01
Day 1 — Arrival to Addis Ababa and City Tour
National Museum, Ethnographic Museum, and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Overnight at Ramada Addis.
Menu
13 Days
8 Guest
Hotels & Lodges
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Northern & Southern Ethiopia
Addis Ababa · Bahir Dar · Gondar · Semien Mountains · Lalibela · Jinka · Turmi · Karo · Abra Minch
Tour overview
Our lifelong journey commences with a city tour of Addis Ababa, followed by Bahir Dar's Lake Tana monasteries, Gondar's Royal Enclosures, a Simien Mountains day trip, and the rock churches of Lalibela — before continuing south to the Omo Valley's diverse tribal cultures.
Tour highlights
Fixed departures
| Tour Dates | Tour Price (from) | Special Notes | Single Supplement | Guaranteed Departure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 20 - Aug 1, 2026 | USD 3805 | USD 345 | Yes | 8 Spaces | |
| Oct 26 - Nov 7, 2026 | USD 3805 | USD 345 | Yes | 8 Spaces | |
| Nov 23 - Dec 5, 2026 | USD 3805 | USD 345 | Yes | 8 Spaces | |
| Dec 21 - Jan 2, 2027 | USD 3805 | USD 345 | Yes | 8 Spaces |
Day by day
The itinerary
02
Day 2 — Fly to Bahir Dar | Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Falls
Boat to Ura Kidane Mehret monastery, then the Blue Nile Falls. Overnight at Avanti Blu Nile Resorts.
03
Day 3 — Journey from Bahir Dar to Gondar
Fassiledes Castle, Fassiledes Bath, and Debre Birhan Selassie Church, plus the Eskesta dance. Overnight at Haile Resort Gondar.
04
Day 4 — Excursion to Simien Mountains National Park
Kosoye viewpoint, Debarq, Buyit Ras, and Sankaber campsite. Overnight at Haile Resort Gondar.
05
Day 5 — Flight from Gondar to Lalibela
First cluster of rock-hewn churches. Overnight at Mezena Lodge.
06
Day 6 — Lalibela
Yimrehane Kirstos cave church. Overnight at Mezena Lodge.
07
Day 7 — Depart from Lalibela to Addis Ababa
Overnight at Ramada Addis.
08
Day 8 — Flight from Addis Ababa to Jinka
Visit the Ari people and the South Omo Research Museum. Overnight at Eco Omo Lodge.
09
Day 9 — Drive from Jinka to Mursi and Turmi
Mago National Park Mursi village, then Turmi's Hamer community. Overnight at Buska Lodge.
10
Day 10 — Drive from Turmi to Karo and back to Turmi
Karo village body-painting culture. Overnight at Buska Lodge.
11
Day 11 — Journey from Turmi to Arba Minch
Erbore and Konso villages. Overnight at Haile Resorts Arba Minch.
12
Day 12 — Flight from Arba Minch to Addis Ababa
Lake Chamo boat cruise and Dorze community visit. Overnight at Ramada Addis.
13
Day 13 — Sightseeing of Addis and Departure
Entoto Hills, St. George's Cathedral, and Merkato before departure.
The route
13-Day Best of Ethiopia
What's included
Included
- Private vehicle and driver-guide throughout
- English-speaking guide
- Trekking scouts, permits, and camping equipment
- All accommodation/camping as listed
- All meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
- Domestic flights per itinerary
- Park entrance and permit fees
Not included
- International flights
- Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
Where you'll stay
Accommodation
Addis Ababa
Ramada Addis
Hotel
Bahir Dar
Blue Nile Resorts
Resort
Gondar
Haile Resort Gondar
Resort
Lalibela
Mezena Lodge
Lodge
Jinka
Eco Omo Lodge
Lodge
Turmi
Buska Lodge
Lodge
Abra Minch
Haile Resorts Arba Minch.
Resort
Accommodation can be adjusted based on your budget and preferences. Premium and budget alternatives are available on request.
On the road
Our vehicles
All Absolute Ethiopia tours use well-maintained 4WD vehicles - Toyota Land Cruisers or similar - driven by experienced, professional drivers. For larger groups we use minibuses or coaster buses. Your comfort and safety on the road is our priority throughout every journey.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Ethiopia safe for tourists?
Ethiopia is generally safe for visitors, and our group tours are planned around established tourist routes and destinations. Conditions can vary by region, so our local guides monitor the situation and adjust the itinerary when necessary to keep the group safe and comfortable.
Do I need a visa to visit Ethiopia?
Most nationalities can apply for an Ethiopian e-Visa online before travel. Visa requirements vary by nationality, so we recommend checking the current requirements before your trip and arranging your visa in advance where possible.
What currency should I bring to Ethiopia?
The Ethiopian birr (ETB) is the local currency. US dollars, euros, and other major currencies can generally be exchanged in Ethiopia, although exchange rates vary. We recommend carrying some cash for smaller purchases and places where card payments may not be available.
Are ATMs available in Ethiopia?
ATMs are available in Addis Ababa and many of the larger towns and cities, although availability can be more limited in remote areas. It’s a good idea to withdraw or exchange enough cash before travelling into areas where ATM access may be limited.
What is the best time to visit Ethiopia?
Ethiopia can be visited throughout much of the year, but the best period depends on the region and the experience you want. Many northern and historic-route tours are particularly pleasant during the drier months. Festival departures follow specific dates, so the timing of those tours is determined by the festival calendar.
Is Ethiopia safe for tourists?
Ethiopia is safe for tourists across all the destinations we operate. Our team monitors conditions on an ongoing basis and will always communicate any updates that affect your itinerary. We have been operating tours safely for many years and your wellbeing is our first priority.
Do I need a visa to visit Ethiopia?
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Ethiopia. The Ethiopian e-Visa is available online before travel and is the most straightforward option. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Contact us if you need guidance on the visa process for your specific nationality.
How physically demanding is this tour?
This tour includes trekking at Erta Ale - a two to three hour walk on uneven terrain - and multi-day trekking in the Simien Mountains at altitudes above 3,000 metres. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. You do not need prior trekking experience but should be comfortable walking for several hours on varied terrain. Please let us know of any health conditions when inquiring.
Is the Danakil Depression safe to visit?
The Danakil Depression requires armed scouts as a standard precaution - this applies to all tour operators working in the region. We have operated safely in the Danakil for many years and work exclusively with trusted local partners. We monitor conditions continuously and will always communicate any changes that affect the itinerary.
What altitude does this tour reach?
This tour covers an extraordinary range - from the Danakil Depression at 116 metres below sea level, the lowest point in Africa, to the Simien Mountains above 4,000 metres. We acclimatise gradually throughout the itinerary and your guide monitors the group's wellbeing throughout the trekking sections.
Can I do this tour without the Danakil Depression section?
Yes. We can adapt this itinerary to focus on the northern historic route and Simien Mountains without the Danakil section. Contact us via WhatsApp or email and we will build the right itinerary for your interests and fitness level.
Dates & departures
This is a suggested private itinerary
Every detail can be adapted to suit you - dates, duration, accommodation tier, pace, and group size. Use this as your starting point and let us design your perfect journey.
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13-Day Best of Ethiopia
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