Lost Worlds of Ethiopia

Ethiopia is like no other place in Africa, from its Orthodox Christian heritage, revealed in stunning 12th century rock-hewn churches, to its kaleidoscopic array of animist tribes in the Great Rift Valley. We begin in the craggy northern highlands, discovering Ethiopia’s genuine mystique at fascinating places including the holy city of Axum, once home to the Queen of Sheba, and imperial Gondar, seat of Ethiopia’s emperors. Heading 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 January journeys witness Timkat (Epiphany), a joyous festival with dances, baptisms, and huge outdoor processions of priests and pilgrims, and September journeys witness the Meskal Festival, with its dancing, feasting, and bonfires.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Addis Ababa / Axum

In Addis, the bustling highland capital at 7,000 feet, we visit the National Museum, home to archaeological treasures and the famous hominid named “Lucy,” discovered in Ethiopia in 1974. We fly to Axum on Day 3 to visit the revered Church of St. Mary of Zion, where according to Ethiopian legend, the Ark of the Covenant resides within a special chapel. It was in Axum in the 4th century that Christianity became Ethiopia’s state religion. Axum’s unique archaeological sites also include the impressive ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace.

Days 4-7
Lalibela / Gondar / Lake Tana

In Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s holiest cities and a World Heritage Site, we visit beautifully carved 12th century rock-hewn churches where white-robed priests guard ancient, ornate silver crosses. Some churches are quarried enlargements of natural caves, and others are connected by a maze of underground tunnels. The architectural styles vary widely, from Grecian pillars to Egyptian-style motifs—these churches’ architecture and artistry must be seen to be believed. We also explore the mountain-ringed town of Gondar, Ethiopia’s royal capital until 1868, with its medieval castles and battlements, and boat into Lake Tana to visit a medieval island-monastery. We return to Addis on Day 7, then fly to Harar, a city with thousand-year-old walls and a tradition of fine handicrafts in its vibrant markets.

Days 8-14
Omo River Valley / Tribal Ethiopia

Heading south into the Great Rift Valley as far as the Omo River, we encounter a fascinating mix of 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, and explore their weekly market, and the Karo, who excel in body painting using red and yellow 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.

Days 15-17
Addis / Timkat Festival

A charter flight brings us to Addis to witness dramatic Timkat celebrations with lively 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, dances, symbolic baptisms, and blessing rituals add to Timkat’s mystique. Depart on Day 17.

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is Level 2+, moderate, according to our trip grading system. This is a rugged trip in a very remote region. Participants should be fit, healthy, and have no mobility restrictions. Medical facilities on the trip will be far away and often non-existent. Some mornings, we have departures as early as 5:30 a.m!  Trip members must be prepared for some walking and some long days of rugged vehicle travel.

Accommodations at the Sheraton in Addis are excellent, as is the food at that international-standard hotel. Outside of Addis, we stay in “best available” hotels. Although there are private bathrooms in the rooms, you must expect only cold-water showers! Outside of Addis, our meals will be simple and lack variety because there are limited resources in the countryside. At the Murelle Omo Explorer’s Lodge, we are very far from anywhere and, unlike the safari lodges in places like Botswana and Kenya, which are regularly supplied with fine foods and goods from the capital, the simple Murelle Omo Explorer’s Lodge makes do with locally available supplies, and thus the meals have little flair or variety.  Ethiopia has some good beers, but the local wines are not distinguished. You may want to bring your favorite alcoholic beverage from a duty-free shop. Electricity in hotels in rural areas can be intermittent and sometimes generators are operated only during certain hours of the day.

Road travel in rural Ethiopia is very challenging. Our vehicles may break down or get flat tires on occasion, and that can delay the trip. We use vans for the trip, but they may not compare favorably with the vehicles you may be familiar with from safari countries such as Botswana and Kenya. While we are on our rural road journeys, there are no organized toilet facilities available. We will make “pit stops” from time to time so trip members can get out of the vehicle and find a private spot behind a bush.

In Ethiopia, air schedules can often be 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.

Our trip is designed so that anyone in good physical condition can participate. We encourage you to make an effort to get in good physical condition with exercise beyond your normal routine.

Explanation of Trip Levels