Destinations: Addis Ababa -Awash National Park- Harar- Addis Ababa- Bahirdar- Gondar- Gondar – Simien Mountains Natinal Park – Gondar-Axum – Adwa-Axum-Lalibela – Addis- Lake Ziway -Hawassa- Konso -Jinka- Jinka – Mursi- Jinka—Dimeka-Turmi-Murulle-Omorate – Turmi- Erbore -Arbaminch- Hosana- Wolisso – Wonchi – Ambo- Nekemt- Metu- Mizan Teferi- Kibish- Bume – Kibish- Maji – Mizan Teferi- Jimma- Jimma – Addis Ababa

Tour Code: TT-1045

Duration: 34 Days and 33 Nights

Tour Title: Ethiopia Highlight

Transportation: All surfaces

Ethiopia is a one window shopping tourist destination because the visitors have chance to enjoy, culture, nature and history combined in single country. The mountain ranges from 4620mts asl in the North Semien mountain to 100 mts below sea level at Dallol depression .Omo Ethiopia tours fascinating combined tour program offers blended packages from the cultural north, to the adventure in the northeast, and nature and people in the south.

Day 1. Arrive in Addis Ababa and after a warm greeting at the airport by the tour organizer (Tankwa Tours & Travel Agency) staff, transfer to your hotel. Overnight hotel

Day 2. Addis Ababa – Awash National Park- After breakfast in the hotel drive about 200kms to the Awash National park; on the way visit one of the seven rift valley lakes of Debrezeit. Late in the afternoon game drive in to the national park to observe the charismatic species of the National park Beisa Oryx and other species like: Greater Kudu, Warthog, Anubis Baboon, vervet monkey and Grant’s gazelle. Overnight hotel

Day 3. Awash – Harar -Early morning, game drive in to the Awash National Park to observe the charismatic species of the National park Beisa Oryx and other species like: Greater Kudu, Warthog, Anubis Baboon, vervet monkey and Grant’s gazelle. Then continue driving to the walled city of Harrar. Overnight hotel

Day 4. Harar-In the morning, visit the Harari museum & Arthur Rambaud’s house in the walled city of Harar. In the afternoon visit the market outside the wall & in the evening participate in the hyena man show. Overnight hotel

Day 5. Harar – Addis Ababa -After breakfast, drive to the very busy city of Diredawa via the city of Awedai, for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Then after late lunch, drive to the highest mountain in the city, Entoto. Overnight Hotel

Day 6. Addis Ababa – Bahirdar -Fly to Bahar Dar, a modern town on the shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile River that contains about 37 islands. After check-in to the hotel, Make a full day boat excursion on the largest highland Lake of “Tana (the source of blue Nile)” and enjoy visiting the ancient island monasteries of Ura Kidane Meheret (one of the several monasteries in the area containing 17th century mural paintings), Azwa Mariam, Narga Sillassie (containing typical Gonderian mural painting style) and if time allows, Kibran Gabriel. Overnight hotel

Day 7. Bahir Dar – Gondar-In the morning drive to Blue Nile falls “Tis-issat” about 32kms (1hour drive with stopovers). After we take our entrance ticket from the tourism office, we drive to cross the Blue Nile River with boat which will take a total of 25-30minutes to reach the water fall. At Tis-issat , you will see the spectacular “Blue Nile fall” and is surrounding. In the afternoon, drive about 180kms to Gondar (3hours drive with a stopover), currently a town, once the capital city of Ethiopia in the 17th century. Overnight hotel

DAY 8. Gondar -Morning at about 9:00AM, visit ancient castle palaces of different emperors constructed in the European middle age architectural style, the church of Debre Birhan Silassie (Gonderian style church built during the reign of Emperor Iyasu (1682 -1706) which still kept its originality . The invaders (the dervishes) were attacked by the bees when they tried to burn the church in 1881. The church is rectangular, similar to those of ancient Axumite architecture. The inside walls of the front room are covered with paintings on cloth, glued to the surface. The ceiling is built with thick beams and decorated with winged angel heads looking down. The wall paintings depict scenes from the life of Christ, Mary, the Saint, the Trinity, and others. In the afternoon, visit the bath of Fasilidas and the palace of Mintiwab/the church of Qusqwam Mariam. Overnight at hotel

