Itinerary

Days 1-3
Addis Ababa / Axum (January departures)

In Addis, a bustling city set at 7,000 feet, we meet with a deacon of the Orthodox church and visit the National Museum to view “Lucy,” the famous 3.2 million-year-old hominid discovered in Ethiopia in 1974. Flying to Axum, we visit the revered Church of St. Mary of Zion, where according to Ethiopian legend, the Ark of the Covenant resides within a special chapel. We also explore some of Axum’s unusual archaeological sites, including the impressive ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace.

Days 4-6
Lalibela / Gondar / Lake Tana

Hundreds of churches were chiseled deep into solid rock in the 12th century in Lalibela. We visit some of these astounding churches, with their stunning range of architectural styles, from Greek columns and Arabesque windows to Egyptian motifs. We also explore the mountain town of Gondar, Ethiopia’s royal capital until 1868, with its castles and battlements, and boat across Lake Tana to visit a medieval island-monastery.

Days 7-10
Harar / Timkat Festival

Harar is an ancient walled city known today for fine handicrafts including textiles and silverware. We visit the Harari Cultural Museum, which displays richly painted traditional Harari houses, and visit the former residence of the French poet Arthur Rimbaud. Later we head to Addis to witness dramatic Timkat celebrations that include lively outdoor processions of Orthodox priests in brilliantly-hued gowns and throngs of parishioners in the dazzling white of traditional Ethiopian dress. Ringing bells, blowing trumpets, wafting incense, and blessing rituals add to Timkat’s mystique.

Days 11-17
Omo River Valley / Tribal Ethiopia

Heading south into the Great Rift Valley as far as the Omo River, we encounter a fascinating mix of nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes who coexist in a harsh land all but forgotten by the rest of the world. We meet the Dorze, famous for their weavings, with a chance to explore their weekly market, and the Karo, who excel in body painting using pulverized red and yellow chalk-like minerals to create elaborate face and body decorations. The men of the Mursi tribe, renowned warriors, practice scarification and shave their heads in geometric patterns. We return to Addis on Day 16 and depart on Day 17.

More information from Wilderness Travel:

• View trip on provider's website
  www.wildernesstravel.com/trip/ethiopia/omo-valley-timkat-mesk…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips