ETHIOPIA: OMO VALLEY, RIFT VALLY AND lalibela
Ethiopia fascinates us, a heady mixture of ancient and modern cultures and sights. Many of the ancient sites have been continuously occupied since their construction lending a feeling of timelessness to the country. The rock hewn churches of Lalibela, carved out underground from single solid piece of stone are a wonder to explore. The Rift Valley with its beautiful lakes and the Omo Valley, home to tribal people who still live traditional lives are like a page out of National Geographic Magazine from a century ago. There is so much in Ethiopia to make you say "wow." And while Ethiopia does not have the vast numbers of animals seen in some parts of Africa, it more than makes up for this with its varied and dramatic landscape, some of the most impressive and unusual seen anywhere in Africa. We travel in comfortable vehicles, take domestic flights and spend the nights in some of the best lodges and hotels Ethiopia has to offer.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: SUNDAY, OCT 19
Arrival
Arrive Addis Ababa, where you will be met by guide and driver and taken to hotel for check in and the chance to rest. Depending upon arrival time, you can either have day to rest or sightseeing with guide. Overnight at Best Western Plus Hotel.
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(Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 2: MONDAY, OCT 20
Addis Ababa to Jinka
Today we fly deep into the Omo Valley to the town of Jinka. Jinka has an end of the road feel to it, and is home to members of the Aari tribe, plus many other tribal people. Once arrived in Jinka we will check into our hotel, head into town for lunch and then begin a walking tour of one of the local villages. We will have an Aari guide to introduce us to his friends and family and explain their way of life. Past visitors have found the welcome warm and the experience amazing.
Overnight at Eco-Omo Lodge
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(B,L,D)
DAY 3: TUESDAY, OCT 21
Jinka
This morning we visit the local Ethnogrqphic Museum, this small museum clearly explains the lives of the tribal people of the Omo Valley and makes an excellent introduction to what we will be seeing in the coming days. Possible visit to Mursi tribe, the nomadic Mursi are not always in nearby villages, hence the exact location where we meet them is undetermined.
Overnight at Eco-Omo Lodge
(B,L,D)
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DAY 4: WEDNESDAY, OCT 22
Jinka to Turmi
The 4-hour drive from Jinka to Turmi takes us through some beautiful landscapes. We'll make a stop about halfway at the village of Key Afer. On many days there is an interesting local market, and the Mursi tribe have established a nearby village where we can meet tribal members. Late afternoon arrival in Turmi. If time permits we will take a walk in the dry river bed, home to interesting bird life and monkeys.
Overnight at Buska Lodge.
(B,L,D)
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DAY 5: THURSDAY, OCT 23
Turmi to Omorate
After breakfast we drive south to the settlement of Omorate on the Omo River, and then cross the river by dugout canoe to visit the Dassanech tribe. Our local guide will introduce us to this people and explain their customs and traditions. The Dassenech were once entirely nomadic, but now live a more sedentary life, but their nomadic roots are visible in their impermanent looking homes. We return to Turmi for lunch and rest and then in afternoon take optional hike in nearby savanna. Overnight at Buska Lodge.
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(B,L,D)
DAY 6: FRIDAY, OCT 24
Meet the Karo and Hamer tribes
This morning we drive through beautiful savanna with many termite mounds that rise up to 20 feet high. It is said that the volume and weight of Africa's termites outweigh that of all other wildlife. The termite mounds are certainly impressive and the scenery along the way is home to antelope, monkeys and numerous birds. The Karo village is situated at a bend in the Omo River. Karo are known for their elaborate body paintings and for small fee you too can have your face or torso turned into a work of art by one of the local painters (not to worry, all natural materials are used and the paint easily washes off). Late afternoon excursion to visit Hamer tribe village near our hotel. Overnight at Buska Lodge.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 7: SATURDAY, OCT 25
Turmi to Arba Minch
This morning's drives takes us out of the Omo Valley. While still in tribal territory, we enter the Rift Valley today. The Rift Valley has more settlements and its capital is the town or Arba Minch with much interesting scenery. We arrive late afternoon at our lakeside hotel where you can enjoy the sunset, swim in the pool and observe the hippos which often frequent the lakefront.
