15 Days Combined Tours to Northern and Southern Ethiopia

Tour Highlights

• Explore Ethiopia’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites – including Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, Axum’s ancient obelisks, and Gondar’s royal castles.
• Cruise across Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, and visit centuries-old island monasteries.
• Marvel at the spectacular Blue Nile Falls, one of Ethiopia’s most scenic natural wonders.
• Discover Gondar, the “Camelot of Africa,” with its castles and colorful medieval church murals.
• Step back in time at Axum, the ancient capital and reputed home of the Ark of the Covenant.
• Visit the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a masterpiece of Ethiopian devotion and architecture.
• Experience the vibrant Rift Valley Lakes, home to diverse birdlife and natural beauty.
• Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of the Omo Valley tribes – Hamer, Mursi, Dassenech, Konso, and others.
• Witness colorful weekly tribal markets, a true highlight of southern Ethiopia.

Detailed Travel Itinerary

Day 1፡ Addis Ababa → Bahir Dar (Flight)

Take an early morning flight to Bahir Dar (07:00). Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic boat trip on Lake Tana, visiting centuries-old monasteries such as Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret on the Zege Peninsula, and Debre Maryam near the Blue Nile outlet. In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Nile Falls and enjoy a short hike to witness this powerful cascade. End the day watching the sunset over Lake Tana.
Overnight: Bahir Dar (Hotel)

Day 2፡ Bahir Dar → Gondar

After breakfast, drive north to Gondar (approx. 4 hours), passing through scenic countryside and Amhara villages. Upon arrival, explore the Royal Enclosure, with its six medieval castles, Fasilidas’ Bath (still used during Timket celebrations), the Ras Gimb Palace Museum, and the beautifully painted Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famed for its angelic ceiling murals.
Overnight: Gondar (Hotel)

Day 3፡ Gondar → Axum (Flight)

Take an early morning flight to Axum, one of Africa’s oldest cities. Visit the famous stelae field, including the obelisk returned from Italy, the Archaeological Museum, Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Ezana’s inscription, and the tombs of Kings Kaleb and Bazen. Visit St. Mary of Zion Church, the most sacred church in Ethiopia and traditional home of the Ark of the Covenant (restricted access).
Overnight: Axum (Hotel)

Day 4፡ Axum → Lalibela (Flight)

Fly to Lalibela (08:00), the “New Jerusalem” and Ethiopia’s most famous pilgrimage site. After lunch, explore the Northwestern Cluster of rock-hewn churches: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha (entry restricted for women).
Overnight: Lalibela (Hotel)

Day 5፡ Lalibela

After breakfast, visit the nearby Yimrehane Kristos Church, a beautiful pre-Lalibela church built inside a cave with alternating layers of wood and stone. Return to Lalibela for lunch, then continue to the Southeastern Cluster of churches: Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanuel, and Bet Abba Libanos. End the day at the iconic Bet Giyorgis (St. George’s Church), carved in the shape of a cross and dedicated to Ethiopia’s patron saint.
Overnight: Lalibela (Hotel)

Day 6፡ Lalibela → Awassa (Flight + Drive)

Take a morning flight to Addis Ababa (09:00), then drive south to Awassa via the Great Rift Valley. En route, stop at Lake Ziway for birdwatching.
Overnight: Awassa (Hotel)

Day 7፡ Awassa → Dorze / Arba Minch

After breakfast, visit the lively Awassa Fish Market along the lakeshore. Continue driving to Dorze, high in the green hills above Arba Minch. The Dorze people are known for their tall beehive-shaped huts and skilled cotton weaving. Visit their village and, if timing aligns, explore the local market (Dorze: Mon/Thu, Chencha: Tue/Sat).
Overnight: Dorze (traditional hut) or Arba Minch (Hotel/Lodge)

Day 8፡ Dorze → Arba Minch

If it’s market day, visit the Dorze or Chencha market, then drive to Arba Minch. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see the famous “Crocodile Market” and local hippos.
Overnight: Arba Minch (Hotel/Lodge)

Day 9፡ Arba Minch → Turmi

Drive south to Turmi, passing through Weyto (home of the Tsemai tribe) and Erbore (market day Saturday). Continue to Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe. In the evening, enjoy the traditional Evangadi night dance.
Overnight: Turmi (Hotel/Lodge)

Day 10፡ Turmi & Omorate

Take a day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassenech tribe across the Omo River (crossing by local boat). Return to Turmi for a Hamer village visit and, if lucky, witness the Bull Jumping Ceremony – a unique Hamer coming-of-age ritual.
Overnight: Turmi (Hotel/Lodge)

Day 11፡Turmi → Jinka (via Dimeka & Key Afar)

Drive north via Dimeka (market days Tue/Sat), one of the region’s most colorful markets, attracting Hamer, Benna, and Karo tribes. Continue to Jinka.
Overnight: Jinka (Hotel/Lodge)

Day 12፡ Jinka & Mago National Park

Drive through Mago National Park to visit a Mursi village, famous for women wearing large lip plates. Return to Jinka for lunch, then visit the South Omo Museum or hike to an Ari village to experience local life.
Overnight: Jinka (Hotel/Lodge)

Day 13፡ Jinka → Konso

Depart Jinka via Key Afar (market day Thursday) and continue to Konso (market days Mon/Thu). Visit a traditional Konso village, see the waka wooden statues, and learn about their terraced farming system (UNESCO-recognized). Optionally, visit the striking “New York” rock formations.
Overnight: Konso (Hotel/Lodge)

Day 14፡ Konso → Lake Langano

After breakfast, drive to Lake Langano, stopping at the Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the endangered Swayne’s Hartebeest. Continue to Lake Langano for a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Langano (Lodge)

Day 15፡ Lake Langano → Addis Ababa

Enjoy a morning swim or birdwatching at Langano, then drive back to Addis Ababa, stopping at Abijatta–Shalla National Park for panoramic lake views and flamingo spotting. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional music and dance before transfer to the airport for your departure.

End of Tour