Lost Worlds of Ethiopia

Ethiopia is like no other place in Africa, from its Orthodox Christian heritage, breathtakingly displayed in Lalibela’s 12th century rock-hewn churches, to its kaleidoscopic array of animist tribes in the Great Rift Valley. Our journey explores the genuine mystique of Ethiopia at fascinating places like Axum, Ethiopia’s holy city, in the serene island-monasteries of Lake Tana, and in the castles and battlements of imperial Gondar, seat of Ethiopian emperors. Southern Ethiopia has another world to show us in the savanna bushlands along the Omo River. Here we discover Ethiopia’s amazing tribal heritage as we visit traditional peoples like the Mursi, with their enormous clay lip plates, and the nomadic Karo, known for their elaborate body painting and adornments. Our journeys witness the exuberance of the Timkat Festival (Epiphany) in January, the biggest celebration of the year, or the Meskal Festival (The Finding of the True Cross) in September.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Addis Ababa / Axum (January departures)

In Addis, a bustling city set at 7,000 feet, we meet with a deacon of the Orthodox church and visit the National Museum to view “Lucy,” the famous 3.2 million-year-old hominid discovered in Ethiopia in 1974. Flying to Axum, we visit the revered Church of St. Mary of Zion, where according to Ethiopian legend, the Ark of the Covenant resides within a special chapel. We also explore some of Axum’s unusual archaeological sites, including the impressive ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace.

Days 4-6
Lalibela / Gondar / Lake Tana

Hundreds of churches were chiseled deep into solid rock in the 12th century in Lalibela. We visit some of these astounding churches, with their stunning range of architectural styles, from Greek columns and Arabesque windows to Egyptian motifs. We also explore the mountain town of Gondar, Ethiopia’s royal capital until 1868, with its castles and battlements, and boat across Lake Tana to visit a medieval island-monastery.

Days 7-10
Harar / Timkat Festival

Harar is an ancient walled city known today for fine handicrafts including textiles and silverware. We visit the Harari Cultural Museum, which displays richly painted traditional Harari houses, and visit the former residence of the French poet Arthur Rimbaud. Later we head to Addis to witness dramatic Timkat celebrations that include lively outdoor processions of Orthodox priests in brilliantly-hued gowns and 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.

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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