Police Station Tomb of Sheikh Nasr ad-Din

Ethiopian Explorer Northbound

All content by Intrepid

44 days (ex Nairobi)

Destinations visited: Kenya, Nairobi, Ethiopia, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$2,980

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Description

Travel to Africa and tour Kenya and Ethiopia on a trip from Nairobi to Gonder. Discover fascinating places and beautiful scenery on this journey across the heart of Ethiopia's countryside. Experience a land like no other, from the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the untouched wilderness of the Simien Mountains, to the sophistication of Gonder and the history of ruin-peppered Aksum. Feel the mist rise from the Blue Nile Falls and spot Africa's iconic Big Five in Kenya's Samburu National Reserve. Along the way, encounter friendly Rastafarians, proud Samburu warriors and the rarely visited tribespeople of the Omo Valley. Travelling through a rarely visited and very special part of the continent, this is an adventure like no other.

Highlights

Admire the flamingo-filled expanse of Lake Nakuru.
Spot the Big Five in Samburu National Reserve.
Visit Ethiopia's friendly tribespeople in the Omo Valley.
Learn about the Rasta lifestyle in Shashemene.
See the monolithic churches of Lalibela.
Hike through Ethiopia's Simien Mountains National Park.
Discover Gonder's ornate castles and palaces.

Itinerary

Day 1 Nairobi

Travel to Kenya and start the adventure in the busy streets of Nairobi.

Day 2 Lake Naivasha

Relax beside Lake Naivasha and watch hippos wallowing on the shore.

Days 3-4 Lake Nakuru

A favourite spot with birdlife, Lake Nakuru is a shimmering sea of pink flamingos. Listen for the chatter of black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops above.

Day 5 Mt Kenya

Travel through stunning scenery on the way to the slopes of Mt Kenya.

Days 6-7 Samburu National Reserve

Witness traditional Samburu dancing, and learn about tribal life and customs from the locals. Venture into this vast reserve to try and spot Africa's iconic Big Five.

Days 8-9 Marsabit/Moyale

Traverse a surreal, black lunar landscape and pass spectacular craters and termite mounds on the drive to Ethiopia.

Days 10-11 Konso

Pick up a souvenir at the local market or perhaps take time to admire the traditional houses in the area.

Days 12-14 Omo Valley

The colourful markets and villages are a delight to explore in Ethiopia's picturesque Omo Valley. Meet friendly tribespeople and learn about their fascinating culture.

Days 15-16 Arba Minch

In free time, why not cycle around scenic landscapes, embark on a boat trip or visit a crocodile farm.

Days 17-18 Wendo Genet/Awasa

Recuperate travel-weary bodies in the hot springs of Wendo Gennet, encased in a beautiful panorama with a rich endowment of forest, wildlife and abundant water. Head to Awassa the following day, a city nestled on the shores of a great lake, and home to the Awassa Children's Project, which promotes AIDS prevention.

Days 19-21 Bale Mountain National Park

Venture out on game-spotting expeditions in this stunningly diverse park.

Day 22 Lake Abiata-Shala National Park

The natural habitat of the Lake Abiata-Shala National Park is an ornothological paradies with an astounding array of birdlife year-round.

Days 23-25 Addis Ababa

Visit Ethiopia's bustling capital, Addis Ababa, and indulge in spicy, traditional cuisine at a local restaurant or cafe.

Day 26 Dejen

Visit the Blue Nile Gorge en route to Dejen.

Days 27-29 Bahir Dar

Board a reed boat bound for the ornately decorated monasteries on Lake Tana's isolated islands and peninsulas.

Days 30-32 Lalibela

Hidden among the hills of northern Ethiopia, Lalibela is home to monolithic churches hewn from the surrounding rocks. Take a walk through the structures with a local guide to unlock the fascinating history of this area.

Day 33 Bush Camp

Journey through the rolling Ethiopian countryside and camp beneath the stars.

Day 34 Mekele

Admire the clusters of churches sculpted into caves and a dramatic cliff-face in Tigray.

Days 35-36 Aksum

Get acquainted with the once-mighty city of Aksum, and discover its towering ancient obelisks, crumbling palaces and web of underground tombs.

Day 37 Enda Selassie

Wind through the Ethiopian countryside on the way to one of the country's greatest natural habitats.

Days 38-41 Simien Mountains National Park

Ethiopia's stunning Simien Mountains are home to a wealth of animals. Hike through the rugged terrain and pass eroded volcanic cores, raging rivers and jagged peaks.

Days 42-44 Gonder

Discover the castles, churches and palaces of Gonder, often referred to as 'Africa's Camelot' - a grand way to end this Ethiopian Explorer adventure.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (17 nts), Camping (with facilities) (16 nts), Bush camp (no facilities) (5 nts), Lodge (3 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (1 nt), Camp site (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle

Budget

Allow USD $440 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$2,980

Book now

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