributed to the evolution of the lake’s endemic fauna.
In the afternoon visit the Blue Nile Falls to marvel at this majestic waterfall then in the evening visit some cultural music house. Kuriftu Resort and Spa (B,L,D)
Today, drive to Simien Mountain National park (5hrs); check in at Simien Park Lodge.
ETHIOPIA’sSimien Mountains National Park,lying at the center of a triangle between Gondar (110km), Lalibela and Aksum, 870km north of Addis Ababain northern Ethiopia overlooking the Tekeze River valley in the Amhara region. The national park encompasses the northwestern side of the Simien Mountains, a unique massif ranging from 1,900m to the RasDashen peak, at 4,533m the highest in Ethiopia. They are remarkable as one of the few spots in interior Africa where snow regularly falls. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, her 412km² of wild and stunning undulating plateaus, precipitous cliffs, deep valleys and steep gorges often dubbed the Grand Canyon of Africa are home to some very rare, unique and endemic wildlife species such as the Ethiopian Wolf (the rarest canid in the world and Africa’s most threatened carnivore), the Gelada (also called the bleeding heart Baboon), the Caracal (a unique wild cat) and the rare Walia Ibex of which only 500 members remain in the world; over 180 species of birds including 5 endemic to Ethiopia and a further 12 endemic to Ethiopia and Eritrea; the remarkable red-billed chough, many raptors and vultures including the endangered Lammergeier; Pallid Harrier, Augur Buzzard, the Wahlberg’s, Verreaux, African Hawk Eagle, Rufous-Breasted Sparrow-hawk, Fox Kestrel, Cape Eagle Owl, the Martial Eagle, Abyssinian Owl and the Bearded Vulture, one of the largest and most spectacular birds in the world with an over 2.5m wingspan which can often be seen soaring alone at staggering heights and high speeds (over 130kph) along the cliffs and rocky outcrops. The park is also renowned for her incredible biodiversity with over 1,200 species of plants 3 of which are endemic to the Simien Mountains as well as stunning scenery; the BuyitRas section of the mountains is considered the wildest and most magnificent landscape and stunning scenery; they are also Ethiopia’s foremost hiking and trekking destination.
Afternoon adventure and game viewing in the national Simien Park Lodge (BLD)
Full day spent in Simien Mountains National Park with game viewing and adventures activities.O/n Simien Park Lodge (BLD)
After a relaxed breakfast, drive to Gonderthe Camelot city and check in at Goha Hotel.
Gondar is considered the Royal Capital of Ethiopia.
Founded by Emperor Fasilides in 1636, it is famous for its many ancient churches and castles built by Emperor Fasilides and his descendants. Proceed to the fascinating DebreBirhan Selassie (The Enlightening of Trinity) with her wonderful murals as well as the Qusquam Church and the Emperor Fasilides Bath Pool which every year on 19th January (or 20th during a leap year) is scene of the beautiful Ethiopian Epiphany (Timkat) celebrations when Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate/commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John on the River Jordan.
In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of the Gondar’s churches and majestic old castles,evening visit cultural music houses,Goha hotel (BLD)
Breakfast then transfer to the airport, check in and fly to Lalibela.
Lalibela is a northern Ethiopian town most famous for her monolithic rock hewn churches dating back to the late 12th-C and early 13th-C AD and still being used today. Ethiopia was one of the earliest nations to adopt Christianity, converting her synagogues to churches through a treaty in the middle of the 4th-C AD. Built during the reign of Ethiopian King Saint Lalibela; he attempted to build a new Jerusalem as his capital after the Israeli Jerusalem was captured by Muslims in 1187, they are a marvel to behold and an absolute engineering and architectural feat accomplished. The churches are divided into three sections with a Northern Group comprising BieteMedhaneAlem (House of the Saviour of the World), Biete Maryam (House of Miriam/House of Mary), Biete Golgotha Mikael (House of Golgotha Mikael), BieteMeskel (House of the Cross), BieteDenaghel (House of Virgins); the Western Group comprising BieteGiyorgis (Church of Saint George) and the Eastern Group comprising BieteAmanuel (House of Emmanuel), BieteQeddusMercoreus (House of St. Mark), Biete Abba Libanos (House of Abbot Libanos), Biete Gabriel-Rufael (House of the angels Gabriel and Raphael) and BieteLehem (House of Holy Bread); and a little further the monastery of Ashetan Maryam and the YimrehaneKristos Church. Lalibella remained the capital of Ethiopia until the 13th-C but to date remains one of Ethiopia's holiest cities and a center of pilgrimage. The churches are a part of everyday life in Lalibella and are still used. Further afield, the YimrehaneKirstos Church is an exquisite masterpiece of Axumite wood and stone architecture located in a mountain ridge at the peak of AbunaYosep. Renewed for its interior decoration, the walls are sub-divided vertically with recessions and projections. Other significant churches include the Bete Gabriel, BeteMarqorios, Bete Emmanuel, and Bete Aba Libanos churches.
On arrival at the airport, met and transferred to Mountain View Hotel for overnight.
