Ethiopian Odyssey Travel Tours & Trips: Peregrine Adventures

Overview

This Ethiopian journey weaves a story of a once great and powerful kingdom, built on the dynasties of Bihar Dar, Gondar, Axum and Lalibela. Down south in the Omo Valley, the rich traditions of the very different tribes will have you feeling like time has stood still here for centuries.

Why we love it

Ethiopian tourism is in its infancy, but the people of Ethiopia will welcome you warmly.
The Simien Mountains will have you traversing an amazing national park that provides a habitat for some of Ethiopia’s endemic wildlife

The Omo Valley is unique in that besides it being the home of the richest national parks in the country.
this is a journey you’ll never forget. You don’t explore Ethiopia for a relaxing getaway; you venture here to be moved.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Addis Ababa

On arrival in Addis Ababa, you are met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Please note this is an arrival day, so you may arrive at any time. If you arrive early, an optional visit to the National Museum can be arranged.
Addis Ababa is a bustling city, dotted with Italian architecture, interesting churches and friendly inhabitants. It is also a city of immense contrasts – the Addis Sheraton, with its ‘singing fountain’ is one of the most luxurious in all of Africa, yet you only need to travel a few streets away to find yourself among busy markets, dirt roads and the odd goat or two wandering the streets. The city is relatively new– established by the Emperor Menelik II in 1887, and at 2,400m has the distinction of being the third highest capital in the world. Although Ethiopia was the only African nation never to be colonised, parts of it, including Addis, were briefly occupied by the Italians in the twentieth century, and in many parts of the city their legacy lives on in the form of old art deco buildings and coffee shops, particularly in the area known as the Piazza. Addis can seem daunting at times, but even the briefest foray into the busy streets can reveal interesting new insights.

Global Hotel or similar

Day 2 - Addis Ababa

This morning, we visit the National Museum which consists of archeological collections from as early as Lucy (3.5 Million Years old) and other fossils of primates from earlier periods. This museum also includes archeological collections from the ancient civilization of Axum and other major sites in the northern Ethiopia.
Merkato is the biggest market in the east Africa and its bustling outdoor markets are very colorful reminders of more traditional way of life. Addis Ababa's cosy espresso bars and pastries are reminiscent of Rome and the Mediterranean world and the people, the bursts of music from the cafes and shops, the pungent aromas of spicy cooking, of coffee and frankincense, form a unique Ethiopian pastiche.

Global Hotel or similar

Breakfast

Day 3 - Bahir Dar

This morning we fly to Bahar Dar, one of Ethiopia’s most attractive towns where we will walk through the market and maybe stop at the local juice bar, which will give you a nice feel for this town. Located 32 kilmeters south of Bahar Dar, the Blue Nile Falls measure over 400 metres wide and descends 48 metres. These falls are known locally as Tis Isat (Smoking Water) and are a spectacular sight when in full flood. The famous explorer James Bruce, when he first laid eyes on the Blue Nile Falls, described them as ‘a most magnificent sight, that ages, added to the greatest length of human life, would not deface or eradicate from my memory.’ The new hydro-electrical plants and dams have somewhat impacted on their magnificence, but the sight is still a memorable one.

Tana Hotel or similar

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 4 - Lake Tana

One of the fabled sources of the Nile, Lake Tana is one of Ethiopia’s greatest natural treasures. With a surface of around 3,600km, the lake is also famous for the series of ancient monasteries and churches located on twenty of the islands that are found within the waters. We have a full day visiting the many island monasteries that lie on Lake Tana. We'll travel by boat to visit some of the more remote monasteries and churches, most of which date back to the thirteenth century. The monasteries are fascinating and unlike any others outside Ethiopia, often decorated with bright frescoes. Because of their isolation they were used to store art treasures and religious relics from all over the country. Local history says the Ark of the Covenant was kept on one of these islands when the city of Axum was under threat, and the remains of five emperors are to be found at Daga Istafanos.

Tana Hotel or similar

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 5-6 - Gondar

We head to Gondar to explore the old capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival we head to Debre Berhan Selassie, perhaps Ethiopia's most beautiful church, followed by the Royal Enclosure. The town of Gondar is often described as ‘The Camelot of Ethiopia’, and when you approach the Royal Enclosure, situated in the middle of the town, it’s easy to understand why. A collection of superbly preserved castles built in the 17th century are still standing in an excellent state of preservation today. Different stories abound as to who built them – some say Portuguese craftsmen, others believe they were built by Ethiopian hands. Whatever the truth, the Royal Enclosure has to be one of the most of the most striking and unusual sights in all of Africa.

