Ethiopia Holiday Packages | 22 Days/ 21 Nights

Senait Ethiopia Tours

TOUR CODE: SET028

TOUR TYPE: ALL INCLUSIVE

DURATION: 22 DAYS/ 21 NIGHTS

MEANS OF TRANSPORT: DRIVE & FLIGHT

PROGRAM

TRIP OVERVIEW

This Ethiopian adventure begins and concludes in Addis Ababa. Visit Bahar Dar, the picturesque town set on the shores of Lake Tana. You will visit the island monasteries and the Blue Nile Falls. In Gondar you will visit the ancient churches and castles, remnants of a bygone Ethiopian Empire. Proceed to Semien mountain, the region includes many summits above 4,000m. (13,000feet) ,and the highest point in Ethiopia. At Axum, the most holy city in Ethiopia, you will see reminders of an early civilization at the stelae fields and ruins of the Palace of the Queen of Sheeba and other ancient sites. Gerealta Churches: Over 125 rock hewn churches are recorded with Tigray-alone. The Danakil Depression one of the lowest place on the earth ( 116 meter below sea level) where the salt excavation taking place and the bubbling colorful sulfuric acid. Continuing on the historic route, to Lalibela, a world-heritage-listed town set high in craggy mountains. Lalibela is renowned for its 12th- and 13th-century churches hewn out of solid rock and connected with subterranean passages. Proceed to Omo Valley is one of the most culturally rich tribal regions on the African continent.

  • Expand All

    Day 1: Addis Ababa Arrival and City tour
    Depart from your country flight to Addis flight and arrive at Bole International airport, meet our company representative and transfer to hotel. Have rest and afternoon Addis Ababa city tour including a drive to Mount Entoto for panoramic view of the city, national Museum which is the resting place of our ancestor LUCY, trinity cathedral. Overnight hotel.

    Day 2: Flight to Bahirdar
    Morning take the flight to Bahirdar and start boat excursion over Lake Tana to the Zeghie peninsula to visit the beautifully painted churches that are found hidden in the small forest: Ura Kidane Miheret, on the way you will have the chance to over view Kibran Gebriel and Entos Monastery and the outlet of the Blue Nile river. Afternoon Bahirdar market and city tour to see the Amhara people way of life, admire the beautiful city of Bahirdar. Afternoon free to relax, swim and enjoy their trip. Overnight hotel.

    Day 3: Full day in Bahirdar
    Morning drive 70KM round trip to visit Tississat named after the water falls of the Blue Nile River (the life blood for the Sudanese and Egyptians). You have the chance to meet the real country side of Ethiopia and enjoy the people way of life. Be informed that clients will walk about an 20 minutes to arrive near to the water falls on Blue Nile. For those who don’t want to walk, we use boat both ways to arrive at the water falls. Late afternoon easy drive to Bezawit palace for panoramic view of the city of Bahirdar, lake Tana, Blue Nile river with wonderful sun set view. Overnight hotel.

    Day 4: Drive to Gonder
    Morning drive to Gonder. On the way visit the Guzara castle, admire the wonderful landscape and view. Afternoon hotel you will be taken to visit the castle compound where you can see the medieval castle of king Fasilidas, King Yohannes, King Eyasu, King Dawit, King Bakafa and Queen Mentewab further visit of the churches of Debre Birhan Selassie with awesome wall paintings and the bath of King Fasilidas . Overnight hotel.

    Day 5: Drive Gonder – Semien Mountain
    Morning after 10 we will visit the churches of Debre Birhan Selassie with awesome wall paintings and the bath of King Fasilidas . Lunch and drive to Semien Mountain to visit the marvelous scenery of the Semien Mountain , the endemic animals of Walya Ibex, Chilada Baboon and birds. Five Kms from Gonder you will see the old village of the black Jewish. The full day you are in the Semien mountain around Sankaber campsite. Late afternoon drive to Semien Lodge. Overnight lodge.

    Day 6: Semien Mountain “ Roof of Africa”
    After breakfast, drive to Chenek and walk around to see the scenic mountains and views in the surrounding. Chenek lies at an altitude of 3800 m ASL in the valley at the bottom of the second highest pick called Buahit 4000 m ASL. It is the ideal place to see one of the endemic mammals found in the park, the Walia Ibex. They adapt living in the gigantic cliff age and high altitude. This adaptation comes from habitat loose because in the past they used to live at around 2500 m ASL. The males are big in size while the females are smaller. With such a colossal horn curved to the back, the males are easily spotted sleeping on the rock or standing near the giant lobelia. They are very solitary, the female are very close to each other and the family is organized by the dominant mother. It is very common to see one of the high altitude plant called giant Lobelia. When it grows fully, it reaches a height of 9 to 12 meters with a flowering part on the top. For this plant it is quiet a struggle to grow at such high altitude where the weather is very difficult. But nature has it all in it. Back to your lodge Overnight lodge.

