North and South Ethiopia: In Search of the Ark
Below is a sample Ethiopia itinerary. Call us to start planning your amazing journey with one of our travel specialists today.
The deepest roots of humanity can be found in Ethiopia, a land raw in its beauty, spirituality, and sheer timelessness. It is a travel jewel not to be missed. Our trip starts in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s sprawling capital city, whose juxtapositions are representative of the country’s conflicting identities as a prominent, developing African power but simultaneously home to hundreds of tribal groups. Head north to Lake Tana, the pure source of the revered Blue Nile River where ancient Ethiopian Orthodox monasteries can be found tucked away on the lake’s islands. In Gondar, stand within the fortified walls of a 17th-century royal city, then, in Axum, roam the ruins of an ancient capital where the elusive Ark of the Covenant is claimed to have been kept for thousands of years. Fly to Lalibela and discover ornate churches dug deep into the earth where priests worship in a cool subterranean world, silent except for the faint echoes of distant steps. We finish our journey in southern Ethiopia with visits to a number of tribal groups. The Omo Valley is one of the few remaining pockets of life on earth where people continue to live in the tribal way of their ancestors. Learn about their distinctive languages and social structure before returning home from Addis Ababa.
Itinerary
Day 1. Depart.
Day 2. Addis Ababa. Hyatt Regency.
Day 3. Addis Ababa.
Day 4. Lake Tana. Kuriftu Resort and Spa.
Day 5. Gondar. Gondar Hills Resort.
Day 6. Gondar.
Day 7. Axum. Sabean Hotel.
Day 8. Axum.
Day 9. Lalibela. Maribela Hotel.
Day 10. Lalibela.
Day 11. Awassa. Haile Resort.
Day 12. Arba Minch. Haile Resort.
Day 13. Arba Minch.
Day 14. Turmi. Buska Lodge.
Day 15. Turmi.
Day 16. Jinka. Eco-Omo Lodge.
Day 17. Addis Ababa. Hyatt Regency.
Day 18. Addis Ababa. Day rooms until 6.00pm.
Day 19. Return home from Addis Ababa.
We love organizing private journeys as much as we love putting together our group programs. If you would prefer, a customized journey can be planned for one person or a larger group of families or friends, and we would be delighted to work with you on your dream tour that reflects your interests, your pace and your budget.