Cultural Tour in Ethiopia

You are off on a new adventure as you global travel to Addis Ababa. As your plane descends, look out the window to see Ethiopia’s vast terrain of forests, valleys, deserts, and volcanoes. A local guide will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to a city hotel. 

In the afternoon, take time to unpack, rest, and explore. Take a dip in the hotel pool, explore the city’s busy streets and markets, or unwind in the hotel spa. In the evening, you will meet with your local guide and group for an authentic Ethiopian dinner, offering an excellent opportunity to get to know your guide!

After a well-rested night, it’s time to explore your new surroundings. Start at the National Museum of Ethiopia, which is top-rated for its diversity and quality of exhibits. Make sure to view the 3.5-million-year-old fossil of a hominoid woman, Lucy. Many of the museum’s artifacts date back to pre-Axumite times. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your tour at Africa’s largest open-air market, Merkato where booths sell nearly every possible commodity. Can you find the perfect souvenir? Finally, you will be transported to the site of Emperor Minilik II’s camp, Mount Entoto. Independently explore the area and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding country and capital. 

Begin your day in Ethiopia at Melka Kunture, a paleolithic site. Explore museums on the premises and learn how hand axes and other tools were excavated. Following this, walk down to the Awash River Gorge for a picnic swim. Next, you’re off to tour the Rock-Hewn Church of Adadi Mariam. King Lalibela had this religious building built in 1106. Finally, you will arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tiya to see engraved, standing stellae. These were carved in the 12th century as grave markers. The remains of young people were buried on this site.

Today you will join a local guide who is an expert chef in Ethiopian cooking to prepare your own authentic meal. Head into the busy and never-ending markets of Addis Ababa in search of ingredients your guide will be sure to give you tips along the way. Once you’ve gathered all the food, you’ll head to the cooking class. Your guide-chef will teach you how to make traditional Ethiopian dishes such as fermented flatbread and injera. You’ll also partake in a coffee ceremony with roasted coffee beans. You’ll leave with a full stomach and beautiful memories.

Today is all about appreciating Ethiopia’s nature and scenery. Make your way to the beautiful area of Wenchi to meet a local guide. There are many different hikes to choose from ranging from easy to difficult. You also have the option of horseback riding through the forests! Enjoy three hours of free time to explore. Following this, you’ll make your way to Lake Wenchi for a boat ride to Deber, which is an island with an old monastery on it. Enjoy a picnic lunch, kayaking on the water, and explorations of the island before winding up the fun-filled day.

Today will be an adventurous and informative way to tour the Entoto Mountains and become more informed about Ethiopian culture. You’ll visit the Debre Libanos Monastery, view breathtaking mountain scenery, and experience Africa’s wildlife! That’s right, keep an eye out for the banded barbet, colobus monkey, hyena, porcupine, civet cat, warthog, and Menelik’s bushbuck. Enjoy lunch by a gorge in the forest, take a dip in the cool water if your feeling warm. Next, head to the Palace of Emperors to view complex paintings and the traditional clothes and decorations of former rulers of Ethiopia.

Your adventure is nearly over, but not before one final breakfast with your group and local guides. Take time to reflect on your favorite moments of the trip. These memories will last you a lifetime! After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport to fly home.