    Day 7: Semien Mountain- Axum
    Morning view of the beautiful scenery of the Semien and drive to Axum Enjoying the western side of the dramatic Simien Mountain, Pass Limalimo, the most challenging road in Ethiopia but awesome landscape, cross the Tekeze Valley and arrive in Axum. Overnight hotel.

    Day 8: Visit Axum
    Morning start to visit the historical sites of Axum including the St. Mary church (where the Arc of the covenant is said to be kept) and the stele park, the ruins of the former palace of Queen of Sheba (Dungur Palace) the ruins of the former tombs of King Kaleb and his successor King Gebre Meskel. Overnight hotel.

    Day 9: Drive to Gheralta
    After breakfast we drive to Gheralta and on our way, we will visit the Adwa mountains which was the battle place where the Ethiopians defeated the Italians in 1896, pre-Axumite Temple of Yeha, which is the first civilization of Ethiopia started before Axum, Overnight hotel.

    Day 10: Gheralta Cluster Churches
    Today we will visit the Gheralta village, clime to Abune Yemata church (The climb to Abune Yemata is tough and you will be ready for this trip. The view is awesome and amazing. Optional visit to the less challenging churches of the Tigray if Abune Yemata is challenging for our clients. The other option will be Mariay Korkur. As there are many churches our guide will take you as per your interest and ability to walk/climb. Afternoon drive to Mekele visiting Abreha Atsbeha Churches. Overnight hotel.

    Day 11: Danakil Depression
    Drive to Hammed Ella to see the salt excavation in the next day and the afar people way of life. After the small town of Agula, we descend to the Afar Region. You will see too many camel caravans, transporting rock salt from Lake Asalé to the town of Mekelle at many spots on the road. As we penetrate deep down to the region, the temperature becomes hotter and hotter. Lunch at the small town of Berahile (110km from Mekelle), where entrance tickets will be collected too. Then we Proceed towards Hammed Ela with the accompany of polices and a local guide from Berahile. Overnight camping at Afar House.

    Day 12: Dallol/Mekele
    In the early morning, excursion to the Danakil depression. You will be overwhelmed with a strong feeling of admiration, because of the awesome of Dallol which at 116m below sea level is the lowest point on the African continent. Admire the stunning landscape, the ground many shades of red, yellow and orange from the hot water, acids and minerals spurting up from the ground. where lakes of acid form colorful sulfur formation in the hottest and deepest part of Danakil depression and you will also witness the cutting of salt bricks and salt being loading on to camels for the long caravans (approximately 1500-2000 camels weekly). Later, proceed to the traditional salt extraction site from where too many camel caravans are waiting to be loaded rock salts just nearby the Salt Lake of Asalé. Then approach to Lake Asalé. In the late afternoon drive to Mekele. Overnight hotel.

    Day 13: Drive Mekele - Lalibela.
    After breakfast you will visit the salt market in Mekele and then we will drive to Lalibela through Ambalage Chains of Mountain. Picnic Lunch en-route, arrive in Lalibela. Overnight hotel.

    Day 14, 15: Visit Lalibela
    Morning start to visit the 1st group churches which are included Bieta Medhanialem (Chapel of Holy Savior) which is the biggest and Bieta Mariam (Chapel of Mary): three aisled with mural paintings and a covered pillar containing inscriptions about the end of the world according to the gadl (act) of saintly king. Further visit of Bieta Denagel (Chapel of the Virgins), Bieta Meskel (Chapel of the cross) and finally, the “double – church” of Debre Sina and Bieta Golghotha (women are not allowed in the latter since it’s where the remains of King Lalibela are and also because it contains the tabernacle of the Holy Trinity). It is a very relaxed visit and you will have time to see all churches in detail.

    In Lalibela you will have optional mule excursion to Asheten Mariam church situated at a very hill top, to see the town of Lalibela and the surrounding attraction.

    Afternoon Visit of the second group of rock-hewn churches that are namely: Bieta Gabriel and Raphael, Bieta Merquorios, Bieta Emmanuel with unprecedented Axumite style and the Bieta Abaa Libanos (said to have been built by King Lalibela’s consort Meskal Kebra and visit the Bieta Ghiorghis which is the cruciform chapel of St. George. Overnight hotel.

