Step back in time for a few days in ancient Lalibela. Explore the medieval rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts and grottoes carved into the red volcanic rock underlying the town almost a millenia ago. Ethiopia possesses some of the most impressive architecture found anywhere, particularly at Lalibela, where the rock-hewn churches have been described as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The landscape is equally memorable and Ethiopia is home to some of the finest mountain scenery in Africa. The UNESCO world heritage site of Lalibela is one of the biggest hitters in the collection, with its fascinating churches carved out of the bare rock all concentrated within walking distance of the town

his is a great itinerary that visits the very best of the northern historical circuit whilst offering a few hidden treasures as well. Starting the tour in Addis we will fly to Gonder with its medieval castles and then fly to the World Heritage town of Lalibela one of the most visually stunning parts of the whole country.

Trek through the chess pieces of the God - simien mountains NP

The Simien highlands of northern Ethiopia form one of the major mountain massifs in Africa. A highlight is the ascent to the summit of Ras Dashen – Ethiopia’s highest peak and the fifth highest on the continent. As we trek through this isolated region we admire the spectacular scenery of rocky plateaus, spires, mesas and deep gorges. • Simien Mountains: trek one of Africa’s most spectacular and least visited mountain ranges in Africa. • Ras Dashen: climb Ethiopia’s highest peak at 4620m. • Camping: enjoy wild camping in stunning locations. • Gondar: discover the medieval Fasilidas Castle and Debre Berhan Church. The Simien Mountains in Ethiopia offer superb highland trekking, with far reaching views, rare wildlife and an incredible local culture. This 11 day trek initially follows the main route from Sankaber to Chenek that most shorter treks take. This section follows a dramatic highland ridge and offers some of the best views in the region. After reaching Chenek it is a tough 2 day trek to the summit of Ras Dashen (Ethiopia’s highest mountain at 4620m). Very few visitors to the park then continue onto the lowlands, but this final section of the trail is a real treat, very much off the beaten path with some wonderful swimming spots and fantastic birfdlife. All treks and tailor-made itineraries are organised on demand for groups of two or more people. For single travelers or those who prefer travelling in a group, we offer several scheduled small group tours

Classic -Historic route Fabulous scenery and rich heritage: Africa’s most fascinating and varied country Mysterious, deeply traditional and breathtakingly beautiful, Ethiopia is unlike any other country in Africa. Its location at the confluence of civilisations and important trade routes means it developed a rich history and heritage still strongly felt today. This ancient culture is framed within the rugged beauty of some of the finest mountain scenery in Africa. Discover monasteries, castles, mountains and rock-hewn churches on this short yet comprehensive trip. This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirement • Walk to the top of Tississat Falls, the Water that Smokes. • Axum – Obelisks, temples and palaces in the final resting place of the Ark of Covenant. • Visit Gondar’s castles and Axum’s stelae • Discover Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches • Admire the splendour of the Simien Mountains

Omo valley and Bale Mountains This is an extraordinary opportunity to meet some of the more remote ethnic groups of the fascinatingly diverse areas surrounding the Omo River in South West Ethiopia. While the Omo Valley is an area which has been on the “tourist radar” for several years, the vast majority of visitors to the region find themselves unable to escape the “4WD circuit” which has arisen. This comprehensive itinerary visits some of the region’s better known tribes. we aim to learn about the varied ethnic groups who inhabit the region – from the Mursi, renowned for their lip-plates, the Konso famous for their terraced farming to the Hamer famous for their bull jumping coming of age ceremony. This is a unique itinerary in an unforgettable part of the world. The Mountain Nyala and the almost blackish–Menelik’s bushbuck in the Bale Mountains–National Park, spot Ethiopian Wolfe on an excursion to the moorlands of the Sanetti Plateau and look out for black-maned lions, leopard and the Bale monkey in the Harenna Forest. There is also the opportunity to visit the impressive Sof Omar Caves. Two days in Bale Mountains National Park, home of the endangered and endemic Ethiopian wolf Cultural encounters with the Dorze, Konso and Zay people, just a handful of Ethiopia’s 94 distinct ethnic groups. Some of Africa’s best birding in Nech Sar National Park, Lake Ziway and the Lepis Forest.

BALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK AND GREAT AFRICAN RIFT VALLEY — 6 DAYS Further South in the Bale Mountains, forays by 4wd bring you up close to Ethiopian Wolf on the remote Sanetti Plateau and amidst the tropical Harenna Forest; warthogs, colobus monkeys, giant forest hogs and if you are lucky, spotted hyena, leopards and lions can be spotted. The focus on this itinerary is on Ethiopia’s superb wildlife, with a nice balance of wildlife.The Mountain Nyala and the almost blackish Menelik’s bushbuck in the Bale Mountains National Park, spot Ethiopian wolves on an excursion to the moorlands of the Sanetti Plateau and look out for black-maned lions, leopard and the Bale monkey in the Harenna Forest. There is also the opportunity to visit the impressive Sof Omar Caves.

