Lalibela: A Journey into One of the World’s Most Breathtaking Man-Made Wonders Embark on a remarkable adventure to discover the awe-inspiring Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as one of Ethiopia’s most cherished spiritual and cultural treasures. Carved entirely from solid rock, these 11 monolithic churches are a testament to human ingenuity and unwavering faith. Whether you’re captivated by the architecture, spirituality, or Ethiopian culture, a visit to Lalibela promises an unforgettable experience. And no journey to Lalibela would be complete without savouring the rich flavours of Ethiopian cuisine, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to your journey. Today you will be visiting the first or northern group of churches.

In the morning, we'll embark on a visit to the second group of churches in Lalibela, with a special focus on the most iconic of them all: St. George's Church. Carved into the rock in the shape of a cross, St. George is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate details. This UNESCO World Heritage site After exploring the churches and soaking in their historical significance, we'll spend the afternoon indulging in a culinary experience. For 2-3 hours, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the rich flavours and traditional cooking methods of Ethiopian cuisine. Guided by a local chef, you'll discover how to prepare staple dishes such as injera, doro wat, and various lentil stews. This hands-on session will not only enhance your cooking skills but also deepen your appreciation for the vibrant culinary traditions of the region.

The drive from Lalibela to Semera is a captivating journey filled with cultural richness and stunning landscapes. Travelling through Woldia, you’ll encounter vibrant local markets and ancient churches, while the transition into the Afar region reveals the unique lifestyles of the Afar people, known for their nomadic traditions. The route showcases dramatic shifts from lush highlands to arid deserts, featuring breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley and colourful rock formations. Upon arriving in Semera, the capital of the Afar region, you can relax in comfortable accommodation and savour local cuisine, making this journey an unforgettable cultural immersion

Embark on an adventurous drive from Semera to Erta Ale, taking in the stunning landscapes along the way, including the captivating shores of Lake Afdera. This salt lake, known for its striking blue waters and surrounding salt flats, offers a unique geological contrast to the arid terrain. As you travel, enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Afar region, characterised by volcanic formations and rugged mountains. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and the vibrant culture of the Afar people, making this journey not only a scenic route but also an enriching cultural experience.

Following an early breakfast and an exciting exploration of Erta Ale, the most active volcano, we'll collect our camping gear and embark on a drive to Hamed Ela, where we'll set up our camp. In the evening, we’ll venture to Lake Asale to witness a stunning sunset, with the lake's shimmering salt flats and the surrounding landscape providing a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience.

After an unforgettable experience in Dallol, renowned for its vibrant colours and unique geological features at 127 metres below sea level, we’ll set off on our caravan. As we drive across the shimmering salt flats, you'll see salt miners working tirelessly, harvesting the precious mineral. We'll then make our way to Mekele, the heart of the Tigray region. Continuing our journey, we'll head towards the breathtaking Gheralta Mountains, where stunning views and dramatic rock formations await, providing an ideal backdrop for exploration and reflection.

Gheraltha, Ethiopia, is famous for its rock-hewn churches, such as Abuna Yemata Guh, nestled among dramatic cliffs. This region boasts stunning views and is a popular hiking destination, distinct from Lalibela. Begin your visit at Mariam Korkur, a lesser-known church carved high into the cliffs, offering breathtaking valley vistas. The challenging climb leads to a serene, mystical site. In the afternoon, hike to the iconic Abune Yemata Guh church, renowned for its ancient frescoes and adventurous cliffside position. The steep ascent is thrilling, ideal for adventure seekers. Since today's visit includes physical activities and some climbing, we can decide on options as we go!

Begin your adventure with a flight to Arba Minch, located in the Rift Valley near Nech Sar National Park, which features serene lakes like Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya, surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and forests, including God’s Bridge. and enjoy the afternoon in the lavish Haile Resort

In the morning, embark on a memorable boat ride on Lake Chamo, the southernmost Rift Valley lake in Ethiopia, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and various water birds like the African Fish Eagle and Great White Pelicans. After taking in the stunning scenery, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Konso village, known for its stone-walled terraces and fortified settlements that date back over 400 years. Enjoy lunch there before continuing into the Omo Valley towards Turmi, where you'll meet the Arbore tribes near Lake Chew Bet. The Arbore are distinguished by their adornments of birds and animal skins, and men can have multiple wives, often chosen by their fathers. Arbore children have shaved heads, while older unmarried girls wear traditional cloth, switching to braided hairstyles after marriage.

In the morning, we’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of the Karo tribes. Known for their striking body paint and elaborate hairstyles, the Karo people are deeply connected to the Omo River, relying on it for their livelihood. You’ll witness their traditional customs, learn about their way of life, and perhaps even see a traditional dance. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Hamer tribes, famous for their colourful attire and unique ceremonies. The Hamer women often adorn themselves with intricate jewellery and distinctive hairstyles, while the men may showcase their bravery through the jumping of bulls, a rite of passage. This cultural exchange will give you a deeper appreciation for their rich heritage and traditions, making for an enriching and memorable day.

This morning, we'll head closer to the Kenyan border to meet the Dassanech tribe. As we cross the Omo River, one of Ethiopia's major rivers that flows into Lake Turkana in Kenya, we’ll visit a village of the Dassanech people, known as "people of the delta." They are the southernmost tribe in the country, recognised for their unique scarifications. Over time, the Dassanech have integrated various influences, leading to the formation of eight main clans, each with its own distinct identity, customs, and responsibilities tied to their specific territories. After lunch, we'll drive to Jinka, taking a scenic route through Bena. In Jinka, we'll have the opportunity to meet the Ari tribes, known for their rich traditions and vibrant culture, further enriching our understanding of the diverse heritage in this captivating region.

After breakfast, we'll drive to the Mursi village, home to one of Africa's most fascinating tribes. Despite recent droughts impacting their lifestyle, the Mursi maintain their unique customs. Women traditionally have their lower lips slit to insert circular disks, symbolising their worth before marriage. Mursi men adorn their bodies with white paint and must engage in a stick-fighting contest, called "Donga," to prove their readiness for marriage. Following this cultural immersion, we’ll take a midday flight back to Addis Ababa, where you'll enjoy some free time for a farewell lunch and dinner before evening transfers to the airport for goodbyes.