    Day 16: Flight to Addis and drive to Langano
    Morning flight back to Addis, meet our 4WD and drive to Awassa via Rift valley over viewing the rift valley lakes of Koka, Zeway, and Langano with their aquatic birds. On the way enjoy the oromo people’s way of life. Overn Overnight hotel.

    Day 17: Langano-Alaba Village- Arba Minch
    Drive to Arba Minch in Amharic meaning 40 springs, admire very interesting views. Further visit of the Alaba, Wolayta and Gamo people on the way. Visit the Dorze tribes at Chencha and their long years traditional house, falls banana bread and the process to make it. Further drive to Arba Minch. Overnight Haile resort Arbaminch/ Paradise lodge. ( Both are almost similar standard). Overnight hotel.

    Day 18: Arba Minch- Jinka (285kms)
    Early morning breakfast and drive to lake Chamo for early morning boat excursion to see the Crocodile Market and the Hippos. (Here crocodiles are some of the longest in Africa , With length of 8 and also above meters.). Then drive to Jinka and on the way visit the Konso, Tsemay and Ari tribes. Cross the weito Dessert which is the home of the Tsemay tribes, Overnight lodge.

    Day 19: Jinka-Mursi-Turmi (255kms)
    Enter Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people and their villages. Here for beauty women insert round clay plates in their lips. The men practice scarification based on the number of enemies or wild animals they have killed in battle. Back to Jinka for Lunch and drive to Turmi and visit the Hamer tribes and their village Overnight lodge

    Day 20: Turmi-Karo-Turmi
    Drive to Murulle to visit the Karo people with their body decorations and skin scarification. Admire the view of the Omo river from Kortcho village. Then back to Turmi for the colourful market (if today is Monday). Visit the Hamer, Bena and Dassanech tribes. Witness Hamer dances (evangadi) and seasonal marriage ceremonies with bull-jumping if we are lucky. Overnight lodge.

    Day 21: Turmi –Konso
    Today we drive to Konso visiting the Erbore, Tsemay tribes and their village and Afternoon visit the Konso village which is one of the world heritage sites of UNESCO. Enjoy Konso – Gargesie near the village lies a giant cleft, within which many rock formations resembling the outline of their forms in New York. Overnight lodge.

    Day 22: Konso- Arbaminch (90 kms)
    This morning we will rise for Ethiopia coffee and drive to Arbaminch to catch our flight that depart around noon. Take the flight back to Addis, Ethnological museum to see the different tribes culture, Merkato the biggest open Market in Africa. Evening fare well dinner at one of the city’s best traditional restaurants to enjoy a variety of Ethiopian cuisines and watch traditional dancing. Today one of our staff will be with you during farewell dinner which is good time to take your feedback about your trip. Then transfer to airport and end of the trip.

  • DAY 1: Addis Ababa Arrival and City tour

    Depart from your country flight to Addis flight and arrive at Bole International airport, meet our company representative and transfer to hotel. Have rest and afternoon Addis Ababa city tour including a drive to Mount Entoto for panoramic view of the city, national Museum which is the resting place of our ancestor LUCY, trinity cathedral. Overnight hotel.

  • DAY 2: Flight to Bahirdar

    Morning take the flight to Bahirdar and start boat excursion over Lake Tana to the Zeghie peninsula to visit the beautifully painted churches that are found hidden in the small forest: Ura Kidane Miheret, on the way you will have the chance to over view Kibran Gebriel and Entos Monastery and the outlet of the Blue Nile river. Afternoon Bahirdar market and city tour to see the Amhara people way of life, admire the beautiful city of Bahirdar. Afternoon free to relax, swim and enjoy their trip. Overnight hotel.

  • DAY 3: Full day in Bahirdar

    Morning drive 70KM round trip to visit Tississat named after the water falls of the Blue Nile River (the life blood for the Sudanese and Egyptians). You have the chance to meet the real country side of Ethiopia and enjoy the people way of life. Be informed that clients will walk about an 20 minutes to arrive near to the water falls on Blue Nile. For those who don’t want to walk, we use boat both ways to arrive at the water falls. Late afternoon easy drive to Bezawit palace for panoramic view of the city of Bahirdar, lake Tana, Blue Nile river with wonderful sun set view. Overnight hotel.

