Ethiopia·12 - 21 March 2024
Ethiopia Experience
Explore Addis Ababa, Gondar and Bahir Dar.
Overview
Join us on this immersive trip, experiencing the vibrant essence, rich culture and deep history Ethiopia prides itself. Profits from this tour supports an under-served community in Ethiopia.
Highlights
All-Inclusive
Know your budget before you travel. No extra spending on meals, accommodation, transportation and excursions – it’s all covered.
Accommodation
We carefully select local or independently owned hotels and lodges, to keep the tourism revenue circulated locally — and they are anything but ordinary.
Social Impact
Profits from every tour sold is reinvested to engage, support and empower an under-served community in Ethiopia.
Responsible Travel
We curate our tours in a way that advocates the highest level of social and environmental impact – from community outreach to visiting local markets in the area.
Local Guides
This trip is proudly escorted by a local award-winning expert guide to keep you well informed.
Schedule
Detailed itinerary provided upon booking confirmation
Previous
Next
Day 1
Arrive in Addis Ababa: upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel for breakfast and freshening up, where shortly after your tour of Ethiopia will commence. Tour begins at the National Museum of Ethiopia, visit the Addis skate park, drive up to the Entoto Mountains, visit St. George Church and Menelik II Square (the largest open-air market, Merkato). Evening of relaxation or [optional] nightlife.
Day 2
Flight to Lalibela for the rock hewn churches: visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches and the most famous of all – Bet Giyorgis (entry not permitted for women). Attend a traditional coffee ceremony, shop at the fine art gallery, and visit the Ben Abeba for dinner. Evening of relaxation or [optional] nightlife.
Day 3
Drive to Bahir Dar: Making stopovers at the local villages enroute, experience a community outreach with the Gondar people. Scenic views as we finally arrive in Bahir Dar, evening of games and relaxation at the hotel.
Day 4
Experience a boat cruise on Lake Tana, visit the Bahir Dar waterfall, and discover one of many ancient monasteries: the Church of Ura Kidane Mihret on the island. Visit the local market, experience a traditional coffee ceremony. Drive to Gondar overnight: upon arrival, night of relaxation at the hotel.
Day 5
Gondar city tour: Visit Fasiladas Palace, (the oldest and arguably the most impressive castle), visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie (the proposed final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant). Visit the women’s crafts training centre. Flight back to Addis Ababa: Upon arrival, evening of relaxation or [optional] nightlife.
Day 6
Flight to Arba Minch: Visit the highland village of the Dorze people (famous for their beehive shaped huts). Community outreach and local house visit for traditional cooking experience, hike through the mountains, visit a weaving and a potter cooperation. Return back to the hotel for an evening of relaxation or [optional] nightlife.
Day 7
Drive to Turmi: Visit the Turmi villages (indegionous locals known for their colourful hairstyles and wedding festivities).
Day 8
Visit the Dassanech and Hamer villages: attend the bull jumping ceremony (if celebrated on this day), experience traditional dancing lessons, and visit the Hamer local market. Return back to the hotel for an evening of relaxation or [optional] nightlife.
Day 9
Drive to Jinka: walk to the Ari community for pottery making. Visit the village for a traditional injera cooking class. Return back to the hotel for an evening of relaxation or [optional] nightlife.
Day 10
Visit the Omo National park, visit the village of the Mursi tribe. Flight to Addis Ababa: The tour ends with a transfer to Bole international Airport for your departure.
What's Included
Included
Airport transfers
Accommodation with fan and/or air conditioning
All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Unlimited mineral water
Fruits and snacks on vehicles
Transportation: air-conditioned vehicles throughout the trip
Experienced, safe and dedicated driver
All national park, cultural and historical excursion fees
Expert cultural, historical and wildlife guide (fully escorted by West Africa's finest award-winning local guides
Professional indemnity, public liability and additional vehicle insurance cover
Professional care and 24/7 local support
Not Included
International flights
Required travel documentation (valid passport and visas)
Travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Gratuities for staff (optional)
Location
Why Ethiopia?
Seen as the cradle of civilisation, within its borders Ethiopia brims with life in the form of its incredible mix of landscapes, ancient culture and history, aromatic coffee ceremonies and more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any country in Africa. Experience Ethiopia.
Essentials
Trip Info
Our 10-day experience will require every traveller to arrive on the first day for hotel check in, meet and greet and to walk through the upcoming schedule. The tour will commence on the next day.
