14 Days Ethiopia Grand Tour

The best of Ethiopia, north and south, in two weeks

About The Tour

14 Days Ethiopia Grand Tour: The Historic North and the Omo Valley

The best of Ethiopia, north and south, in two weeks

Overview

Two weeks is the ideal amount of time for a first trip to Ethiopia. This grand tour covers both sides of the country: the ancient Christian kingdoms of the north, with their castles, obelisks and rock churches, and the south, with the lakes of the Rift Valley and the peoples of the Omo Valley.

We use domestic flights in the north and a private 4×4 in the south, so the trip flows at a comfortable pace. Everything can be changed: add the Danakil, swap the Simien for Bale, or slow down with an extra night anywhere.

Duration

14 Days (13 Nights)

Suggested Accommodations

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa

Airport welcome and transfer. Afternoon city tour with the National Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Fly to Bahir Dar

Lake Tana boat trip to the Zege peninsula monasteries. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 3: Blue Nile Falls and Gondar

Blue Nile Falls in the morning, then drive to Gondar. Overnight in Gondar.

Day 4: Gondar to the Simien Mountains

Morning at the Gondar castles, then drive to the Simien Mountains for an afternoon walk with gelada monkeys. Overnight in the park.

Day 5: Simien Mountains to Axum

Morning walk at Geech or Chenek, then drive down the Limalimo pass towards Axum. Overnight in Axum.

Day 6: Axum

Stelae park, royal tombs, the Queen of Sheba’s bath and St Mary of Zion church. Overnight in Axum.

Day 7: Fly to Lalibela

Morning flight to Lalibela and the northern group of rock churches. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 8: Lalibela

Eastern churches, Bete Giyorgis and an optional hike to Asheten Maryam. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 9: Fly to Arba Minch

Fly to Arba Minch via Addis Ababa. Evening view over Lakes Abaya and Chamo from the Bridge of God. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Day 10: Dorze Village and Lake Chamo

Morning boat trip on Lake Chamo to see giant crocodiles and hippos. Afternoon in the Dorze highlands to see beehive shaped bamboo houses and cotton weaving. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Day 11: Konso to Jinka

Drive south to Konso, a UNESCO landscape of stone terraces and walled villages, then on to Jinka. Overnight in Jinka.

Day 12: Mursi and Turmi

Visit a Mursi village in Mago National Park, then drive to Turmi. Overnight in Turmi.

Day 13: Hamar and Dassanech

Morning with the Dassanech at Omorate, afternoon in a Hamar village or at a local market. Overnight in Turmi.

Day 14: Fly Back to Addis Ababa

Drive to Jinka for the flight to Addis Ababa. Farewell dinner with traditional music, then transfer for your international flight.

Travel Advice

Current travel advice (October 2026): the UK and US governments currently advise against all travel to the Amhara and Tigray regions, which include Bahir Dar, Gondar, the Simien Mountains, Lalibela and Axum, and flights to Axum are currently suspended. The US government also advises against travel to the Konso zone. Check your own government’s latest advice and make sure your travel insurance covers you before you book. We follow the situation on the ground every day, run this route only when we judge it safe, and will talk to you about other dates or another itinerary if conditions change. We can also plan a two week trip focused on Addis Ababa, the Rift Valley, Bale and the Omo Valley.

Price and Booking

Price: on request. This tour runs as a private trip on any date you choose. The price depends on group size, hotel level and season, so we quote each trip individually. Tell us your dates and number of travellers and we reply within 2 hours, with a full itinerary and quote within 24 hours.

Tip on domestic flights: if you fly into Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines, you can usually get large discounts on domestic flights. Book them on the same booking reference or send us your ticket and we book them for you.

Get a free quote or message us on WhatsApp +251 988 111 222.

What Is Included

Private air conditioned vehicle (4×4 where needed) with fuel and an experienced driver
English speaking tour guide throughout (other languages on request)
Hotels as listed, twin or double room with breakfast
All entrance fees and local guide fees at the sites in the itinerary
Airport and hotel transfers
Bottled water in the vehicle
Boat trips on Lake Tana and Lake Chamo
Simien and Mago park fees and scouts
Village fees and local community guides
Welcome and farewell dinners

Not Included

International flights and Ethiopian visa fees
Travel insurance
Domestic flights (about 5 legs)
Lunch and most dinners
Photo fees in Omo Valley villages
Drinks, tips and personal expenses

Best Time to Go

October to March is the best time for the whole route. The north is dry and clear, and the south is accessible. Plan around Timkat (19 January) or Genna (7 January) for festival colour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is two weeks enough to see Ethiopia?

It is enough for the main highlights of the north and the south at a comfortable pace. With three weeks you can add the Danakil, Bale or Harar.

Can I add the Danakil Depression?

Yes. Add 3 days from Axum or Lalibela with a flight to Mekele. See our 3 day Danakil tour.

Can you arrange international flights?

We arrange all domestic flights and can advise on international routing. Flying Ethiopian Airlines into Addis Ababa usually gives you big discounts on domestic flights.

Tour Languages

Amharic, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Please inform us of your preferred language when booking.

Note: The itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and time availability.

Booking Form

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