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Ethiopian Odyssey - Overland Trip

4 weeks: to (IMT-KTEO)

Intro

Ethiopian tourism is in its infancy, but the people of Ethiopia will welcome you warmly. Our journey focuses on the historically important regions of Bahar Dar, Gondar, Askum and Lalibela and weaves the story of a once great and powerful kingdom. The Simien Mountains you will have you traversing an amazing national park that provides a habitat for some of Ethiopia\'s endemic wildlife. Whilst trekking it is not unusual to walk among troops of gelada baboons, see wyala ibexes on the rocky cliff face and hear or observe some of the country\'s many endemic birds. Combined with this is the chance of interacting with rural villages and gaining an insight into the daily lives of the villagers, as they struggle to survive in a harsh environment with few natural resources.
The Omo Valley is unique in that besides the home of the richest national parks of the country it\'s a living museum whose inhabitants seem intent on outdoing each other when it comes to outwardly bizarre rituals and decorations. Body scarring, lip plates, bull-jumping, stick fighting - in different parts of South Omo these are all part of the way of life.Testing, awe-inspiring and life changing, this is a journey you\'ll never forget. You don\'t explore Ethiopia for a relaxing getaway; you venture here to be moved. And moved you shall be.

Included

An experienced English-speaking local leader, accommodation, meals, transportation, and sightseeing excursions as per itinerary, transfer to hotel on arrival, entrance fees

Itineraries ( - )

Day 1

Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to hotel.

Day 2

City tour of Addis Ababa, including St George's Cathedral and Merkato.

Day 3

Fly to Bahar Dar. Explore the Blue Nile Falls.

Day 4

Full day exploring the island monasteries on Lake Tana.

Day 5-6

Travel to Gondar. Tour of the Royal Enclosure and Debre Berhan Selassie Church.

Day 7

Simien Mountains National Park. Trek to Sankaber.

Day 8

Day treks through the Simien Mountains.

Day 9-10

Final morning trek, return to Debark and continue onward to Axum. Full day sightseeing in Axum including Church of St Mary of Zion.

Day 11-12

Fly to Lalibela. Explore rock-hewn churches in Lalibela town. Visit remote church built within a cave dating back to the 12th Century.

Day 13-14

Fly back to Addis Ababa. Option for a traditional meal and dancing. Free time Abbis Ababa.

Day 15

Start travelling to the south of Ethiopia in 4WDs through high mountain plateau to Arba Minch.

Day 16

Visit Nechisar National Park, which has been described as one of the most beautiful of Africa's game parks.

Day 17-18

We meet several different tribes on our way to Jinka, including the Dorze, Konso, and Mursi people.

Day 19

Travel through open savannah. Visit Karo tribe and the Hamer people.

Day 20

Visit the colourful market of Dimeka and mingle with different tribes like the Karo, Dus, Korcho, Hamer and Geleb.

Day 21-22

Visit the Geleb tribes, and cross the Omo River by boat. Pass through the terraced hills of Konso, possibly viewing beisa oryx, dik-dik, and lesser kudu.

Day 23

Take a scenic drive to El Sod village and enjoy a short hike to visit 'the house of salt', on the edge of a deep crater lake.

Day 24-25

Depart for Wenago to visit the Tutu Fella stelae field - an unusual collection of carved stones. On arrival, we visit the Lake Awasa fish market. Short drive to Wondo Genet, the site of an inactive crater and an area of hot springs, then continue to Langano.

Day 26

Return to Addis Ababa. The rest of the day is free to explore or perhaps indulge in a bit of last minute shopping.

Day 27

Tour ends after breakfast.

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