Ethiopian Discovery

Historical and cultural tour

Join us for a tour of the cradle of humanity and discover the rich traditions and ancient history of this diverse and fascinating country.

As the heart of the ancient Axumite Empire, Ethiopia was among the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient world. This tour explores many historical sites including medieval castles and ancient monolithic monuments (stelae) dating back 5000 years.

Ethiopia has a long tradition of Christianity, including mythology linking the nation to the Ark of the Covenant. We will see the church reputed to be the resting place of this important Christian relic and visit an elaborate Ethiopian Coptic church where rows of African angels gaze down from painted rafters. A highlight is the world-heritage listed town of Lalibela with its 12th- and 13th-century churches hewn out of solid rock and connected with subterranean passages.

The Simien Mountains rank among the most beautiful mountain ranges in Africa. Here we will view a variety of wildlife, including large troops of Gelada Baboons and the elusive Simien Wolf.

Our final destination is Bahar Dar, the picturesque town set on the shores of Lake Tana. Visit island monasteries and the Blue Nile Falls while keeping an eye out for hippos, crocodiles and birdlife.

Along the way we will enjoy some of the best coffee in the world and sumptuous banquets of spicy food while being entertained by Ethiopian music and dancing. We will visit the museum-home of Lucy, the fossilised hominid, and Merkato, the largest market in East Africa.

For a complete Ethiopian experience continue your adventure with an Ethiopian Odyssey Tour.  Discounts apply when booking both tours.

Ethiopian Odyssey

Rift Valley lakes, wildlife parks and remote tribes

Southern Ethiopia is the last great wilderness of Africa. Dominated by the upper reaches of the Great Rift Valley, it is home to ethnic groups whose way of life has not changed for thousands of years.

We begin with a tour of the Great Rift Lakes, a wonderful area for bird watching, and on to Chencha for panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley. We go on safari at the scenic yet rarely visited Nechisar and Mago National Parks, which are among the best in Africa and home to a diverse range of wildlife and birds.

Along the way we visit some of the continents most fascinating tribes. Meet the Dorze people with their 6 metre high ‘beehive’ houses and the Karo tribe with their elaborate body painting and scarification. Visit the Mursi, reknown for their fierce stick-fighting and women with clay-plates in their enlarged lips.

This tour is available for individual travel at any time.  For a complete Ethiopian experience combine the Odyssey Tour with either the Ethiopian Discovery or Simien Mountain Trek.  Discounts apply when booking both tours.

Simien Mountain Trek

Trek across the roof of Africa

This itinerary combines our popular Simien Mountain trek with a tour of Ethiopia's most significant historical sites.

We start in the bustling city of Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, where we will compete in the Great Ethiopian Race. From here we fly to Gondar, the Camelot of Africa, to visit spectacular 17th-century castles and the elaborate Ethiopian Coptic church where rows of African angels gaze down from painted rafters.

Land transport takes us to our starting point for our five-day hike through the dramatic landscape of the soaring Simien Mountains. Take in the majestic views and watch for rare Walia Ibex, Simien Wolves and troops of Gelada Baboons. Our support crew of muleteers and local guides will carry all equipment and set up camp each night.

We then travel to Lalibela, a world-heritage-listed town set high in craggy mountains. Lalibela is renowned for its 12th- and 13th-century churches hewn out of solid rock and connected with subterranean passages.

Our adventure concludes in Addis Ababa where we enjoy a night of traditional Ethiopian food, music and dancing. In the morning, we visit the largest market in East Africa before catching our flight back to Australia.

For a complete Ethiopian experience continue your adventure with an Ethiopian Odyssey Tour.  Discounts apply when booking both tours.

...BONUS ADVENTURE...  For this tour only we have included the Great Ethiopian Run, Africa's largest foot race.  Test yourself against 30,000 other competitors in a 10km run.  At an altitude of 8000 feet, this is a tough event and a great adventure.