From the Blue Nile’s source to rock‑hewn sanctuaries and otherworldly volcanic basins—this expertly guided journey showcases Ethiopia’s culture, wildlife and epic landscapes.
Flight · Lake Tana & Tis Isat (Blue Nile) Falls
A short flight brings you to the shores of Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile. Life here revolves around the water—watch local fishermen ply the lake in traditional papyrus reed boats. In the afternoon, hike to the beautiful Tis Isat Falls (Blue Nile Falls).
Cruise & Monasteries · Drive to Gondar
Cruise north across Lake Tana, visiting remote island monasteries such as Ura Kidane Mehret with its vivid frescoes and Narga Selassie in its serene setting. Land on the northern shores to see the Church of Debre Sina, then continue through wheat fields to the old mountain capital of Gondar.
Royal Enclosure · Italian Art Deco · Debre Berhan Selassie
Explore Gondar’s rich history and strategic mountain setting. Discover the Royal Enclosure with its medieval castles and churches, traces of Italian occupation in Art Deco buildings, and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie famed for its ceiling of painted angels.
Simien Mountains National Park · Introductory Hike
Drive ~3 hours on a good gravel road to Debark park HQ to arrange permits and collect your scout. Continue one hour to begin an easy hike along the northern escarpment with viewpoints over the northern foothills and plains. Expect encounters with gelada baboons.
Kaba Valley · Jinbar Falls · Gich Village Sunset
Follow the escarpment eastward, dip into the Kaba Valley, then climb to Gich Abyss and a narrow ridge with spectacular views. See Jinbar Falls where the river plunges ~500 m. After lunch by the river, walk through barley fields to the idyllic village of Gich for a traditional coffee ceremony. Short sunset hike to Kedadit before dinner at camp—watch for lammergeier and thick‑billed ravens.
Giant Lobelia Fields · Escarpment Edge Trail
Traverse fields of giant lobelia to the cliffs of Imet Gogo (3,926 m) for sweeping views over sculpted valleys and volcanic domes. Descend into the Jinbahir Valley for a different perspective of the massif, then follow a dramatic escarpment edge to Aynameda where the jeep awaits. Drive back to Gondar for the night.
UNESCO Rock‑Hewn Churches
Fly to Lalibela, often called the "Jerusalem of Ethiopia" and Africa’s own Petra. Explore the monolithic red‑hued churches hewn into rock, linked by tunnels and crevices—still active places of worship.
Eastern Churches · Nakutelab Cave Church · Coffee Ceremony
Visit the eastern group of rock‑hewn churches—smaller yet richly carved with atmospheric tunnels. Continue to Nakutelab, built within a natural cave on the hillside. Conclude with a visit to a private home for an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Stelae Fields · St. Mary of Zion
Fly to Ethiopia’s oldest city, legendary seat of the Queen of Sheba. Explore the city museum, the iconic Stelae Fields, and the 16th‑century Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion—traditionally regarded as the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight in Axum.
Via Agulae & Berahile · Lake Asa‑Ale Sunset
Drive into the Danakil Depression via Agulae and Berahile (permit stop). Check into Hamed Ela campsite, then continue to Lake Asa‑Ale for camel caravans and sunset photography at the salt pools. Return to Hamed Ela for overnight camping.
Sulphur Geysers · Salt Formations · Evening Hike to Caldera
Pre‑dawn start to explore Dallol’s colorful hydrothermal fields—sulphur geysers, salt mountains and yellow pools—then drive toward Erta Ale. En route, look for ostrich, gazelle, bustards and desert birds near Kusrawad. Reach base camp by late afternoon, dine early, then hike ~35 minutes to the summit to view the active lava landscape before returning to sleep at base.
Morning Light on the Crater · Lake Afdera Rest
Optional early ascent for morning light at the crater, then return for breakfast. Drive to Afdera for a relaxing stop before continuing to Semera for overnight.
City Tour
Fly back to Addis Ababa and enjoy a curated city tour to round off the northern circuit.
Spot endemic wildlife
Drive to Dinsho, gateway to Bale Mountains National Park, home to diverse highland fauna—keep an eye out for multiple endemic species.
Drive or trek · Ethiopian Wolf Search (4,377 m max)
From Dinsho, drive or trek to Sodota, then on to the Sanetti Plateau—the highest point in Bale (4,377 m). With luck, spot the charismatic Ethiopian wolf. Night camping.
Via Park HQ
Return to Dinsho HQ to drop the local guide, then continue to Shashemene, known for its Jamaican Rastafarian community. Overnight in hotel.
Dorze Village · 2,700 m Lookout
Drive to Arba Minch and visit a Dorze village, famed for weaving and towering bamboo‑and‑enset huts. From the 2,700 m ridge enjoy 360° views of Lakes Chamo and Abaya. Overnight in Arba Minch.
Game Drive · Boat Safari
Morning game drive in Nech Sar National Park to seek zebra, Swayne’s hartebeest, greater kudu, gazelle, secretary bird and more—plus panoramic views of both lakes. Afternoon boat trip on Lake Chamo for giant crocodiles and hippos. Overnight in Arba Minch.
Via Konso & Weyto
Proceed to Jinka via Konso (UNESCO‑listed cultural landscape of stone terracing) and Weyto, homeland of the Tsemay. Overnight in Jinka.
Village visits & craft traditions
Enter Mago NP to meet the Mursi community in their lowland villages. Return to Jinka for lunch, then visit an Ari village—renowned for pottery and blacksmithing—before overnight in Jinka.
Weekly Bena Market (Thu) · Multi‑tribe Bazaar
Travel toward Turmi via Key Afer and Dimeka. If Thursday, immerse in the colorful Bena market drawing Ari (Jinka), Tsemay (Weyto) and Hamer (Dimeka) communities—compare dress, adornment and artisanal goods. Arrive Turmi late afternoon. Overnight in Turmi.
Omo River Bluffs · Body Art Traditions
Morning excursion to the Karo people’s villages perched above the Omo River, known for elaborate clay body painting. Return to Turmi for overnight.
Arbore Community · "New York" Hoodoos · Waga Sculptures
Stop in Arbore to meet semi‑nomadic pastoralists known for distinctive dress. Near Konso, visit the striking sandstone formations nicknamed “New York” (Gesergiyo), and see a traditional village with Generation Stones and Waga memorial carvings. Continue to Arba Minch for overnight.
Adadi Mariam (12th‑century Rock Church)
Depart early for Addis Ababa via Hosaina and Butajira. En route, visit Adadi Mariam—traditionally linked to the era of King Lalibela. Arrive in the capital by late afternoon. Tour ends in Addis Ababa.
Thanks! Looking forward to hearing from you. — Nur