Overnight at Haile Resort-Arba Minch
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 8: SUNDAY, OCT 26
Exploration of Arba Minch
A morning boat excursion to Lake Chamo provides the opportunity to see crocodiles, hippos, interesting bird life and spectacular scenery as both sides of the Rift Valley walls rise up above the glassy water of the lake. Return to hotel for lunch to relax, and late afternoon we visit the Dorze tribal village; the Dorze people are famed for their tall beehive shaped homes, built of bamboo and false banana leaves. Dorze men are excellent weavers and make beautiful items on the many looms seen in the village. Our visit to this village will be coordinated by local Dorze villagers who curate this unique welcome experience as they share food, tradition, entertainment and allow us to purchase some of their beautiful textiles.
Overnight at Haile Resort-Arba Minch.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 9: MONDAY, OCT 27
Arba Minch to Awassa
Morning departure as we drive 4-hours to Awassa. We stop for lunch in Konso, and then drive to the nearby village of Gesergiyo to observe the sandstone pinnacles that tower over the landscape and have lead locals to name the area 'New York,' as they think it reminiscent of skyscrapers. It's nothing like the real New York, but nevertheless impressive. Late afternoon arrival in Awassa and time to relax in hotel pool and enjoy the sunset.
Overnight at Haile Resort-Awassa.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 10: TUESDAY, OCT 28
Awassa exploration
This morning we visit the local fish market, where you can observe fishermen who catch a vast array of fish from the lake. The market is both interesting and colorful, making for great photo opportunities. Large marabou storks, prehistoric looking 4 foot birds patrol the market, looking for fish scraps to eat. Nearby is a forest reserve with many black and white colobus monkeys, an increasingly rare species of beautiful monkey easily observed here, making them great photography subjects. Lunch at local restaurant, then we explore the market in Awassa with local guide. Mid-afternoon return to hotel.
Overnight at Haile Resort-Awassa.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 11: WEDNESDAY, OCT 29
Awassa to Addis Ababa
Morning at hotel, and noon time departure to airport to catch 1-hour flight to Addis Ababa. We relax this afternoon and evening at hotel.
Overnight at Best Western Plus Hotel.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 12: THURSDAY, OCT 30
Addis Ababa to Lalibela
Morning 1-hour flight takes us from Addis Ababa to Lalibela. A UNESCO World Heritage site, and the home of 11 rock hewn monolithic churches constructed in the 12th century. Imagine excavating 4 stories down into the rocky ground and carving underground churches from single piece of stone. Access to the churches is via a maze of passageways and tunnels, and inside are intricately carved reliefs and astonishing icon paintings; yours to gaze upon and photograph. All 11 churches are still in use, as we explore them we meet priests, deacons, nuns and parishioners. Overnight at Sora Lodge.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 13: FRIDAY, OCT 31
Lalibela exploration
This morning we continue our exploration of Lalibela's churches in the company of our local guide. In the afternoon we have time to explore the center of town, visit handicrafts shops and enjoy an Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Overnight at Sora Lodge.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 14: SATURDAY, NOV 1
Lalibela to Addis Ababa
Relax at hotel this morning and then depart for airport to catch flight to Addis Ababa. Once arrived in Addis we have the afternoon free and then have farewell dinner at local restaurant with Ethiopian music and entertainment. Overnight at Best Western Plus Hotel.
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(B,L, D)
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DAY 15: SUNDAY, NOV 2
Departure
Free day in Addis until onward flight. Optional excursion for those with late flight.
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(B)
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PRICES & REGISTRATION INFORMATION
(Inclusive of food, non-alcoholic beverages, accommodations, airport transfers, ground transportation, entrance fees, services of licensed Ethiopian guide and driver, services of USA based trip leader, and airport taxes.)
$6300. (Based on double occupancy)
$7000. (Based on single occupancy)
NOTE: International airfare, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, laundry, souvenirs, items of a personal nature, travel insurance and Ethiopian visa are NOT included.
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE
Participants are responsible for their own air transportation to Addis Ababa airport where the journey begins. Many airlines serve this airport, from North America, Europe and Asia, including ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES, a highly regarded carrier with high marks for both safety and service. Ethiopian Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance. The 3 internal flights on this journey are also with Ethiopian Airlines and are included in the cost of the journey IF you travel to Ethiopia with Ethiopian Airlines (if not there is a surcharge of $400).
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Ethiopian visa is easily obtainable online for cost of $82.
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For participants arriving before start of trip, or staying after final day we can arrange rooms in Best Western Plus Hotel. Cost is $135 for double occupancy, tax and breakfast included, and $100 for single occupancy, tax and breakfast included.