Lost Worlds of Ethiopia

From a kaleidoscopic array of traditional tribes in the Great Rift Valley to an Orthodox Christian heritage revealed in stunning 12th century rock-hewn churches, Ethiopia is like no other place in Africa. In the craggy green highlands, we discover this country’s genuine mystique at fascinating places including the ancient holy city of Axum and imperial Gondar, seat of Ethiopia’s emperors. Heading to the south, we encounter an amazing tribal heritage that includes the Mursi, with their enormous clay lip plates, and the nomadic Karo, known for their elaborate body painting. Our journeys include extraordinary festivals: our January trips witness Timkat, Ethiopia’s exuberant Epiphany celebration, and the September trip is timed for Meskal, with its dancing, bonfires, and floats covered with golden meskal flowers.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Addis Ababa / Axum

(January departures) In Addis, we meet with a deacon of the Orthodox church and visit the National Museum, home to the famous hominid skeleton “Lucy,” discovered in Ethiopia in 1974. We fly to Axum, where according to Ethiopian legend, the Ark of the Covenant resides within a special chapel. Axum has unusual archaeological sites including the impressive ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace.

Days 4-6
Lalibela / Gondar / Lake Tana

At Lalibela, we explore the astounding churches that were chiseled into solid rock here in the 12th century. Now a World Heritage Site, these churches have a stunning range of architectural styles, from Greek columns and Arabesque windows to Egyptian motifs. We also visit the medieval mountain town of Gondar, Ethiopia’s royal capital until 1868, and boat out into Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, to explore a serene island-monastery dating from the Middle Ages.

Days 7-10
Harar / Timkat Festival

After a visit to Harar, an ancient walled city, we head to Addis to witness dramatic Timkat celebrations that include lively outdoor processions of Orthodox priests in brilliantly-hued gowns followed by throngs of parishioners in the dazzling white of traditional Ethiopian dress. Ringing bells, blowing trumpets, wafting incense, and blessing rituals add to Timkat’s mystique.

Days 11-17
Omo River Valley / Tribal Ethiopia

Heading south into the Great Rift Valley as far as the Omo River, we encounter a fascinating mix of nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes who coexist in a harsh land all but forgotten by the rest of the world. We meet the Dorze, famous for their weavings, with a chance to explore their weekly market, and the Karo, who excel in body painting using pulverized red and yellow chalk-like minerals to create elaborate face and body decorations. The men of the Mursi tribe, renowned warriors, practice scarification and shave their heads in geometric patterns. We return to Addis on Day 16 and depart on Day 17.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 2+, moderate. Our trip is designed so that anyone who is in good physical condition can participate. However, trip members must be prepared do some walking and some long days of rugged vehicle travel over rutted, muddy dirt roads. Please note that you will be visiting a country where there has not be a lot of tourism. Accommodations for parts of the trip are in "best available" hotels, and although we have private bathrooms in the rooms, you must expect cold-water showers. The food served in the hotels outside of Addis may not have much flair or variety due to limited resources in the country. In addition, road travel in Ethiopia is very challenging. Our vehicles may break down or get flat tires on occasion, which will delay us while our staff repairs them. Quite often, air schedules are altered and new government regulations are implemented suddenly. We ask that you bring flexibility and a spirit of adventure to this unique journey, and take pleasure in the knowledge that you will be visiting a fascinating country that is not highly touristed.

Explanation of Trip Levels