Day 9. Gondar – Simien Mountains Natinal Park – Gondar- Early in the morning drive about 123kms (3hours drive with stopovers) to Simien mountains national park, UNESCO registered national park and a home to an endemic animal “Walia Ibex” through the city of Debark, the stepping ground/the head quarter of Simien mountain national park and collect an entrance ticket . Proceed to Sankaber camp site area to enjoy the surrounding landscape and spot Gelada-Baboon, klipspringer, bushbuck and birds like Lammergeir. Then after picked up by the car drive back to the city of Gondar (3hours drive with stopovers).Overnight hotel

Day 10. Gondar – Axum-In the morning Fly to Axum, the city of Obelisk’s, and visit the extraordinary obelisks recorded as a world heritage site, the tomb of king Remhay (1st to 4th century AD), the church of St. Mary of Tsion (17th & 20th century AD), in one of which the Ethiopians hosted the Ark of the Covenant. In the afternoon visit the remaining sites of Axum such as: – Dingur Palace (believed to be the palace of the queen of Sheba) and the tombs of King Kaleb & G/Meskel. Overnight hotel

Day 11. Axum-In the morning drive 50kms to visit the first capital city of Da’mat dynasty, the dynasty which was established by the south Arabian emigrants, Yeha temple. On the way you will stop and admire the mountains of Adowa (which marks the first African country victory over the European in 1896). Overnight hotel

Day 12. Axum – Lalibela -In the morning fly to Lalibella and drive about 26Kms for your transfer to hotel. After check-in, start visiting the rock hewn churches of Lalibella which includes: Bete Medhanealem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagil and Bete Michael/Gologota, called the 1st group (according to their geographical location). Late in the afternoon, visit the stunning Bete Giorgis, which was hewed out with the perfect architectural work to symbolize the Greek cross. Overnight hotel

Day 13. Lalibela-Early in the morning make an excursion to Asheten Mariam church by a mule, where you will see the semi-monolithic church which was hewed out by the nephew of King Lalibella. In the afternoon, visit the remaining churches in Lalibella which includes: Bete Emanuel, Bete Rafael and Gabriel, Bete Merkorius and Bete Aba-Libanos, often called the 2nd group of churches according to their geographical location. Overnight hotel

Day 14. Fly from Lalibela back to Addis & have your lunch in one of the restaurants of Addis Ababa; after lunch drive to the rift valley lake city of Hawassa and in the late afternoon enjoy the sunset on the Lake. On the way have a stopover at Lake Ziway and enjoy the aquatic birds. Overnight hotel

Day 15. Hawassa – Konso- Early in the morning, drive about 380kms, to Konso; on the way observe the ethnic groups of Sidama, Gedeo, Gujji & Borena. Overnight hotel

Day 16. Konso – Jinka- After breakfast drive to Jinka exploring Tsemay and Benna tribal village, and if the day is Thursday, there is a chance to attend the colorful Keyafer Market which is attended by the Benna, Tsemai and ARI tribal groups. Overnight hotel

Day 17. Jinka – Mursi – Jinka-In the Morning, drive about 90kms to Mago National park & make an excursion tour to see and appreciate the very attractive culture of Mursi tribe. They are renowned for the strange custom pursued by their women, who on reaching maturity, have their lower lips pierced and pop in a “terra cotta” (circular clay disc). Overnight hotel

Day 18. Jinka – Dimeka – Turmi-In the morning, drive about 130kms to Turmi, settlement of the Hamer tribe via Dimeka and Key Afer exploring the Hamer and Benna tribal village and if the day is Saturday, there is a chance to attend the colorful Dimeka market and encounter three different tribal groups like: the Hamer, Karo and Benna. Overnight hotel