This tour is excluding air travel, all necessary visa and health documentation needed to arrive in Ethiopia. Use the link below to find out the health procedures required to enter the country.
Travel Safety
Our first priority is always to protect the health and safety of our clients and local teams, and to ensure that you feel confident about your wellbeing.
We’ve implemented health and safety protocols for your travel experience which include:
- Sanitised vehicles – prior to each tour and transfer,
- Vetted hotels – to ensure an elevated standard of cleaning rooms and
- Protected staff – monitoring the wellbeing of our guides and drivers, to ensure they are healthy.
What to pack
Here’s a short list of recommended items to bring ready for your trip: Insect repellent, light breathable clothing, sunscreen, good walking shoes/sandals, an adapter, Book, medication – malaria pills, imodium, pain killers, soft holdall bag.
Tour Route
Add Ons
AFRIGO Eco Bag
Includes: one handmade reusable tote, one branded t-shirt, one reusable water bottle, one Senegal guide, one itinerary brochure, one mobile sim card, one hand sanitizer, one branded luggage tag, one mosquito repellent....
Read More
PRICE $80
AFRIGO T-shirt
Choose from XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL size.
PRICE $30
AFRIGO Water bottle
50cl BPA-free water bottle with unique 3-in-1 filter technology that eliminates up to 99.9999% of all Bacteria, Viruses, Chlorine, Fluoride and Heavy Metals leaving you with safe, healthy drinking water. (in partnership with Water-to-go EU)....
Read More
PRICE $30
FAQs
Are flights included?
Unfortunately, this tour excludes international air travel. However all meals, accommodation, activities and ground transportation are all inclusive. (plus a few complimentary add ons!)
Can I book my own accommodation?
Unfortunately, no. This is due to each day’s activity commencing from our selected stay. You also wouldn't want to miss out on each night’s social gatherings. You can relax, we’ve put a lot of thought and consideration into choosing some great places to stay for you!
Does this trip include visa assistance?
We can offer visa and transit information if needed, however, the application will be filled out by each traveller.
What about travel insurance?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package, however, we highly recommend you insure your trip. Use the link from our affiliate insurance provider for the best cover.
Is there an age limit?
Good news, there isn’t. Each activity is curated to be a holistic experience for all ages. However, please carefully read the itinerary and use discretion to determine if this trip is suitable for you and any additional party.
Can I change the itinerary?
Why would you want to?! But in case you do, enquire about a private tour here where one of our agents will assist you in arranging a fully bespoke itinerary. [*itinerary changes are not applicable for group tours].
Is my deposit refundable?
Yes, deposits are refundable within 30 days of making the initial deposit.
What are the payment terms?
You can pay a 10% deposit to secure your seat on any tour. The remaining balance will be strictly due 30 days before the tour commences. Inability to pay on time can result in cancelling your reservation. You will have the option to transfer the amount paid to another trip or receive a refund (subject to admin fees or fees paid towards the booking). All payments including deposits are made on our trusted third-party reservation platform Easol.
What are the required vaccinations to travel to Ethiopia?
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for all travellers aged 9 months or over, while other vaccinations are recommended. (please find out from your local health authorities of further vaccination recommendations).
What is the COVID-19 travel advice?
Fully vaccinated travellers are not required to take a PCR test to be allowed entry into Ghana or antigen test upon arrival. Non-fully vaccinated citizens and foreign nationals will however need to provide a negative PCR test result taken not more than 48 hours before arrival into Ghana. Also, they will need to undergo an antigen test upon arrival in Ghana. [Entry regulations can change abruptly, please stay abreast of all updates regarding border entry]
What are the health protocols for this trip?
Masks are no longer mandatory in Ethiopia, though if you feel most comfortable wearing one during the tour you are most welcome to. We monitor the wellbeing of our staff and have mandated regular temperature checks to ensure they are healthy. Guides and drivers are also encouraged to sanitise as often as possible. Our vehicles are thoroughly sanitised prior to each tour and transfer—we’ll ensure each vehicle will be stocked with the necessary PPE for your disposal.
Reviews
We waited three years to go on this trip due to Covid. It was worth the wait and more. The culture, scenery, food, and guides, surpassed my expectations. Each day was a new adventure to look forward to. The rock-hewn churches were surreal! Truly a well-rounded itinerary. We love the social pledge, glad our money's going to a good cause. Highly highly recommended!
AZIM HOSSAIN