Description

Travel to Ethiopia and discover unique and beautiful places on this journey through the heart of the country. Experience a land like no other, from the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the untouched wilderness in the Simien Mountains, to the sophistication of Gondar and the history of the ancient Aksum ruins. Feel the mist rise from the Blue Nile Falls before visiting Kenya to spot Africa's iconic Big Five. Along the way, encounter friendly Ethiopian Rastafarians, Kenya's proud Samburu warriors and the rarely visited tribes of the Omo Valley. An adventure like no other, travelling to Ethiopia and Kenya will open your eyes to a special and rarely visited part of the continent.

Highlights

• Spot Ethiopia's exotic wildlife on a game drive.
• Be amazed by the pink brilliance of flocks of flamingos.
• Experience distinct local cultures and traditions in the Omo Valley.
• Learn about the Rastafarian way of life in Shashemene.
• Hike through lush national parks.
• Discover Gondar's ornate castles and palaces.
• Taste spicy Ethiopian delicacies in Addis Ababa.
• Feel the clouds of mist rising from the Blue Nile Falls.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Gonder

Discover Gondar's castles, churches and palaces. This city often referred to as 'Africa's Camelot'.

Day 3 Debark

Arrive at the gateway to the Simien Mountains, the town of Debark, and prepare for the trek ahead.

Days 4-6 Simien Mountains National Park

Hike through rugged terrain and pass the eroded volcanic cores, raging rivers and jagged peaks of the Simien Mountains.

Day 7 Enda Selassie

Travel through the rugged countryside towards Aksum, stopping overnight in Enda Selassie.

Days 8-9 Aksum

Explore the ancient city of Aksum, peppered with obelisks and crumbling palaces.

Day 10 Mekele

Wander through Mekele's cliff-face churches of Tigray.

Day 11 Woldiya

Peer into Lalibela's astounding rock-hewn churches.

Days 15-17 Bahir Dar

Walk around the spectacular Blue Nile Falls, then board a reed boat bound for the lake's isolated monasteries.

Day 18 Dejen

Spend the night in Dejen.

Days 19-21 Addis Ababa

Stop by the bustling capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.

Day 22 Lake Abiyata

Admire Ethiopia's flocks of flamingos, relax in hot springs and camp overnight in stunning scenery.

Days 23-25 Bale Mountains National Park

Head out on wildlife-spotting expeditions in the Bale Mountains.

Day 26 Wendo Genet

Head to the paradise of Wendo Genet, and perhaps take a relaxing dip in the hot springs.

Day 27 Awassa

Visit the Awassa Children’s Project and learn how the centre is improving the lives of children in the community.

Days 28-29 Arba Minch

Use free time to cycle around Ethiopia's scenic landscapes, embark on a boat trip or visit a crocodile farm.

Days 30-32 Omo Valley Region

Visit the remote villages and markets of the Omo Valley and learn about the customs of local tribes.

Days 33-34 Konso

Journey to Konso and perhaps take a tour of some traditional houses.

Day 35 Moyale

Travel through a surreal black lunar landscape into northern Kenya.

Day 36 Marsabit

Travel through dramatic landscapes and pass impressive termite mounds on the way to Marsabit. Spend time at the lovely Lake Paradise, which is a perfect place to spot animals such as elephants and buffaloes.

Days 37-38 Samburu National Reserve

Witness Samburu dancing and learn about tribal life from the locals. Try to spot the Big Five in Kenya's Samburu reserve.

Days 39-40 Naro Moru

Head to the lower slopes of Mt Kenya and glimpse the fantastic scenery that surrounds the region.

Days 41-42 Nakuru National Park

Spy iconic animals feeding around Nakuru lake.

Day 43 Lake Naivasha

See hippos wallowing on the shores of Lake Naivasha.

Day 44 Nairobi

The journey ends in the busy streets of Kenya's capital, Nairobi.

Group Size

Maximum of 21 travellers per group

Accommodation

Bush camp (no facilities), Camp site, Camping (with basic facilities), Camping (with facilities), Hotel, Lodge

Transport

Overland vehicle

Important notes

Please note that this trip requires minimum numbers to depart, and may be cancelled up until 56 days prior to departure. The places showing on the dates and availability page are an indication only so please contact Intrepid to check if your preferred date will depart before making any final arrangements, such as booking non-changeable flights.