Day 19. Turmi – Murulle/Omorate – Turmi- In the morning drive about 70kms for a half day excursion to Murelle. Here one can visit the Karo ethnic groups, experts in body painting. After lunch drive to Dasenech/Geleb people who inhabited in the bank of Omo River and cross the Omo River by locally made boat to see the village. Then drive back to Turmi for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight hotel

Day 20. Turmi – Erbore – Arbaminch-Morning, leave Turmi and drive about 290kms to Arbaminch, on the way visit the Erbore tribal village. After lunch break in Konso, continue driving exploring the Konso tribal village, way of life and the Darashe people. Overnight hotel

Day 21. Arbaminch- After breakfast take a full day boat trip on Lake Chamo to see hippos, large size crocodiles and access the Nechsar national Park behind. Overnight hotel

Day 22. Arbaminch – Hosana- In the morning drive and ascend to Guge Mountain, to visit the Dorze tribe and their magnificent beehive shaped hut, false banana cultivations and weaving culture. After Lunch in Welayita Sodo, continue driving to the city of Hosana. Overnight hotel

Day 23. Hosana – Wolisso- After breakfast in the hotel drive, about 340kms, to the previous South-Western Shoa province capital city Welisso; on the way visit the monolithic stelae site of Tiya, the 12th century rock hewn church of Adadi Mariam & Melka-kunture excavation site. Overnight hotel

Day 24. Wolisso – Wonchi – Ambo-In the morning drive about 68kms to the very beautiful, interesting & breathtaking Crater Lake “WONCHI” through the magnificent landscapes of south western shoa high lands. Visit the lake with activities like walking, horse riding & boat trip. Late in the afternoon drive to the city of Ambo. Overnight hotel

Day 25. Ambo – Nekemt- After breakfast, drive to Nekemt through the beautiful scenery of the Shoa and Wolega visiting the local village; on the way visit the Guder Falls. Overnight hotel

Day 26. Nekemt – Metu-After breakfast, start your drive for Metu about 255kms. After crossing Dedesa River, stop at the town of Bedele for lunch. You will drive through the indigenous natural forests of Western Ethiopia and experiencing the life of the local people residing in the region. Overnight hotel

Day 27. Metu – Mizan Teferi-Drive from Gambella to Mizan Teferi through Bebeka coffee plantation, the Ethiopia’s largest old coffee plantation. On the way visit the Menit, Yem and the Dizi tribes. Overnight hotel

Day 28. Mizan Teferi – Kibish-Continue driving further to the west from Mizan Teferi to Kibish an altitude of 1745m above sea level through Bebeka coffee plantation, the Ethiopia’s largest old coffee plantation. After crossing the Akobo River you will experience the African Savanna grass land. Stop at the little town of Dimma for lunch. Continue driving further west to Kibish which is a small town of the Surma people. Visit Surma people in Kibish town. The rest of the day, walk around your campsite to visit the Surma people. Overnight camping

Day 29. Kibish – Bume-Drive about 110kms to the Bume people; visit their way of life and how they make their houses. Overnight camping

Day 30. Bume – Kibish-Drive back to Kibish; if there is any Donga (Stick fighting of the Surma people) you will attend the ceremony, otherwise you walk around the old kibish village (14-20kms round trip) for the visit of more of the Surma villages-to visit and appreciate the very attractive culture of Surma tribe. They are renowned for the strange custom followed by their women who, on reaching maturity, have their lower lips slit and inserted circular or rectangular clay discs. The Surma men are well known for their stick fighting, which is called Donga. Players are usually unmarried men. The winner is carried away on a platform of poles to a group of girls waiting at the side of the arena who decide among themselves which of them will ask for his hand in marriage. Taking part in a stick fight is considered to be more important than winning it. The men paint their bodies with a mixture of chalk and water before the fight. Overnight camping

