Day 1: Addis Ababa – Axum
Begin your journey with a domestic flight from Addis Ababa to the ancient city of Axum. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and begin exploring the historical wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the towering Axum Obelisks, marvels of ancient engineering that symbolize Ethiopia’s grandeur. Continue to the St. Mary of Zion Church, the spiritual heart of Ethiopian Orthodoxy, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. Discover the Ezana Inscription, a trilingual monument linking Axum to ancient global civilizations, and explore the royal tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel. Conclude your day at the legendary Palace of the Queen of Sheba before retiring for the night at Atranos Fantasy and Spa.

Day 2: Axum – Adwa – Yeha – Adigrat
Depart Axum and travel through the historic Adwa mountains, where Ethiopia triumphed against colonial forces at the Battle of Adwa. Continue to Yeha, home to Ethiopia’s oldest standing structure—an impressive pre-Axumite temple that reflects the country’s ancient religious heritage. As you journey on to Adigrat, enjoy panoramic views of Tigray’s rugged mountain landscapes. Arrive in Adigrat and settle in at Canaan Hotel, where you’ll spend the night reflecting on a day rich in history and culture.

Day 3: Adigrat – Gheralta Mountains – Hawzen
Leave Adigrat and head to the spectacular Gheralta Mountains, renowned for their breathtaking beauty and ancient rock-hewn churches. Visit the cliff-perched Abune Yemata Guh, known for its incredible location and vibrant frescoes, followed by Giyorgis Maikado church, another treasure of Tigray’s spiritual heritage. Immerse yourself in the dramatic scenery and spiritual ambiance before retiring for the evening at Gheralta Lodge in Hawzen.

Day 4: Hawzen – Mekelle
Begin the day with a rewarding hike to the famed Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor churches, offering panoramic views and remarkable insights into Ethiopia’s ecclesiastical architecture. Continue your journey toward Mekelle, stopping en route at the historic Al Nejashi Mosque—one of the oldest in Africa—and the remarkable Wukro Chirkos Church. Arrive in Mekelle and check in to Baloni Hotel for your overnight stay.

Day 5: Mekelle – Afdera – Erta Ale Volcano
Start early and drive through the vast Afar region toward the volcanic heart of Ethiopia. Pass by the salt-rich Lake Afdera and proceed to the village of Dodom at the foot of the Erta Ale Volcano. After an early dinner, begin a short hike to the second base camp. From there, enjoy a walk to the crater rim for a rare opportunity to witness one of the world’s few continuously active lava lakes glowing under the night sky. Overnight near the volcano at the second camp.
Day 6: Erta Ale – Hamed Ela – Danakil Desert

Rise early to watch the spectacular sunrise over Erta Ale before descending to the first base camp for breakfast. Drive through the dramatic landscapes of the Danakil Depression, passing Afar nomadic settlements and endless salt plains. Arrive in the remote outpost of Hamed Ela, your base for visiting the surreal world of Dallol. Spend the evening resting and enjoying the desert sunset. Overnight in a basic camp in Hamed Ela.

Day 7: Dallol – Salt Flats – Mekelle – Addis Ababa
After an early breakfast, venture into the otherworldly terrain of Dallol, one of the hottest and most geologically fascinating places on Earth. Marvel at the vibrant sulfur formations, acidic springs, and salt mountains. Visit the Afar salt miners at work, continuing centuries-old traditions of carving and transporting salt blocks. Return to Mekelle in the late afternoon and catch your flight back to Addis Ababa. Spend the night at Jupiter Hotel.

Day 8: Addis Ababa – Jinka – Mursi Tribe
Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Jinka, the gateway to the Omo Valley. Upon arrival, head out to visit the Mursi people, known for their striking customs such as the lip plates worn by women and intricate scarification patterns. Learn about their fascinating traditions and cultural heritage before returning to Jinka for an overnight stay at Nassa Hotel.

Day 9: Jinka – Benna – Karo – Turmi
After breakfast, journey toward the Karo tribe, who reside along the banks of the Omo River and are famous for their detailed body painting and artistic expression. En route, travel through the territory of the Benna people, offering further cultural insights. Spend meaningful time interacting with the Karo community before heading to Turmi for an overnight stay at Buska Lodge.

Day 10: Turmi – Omorate – Dassanech – Hamer Village – Turmi
Travel to Omorate, where you’ll cross the Omo River by local canoe to meet the Dassanech tribe. Known for their unique culture and river-based lifestyle, the Dassanech offer a glimpse into a way of life shaped by water and tradition. In the afternoon, return to Turmi and visit a Hamer village. Explore their customs, including elaborate hairstyles and, if the opportunity arises, the ceremonial bull-jumping ritual. Overnight again at Buska Lodge.

Day 11: Turmi – Konso
Depart Turmi after breakfast and drive to Konso, a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape. Visit the stone-walled villages and learn about the Konso people’s agricultural terracing systems and distinctive waka wooden grave markers. Discover how this industrious community has adapted to their environment over centuries. Overnight at Kanta Lodge in Konso.

Day 12: Konso – Dorze Village – Arba Minch
Travel north from Konso to Arba Minch, stopping to visit the Dorze people in their hilltop village. Discover their unique bamboo huts shaped like beehives, intricate weaving traditions, and vibrant community life. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and highlands before heading to Arba Minch for overnight at Paradise Lodge.

Day 13: Lake Chamo – Nech Sar National Park
After breakfast, embark on a boat excursion across Lake Chamo, where you’ll encounter crocodiles, hippos, and a wide range of birdlife. After lunch, visit the lush Nech Sar National Park and hike through its forest trails, visiting the famed “Forty Springs” and observing local wildlife. Return to Paradise Lodge in Arba Minch for the evening.

Day 14: Arba Minch – Hawassa
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley toward Hawassa. Along the route, you’ll pass lush greenery, local markets, and the sparkling waters of Lakes Abaya and Chamo. This route offers exceptional views and cultural interactions. Arrive in Hawassa and settle in for the night at Southern Star Hotel.

Day 15: Hawassa – Lake Langano – Abijatta-Shalla National Park – Addis Ababa

Begin the day with a visit to Hawassa Fish Market to witness lakeside trading and local fishing culture. Continue your journey north with a stop at Abijatta-Shalla National Park, renowned for its twin lakes, flamingos, and stunning vistas. Proceed to Lake Langano, a popular resort area, before arriving in Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a traditional farewell dinner with music and dance at a cultural restaurant. Afterward, transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure.