16-Day Historic North & Cultural South Combination Tour
About
Embark on a 16-day grand expedition through Ethiopia, combining the ancient wonders of the north with the living cultures of the south. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, Axum’s obelisks, Gondar’s castles, and the Simien Mountains. Then journey south to the Omo Valley, home to vibrant tribal cultures such as the Dorze, Konso, Hamer, Dassanech, and Mursi.
Experience history, religion, tribal life, wildlife, and landscapes in one comprehensive, life-changing journey. Travel by private vehicle and domestic flights with expert guides ensuring seamless exploration of Ethiopia’s most treasured sites.
Bahir Dar, Gondar, Simien Mountains, Axum, Tigray, Lalibela, Awassa, Arba Minch, Konso, Turmi, Jinka
Places You’ll See
- Accommodation
- All meals (B, L, D)
- Domestic flights
- All entrance fees to UNESCO sites & parks
- Professional guides, drivers & local community guides
- Cultural ceremonies & market entries
- International flights
- Visa & travel insurance
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcohol)
- Tips for staff
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Addis Ababa city highlights tour (museum, cathedral, Mercato visit)
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Optional visit to Debre Damo Monastery (men only)
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Additional trekking or extended hiking in the Simien Mountains
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Upgraded hotel or lodge selections beyond package level
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Extra tribal market visits depending on schedule and interest
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Addis Ababa
Airport pickup and hotel transfer
Optional city highlights: National Museum, Trinity Cathedral, Mercato
Welcome dinner with live cultural music
Day 2 – Fly Addis → Bahir Dar
Boat trip to Ura Kidane Mihret & Azwa Mariam monasteries
Visit Blue Nile Falls (Tiss Issat)
Overnight Bahir Dar
Day 3 – Bahir Dar → Gondar
Explore Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi)
Visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church
Optional: Fasilides’ Bath
Overnight Gondar
Day 4 – Gondar → Simien Mountains National Park
Drive to Debark
Short trek in Simien Mountains: gelada baboons, ibises, vultures
Overnight Simien Lodge
Day 5 – Simien Mountains → Axum
Scenic full-day drive, crossing Tekeze Gorge
Overnight Axum
Day 6 – Full Day Axum
Visit Stele Park, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, King Kaleb’s Tombs
Explore St. Mary of Zion Church
Archaeological Museum of Axum
Overnight Axum
Day 7 – Axum → Gheralta (Tigray Rock Churches)
- Stop at Temple of Yeha (5th c. BC)
- Optional: Debre Damo Monastery (men only)
- Afternoon visit to Tigray rock-hewn churches (e.g., Mariam Korkor)
- Overnight Gheralta lodge
Day 8 – Tigray → Mekelle
Morning hike to Abune Yemata Guh
Visit Abreha We Atsbeha & Wukro Cherkos churches
Overnight Mekelle
Day 9 – Mekelle → Lalibela
Scenic full-day drive
Overnight Lalibela
Day 10 – Full Day Lalibela
Visit 11 rock-hewn churches
End with St. George’s Church (Bete Giyorgis)
Overnight Lalibela
Day 11 – Lalibela → Addis → Awassa
Flight Lalibela → Addis
Drive south to Awassa, stopping at Tiya UNESCO stelae field
Evening lakeside walk, overnight Awassa
Day 12 – Awassa → Arba Minch (via Dorze Village)
Visit Awassa fish market & birdwatching
Drive via Gurage/Wolayta farmland
Afternoon visit to Dorze Village
Overnight Arba Minch
Day 13 – Arba Minch → Konso → Turmi
Morning boat on Lake Chamo (hippos, crocodiles)
Visit Konso terraced villages (UNESCO)
Continue to Turmi, home of Hamer tribe
Overnight Turmi
Day 14 – Turmi → Karo Tribe & Dimeka Market
Visit Karo tribe (body painting, Omo River views)
Attend Dimeka tribal market
Evening cultural immersion with Hamer village
Overnight Turmi
Day 15 – Turmi → Omorate → Jinka
Visit Dassanech tribe
Afternoon drive via tribal villages to Jinka
Overnight Jinka
Day 16 – Jinka → Mursi Tribe → Arba Minch → Fly Addis
Visit Mursi tribe (Mago National Park)
Drive to Arba Minch, afternoon flight to Addis Ababa
Farewell dinner & cultural show
Evening airport transfer for departure
Customer Reviews
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- No Booking Fees
- Professional Local Guide
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