Stay : Must-sees in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has so many incredible historical, cultural and geographical sites that it's hard to choose. If you only have 15 days but want to visit the highlights of the country, here's an itinerary that combines a tour of the north, rich in historical and geographical relics, with a loop in the south, home to the tribes of the Omo Valley.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
15 days
€€ - Charm and comfort
Detail of the stay : Must-sees in Ethiopia - 15 days
Day 1: Addis Ababa, the capital
Steps: Addis-Abeba, Entoto
Arrival in Addis Ababa, visit to the Ethnological Museum. A jaunt upEntoto Hill reveals one of Menelik II's first palaces and offers a panoramic view of the Ethiopian capital. Go out in the evening to an ethiojazz or traditional Ethiopian music and dance club.
MUSÉE ETHNOLOGIQUE
Day 2: Lalibela, the surroundings
Early in the morning we take an Addis-Lalibela plane. Arrival at the hotel and departure for the visit of the Estifanos monastery on the shores of Lake Hayq, or some churches around the city. The bravest can go to the Yemrehanna Kristos church near Bilbila, one of the most surprising in terms of its decoration.
EGLISE DE YEMREHANNA KRISTOS
Day 3: Lalibela, the eleven churches in the centre
It takes a good day to take the time to visit and immerse yourself in the faith of the eleven incredible churches carved into the rock of Lalibela, also known as the "New Jerusalem". We recommend that you visit the north group in the morning, the most spectacular, and the south group in the afternoon. Flight to Aksum in the late afternoon.
Day 4: Aksum, the giant stelae
Visit Aksum, the northernmost city on the Eritrean border. Its majestic erected stelae are from a pagan era of which little is known today. You can visit royal tombs, the ruins of the Queen of Sheba's palace and churches, as everywhere. Flight to Gondar at the end of the day, overnight stay on site.
Day 5: Gondar: the castles
Steps: Gondar
Gondar: visit the fortified complex of the city's six castles, capital of Ethiopian rulers from the 17th to 19th centuries, and theDebre Birhan Selassie church, a must-see. Stroll around the town, which is quite developed and dynamic. Rest in preparation for the Simien trek early next morning.
Day 6: Bahar Dar
Drive to Bahar Dar, allow half a day by 4x4. On the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery around Lake Tana. Afternoon: stroll around the pretty lakeside town, shop for local crafts, take a well-deserved rest and dine in a good local restaurant.
Day 7: The monasteries of Lake Tana
Take a day trip to the monastery-islands of Lake Tana and visit the magnificent churches built there, some with the finest frescoes in the country. Return to Bahar Dar in the late afternoon and fly to Addis Ababa. Arrival at the hotel and dinner in a good restaurant in the capital.
Day 8: Arba Minch
Steps: Sodo, Arba Minch, Lac Abaya, Lac Chamo
Take a morning flight to Arba Minch and visit the authentic town. If it's a Saturday, you can also visit the Sodo market. In Arba Minch, there are several hotels overlooking the two lakes, Abaya and Chamo , where you can recover from the exhausting journey of the first few days.
Day 9: The Dorzé Kingdom
Climb in 4 x 4 on the heights of the kingdom of Dorzé in the eponymous village. The landscapes are beautiful, and the architecture of the huts is remarkable and unique in the country. Don't miss to attend a market: on Monday and Thursday, beautiful fabric market in Dorzé. Tuesday and Saturday, market in Chencha (5 km from Dorzé). Thursday morning, Marché market. In the afternoon, go to Konso.
Day 10: Turmi and the Konso people
Exploration of the Konso villages and their remarkable social and urban structure. Route to Turmi. Meeting on the markets of the Erboré, Bana and Hamer peoples living in the region. Night in lodge for maximum comfort, if not: camping equipment and cook in general included in the starting price.
Day 11: Hamer and Dimeka
If it's a Tuesday, visit the Dimeka market, renowned for its cultural diversity. Many peoples of the South gather here. Alternatively, take a village tour with a guide. Then take the road to Jinka. You can choose a nice hotel or campsite for a change from the spartan accommodations of the trip.
Day 12: Mago National Park and the Mursis
Steps: Yabelo, Parc National Du Mago, Key Afer
Early in the morning, visit Mago Park with the must-see Mursi, the women with trays inserted in the lower lip. This is one of the highlights of tribal visits from southern Ethiopia. If it is a Thursday, stop at the Key Afer market, very authentic. In the afternoon, drive to Yabelo.
Day 13: Yabelo and the Borana
Steps: Yabelo
Unmissable Yabelo market on Saturdays. Visit the famous freshwater wells dug deep by the Borana ethnic group some 100 km from Yabelo, as well as the crater lakes where men collect alkaline deposits.
Day 14: Lake Langano
Steps: Lac Langano
Then take to the road to Lake Langano, the only lake where you can swim as it is free of bilharzia. Take a well-deserved rest in one of the new lodges lining the lake and stroll along the banks.
Day 15: Return to Addis Ababa
Return to the capital. Last purchase of traditional fabrics, silver jewelry, crafts... You will find all kinds of gifts to bring back.
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