Goha Hotel or similar

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 7 - Simien Mountains

Heading north we travel to Debark, on the edge of the Simien Mountains National Park. This area is characterised by enormous chasms and gorges, and offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Africa.
Ethiopia is often described as ‘the roof of Africa’, and when the Simien Mountains first loom into sight, it’s easy to understand why. Characterised by massive gorges and dramatic pinnacles, the Simiens are perhaps Africa’s most beautiful range of mountains, and house the fourth highest peak on the continent, Ras Dashen (4,620m). The mountains are also home too much of Ethiopia’s wildlife and are great for bird watching. The Gelada baboon, a striking primate with a shaggy mane and a patch of bright red skin on its chest, is found here in good numbers. It is quite likely that you will encounter a troop of these impressive animals as you walk the mountain paths. Also found here are the rarer Walia Ibex, and the world’s most endangered member of the dog family, the elusive Simien Wolf. Your trek here takes in some of the most scenic parts of the Simien Mountains National Park, past striking chasms and gorges where lammergeiers fly past swooping for prey.
We’ll take a short trek to Sankaber, where we'll camp for the night.

Camping

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 8 - Simien Mountains

We spend today trekking through these magnificent mountains, hoping to see some of the fascinating wildlife that lives here. You're almost guaranteed to see Gelada baboons, a species that is found nowhere else on earth, and if we're lucky we may see Walia Ibex.

Camping

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 9-10 - Axum

After a short hike this morning we travel back through fantastic scenery on our way to Axum. Here we have a day and a half sightseeing, including the Church of St Mary of Zion, which is believed to contain the Ark of the Covenant. A once great city that was under the control of the Queen of Sheba, Axum is home to many fascinating tombs and churches, and has an unusual collection of stelae dating back to the third and fourth centuries. Today it is a site of pilgrimage, and contains an amazing collection of ancient buildings, including palaces belonging to important Ethiopian kings and emperors. The huge granite stelae are the most famous monuments in Axum. Originally seven in number, the largest measured thirty-three metres high and weighed about 500 tons, but it fell centuries ago and lies in pieces next to the remaining stelae.

Yeha Hotel or similar

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 11-12 - Lalibela

We fly to Lalibela today, home to a spectacular collection of churches hewn out of the surrounding rock, so astounding that many believe they are the creations of angels. We'll visit the churches within the town and also head out into the surrounding countryside, to visit some of the churches that lie nearby, all made from the rock and dating back to around the twelfth century. There are many stories concerning the origin of these churches, but the most popular local legend is that angels built them in a single night. The churches have been dated back to the reign of King Lalibela sometime in the eleventh or twelfth centuries. Many of the churches are connected by underground tunnels and narrow walkways built into the rock, and they are still a site of pilgrimage today as they have been for centuries. In some of the churches hermits and monks live in tiny caverns in the walls, barely big enough for them to stretch out, staying here for years on end. The jewel of Lalibela’s churches is Beta Giorgis, a cross shaped church rising out of the earth, surrounded by the walls of the pit into which it was dug, which houses a wooden box said to have been carved by King Lalibela himself. While in Lalibela you may also be lucky enough to witness one of the religious festivals that often take place here.

Mountain View Hotel or similar

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 13-14 - Addis Ababa

An afternoon flight takes us back to Addis Ababa. We are then transferred to the hotel and get settled before enjoying an optional dinner at a well known local Ethiopian restaurant. Here we are able to put our new-found dancing moves to the test by joining in with the traditional dancers. A free day gives us time to do some more exploring of Addis Ababa, or to just relax and prepare for the second leg of our journey.

