Overview
Ethiopia holds a fascinating mix of cultures, from its Orthodox Christian heritage in the highlands to the animistic tribes in the Great Rift Valley. In the mountain highlands, we explore Axum—Ethiopia’s holy city—and World Heritage-listed Lalibela, with its 12th century subterranean churches. A different side of Ethiopia thrives in the far south, where we visit the tribal cultures of the remote Omo Valley. Each trip is timed for a festival—January trips attend Timkat, the exuberant Epiphany celebration; in September, we’ll witness Meskel, with its flickering bonfires and carpets of yellow daisies.
This trip was extraordinarily well planned, making each day value-packed in order to fit in the breadth of exposure to Ethiopia's historical and cultural heritage. Reflecting on all we were able to see, I am amazed.
— Elsie M., Providence, RI
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-7
Addis Ababa / Lake Tana / Simien Mountains / Gondar / Axum / Lalibela
In the highlands, we boat to an island-monastery on Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, then overnight in the Simien Mountains, home to fascinating wildlife including the gelada baboon. We’ll also visit the royal city of Gondar and Axum’s Church of St. Mary of Zion, a revered Christian pilgrimage site. In Lalibela, a World Heritage Site, we explore extraordinary 12th century churches hand-carved out of the pink volcanic bedrock—and still in good condition a thousand years later.
Days 8-12
Tribes of the Omo River Valley
We drive down to the Rift Valley’s Omo region, home to an array of semi-nomadic tribes, from the Bume and Karo to the Bena and Hamar. Their body adornments, such as scarification, face painting, and lip plates, hold rich cultural symbolism. While we’re here, we usually visit a small Karo village to watch a traditional dance. Our activities are subject to local conditions.
Days 13-16
Addis Ababa / Timkat or Meskel Festival
Our private charter flight (avoiding a two-day drive!) whisks us to Addis, where we experience Timkat, with its processions of Orthodox priests and parishioners in traditional dress (January), or the dancing and celebratory bonfires of Meskel (September). Both festivals offer superb cultural encounters. Depart on Day 16 via Addis Ababa.
Lost Worlds of Ethiopia
