Northern Historic Route and Omo Valley Tour (178493),Holiday Packages to Addis Ababa

Package Overview

Historic Route is one of the great treasures of Ethiopia. It encompasses the history of Ethiopia from its early beginnings to modern day. A history that stretches back to the time of prehistoric man; to the 3,000 year old history of Axum; the famous 12th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the medieval castles of Gondar, which is known as Africa’s Camelot. A boat cruise over Lake Tana is arranged to visit old monasteries on the islands. With some distance drive from Bahir Dar, Blue Nile Falls will be visited.

Omo Valley :- A true adventure, in every sense of the word. If you can cope with difficult roads and an at times challenging meeting of cultures, then the Lower Omo Valley offers an incredibly rich insight into the traditional and diverse tribal life in Africa. The Lower Omo Valley in the South of Ethiopia is perhaps one of the most ethnographically diverse regions in the world. It served as an ancient meeting point as tribes migrated from all corners of Africa and now plays host to many different tribes each with unique and fascinating customs. If you can handle the challenges of travelling in this remote region, then the rewards are immense. Whether you are watching the traditional ceremony of Hamer people Jumping the Bulls or gazing incredulously at the site of a Mursi’s lip plates, this is a place unlike anywhere else on Earth.

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Day wise Itinerary

Day 1 :

Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be welcomed and assisted by your tour guide and driver for the transfer to Hotel.

Addis Ababa, founded in 1886 by Menelik II, is situated at 2,500 meters above sea level. It is the highest capital city in the world. The city enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 23 C . With multiethnic population of over 5 million, Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacarandas, interesting museums, and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the “Mercato.”

The rest of the day city tour of Addis Ababa which include: the National Museum which houses Dinknesh (Lucy), Ethnographic Museum and Mercato the largest open air market in Africa. Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 :

In the morning, drive to Bahir Dar through the Great Blue Nile Gorge with a stopover at different small towns like Dejen, Chancho and Goha Tsion. Here en route, group will visit the ancient Debre Libanos Monastery from the 12 century and the beautiful Jemma River Gorge. Group also will be driving through the Blue Nile Gorge is a majestic and enormous river gorge and it is one of the most captivating gorges in Africa. It has a magnificent, alluring physical feature and natural beauty.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 :

In the morning, we will make boat cruise over Lake Tana to visit the ancient 14th century island monasteries of Lake Tana. The 37 islands of Lake Tana shelter twenty monasteries-surviving remnants of an old, contemplative tradition. Because of their isolation, they were used to store treasures and religious relics from all parts of the country. The Lake’s monasteries are famous for their typical Ethiopian religious paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and other ancient church treasures. The monasteries that we are going to visit include Kibran Gebriel, Ura Kidane Mihret and Azua Mariam. After having lunch at the hotel, we will drive 35 KM to visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls. 30 KM after it exits Lake Tana, the Blue Nile plunges over a 45m-high face to form one of the most spectacular waterfall in Africa. Walking to the fall through the beautiful river gorge on the ancient bridge from the 17th century, and meeting the local people at the small villages on the way to the fall is also a great experience.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 :

After breakfast, drive to Gondar through the beautiful countryside scenery to arrive at Gondar around lunchtime. After check in to Goha Hotel and having lunch there, we will start city tour of Gondar. Gondar, founded by Emperor Fasiledas around 1635 is famous for its many medieval castles and the design and decoration of its churches-in particular, Debre Birhan Selassie represents a masterpiece of unique Ethiopian School of traditional art. Today you will visit the Royal Enclosure, a walled compound having 6different castles built from 17th century by different kings who ruled indifferent times, the pool of King Fasilidas which still serves as a baptismal pool during Ethiopian Epiphany and we will also visit the famous Deberberhan Sillassie adorned with brilliant frescos from inside.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 :

Morning after breakfast drive to Axum through the beautiful sceneries of Simien Mountains, Limalimo, Tekeze River Gorge. While driving from Simien Mountains to Axum, you will have a brief stop at different parts of the park for the best view. You will have picnic lunch under the shade of the tree past the Tekeze River Gorge whilst enjoying the beautiful Simien Mountains scenery from distance.. The canyon, which it has created, is the deepest in Africa and one of the deepest in the world, at some points having a depth of over 2000 meters.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 :

After breakfast, we will start to visit the ancient city of Axum. This is the birthplace of Ethiopian civilization, and by the first century Axum was a major trading center for exotic goods from Egypt, Rome, Nubia, Greece, Syria, and India. The Holy Ark of the Covenant was brought here before the destruction of the Temple, and Axum is reputed to be the second Jerusalem. Our visit in Axum include: the Stele Square, Kaleba Tombs, the 4th century Christian inscription of King Ezana, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, Archeological Museum, and Tsion Mariam Church where the original Ark of the Covenant is housed.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 :

Morning drive to Mekele en route visit Yeha temple and Debre Damo monastery.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 :

Drive to Lalibela on the way visit lake Ashenge and some local market.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 :

In the morning after breakfast excursion to visit the first group of the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela which are carved out of living volcanic tuff with super architectural skill that the world has never seen, yet elsewhere. UNESCO registers these churches as world heritage. Among churches of this group Bete Medahine Alem (house of the redeemer) is the largest with 5 aisles, 72 pillars, vaulted dome and molding decoration. Bete Mariam (house of St. Marry) is the most decorated among the rock hewn churches. Back to the hotel for lunch and afternoon visit the second group of the rock-hewn churches; Bete Emanuel (house of Emanuel) is architecturally the finest. Bete Giorgis (the house of George) is the finest of all the churches in Lalibela for which reason art historians conclude that this church is carved at the end of the cluster, after the masons have developed their skill to carve the church in such extraordinary perfection. In the evening, there will be Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony for the group prepared at a local house. Those who can’t face their day without a cup of coffee may be surprised to know that in its birthplace in Ethiopia’s Kaffa region-from which it gets its name- the berries were originally only eaten, never roasted and ground for a drink. Only since the13th century, coffee has been made a hot drink. Holding a coffee ceremony is traditional Ethiopian way of welcoming a guest and giving the guest the best hospitality. It is probably one of the most celebrated Ethiopian traditions, and a lifestyle — in which most Ethiopians can identify themselves with.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 :