  • DAY 4: Drive to Gonder

    Morning drive to Gonder. On the way visit the Guzara castle, admire the wonderful landscape and view. Afternoon hotel  you will be taken to visit the castle compound where you can see the medieval castle of king Fasilidas, King Yohannes, King Eyasu, King Dawit, King Bakafa and Queen Mentewab further visit of the churches of Debre Birhan Selassie with awesome wall paintings and the bath of King Fasilidas . Overnight hotel.

  • DAY 5: Drive Gonder – Semien Mountain

    Morning after 10 we will visit the churches of Debre Birhan Selassie with awesome wall paintings and the bath of King Fasilidas . Lunch and  drive to Semien Mountain to visit the marvelous scenery of the Semien Mountain , the endemic animals of Walya Ibex, Chilada Baboon and birds. Five Kms from Gonder you will see the old village of the black Jewish. The full day you are in the Semien mountain around Sankaber campsite. Late afternoon drive to Semien Lodge. Overnight lodge.

  • DAY 6: Semien Mountain “ Roof of Africa”

    After breakfast, drive to Chenek and walk around to see the scenic mountains and views in the surrounding. Chenek lies at an altitude of 3800 m ASL in the valley at the bottom of the second highest pick called Buahit 4000 m ASL. It is the ideal place to see one of the endemic mammals found in the park, the Walia Ibex. They adapt living in the gigantic cliff age and high altitude. This adaptation comes from habitat loose because in the past they used to live at around 2500 m ASL. The males are big in size while the females are smaller. With such a colossal horn curved to the back, the males are easily spotted sleeping on the rock or standing near the giant lobelia. They are very solitary, the female are very close to each other and the family is organized by the dominant mother. It is very common to see one of the high altitude plant called giant Lobelia. When it grows fully, it reaches a height of 9 to 12 meters with a flowering part on the top. For this plant it is quiet a struggle to grow at such high altitude where the weather is very difficult. But nature has it all in it. Back to your lodge Overnight  lodge.

  • DAY 7: Semien Mountain- Axum

    Morning view of the beautiful scenery of the Semien and drive to Axum Enjoying the western side of the dramatic Simien Mountain, Pass Limalimo, the most challenging road in Ethiopia but awesome landscape, cross the Tekeze Valley and arrive in Axum. Overnight hotel.

  • DAY 8: Visit Axum

    Morning start to visit the historical sites of Axum including the St. Mary church (where the Arc of the covenant is said to be kept) and the stele park, the ruins of the former palace of Queen of Sheba (Dungur Palace) the ruins of the former tombs of King Kaleb and his successor King Gebre Meskel.  Overnight hotel.

  • DAY 9: Drive to Gheralta

     After breakfast we drive to Gheralta and on our way, we will visit the Adwa mountains which was the battle place where the Ethiopians defeated the Italians in 1896, pre-Axumite Temple of Yeha, which is the first civilization of Ethiopia started before Axum, Overnight hotel.

  • DAY 10: Gheralta Cluster Churches

    Today we will visit the Gheralta village, clime to Abune Yemata church (The climb to Abune Yemata is tough and you will be ready for this trip. The view is awesome and amazing. Optional visit to the less challenging churches of the Tigray if Abune Yemata is challenging for our clients. The other option will be Mariay Korkur. As there are many churches our guide will take you as per your interest and ability to walk/climb. Afternoon drive to Mekele visiting Abreha Atsbeha Churches. Overnight hotel.

  • DAY 11: Danakil Depression

    Drive to Hammed Ella to see the salt excavation in the next day and the afar people way of life. After the small town of Agula, we descend to the Afar Region. You will see too many camel caravans, transporting rock salt from Lake Asalé to the town of Mekelle at many spots on the road. As we penetrate deep down to the region, the temperature becomes hotter and hotter. Lunch at the small town of Berahile (110km from Mekelle), where entrance tickets will be collected too. Then we Proceed towards Hammed Ela with the accompany of polices and a local guide from Berahile. Overnight camping at Afar House.

  • DAY 12: Dallol/Mekele

    In the early morning, excursion to the Danakil depression. You will be overwhelmed with a strong feeling of admiration, because of the awesome of Dallol which at 116m below sea level is the lowest point on the African continent.  Admire the stunning landscape, the ground many shades of red, yellow and orange from the hot water, acids and minerals spurting up from the ground. where lakes of acid form colorful sulfur formation in the hottest and deepest part of Danakil depression and you will also witness the cutting of salt bricks and salt being loading on to camels for the long caravans (approximately 1500-2000 camels weekly).   Later, proceed to the traditional salt extraction site from where too many camel caravans are waiting to be loaded rock salts just nearby the Salt Lake of Asalé. Then approach to Lake Asalé. In the late afternoon drive to Mekele. Overnight hotel.