Day 31. Kibish – Maji. Overnight hotel

Day 32. Maji – Mizan Teferi- After morning visit of the Bench maji people village, participate in the Maji local market and drive back to the city of Mizan Teferi. Overnight hotel

Day 33. Mizan Teferi – Jimma- Drive from Mizan Teferi to Jimma, about 240kms, through the Ethiopia’s indigenous dense forest. The people living in this area are from Keficho, Yem and Bench ethnic groups. This place is famous for its coffee, tea and spice plantation. Overnight hotel

Day 34. Jimma – Addis Ababa & Departure-After breakfast drive back to Addis Ababa, about 346kms, en route visit one of the Gurage Village. Evening, you will have a fare well dinner in one of the Ethiopian restaurants for cultural dinner and dances from the different ethnic groups. After transfer to the airport at 23:10PM, departure

Included

Accommodations/ Hotels/Lodge/hostels/Camping/

Not Included

A great place to unwind…

A great place to unwind… Thanks.

Enrico Lavrov

I had an amazing time

I had an amazing time with your tour guides. Thank you so much.

Adams J.

This is my second time

This is my second time visiting and it was wonderful. Thank you guys.

Mark Anderson

Great memory

testimonial one

Jhon Doe

Liability and Responsibility

Only the laws of Ethiopia govern Tsega Ethiopia Tours liability to its clients and all claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the court of Ethiopia in which the cause of action arises. Although every possible care is taken to safeguard you and your property, Tsega Ethiopia Tours accepts no liability for loss or damage of any personal effects. Tsega Ethiopia Tours will dispose its best efforts to assist visitors when dealing with third parties such as hotels, airlines and other transport companies and travel agents. However, Tsega Ethiopia Tours cannot be held responsible for any loss or harm such as sickness, injury, death or additional costs incurred due to denied boarding, overbooking, cancellation or delay caused by the third party.

Program Reservations

Contracts and agreements will be valid consequent to Tsega Ethiopia Tours confirmation of the booking signing a contractual agreement/form. At the time of confirmation, a deposit of 50% of the total cost is requested. The remaining amount of the total cost shall be paid upon arrival before the tour commences. Unless prior arrangements have been made, Tsega Ethiopia Tours cannot be forced to conduct the tour if complete payment has not been received.

Quotations

Tsega Ethiopia Tours provides tour prices (quotations) on request. After the contractual agreement is concluded the final quoted price is non-negotiable. Tsega Ethiopia Tours offers prices with validity date & has a full right in revising the offered prices which are not confirmed within the time frame/validity date.

Cancellation

Cancellation of confirmed booking must be made in writing via email Cancellation received 30 days prior to departure will be subject to a penalty of 30% of the total rate of the tour. Cancellations received less than 15 days prior to departure will result in relinquishment of the entire advance payment.

Visa and Immigration requirements

Visas may be obtained from Ethiopian diplomatic mission overseas ,in addition nationals of 33 countries listed below are allowed to receive their visa on arrival to Ethiopia, the detail includes:- Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, and US.

Health Requirements

Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has visited or transited a cholera-infected area within six days prior to arrival in Ethiopia.

Religion

The main religions are Christianity and Islam, but some other traditional beliefs are also practiced.

Accommodations

Addis Ababa offers variety of hotels ranging from luxurious 5 star hotels to the tourist standard. Tourist accommodation facilities are also improving at destinations outside Addis, the offer ranges from 2-4 star hotels to camping facilities.

Food

Enjera, the Ethiopian national dish is a flat, circular pancake of fermented made from an endemic grain seed called teff, served with different kinds of cooked meats, vegetables and different sauce. Though it is different from region to region, in generally Ethiopians used hot and spiced sauces that give Ethiopian food its characteristic taste. Vegetarians should try “Ethiopian fasting food”, a colorful spread of salads and vegetables devoid of all meat and animal products.

