This fascinating cultural exploration has been timed to coincide with the Timkat Festival, Ethiopia’s Epiphany celebration. You will witness the festival in Lalibela, the site of the famous rock churches. You will also visit other awe-inspiring historical and spiritual sites, including the castles of Gondar, the source of the Nile, and the sanctuary reputed to hold the Ark of the Covenant.
This trip is designed for the experienced and adventuresome traveler. You have to expect the unexpected and be able to revel in it. Parts of the trip will entail long drives over extremely bumpy, muddy, almost non-existent roads and accommodations will be marginal at times. Vehicles may break down or roads may be closed. Each day must be taken on its own terms and enjoyed for the unique experience it offers.
Brief Itinerary
| Day 1 | Addis Ababa, Jan 16 | | Day 2 | Addis Ababa, Jan 17 | | Day 3 - 4 | Addis Ababa/Lalibela - Timkat, Jan 18-19 | | Day 5 | Gondar, Jan 20 | | Day 6 | Bahir Dar, Jan 21 | | Day 7 | Bahir Dar, Jan 22 | | Day 8 | Bahir Dar/Addis , Jan 23 | | Day 9 | Addis/Langano, Jan 24 | | Day 10 | Langano/Abraminch, Jan 25 | | Day 11 | Abraminch, Jan 26 | | Day 12 | Mursi Tribe, Jan 27 | | Day 13 | Jinka/Dimeka Market/Turmi, Jan 28 | | Day 14 | Turmi/Karo Tribe/Turmi, Jan 29 | | Day 15 | Turmi/Omorate/Turmi, Jan 30 | | Day 16 | Turmi/Abraminch, Jan 31 | | Day 17 | Abraminch/Addis, Feb 1 | | Day 18 | Addis/Onward, Feb 2 |
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"On the whole, what impressed me the most was the openness of the Ethiopians. Most smiles were returned with a smile. The tour was wonderful, and I would encourage people to take both the northern and southern tours, [which were] so very different."~Katharina Varney |