  • DAY 13: Drive Mekele - Lalibela

    After breakfast you will visit the salt market in Mekele and then we will drive to Lalibela through Ambalage Chains of Mountain. Picnic Lunch en-route, arrive in Lalibela. Overnight hotel.

  • DAY 14, 15: Visit Lalibela

    Morning start to visit the 1st group churches which are included Bieta Medhanialem (Chapel of Holy Savior) which is the biggest and Bieta Mariam (Chapel of Mary): three aisled with mural paintings and a covered pillar containing inscriptions about the end of the world according to the gadl (act) of saintly king.  Further visit of Bieta Denagel (Chapel of the Virgins), Bieta Meskel (Chapel of the cross) and finally, the “double – church” of Debre Sina and Bieta Golghotha (women are not allowed in the latter since it’s where the remains of King Lalibela are and also because it contains the tabernacle of the Holy Trinity).  It is a very relaxed visit and you will have time to see all churches in detail.

    In Lalibela you will have optional mule excursion to Asheten Mariam church situated at a very hill top, to see the town of Lalibela and the surrounding attraction.

    Afternoon Visit of the second group of rock-hewn churches that are namely: Bieta Gabriel and Raphael, Bieta Merquorios, Bieta Emmanuel with unprecedented Axumite style and the Bieta Abaa Libanos (said to have been built by King Lalibela’s consort Meskal Kebra and visit the Bieta Ghiorghis which is the cruciform chapel of St. George. Overnight hotel.

  • DAY 16: Flight to Addis and drive to Langano

    Morning flight back to Addis, meet our 4WD and drive to Awassa via Rift valley over viewing the rift valley lakes of Koka, Zeway, and Langano with their aquatic birds. On the way enjoy the oromo people’s way of life. Overn Overnight hotel.

  • DAY 17: Langano-Alaba Village- Arba Minch

    Drive to Arba Minch in Amharic meaning 40 springs, admire very interesting views. Further visit of the Alaba, Wolayta and Gamo people on the way. Visit the Dorze tribes at Chencha and their long years traditional house, falls banana bread and the process to make it. Further drive to Arba Minch. Overnight Haile resort Arbaminch/ Paradise lodge. ( Both are almost similar standard). Overnight hotel.

  • DAY 18: Arba Minch- Jinka (285kms)

    Early morning breakfast and drive to lake Chamo for early morning boat excursion to see the Crocodile Market and the Hippos. (Here crocodiles are some of the longest in Africa , With length of 8 and also above meters.). Then drive to Jinka and on the way visit the Konso, Tsemay and Ari tribes. Cross the weito Dessert which is the home of the Tsemay tribes, Overnight lodge.

  • DAY 19: Jinka-Mursi-Turmi (255kms)

    Enter Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people and their villages. Here for beauty women insert round clay plates in their lips. The men practice scarification based on the number of enemies or wild animals they have killed in battle. Back to Jinka for Lunch and  drive to Turmi and visit the Hamer tribes and their village  Overnight lodge.

  • DAY 20: Turmi-Karo-Turmi

    Drive to Murulle to visit the Karo people with their body decorations and skin scarification. Admire the view of the Omo river from Kortcho village. Then back to Turmi for the colourful market (if today is Monday). Visit the Hamer, Bena and Dassanech tribes. Witness Hamer dances (evangadi) and seasonal marriage ceremonies with bull-jumping if we are lucky. Overnight lodge.

  • DAY 21: Turmi –Konso

    Today we  drive to Konso visiting the Erbore, Tsemay tribes and their village and Afternoon visit the Konso village which is one of the world heritage sites of UNESCO. Enjoy Konso – Gargesie near the village lies a giant cleft, within which many rock formations resembling the outline of their forms in New York. Overnight lodge.

  • DAY 22: Konso- Arbaminch (90 kms)

    This morning we will rise for Ethiopia coffee and drive to Arbaminch to catch our flight that depart around noon. Take the flight back to Addis, Ethnological museum to see the different tribes culture, Merkato the biggest open Market in Africa. Evening fare well dinner at one of the city’s best traditional restaurants to enjoy a variety of Ethiopian cuisines and watch traditional dancing. Today one of our staff will be with you during farewell dinner which is good time to take your feedback about your trip. Then transfer to airport and end of the trip.

simply send us an email and we’ll plan it for you !

CONTACT WITH US

+251 116 294039

info@senaitethiopia.com