The Simien Mountains of northern Ethiopia are quite simply among the most spectacular sites the continent has to offer. Formed millions of years ago by river systems cutting through the sandstone rock, they are bounded on the north and east by a massive escarpment, in places over 1000 metres high, from which the views stretch endlessly over the vast plains towards Eritrea. At their foot are the remnants of ancient hills, now eroded into hundreds of pinnacles and buttresses. Aside from stunning scenery, the park is home to an impressive array of wildlife and because most of the walk is along the escarpment, the trek — though thoroughly impressive — is not overly technical. Add to this the cultural sites of Gonder and Lalibela (which together with the Simien Mountains makes 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites in a week!) and this trip is perfect for anyone with a passion for walking and culture, looking for a short holiday. • A spectacular trek through the Simien Mountains • The castles of Gonder • The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela • Enjoying the hospitality of the Ethiopian people

Danakil Depression- Erta Ale ,Dallol,Awash and Lalibela — 11 days. The Danakil Desert is located between the Ethiopian plateau and the Red Sea. The salt plain near Dallol is the lowest part at 116 metres below sea level. In prehistoric times, the territory was in the form of a gulf. According to geologists, this is a sea bed that emerged for a brief moment in the history of the planet; the Afar depression will in fact form a future ocean with the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This geological anomaly means that the entire area is very unstable. There are numerous active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes, /together with secondary manifestations such as the stupendous colours of the salt surfaces, caused by the geysers with their various different chlorides. This inhospitable territory is home to nomadic sheep-herding Afar people. This tribe has a strong sense of its own identity and enjoys a notable degree of autonomy in its land. The Afar live from their animals, agriculture and the sale of salt that they extract from the salt lakes of the Danakil depression. The salt is loaded onto camels and sold in the markets of the highlands. Erta Ale is a very remote and rarely visited shield volcano in the Afar region of East Africa. It is Ethiopia’s most active volcano and it has been in a state of continuous eruption since 1967. Daytime temperatures will likely be above 40 degrees Celcius and the base of the volcano actually lies below sea level and it’s summit rises up to 613 Meters. Erta Ale is known for it’s 2 pit craters which have had active lava lakes in the past. Erta Ale has undergone seven eruption events in the past 125 years. Three of the early eruption dates, 1873, 1903, and 1904 are uncertain. However, 1906, 1940, 1960, and 1967 are well established events. Erta Ale has been erupting continuously since 1967 Climb Erta Ale, an active volcano Explore the otherworldly landscape of Dallol The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela

Omo Valley — Cultural Safari tour – 8 days For thousands of years the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia was a crossroads for droves of people migrating to new lands. Today, it is undoubtedly one of the most unique places on earth because of the sheer diversity of tribal groups that live in this remote area of the Great Rift Valley. This is an extraordinary opportunity to immerse in the fabric of some of these societies, including the Mursi, Hamer and Karo tribes, each with their distinct culture. Expect a real adventure with conditions basic; the Omo Valley being an incredible reminder of an Africa that has not yet seen modernisation. From Addis Ababa we drive to the Omo Valley region and enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo to spot hippos and an array of water birds. For the next few days we move from village to village, witnessing traditional lifestyles. The Mursi traditions, whose women insert large clay plates in their lower lips, and the Hamer, who scar and paint their bodies in a mark of their culture, are incredibly fascinating. Returning to Addis Ababa at the conclusion of our trip we reflect on this memorable experience of untouched cultures, ceremonies and astounding natural environments.

Trek through Ethiopia’s Dramatic Semien Mountains Trek through Ethiopia’s Dramatic Semien Mountains -6 days The classic three days Simien Mountain trek, tracing the dramatic ridge trail and culminating in the ascent of Buahit at 4,430m. Forget Kilimanjaro, the Simien Mountains have greater claim to be the roof of Africa. Whether trekking with rare Gelada Baboons, Walia Ibex and Ethiopian wolves, or getting your thrills from terrifying vertical views, the Simien Mountains have it all up their sleeves. The Simiens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rightly so. Set amidst a vast mountain range that resembles a landscape you might expect to see in the Grand Canyon, the Simien National Park sits haughtily above at 3,500m+ offering a dramatic ridge with incredible views every step of the way. You’d be hard pressed to find another trek with more views per km anywhere in the world. The trail follows the course of the ridge offering breathtaking view after breathtaking view. Highlights include the terrifying 700m drop of the Jimbar water Falls, the raised promontory of Imet Gogo with 360 degree views and summiting Buahit at 4,430m. Its hard to take your eyes off the drop, but the wildlife makes its best effort to divert you. Large troops of colourful gelada baboon roam the park, whilst the rare Wallia Ibex with its incredibly long curved horns . All treks and tailor-made itineraries are organized on demand for groups of two or more people.

Historic Route & Omo Valley- 15 days tour This is a great itinerary that visits the very best of the northern historical circuit whilst offering a few hidden treasures as well. Starting our tour in Addis we will fly Lalibela to see some of the most rarely seen rock churches. From Lalibela (which for some is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world) we witness Ethiopian Christmas (January 7) .we will fly to Gonder with its medieval castles and then drive up into the wonderful Simien Mountains where we will see the stunning semien mountains. we finally arrive in Bahir Dar for a stroll beneath the Blue Nile Falls and a boat ride on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. This is an extraordinary opportunity to meet some of the more remote ethnic groups of the fascinatingly diverse areas surrounding the Omo River in South West Ethiopia. While the Omo Valley is an area which has been on the “tourist radar” for several years, the vast majority of visitors to the region find themselves unable to escape the “4WD circuit” which has arisen. This comprehensive itinerary visits some of the region’s better known tribes. In this fascinating region we aim to learn about the varied ethnic groups who inhabit the region – from the Mursi, renowned for their lip-plates, the Konso famous for their terraced farming to the Hamer famous for their bull jumping coming of age ceremony. This is a unique itinerary in an unforgettable part of the world.