Global Hotel or similar

Breakfast

Day 15 - Arba Minch

Today we start travelling to the south of Ethiopia, a region noted for its enormous variety of peoples and cultures. Many of these populations are nomadic or semi-nomadic and, far from the influence of the modern world, their ancient traditions have remained intact. After leaving Addis Ababa, we pass through the high mountain plateau. Set in dramatic surroundings, Arba Minch is a small southern Ethiopian town lying at an altitude of 1,300m above sea level, on a cliff overlooking Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya. To the west, mountains form a backdrop rising to 4,000m. Although there's not much to do in town, it is the gateway to Nechisar National Park. Along the way we will pass by a Dorze village, famous for its beehive huts.
Driving time: Approximately 10 hours

Bekele Molla Hotel or similar

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 16 - Nechisar National Park

With some of the most dramatic scenery in Africa, Nechisar National Park lies at the heart of the Rift Valley, covering Lakes Chamo and Abaya and the mountainous causeway between them known as the 'Bridge of God'. The Nechisar Plain offers the best game viewing, with Burchellis zebra, gazelle and kudu. Lions are found in the park but are rarely seen. Waterbuck are found near the lake shore, and there are many smaller species of buck found in the forest areas. Today we visit Nechisar, to view the wide variety of wildlife and take a boat trip on Lake Chamo, inhabited by hippo and crocodile.
Driving time: Approximately 2 1/2 hours

Bekele Molla Hotel or similar

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 17-18 - Jinka

We pass through the territories of several different tribes on our way to Jinka including the Konso, who erect totem poles on the tombs of their ancestor. Jinka is a small mountain town set apart from the country. It’s both remote and rustic, accentuated by the grass airstrip in the middle of town. People come from across South Omo to visit the local markets, particularly Ari, Bana, Besheda and Besketo people. Probably the best known tribe in Ethiopia, the Mursi people are most famous for their practices of extending their lower lips with clay discs, and stick fighting. We visit a Mursi village to learn more about this fascinating group. When a Mursi woman reaches 20 years old, a slit is made beneath the lower lip and a clay plate inserted. Each year a larger plate is added, stretching the lower lip until it juts out so far that a 15cm plate can be worn and the woman can pull her lip right over her head. This is considered the height of attractiveness. Mursi men do not escape entirely unscathed, as they take part in stick fights which in the past sometimes ended in the death of one of the participants. Decorated with white clay, they whack each other with 2m long poles. There are consolations; the winner is carried off by a group of eligible girls who then decide which one of them will marry him
Driving time: Day 4 approximately 8 hours; Day 5 approximately 1 1/2 hours

Jinka Resort Hotel or similar

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 19 - Murulle

Here the track stops. Travelling through open savannah and often encountering herds of Buffalo, Giraffe and gazelle, we head towards Murile. We visit the Karo tribe, masters of body decoration who use chalk to paint themselves. We will also visit the Hamer people, known for their remarkable hairstyles. Murulle (also spelled Muelle and Murli) lies on the banks of the Omo River, and is a popular base for exploring what is essentially a rugged area. There is a fair amount of wildlife in the area, and a good chance of seeing some form of antelope and possibly raptors overhead. The two main tribes who live in the area are the Karo and the Hamer, both of whom practice scarification and have elaborate hairstyles. The highlight of the year in the Hamer calendar is the Bull Jumping Ceremony, the culmination of a 3 day initiation ceremony. 15 bulls are lined up and the initiate has to jump onto each one, all the way down the line, before turning round and coming back the same way. The ceremony is usually held around December/January and August, right after the harvest season. Driving time: Approximately 5 hours

Camping

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 20-21 - Turmi

Today we visit a colourful 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 camping
Driving time: Approximately 3 hours day 21

Camping

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 22 - Konso

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. Driving time: Approximately 4 1/2 hours

Green Hotel or similar

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 23 - Yabello

Today we take a very scenic drive to El Sod village. Here we take a short hike to visit 'the house of salt', on the edge of a deep crater lake. We also drive to Dublock to visit the 'singing wells'. The singing wells take their name from the chanting of people as they form human chains to pass buckets from hand to hand to when collecting water from wells in the area. This activity only ever takes place in the dry season, when herders will travel for several hours to ensure their livestock are watered. Some 20km to the south, El Sod is the site of Chew Bet, or the 'house of salt', a saline crater lake that lies at the bottom of a 200m deep crater. The lake is almost black in colour and has a vaguely sinister air as a result; villagers collect the salt formed by evaporation on a rota system to ensure levels are kept sustainable.
Driving time: Approximately 7 1/2 hours

Yabello Motel or similar

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 24 - Lake Awasa

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.
Driving time: Approximately 5 hours

Wabi Shebele Hotel or similar

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 25 - Wondo Genet Langano

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
Driving time: Approximately 1 1/4 hours

Wabi Shebele Hotel or similar

Breakfast

Day 26 - Addis Ababa

We return to Addis Ababa. The rest of the day is free for you to explore or perhaps indulge in a bit of last minute shopping.
Driving time: Approximately 4 hours

Global Hotel or similar

Breakfast

Day 27 - Addis Ababa

Our tour ends this morning in Addis Ababa. Flights out of Addis Ababa can be booked to depart at any time today. Additional post-tour accommodation is also available.

