Ethiopia: The Island of Africa

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Ethiopia: The Island of Africa

Custom Travel | 16 Days

See geladas in the Simien Mountains with baboon researchers
Meet tribespeople in the remote Omo Valley
Lalibela’s UNESCO-listed rock churches and Gheralta’s little-known cave-carved sanctuaries
Safari in Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains, watching for the endangered Ethiopian wolf
Add time in Harar or the Danakil Depression

This Ethiopian safari journey and cultural adventure takes you far and wide, north to south, in a madly interesting, scenically booming country. Explore its immense history, spanning religions as diverse as Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, and discover its stunning landscapes and rare wildlife. Wandering far off the beaten path, you’re privy to cultural and natural wonders that few travelers see. Between the unusual wildlife, cave-carved churches, 80-plus ethnic groups, and soaring mountains with larger-than-life flora, it’s hard to say what is most surprising about Ethiopia. We invite you to decide for yourself.

ELEVATE YOUR ADVENTURE WITH HELICOPTERS

Helicopters can whisk you to remote corners, provide sensational and unique vantage points, and offer wonderful exclusivity. To learn more about how helicopters can be woven into your next custom adventure, call GeoEx's destination experts at 888-570-7108.

Trip Overview

We enjoyed the trip—with all its wonderful experiences and lovely people and challenging moments that make a travel experience deep. We are still talking about it with our friends and our children, and sorting it all out for ourselves. It was certainly not just another trip.

– Mary B.

Day

1 – 2

Explore Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s multifaceted capital, with guided visits to local markets, galleries, and other noteworthy sights.

Day

3 – 5

A scenic flight to the Simien Mountains takes you into the realm of geladas, found only in the Ethiopian highlands Learn about them from primate researchers and wander through spectacular scenery.

Day

6 – 9

Flying to Lalibela, feast your eyes on UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches before continuing to off-the-radar Gheralta region, home to thousands of mysterious cliff- and cave-carved sanctuaries.

Day

10 – 12

An Ethiopian safari in the Bale Mountains National Park may offer sightings of rare Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala, and 16 endemic bird species amid landscapes that defy expectation, from lush rain forest to red-rock plateau.

Day

13 – 16

Jet south to the Lower Omo Valley, an as-yet-undeveloped region Boat upriver to meet the Karo people (famous for ornate body art) and visit other handsome tribes Fly to Addis and depart.

Day

17 – 19

Optional three-day post-trip extension to the holy city of Harar We can also arrange thrilling helicopter trips to the otherworldly Danakil Depression. Please ask for details.

Dates & Prices

Dates

Custom Trips offered year-round

Pricing

Custom Trip: From $22,400 per person

Internal Air: From $5,960 per person

Optional Harar Extension (3 days): From $4,200 per person

Internal Air: From $625 per person

based on two travelers, double occupancy; please call for individually tailored recommendations and pricing

Inclusions

All accommodations
Most meals
All ground transportation and airport transfers
Sightseeing, events, visits, and entrance fees
Services of local guides, drivers, and other staff
Some gratuities
Expertise of GeoEx’s travel specialists
Services of GeoEx’s in-house air reservations team
Bottled or filtered water at included meals and while sightseeing
Emergency evacuation services and secondary medical expense insurance

A Journey Built Just For You

Take customization to the next level on a journey fully tailored to you. GeoEx's destination specialists will gladly tailor this existing itinerary—or build one completely from scratch—to suit your style, interests, and time frame. Contact us to see what's possible.