Ethiopia – A Journey to the Origins
Departure
A journey to the heart of Africa, where history, nature, and ancestral cultures come together in a transformative experience.
Highlights
- Unique Cultural Diversity: Live with the tribes of the Omo Valley and discover ancient traditions that endure through time.
- Wild Nature: Explore Bale Mountains National Park and spot Ethiopian wolves, nyalas, and endemic birds.
- Historical Heritage: Visit the monolithic churches of Lalibela, Gondar, and Bahirdar, sacred treasures of northern Ethiopia.
Departure – February 6, 2026
Over 16 days, we will explore a fascinating country that combines mountains, deserts, jungles, and one of the oldest cultures in the world. Our journey begins in Addis Ababa, the modern heart of Ethiopia, where we will visit Lucy, the link between the animal kingdom and humans, before venturing into the majestic landscapes of Bale Mountains National Park, home of the iconic Ethiopian wolf.
From there, we travel south to the Omo Valley, where tribes such as the Hamer, Mursi, and Karo keep their ancestral customs alive.
The itinerary continues north to the historic region: Bahirdar, with its Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls; Gondar, the city of imperial castles; and finally Lalibela, with its rock-hewn churches, one of the world’s architectural wonders.
A journey to the origin of humankind, to step back in time and explore the dawn of our species. Ethiopia is the cradle of humanity—where we begin to walk and where we go to discover our history.
Price per person, double occupancy: USD 4,850
Additional 3-day extension to Tigray available from USD 950, including domestic flights.
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Daily Itinerary
Friday, February 6, 2026
Arrival at Bole International Airport and transfer to the hotel. This first day will be for resting after the flight and acclimating to the altitude of the Ethiopian capital, located 2,400 meters above sea level.
Accommodation: Aya Hotel, Addis Ababa.
Saturday, February 7, 2026
After breakfast, we will begin a cultural tour of the city, starting with the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to “Lucy,” the 3.5-million-year-old fossil that changed the history of human evolution. We will also visit other archaeological treasures that tell the story of pre-Aksumite civilizations.
Accommodation: Aya Hotel, Addis Ababa.
Sunday, February 8, 2026
In the morning, we depart for the Bale Mountains National Park, a natural paradise recognized by UNESCO. In the afternoon, we’ll take a walk through the Gaysey grasslands, where we may spot mountain nyala antelopes and endemic birds such as the Abyssinian ibis and the blue-winged goose.
Accommodation: Wabi Shebelle Hotel, Goba.
Monday, February 9, 2026
Full-day excursion to the Sanetti Plateau, the highest in Africa. This is home to the Ethiopian wolf, one of the rarest species on the planet. In the afternoon, we will visit the Harenna Forest, the second densest in the country.
Accommodation: Wabi Shebelle Hotel, Goba.
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Wednesday, February 11, 2026
In the morning, we will cruise on Lake Chamo, home to giant crocodiles, hippos, and waterfowl. In the afternoon, we will visit a Dorze village, known for their textile art, beehive-shaped houses, and communal life in the hills.
Accommodation: Paradise Lodge, Arba Minch.
Departure to Turmi, passing through the Konso villages, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their social organization and architecture. Arrival in Turmi, home of the Hamer people. If a ceremony takes place, we will witness their traditional Evangadi night dance.
Accommodation: Evangadi Lodge, Turmi.
Friday, February 13, 2026
A day dedicated to visiting the Nyangatom and Karo tribes, known for their body painting and ancestral rituals. We will explore their villages along the Omo River, an unforgettable cultural and photographic experience.
Accommodation: Evangadi Lodge, Turmi.
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Travel to Jinka, passing through the colorful markets of Dimeka and Key Afar, where the Tsemai, Hamer, Karo, and Ari ethnic groups coexist. A unique opportunity to experience the daily life of southern Ethiopia.
Accommodation: Nasa Hotel, Jinka.
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Visit to the Bodi tribe, known for their beauty rituals and symbolic scarifications. Then we continue to the Mursi village, famous for women wearing clay lip plates, a symbol of strength and cultural aesthetics.
Accommodation: Nasa Hotel, Jinka.
Monday, February 16, 2026
Morning flight from Jinka to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, we will visit the Ethnographic Museum, which offers an in-depth look at the country's cultural traditions and expressions.
Accommodation: Aya Hotel, Addis Ababa.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Flight to Bahirdar. We will cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 14th-century Ura Kidane Mehret Church, adorned with murals and imperial relics. In the afternoon, excursion to the Blue Nile Falls, known as Tis Abay or “the great smoke.”
Accommodation: Sky View Hotel, Bahirdar.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Transfer to Gondar, the former imperial capital. We will visit its 17th-century castle complex, the “Bath of Fasiladas,” and the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its murals and ceilings painted with angels.
Accommodation: Gondar Hills Resort, Gondar.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Flight to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual gem. We will explore its 11 monolithic rock-hewn churches, including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, and the iconic Bete Giorgis, considered one of the world’s architectural wonders.
Accommodation: Panoramic View Hotel, Lalibela.
Friday, February 20, 2026
In the morning, we will visit the remaining temples and then take the flight back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, farewell dinner with a cultural show and traditional Ethiopian dances.
Overnight in Addis Ababa, Aya Hotel.
Included
- 15 nights accommodation in double rooms, 3* and 4* category
- Domestic flights within Ethiopia
- All transfers
- All park and tribal entrance fees
- All meals throughout the itinerary
- Andante guide fluent in English and Spanish
- Local guide from our Ethiopian operator
- Geopolitics and history talks during the trip
- Ethiopia entry visa
- Bottled water throughout the journey
- Government fees
Not Included
- Flights from your place of origin to Addis Ababa
- Medical insurance (mandatory to have)