In Addis Ababa and major towns, it is possible to get traditional Ethiopian restaurants and others specialized in Italian, Far East and western dishes. In hotels found at tourist sites European style foods are always available. Those visitors who are travelling to the remote and adventure tourist sites such as deep in the Omo valley and Erta’le, Tankwa Tours & Travel Agency is provide professional cook and cooking materials. To read more about food in Ethiopia click here

Clothing

Visitors should take light, summer clothes for the day time and warm cotton made clothes for the evenings. The temperature drops quite rapidly towards sunset.  Mountains trekkers should bring warm clothes and water proofs for unexpected seasonal rains. Shoes must always be removed before entering churches and mosques.

Safety

Generally, Ethiopia is considered as safe destination, but one should still take normal precautions while visiting cities and tourist sites: avoiding unfamiliar areas at night and not carrying large sums of money in pockets.

Time and calendar

Ethiopia is found within GMT +3 hours’ time Zone, and follows the Julian calendar, which consists of twelve months of thirty days each thirteen months of five days (six days in a leap year). The calendar is seven years and eight months behind the Western Gregorian calendar

Currency

The Local currency is the Ethiopian Birr, made up of 100 Cents. Notes are used in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 birr. There is no limit to the amount foreign currency imported, but it must be declared to the customs authority upon arrival.

Custom

• Duty-free imports are permitted for up to:
• 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 1/2 lb of tobacco
• liters of alcoholic beverages
• Half-liter or two bottles of perfume.

Visitors may export souvenirs, although some Articles (such as animal skins and antiques) require an export permit.

Power

Ethiopia uses 220 volts and 50 HZ. It is good to bring your own round two prong adaptor and transformer if necessary.

Public holidays

The following are Ethiopian public holiday dates:-

• September 11, Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash)
• September 27, The finding of the True Cross (Meskal)
• January 7, Ethiopian Christmas (Genna)
• January 19, Ethiopian Epiphany (Timket)
• March 2 ,Victory of Adwa (commemorates the victory by Menelik II over Italy in 1896)
• Ethiopian Good Friday (variable)
• Ethiopian Easter (Fasika) (variable)
• May 1, International Labor Day
• Eid ul Fitr (Ramadhan) (variable)
• Eid ul Adha (variable)
• April 6, Ethiopian patriots victory day (celebrates end of Italian occupation in 1941)

Banking and Currency Exchange

Banking hours are usually from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday and from 8:00 am – 11:00 am on Saturdays. Closing times may be an hour longer in some private banks. Most banks work through lunchtime including foreign exchanges services

Courier and Money Transfer Services

Money transfers can be made through Western Union and Money Gram. Both have representative branches in Addis Ababa and in some other major towns and make their services available from private and national banks. For courier services, DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT, and EMS have offices in Addis Ababa.

Language

Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia although English, Italian and Arabic are also spoken in cities and towns.

Communication

Internet, Telephone, Tele fax, and postal services are available in the country. Numerous internet cafes are available in Addis Ababa and in other cities. They all give Internet, Fax and telephone calling service. The country Dialing Code is +251

Tipping

Though tipping is a frequent custom, amounts vary depending on the service quality offered and the interests of the visitors. In most hotels and restaurants, a 10 per cent service charge is added to the bill.

Points of Entry

Bole International Airport, Bahir Dar, Mekele and Dire Dawa Airports are entry ports. Dawale and Galafe for those crossing from Djibouti border, Moyale for those driving from Kenya, Humera and Metema from Sudan are surface entry points .All arrivals undergo full customs and immigration checks. These are only entry points and no visa services available.

Driving

In Ethiopia driving is on the right. Drivers require a valid international driving license which can be obtained by exchanging yours with local license. Visitor can recover their license prior to their departure

Vaccinations

These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.

TYPHOID

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.

HEPATITIS A 

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.

CHOLERA

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.

TUBERCULOSIS

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 3 months before travel.

HEPATITISB

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 2 months before travel.

RABIES

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 1 month before travel.

MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITI

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 3 weeks before travel

YELLOW FEVER

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 10 days before travel.