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26Dec2026- 11Jan2027 (17 days) Ethiopia Expeditions - Historic Route, Danakil Depression, Safari & Omo Valley Tribes
Cost Rm17,500 (12-13 pax), RM16,800 (14 pax & above ) (Excluded International flight/Included 6 sector domestic flight)

Update 8May26 - Beautiful Landscape, people and culture are top reason why should we explore Ethiopia. Sept-Jan is dry season, which is one of best season to go. Combined original itinerary where added Danakil Depression. Visa can be done via online effective 1st June 2018. 6 Domestic flight in total (Please take note if opt for other international airlines NOT AIR ETHIOPIA, additional cost for domestic need to top up approximately USD220).Please register and confirm your seat by email rachelheng123@gmail.com or whatsapp Rachel 012-3520868

IMPORTANT NOTICE
This is meant to be a "free and easy" adventure trip. Participants should be relatively fit, with a good sense of humour, and above all, have the right attitude for close travel with others through possibly some trying times. Most definitely, this is not a trip for prudes, whiners, fuss-pots, and other similiarly assorted types! We had a couple of those before and it wasn't pleasant for us or them. Although every effort will be made to stick to the given itinerary, ground conditions may change and cause some disruption and/or deviation from the norm. Otherwise, have fun!

                

Lalibela

Day 1 (26Dec) KLIA : Meet KLIA take ET639 at 1115PM for midnight flight (Note : transit at Singapore 1hr25m). O/N Plane

Day 2 (27Dec) Addis Ababa: Arrived ADD at 0610AM in morning. City tour of capital including National Museum, Ethnological Museum. Drive to Merkato, the largest open-air market in East Africa. O/N Addis Ababa.

Addis Ababa (the name means 'new flower'), the Ethiopian capital, is a delightful place to explore. City tour of the capital including the National museum where will visit the cast of 3.2 million years old "Lucy" and different historical monuments. Continue the city tour at the Ethnological Museum which was the palace of his majesty Emperor Haile Selassie, this museum provides an overview of Ethiopian crafts, culture and art. Finally drive to Merkato, the largest open-air market in East Africa. Check in hotel. O/N Addis Ababa

Day 3 (28Dec) Addis Ababa -Jinka (Flight) : Fly Addis Ababa to Jinka. Today we fly to Jinka, up on arrival we will be driving to the villages of the Mursi people settled around Keyafer market. Arrange a visit to the Mursi villages. Mursi men are renowned warriors, and whose women are famous for the lip plates which is highly considered as sign of beauty. The Mursi live in the dry season on the western slopes of the Omo and grow Sorghum, corn and vegetables, they spend the rainy season, with their cattle herds in the Tama steppe. In addition, they depend on hunting and fishing.

After the visit of the Mursi we head to Turmi, and we stop in a nice village of the Hammer tribes, also well known as the Hamar or Hammer, they are one of the most known tribes in Southern Ethiopia. They inhabit the territory east of the Omo River and have villages in Turmi and Dimeka. They inhabit the territory east of the Omo River and have villages in Turmi and Dimeka. Tourists visit the Hamer hoping to see a traditional leaping ceremony (the jumping of bulls). They are cattle herders and practice agriculture. Very colorful bracelets and beads are worn in their hair and around their waists and arms. [Optional: - If there is jumping of the Bulls (traditional Hamer coming-of-age) ceremony that will be visited when arriving at Turmi. Payment for this optional visit will be covered by tourists. This activity (Bull Jumping) is a seasonal activity and is rare to find, hence is taken as an optional in the program] O/N Turmi

Day 4 (29Dec) Turmi -Karo-Gnangatom-Turmi 150km) : In the morning visit small ethnic group on the Omo River called Karo. Particularly impressive from Karo are their body paintings and decorations scars. The Karo Tribe is the smallest tribe in the Omo Valley, South Ethiopia, and resides along the banks of the Omo River. The Karo people differentiate themselves from many of the neighboring tribes by excelling specifically in body and face painting. They paint themselves daily with colored ochre, white chalk, yellow mineral rock, charcoal, and pulverized iron ore, all natural resources local to the area. Along the way after visiting Karo we stop at the villages of the Gnangatom people along the west bank of the southern Omo River, the Nyangatom practice agriculture, growing sorghum, maize, beans, and tobacco. They also fish in the Omo River. It’s likely that these tribes-people live here because at some point they lost their cattle. It is impossible to raise livestock along this section of the Omo River because of the Tsetse fly. The rest of the Nyangatom live a more semi-nomadic pastoralist lifestyle, moving with their herds throughout southwestern Ethiopia, the Elemi Triangle, and the Toposa lands of neighboring Sudan. O/N Turmi.

