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Ethiopia Grand Circuit

A private fourteen-day journey combining the north, the Rift Valley and the south, planned around your dates.

  • 14 days
  • Addis Ababa
  • Moderate

From USD 3,900 per person

Check dates

Overview

The journey in brief

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Where
Central · Addis Ababa
Travel style
Private tour
Best season
October to March
Difficulty
Moderate
Price
USD 3,900 per person

A tailor-made route for those with time. Dates, pace and stops are agreed with our team before you book.

The outline below is a starting point, and it can be shortened, lengthened or rearranged.

Highlights

  • Private guide and vehicle
  • Northern churches, castles and stelae
  • Rift Valley lakes
  • Southern markets

What is included

  • Accommodation as described, on a twin-share basis
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary
  • A local English-speaking guide
  • Transport in a private vehicle and any domestic flights listed
  • Entrance fees to the sites in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers

What is not included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Tips for guides and drivers

Itinerary

Day by day

Day 1 Arrival in Addis AbabaAddis Ababa

A private transfer to your hotel and a briefing with your guide.

Activities

  • Airport pick-up
Where you stay
Hotel in Addis Ababa
Meals
Dinner
Day 2 Addis Ababa highlightsAddis Ababa

The museum, the cathedral and the Mercato, at your own pace.

Activities

  • City tour
Where you stay
Hotel in Addis Ababa
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 Fly to Bahir DarBahir Dar

A flight north and an afternoon on Lake Tana.

Activities

  • Domestic flight
  • Lake boat trip
Where you stay
Hotel in Bahir Dar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 The Blue Nile FallsBahir Dar

A walk to the falls and a relaxed afternoon.

Activities

  • Falls walk
Where you stay
Hotel in Bahir Dar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 Drive to GondarGondar

A scenic drive to Gondar.

Activities

  • Scenic drive
Where you stay
Hotel in Gondar
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 Gondar’s castlesGondar

The royal enclosure and the painted church.

Activities

  • Fasil Ghebbi
  • Debre Berhan Selassie
Where you stay
Hotel in Gondar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 Fly to LalibelaLalibela

A flight to Lalibela and a first group of churches.

Activities

  • Domestic flight
  • First churches
Where you stay
Hotel in Lalibela
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 The churches of LalibelaLalibela

The second group and Bete Giyorgis.

Activities

  • Second group
  • Bete Giyorgis
Where you stay
Hotel in Lalibela
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 Fly to Addis AbabaAddis Ababa

A flight back south and a free evening.

Activities

  • Domestic flight
Where you stay
Hotel in Addis Ababa
Meals
Breakfast
Day 10 Rift Valley lakesLake Langano

A drive south to the Rift Valley lakes and time by the water.

Activities

  • Lake visits
  • Birdwatching
Where you stay
Lakeside lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Towards the southArba Minch

A drive to Arba Minch and a boat trip on Lake Chamo.

Activities

  • Scenic drive
  • Boat trip
Where you stay
Hotel in Arba Minch
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 Konso and the lower OmoTurmi

The Konso terraces and onward to Turmi.

Activities

  • Konso visit
  • Scenic drive
Where you stay
Lodge in Turmi
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 Markets and villagesTurmi

A market visit and village walks with local guides.

Activities

  • Market visit
  • Village visits
Where you stay
Lodge in Turmi
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 Return and departureAddis Ababa

A flight back to Addis Ababa and your transfer to the airport.

Activities

  • Domestic flight
  • Airport transfer
Where you stay
Day rooms if required
Meals
Breakfast

Itineraries can change with weather, road and flight conditions. We will tell you promptly if they do.

Good to know

Before you book

Guide languages
English, Amharic
Minimum age
12 years and over
Group size
2 to 8 travellers
Meeting point
Your hotel or Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. We confirm the exact meeting time and place by email before you travel.
Accessibility
Many sites involve uneven ground and steps. Tell us about any mobility needs and we will advise.

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A hat and sun protection
  • A warm layer for cool evenings
  • A small day pack
  • A reusable water bottle

Dress code: Modest, comfortable clothing. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches.

Cancellation policy

This tour follows the Strict policy. Days are whole calendar days before departure.

Cancellation policy
When you cancelWhat you get back
30 or more days before departure50% refund
Fewer than 30 days before departureNo refund

Read the full booking policy

Questions

About this tour

Can the route be changed?
Yes. This is a private trip: tell us your dates and interests and we will adjust the plan and the price.

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Ready for Ethiopia?

Choose your dates above, or tell us what you have in mind and we will shape the trip around you.

From USD 3,900

Check dates