After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela airport for the flight to Addis Ababa, we will pick you up and drive to Langano

Abiyatta Shalla Lakes National Park situated in the Great Rift Valley, only 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of Addis Ababa, and in the Lake Langano recreational areas, the Abiyatta Shalla lakes national Park attracts numerous visitors. It was created primarily for its aquatic bird life, particularly those that feed and breed on lakes Abiyatta and Shalla in Large numbers. The park compresses the two lakes, the isthmus between them and a thin strip of land along the shorelines of each. Developments have been limited to a number of tracks on land, and the construction of seven outposts. While attention is focused on the water birds, the land area does contain a reasonable amount of other wildlife.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 :

In the morning we drive to Arbaminch via to Awassa and Dorze . we pass through Chencha village to visit Dorze people. Among their very interesting cultures are their houses built from bamboo way of life and cultivation of the false banana (from which they extract their local bread, called Kotcho).

In the afternoon boat trip
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 :

Morning after breakfast drive to Jinka on the way visit Konso tribe village. Konso tribe is known for their unique social life structure and practicing the agriculture terracing.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 :

Today we visit a colorful local market and mingle with different tribes like the Karo, Hamer and Benna. There are many interesting handicrafts to be found too – don’t forget to bargain. Hopefully we will also be invited into a couple of homes.

Dimeka is the principal town in Hamer country, with an impressive market on Saturdays, where Hamer villagers make their way to from miles around. Dimeka borders different tribal areas, and you’re likely to encounter several different tribes mingling together in the market. A visit to one of the villages in the area is also rewarding; made entirely of mud, the small thatched huts are tidily arranged with very few outside influences to be seen, offering a glimpse into another way of life. Covering a large territory, the Dassanech people who live along the western banks of the Omo River, having been forced out of the Turkana region by conflict in the 18th century. Originally nomadic pastoralists, the more fertile surroundings of the Omo River has caused them to put down more permanent roots based around fishing and agriculture. The Daasanach live in small huts that befit their nomadic origins, as they could be easily and quickly dismantled. Today we visit the Daasanach cultural before returning in the afternoon to Turmi and spend the night campingCovering a large territory, the Dassanech people who live along the western banks of the Omo River, having been forced out of the Turkana region by conflict in the 18th century. Originally nomadic pastoralists, the more fertile surroundings of the Omo River has caused them to put down more permanent roots based around fishing and agriculture. The Daasanach live in small huts that befit their nomadic origins, as they could be easily and quickly dismantled. Today we visit the Daasanach cultural before returning in the afternoon to Turmi to spend the night.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 :

Today’s drive offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding scenery including the terraced hills of Konso. Along the way, we may be lucky enough to see beisa oryx, dik-dik, and lesser kudu. We visit Gersale Village Nursery and Konso village where the people are known for their colourful, traditional dress and the unusual engraved wooden statues or totems they use as grave markers. All roads into South Omo pass through Konso, and this unprepossessing small town of 3000 inhabitants is a good base for exploring the hillside villages in the surrounding countryside. The Konso people themselves live in walled hilltop settlements with maze-like fences. There is a central communal building called a mora, the ground floor of which is used by the men and boys as a social area; women are excluded. Carved wooden grave markers are a Konso tradition, with the deceased warrior’s features enhanced by using teeth made from animal bones.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 :

Awasa is one of the largest cities in southern Ethiopia but manages to retain an easy-going feel, making it a pleasant place to spend some time. There is a bustling central market as well as a separate fish market. Tabor Hill offers good views across the lake, which is the main draw; it has an imposing mountainous backdrop with the lakeshore itself fringed with lush vegetation where monkeys are frequently seen. Hippos are found out in the lake itself – they emerge onto the shore to graze after dark. The lake has excellent birdlife, with many species of waders present, as well as heron, stork, and pygmy geese. Fish eagles are also found here, their haunting cry often heard at dusk. On the way to Awasa we stop at Wenago to visit the Tutu Fella stelae field – an unusual collection of carved stones. We then continue to Lake Awasa, which is surrounded by mountains and populated by countless species of birds. On arrival, we walk along the shores of the lake to see birds and possibly Hippos.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 :

Morning visits the fish market which is very active during this time of the day and we take a short drive to Wondo Genet, the site of an inactive crater and an area of hot springs. The hot springs of Wonda Genet lies 20km to the south of the town of Shashemene, set in a region of beautiful scenery rich in birdlife. The hills are covered in juniper, providing a habitat for hornbill, turaco and yellow-fronted parrot. The nearby Abyata-Shala National Park incorporates the two Rift Valley lakes it is named after, and borders Lake Langano. The two lakes could not be more different – Shala lies in a crater 265m deep, studded with volcanic islands. Lake Abyata, in contrast, is large and shallow, nowhere deeper than 14m. We then continue to Langano where the rest of the day is free; those who wish may visit the nearby park around lakes Abyata and Shala. The park provides beautiful views over the two lakes and the valley covered in acacia trees. Numerous birds, including the pink flamingo, live on the shores.

In the evening before departure, you will be invited a farewell dinner party at one of the best traditional restaurants in Addis where you taste variety of Ethiopian meals, and watch the folkloric dancers of the Ethiopian people.
End of the Tour and Departure