In the afternoon, tour some of Lalibela’s incredible rock hewn churches.
Evening visit cultural music houses.Mountain View Hotel (BLD)
Today, you visit other outlying rock hewn churches in Lalibela.
In the evening visit cultural music houses.Mountain View Hotel (BLD)
After breakfast fly to Axum, met at the airport, transferred toYaredZema Hotel for overnight.
Imagine an ancient, Christian and powerful African city, that was in the heart of a great power that matched the Roman Empire and whose culture, religion, remnants and monuments still stand today; welcome to Axum. The history of Ethiopia dates back millennia and much of it is referenced around the far northern town of Axum, considered Ethiopia’s HOLIEST CITY. Definitively once the center of a great empire and ancient civilization, the city packs over 2500yrs of history in her little space. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Africa, it is from whence the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon and started Ethiopia’s long relationship with first Judaism then Christianity as well as the Solomonic Dynasty which ruled the country until the 1980s. Celebrated as home of the original Ark of the Covenant, Axum is the foremost historical and religious site in Ethiopia, home of the magnificent St. Mary of Zion Cathedral, headquarters of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church as well as the Sanctuary Chapel considered the repository of the biblical ‘Ark of the Covenant’, the Royal Museum, the Coronation Yard, the Stelae Park, the Tombs of Kaleb and his son GebreMeskel, the Ezana Stone, the Queen of Sheba’s Palace ruins and her massive Bath pool as well as the Axum Archaeological Museum.
Today, the city attracts thousands of tourists who come to marvel at the remnants and monuments left behind by her ancient civilizations the most awe inspiring of which are the 3rd and 4th century Stelaes found in several parks around the town. These ancient and massive blocks of sculpted granite stone that were allegedly pagan tomb stones, are mind boggling for their sheer size (the biggest, The Great Stele, believed to have fallen and broken during raising, is 33m tall and 520tonnes!), the incredible quality of artistry, and that they are made from solid granite, potentially the hardest and most brittle natural stone on earth!. Other major landmarks include the ruins of the original St Mary of Zion Cathedral believed built by Emperor Ezana in the 4thC, replaced with the old cathedral built by Emperor Fasilides in 1665 and later the magnificent new cathedral, built by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1955. The adjacent Chapel of the Tablet is believed housing the biblical Ark of the Covenant brought here by Menelik I. Together, the ruins, the two cathedrals and the Chapel are considered the holiest site in Ethiopia and a place of pilgrimage for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. Other attractions include the ruins of the Queen of Sheba's palace (probably buried beneath the 4thC Ta'akha Maryam and 6thC DungurDalaces), her massive bath pool, King Bazen's Tomb (considered one of the oldest structures in Axum), the Ezana Stone (documents the Emperor’s conversion to Christianity in 350AD), the Archaeological Museum, Ethnographical Museum and several architecturally interesting monasteries.
Afterwards, enjoy touring around town to Axum’s landmarks including the St. Mary’s church, the Stelaepark, Queen of Sheba’s bath-pool and many others.YaredZema Hotel (BLD)
END of Safar-DMC’s service – BL – safirisalama, kila la kheri!
Tour Price in USD
Net and Non-Commissionable
It also depends on Month of Travel and Number of Participants.
Children Under 16yrs and Under 12yrs sharing get discounted rates.
Kindly email us for the specific rates for your group and we will advise.
OPTIONAL Supplement for Sea View Rooms in Mombasa: US$ 65 per person sharing per day, total US$ 195 per person
Drive to Gheralta, one of Ethiopia’s oldest habited areas.
On the way visit the temple of Yeha, one of the mostt famous of Ethiopian rock-hewn cave churches dating back to the 5thC B.C as well as other ancient rock-hewn cave churches. Check and overnight at Gheralta Lodge or Korkor Lodge. Gheralta or Korkor Lodge (BLD)
In the morning, we drive to HamedEla and check into our mobile camp. In the afternoon we will drive toDalol to visit the strange mineral formations, salt mines and camel caravans.Overnight Camping – tents (BLD)
In the morning we drive to Dudumthen walk or camel ride up to Erta’ale, one of the world’s fewactivevolcanoes.Overnight at high altitude in tents with views of the glowing lava at night.Overnight Camping – tents (BLD)
Today, we drive to Afderaand visit the salt mining people there then overnight in tents.Overnight Camping – tents (BLD)
We drive to Awash National Park and check in at Awash Falls Lodge.Awash Falls Lodge (BLD)
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game viewing drive,Lunch at the park,Afternoon visit Alledeghi area and hot springs.Awash Falls Lodge (BLD)
The southern fringes of the country especially the Omo are renowned as some of the most authentic cultural tourism destinations in the world with encounters with peoples, cultures and customs that seem to have frozen in time for hundreds of year.
Drive further south to Bale Mountains National Park via Nazereth, Asela & Dodola.With picnic lunches en-route, you will arrive at your lodge for dinner and overnight.Bale Mountain Lodge or GobaWabeshabelle Hotel.
