Day 1 | Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar

We will get acquainted with Ethiopia's capital: Addis Ababa, "the new flower." Built by Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu at the end of the 19th century, Addis Ababa is one of the most important cities in Africa, situated at an elevation of 2,400 meters above sea level. On our day in Addis Ababa, we will visit the city's significant sites, including the university area, Meskel Square, and stroll through the market streets of Mercato, considered the largest market in Africa from Johannesburg to Cairo. We won't miss a visit to Mount Entoto, located at an altitude of 3,400 meters, offering panoramic views of the city and the grandeur of the Great Rift Valley.

Day 2 | Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar

In the morning, we will take a flight to Bahir Dar. Immediately upon landing, we will embark on a walking tour to the Blue Nile Falls, known in Amharic as "Tis Issat," meaning "the smoking water." During the rainy seasons, the mist from the cascading water can be seen from a distance, sometimes adorned with a colorful rainbow. After the tour of the Blue Nile Falls, we will take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient churches and monasteries, some dating back to the early Christian era in Ethiopia. We will then continue our journey to Gondar, where we will settle in for the evening.

Day 3 | Gondar - Beta Israel Jewish Villages - Off-Road Drive

This morning, we will explore the route where many Jewish villages of historical significance are located. Our first stop will be the city of Teda, where we will trace the history of the small Jewish community that lived there. We will then switch to off-road vehicles on a green route that climbs through picturesque villages to the largest Jewish center in Ethiopia, the village of Ambaovar. There, we will hear the story of the Jewish community in the synagogue, which still stands tall, and learn about the Jewish school. After the visit to the Ambaovar village, we will continue on our way to Gondar, where we will spend the night. Accommodation and dinner in Gondar.

Day 4 | Gondar - Simien Mountains - Hiking Day

Today, we dedicate our journey to Gondar, known as the "flower of Africa" and the imperial capital from the 17th to 19th centuries. We will visit the imperial compound of Emperor Fasilides, a unique palace complex influenced by the architectural styles of one of the most significant empires of the 17th century, the Portuguese. We will visit the important Debre Berhan Selassie Church, adorned with wall paintings depicting stories from the Bible and the New Covenant. Afterward, we will head to the Beit Israel area, where Ethiopian Jews immigrated to Israel during Operation Solomon and Operation Moses. We will explore villages and a building that served as a synagogue for the community. From here, we will continue our journey to the Simien Mountains and start a moderate hiking trail to observe the endemic Gelada baboons in this area. Accommodation and dinner in the Simien Mountains."

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Day 5 I Simien Mountains - Gondar - Axum

This morning, we will leave the Simien Mountains, rise early, and embark on a journey to Gondar. From there, we will ascend to the city of Axum, which has served for years as the historical capital of Ethiopia. According to local belief, this kingdom dates back thousands of years and includes, among other things, the unique romance between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, a dynasty that lasted until 1976. Axum is the most captivating focal point during the festivities of the "Timkat" revelation, an annual celebration where local religious leaders unveil the sacred ark and participate in authentic and fascinating Christian ceremonies. During the two days of touring in Axum, we will explore various city sites such as the obelisk complex, the Holy Zion Church, and the local museum. Accommodation will be provided in Axum.

Day 6 I Timkat Celebrations in Axum

A whole day dedicated to the Timkat celebrations in Axum. The festivities begin at the Maryam Church in the city, where the replica of the sacred ark is brought out in a procession accompanied by a local crowd. Near the church, prayers are held by local religious leaders. The following morning, crowds gather for continued prayer and hymns near the water reservoir. Upon receiving the signal, the crowds descend for a mass baptism, accompanied by the burst of water believed to carry the sanctity of the Jordan River, symbolizing purity for the masses on this day. After the ceremonies, we will continue to explore Axum and visit city sites such as the obelisk complex, the Holy Zion Church, and the local museum. Accommodation and dinner in Axum.

Day 7 I Lalibela

In the morning, we will depart for another internal flight to Lalibela, known as one of the most astonishing and mysterious historical sites that remain intact and active to this day. King Lalibela carved eleven impressive churches out of red rock. Each church has its own unique structure, with some carved to a depth of more than three stories, and many of them still active on a daily basis. The city exudes a sense of purity, holiness, and activity, with thousands of monks and priests filling Ethiopian Church ceremonies with great devotion. After arriving in Lalibela, we will embark on an initial tour of the carved churches and stay overnight with dinner in Lalibela.

Day 8 I Day of Walks around Lalibela

The first part of the day in Lalibela will be dedicated to visiting the upper churches. After the tours, we will rent donkeys or horses and ascend to the upper part of the church complex, from where we can admire a breathtaking view of the church area and the surrounding landscape. Towards sunset, we will return to the lower church area to explore the remaining churches and end the visit with a highlight at the end of the day – the Church of Saint George during the grand sunset. Accommodation and dinner in Lalibela.

Day 9 I Lalibela - Addis Ababa – Arbaminch

This morning, we will traverse the entire length of Ethiopia from north to south. In the morning hours, we will depart from Lalibela to Addis Ababa, the capital city. Upon landing in Addis Ababa, we will connect to a subsequent flight that will take us to the southern wilderness, landing in Arbaminch around noon. Upon arrival in Arbaminch, we will embark on an introductory tour of the town before joining the off-road vehicles that will accompany us during the journey in the south.

Day 10 I Boat Trip on Lake Chamo - Dassanech Tribe (Jeeps with Local Drivers)

This morning, we will embark on an unforgettable boat trip on Lake Chamo, one of the African Rift Valley lakes. We will observe crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of rich birdlife that inhabits the lake. From here, we will continue our journey to the Turmi area, where we will meet the Arbore Tribe, learn a bit about their way of life, and stay overnight in the Turmi area.

Day 11 I Dassanech Tribe - Hamer Tribe (Jeeps with Local Drivers)

In the morning, we will continue our southern journey to the Dassanech Tribe and learn about the body scarification practiced by the tribe's women. We will also discover the military capabilities of the tribe's men, who scar their bodies according to the number of enemies and evil animals they have killed. From here, we will proceed to visit the Hamer Tribe, whose women are known as the most beautiful among the local residents. Accommodation and dinner in the Turmi area.

Day 12 I Karo Tribe - Dimeka - Local Markets (Jeeps with Local Drivers)

In the morning, we will leave the Turmi area and embark on a journey towards the Jinka district, where we will spend the night. En route, we will stop at the town of Murulle, where we will visit the Karo Tribe and learn about their unique body painting art. We will continue to the town of Jinka and hear the local coffee story. We will visit the Dimeka market and then proceed to visit the Dassanech Tribe. Accommodation and dinner in the Jinka area.

Day 13 I Mursi Tribe (Jeeps with Local Drivers)

We will meet the members of the Mursi Tribe, a tribe of pastoralists and farmers living in round huts made of grass. The women of the tribe are known for the large clay plates they insert under their lips. We will not miss a visit to the open market of Jinka and the ethnographic museum to conclude the anthropological experience. Two nights in Jinka.

Day 14 I Konso Tribe (Jeeps with Local Drivers)

Another day of the journey will be devoted to a visit to the weekly market of the Konso Tribe and the villages of the Tsamay people. We will continue our visit to the Konso Tribe, learning about the agricultural way of life of the locals, the agricultural growth, and hearing the story of the special defense systems of the tribe. At noon, we will continue to our base camp in Arbaminch, from where we will depart to Addis Ababa.