Breakfast

Download detailed trip notes

Details

What to Know

What's Included

Peregrine tour leader, transport, sightseeing, arrival transfer and entrance fees.

Not Included

* Visa costs * Border Taxes * Drinks, tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature. * International flights * Departure transfers * Meals other than those listed * The single supplement does not cover the 5 nights camping. Basic equipment such as sleeping mats will be provided, but you will need to bring your own sleep-sheet. Sleeping bags can be hired locally for around US$5. As we are trekking through some of Ethiopia’s most remote regions, please be prepared for very basic washing/toilet facilities. Our tour leader will carry a comprehensive medical kit throughout the duration of the trek.

Reviews

Past Travellers' Ratings & Comments

There’s no feedback available on this trip yet. If you’ve been on this trip and would like to contribute a review, rating or simply make a comment then please get in touch.

Stories

From our Blog

Highlights of Ethiopia

by michelle.weger on 18 Jun 2012

Ethiopia is a place of great diversity, from rolling mountain ranges to lakes teeming with wildlife and some of the world's most incredible churches.

If you're on a short trip, why not check out this list of highlights to help plan your itinerary.

Tribal Area- Omo Valley...

Read on...

Africa - take a closer look

by kellie.bright on 8 May 2012

There's no place on earth quite like Africa. From wildlife to deserts to mountains and beyond, once Africa has touched your heart she never lets go.

For many, it's a dream they don't ever intend to fulfil. Price, distance and the sheer other-worldiness means many of us think, "...

Read on...

Oxfam in East Africa: 6 months on

by kellie.bright on 20 Feb 2012

In 2011, parts of East Africa were affected by the worst food crisis of the 21st century. People suffered prolonged drought and poverty, and were desperately in need of help.

Oxfam Australia put out a call to everyday Australians, who in turn made donations that helped provide 2.8 million...

Read on...

Oxfam: Changing lives in Southern Ethiopia

by kellie.bright on 27 Jan 2012

Ethiopia is a country where the smiles are as wide as the vast expanses of land. But it's also a country facing crisis.

Ethiopia used to experience drought every eight years or so, but now it's almost year to year. The situation makes it harder for people to maintain their livelihood....

Read on...

Image of the week: Simien Mountains, Ethiopia

by kellie.bright on 9 Nov 2011

This beautiful image was taken on our Simien Mountains trek in Ethiopia.

Peregrine is proud to support the Oxfam Australia East Africa Food Crisis Appeal. Ethiopia is in the midst of its worst drought in 60 years, and needs your help.

The Australian Government has...

Read on...

Ethiopian Odyssey

Ethiopian Odyssey

UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-hewn churches of Lalibela

UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient city of Axum

Lake Tana's ancient monasteries and churches

Ethiopia's old capital Gondar

Overview

Why we love it

Itinerary

Day 1 - Addis Ababa

Day 2 - Addis Ababa

Day 3 - Bahir Dar

Day 4 - Lake Tana

Day 5-6 - Gondar

Day 7 - Simien Mountains

Day 8 - Simien Mountains

Day 9-10 - Axum

Day 11-12 - Lalibela

Day 13-14 - Addis Ababa

Day 15 - Arba Minch

Day 16 - Nechisar National Park

Day 17-18 - Jinka

Day 19 - Murulle

Day 20-21 - Turmi

Day 22 - Konso

Day 23 - Yabello

Day 24 - Lake Awasa

Day 25 - Wondo Genet Langano

Day 26 - Addis Ababa

Day 27 - Addis Ababa

Details

What to Know

What's Included

Not Included

Map

Map Itinerary

Reviews

Past Travellers' Ratings & Comments

Stories

From our Blog

Select a trip date below

Trip Selected:

Trip at a glance

Trip Code PFEO

Group size 6 - 15

Contact an expert

Further Information

General Information

Corporate

More Content

Subscribe