Full day spent in Bale Mountains with hiking and game viewing drives.Bale Mountain Lodge or GobaWabeshebelle Hotel (BLD)
THE OMO VALLEY
The dry and arid south-western fringes of Ethiopia bordering Kenya and South Sudan are a mind-boggling cultural melting pot and renowned as some of the most authentic cultural tourism destinations in the world. Lying along the Omo River in the Great Rift Valley and popularly referred to as Omo Valley, they are inhabited by incredible tribes-people who seem to live in an archaic time warp; their traditions, culture and customs frozen in time and not changed in over five centuries. In the areas surrounding AWASA and KONSO, the Hamer tribe in Dimeka village both near TURMI, Jinka, Dassanech tribe in Omorate and Arba Minch, the Karo tribe in Korcho village, the Mursi tribe near Mago National Park, JINKA town, ARBAMINCH toward Langano and Addis Ababa. Guests are able to visit their villages and local market places to marvel at their intricate body art, dress-code (or lack of) and especially the Hamer tribe bull-jumping ritual that is a rite of passage for young boys. The main markets are every Saturday in JINKA, Sunday and Monday in KONSO and every Monday in DIMEKA for the Hamer’s bull jumping. The local area also includes Awash National Park, Bale National Park, Nechisar National Park, Lake Chamo, Mago National Park and Lake Langano that are habitat to incredible nature, adventure and species of wildlife.
Following breakfast, you drive to Arbaminch on Lake Abaya,en-route, you top at a Dorzecultural village and meet the local tribes there,you will arrive at Paradise Lodge in time for dinner and overnight.Paradise Lodge (BLD)
Full day spent inArbaMinch, witha day trip to Nechisar National Park for a game walk and boat trip on Lake Chamo Paradise Lodge (BLD)
After breakfast, we drive to Jinka, with visits atKonso and Tsemaycultural Villages en-route, arrive at Eco Omo Lodge for dinner. Eco Omo Lodge (BLD)
Today, we will visit a Mursicultural village and Mago National park,in the afternoon, visit a Hamar village and witness the bull jumping ceremony, a unique rite of passage boys being initiated into men.Eco Omo Lodge (BLD)
Today we drive to Turmiand visitthe Bana tribes-people en-route; arrive at lodge for overnight.Buska or Turmi Lodge (BLD)
Today we will visitKorcho village to meet Kara tribes-people well known for their body painting.Buska or Turmi Lodge (BLD)
We drive across theOmo River by local boat to Omo Rateand visit Desanech tribes-peopleBuska or Turmi Lodge (BLD)
After breakfast, check out and drive back to Arba Minch visiting an Erbore Village en-route,check in at Paradise Lodge for dinner and overnight.Paradise Lodge (BLD)
Following breakfast, we drive further north to Langano and check in at Bishangari Lodge,balance of the day spent at leisure. Bishangari Lodge (BLD)
After a leisurely breakfast, checkout and drive to Addis Ababa,lunch at a local restaurant and afternoon spent for shopping,in the evening enjoy a farewell dinner,later, you will be transferred to the airport for departure flight,day rooms reserved.
END of SafariDMC services – melkammenged/safari njema
Tour Price in USD
Net and Non-Commissionable
It also depends on Month of Travel and Number of Participants.
Children Under 16yrs and Under 12yrs sharing get discounted rates.
Kindly email us for the specific rates for your group and we will advise.
INCLUSIONS:
Ground transportationusing a private safari-customized as follows:
services of courteous and professional English speaking driver/Guides, English Speaking or Chinese speaking Ethiopian Tour Leader as shown in options; Mineral water in the vehicles;applicable Park Fees; Boat fees, Local Guide,Internal Flights as shown separately (Addis/Bahir Dar - Gondar/Lalibela - Lalibela/Axum), Full Board Accommodation at the hotels mentionedand applicable government Taxes.
EXCLUSIONS
Intercontinental flights; Entry Visa fees; Items of a personal nature like crafts and curios shopping, laundry, bar drinks; Tips and gratuities for your Driver/guide, Tour Leader, Hotel or Restaurant Staff, other Guides and Rangers; International airport departure taxes, any other items not shown or expressly mentioned as included.
BOOKING/PAYMENT POLICY
CANCELLATION POLICY
On arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
On arrival at Addis Ababa International Airport
Kikomeko Augastine
Safari DMC is the best in Uganda, Kenya , Tanzania and Rwanda. No one does it better.
Mugereki Wa Mwathi
The best Safari Experience you can get in Africa.
Calisturs Phrir
Rated As five star
Bayern Ojing Bayern
Rated As five star
Strategically positioned on the shores of the
Ethiopia, land of the origins, lions, kings and Haile
Authentically the pearl of Africa and definitely one
Rwanda, land of a thousand hills is a small but
Burundi sits smack in the center of Africa, at the
Tanzania sits on the east coast of Africa with a long
Zambia home of the mighty Zambezi and Victoria Falls
Angola lies on the on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean
Botswana is a land locked country lying in the Kalahari
ZIMBABWE land of wonders and home of the majestic
South Africa land of many colors, and the iconic
Strategically positioned on the shores of the