  

Day 5 (30Dec) Turmi - Konso-Arbaminch: Today drive from Turmi to Konso; after having lunch in Konso we arrange a visit to one of the Konso people villages. Visit one nice village of Konso. Stop to visit the villages of Konso people. The Konso are famous for their old and unique terracing, unusual engraved wooden statues of Konso grave markers. The consolidation created a unique cultural landscape by terracing the hill slopes to the intensive cultivation and irrigation of crops. The unusual interaction between man and nature, was honored in June 2011 with the appointment as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We proceed further North to Arbaminch. Arba Minch, the city of forty springs', the gateway to the indigenous people and the largest trading center in the south. When we arrive at Arbaminch directly head to Nechisar National Park, Lake Chamo. On our boat excursion on Lake Chamo, we visit the crocodile market to see the biggest African crocodiles, hippopotamus as well as beautiful aquatic birds including the lovely Kingfisher and Fish Eagle. The Lake Chamo is part of the Nechisar National Park, the name Nechisar means "white grasses" and refers to the central grassy plain which was established as a sanctuary for the endemic Swayne Hartebeest, an endangered sub-species throughout Ethiopia. Other wildlife in the park includes hippo, zebra, crocodile and different kinds of birds. Transfer to your hotel. O/N Arbaminch

  Gondar

Day 6 (31Dec) Arbaminch -Hawassa : A scenic drive through the rift valley lakes region takes you to Hawassa. On a short drive from Arbaminch (30 Kms), we will stop at the hills of Chencha to experience the fascinating culture & unique life style of the people in the South Ethiopia people’s region. Chencha village, is the home of the Dorze people, the renowned weavers having unique bamboo woven houses having 8 to 12 meters height. Popularly known as Ethiopia’s expert weavers and renowned builders of towering huts, the Dorze people are a small Omotic-speaking ethnic group belonging to the larger Afro-Asiatic language family living in the Gamo highlands of the southern region of Ethiopia. They are among the liveliest ethnic group of the famous Omo Valley tribe. Upon finishing our visit at the Dorze hills we descend down to the main road to head to Hawassa. O/N Hawassa

Day 7 (01Jan) Lake Hawassa-ADD : Morning visit fish market at Lake Hawassa and drive via Ziway to Addis Ababa.
Spend a relaxing leisure morning visit the fish market at lake Hawassa. Lake Hawassa is in the Great Rift Valley’s system that crosses Ethiopia from North East to South West, this part of the rift is marked by a chain of seven lakes fed by many rivers. These lakes have their own special life and character and provide ideal habitats for a variety of flora and fauna which makes the region such a delight for naturalists and tourists. One can visit Lakes Ziway, Langano, Abijata and Shala before returning to Addis.

Enroute to Addis we will have a stop at Bishoftu crater lake in Debre Zeit for a quick lunch, then drive back to Addis Ababa. O/N Hotel in Addis

 

Simien National Park//Gelada Baboon

Day 8 (02Jan) ADD-Gondar (Flight) : Drive to Simiens National Park: Fly Addis Ababa to Gondar (ET 126; 07:10 – 08:20). Towards Gonder town for a short coffee break. We depart from the historical town of Gondar and drive around 2.5 hours on a tarred, comfortable road to Debark where we get permission to enter Semien Mountains National Park (UNESCO World Heritage.  After a lunch break in Debark, we then drive 22km further to the Simien Lodge, within the national park.  From here we walk about 2 or 3 hours, stopping often to admire the amazing views of the escarpment, take photos and see the friendly gelada baboons.  We will also see a variety of plants and flowers. After a relaxed hiking and visit at Simien Mountains, drive back to Debark for the night stay. O/N Debark

 

 

 

  

 

Day 9 (03Jan) Debark - Gonder (120km) - Drive 120 Kms back towards Gonder (2-3hrs). After lunch break in Gonder, we start the city of Gonder with Fasilades castle compound. Gonder was founded in 1632 by the emperor Fasilidas and was a center of Ethiopian art, literature and science for many decades. City tour to the sites of Gonder in the afternoon will include the city's unique Imperial compound which contains a number of Castles built between 1632 and 1855 by various Emperors who reigned during this period, the bath of King Fasilades, the church of DebreBerhan Selassie with its unique murals. O/N Gonder.

 

  

Day 10 (04Jan) Gonder - Lalibela (Flight) - : Fly from Gonder to reach Lalibela via the chains of Lasta massifs. Your arrival in Lalibela will in the morning. The visit of the first group of churches will start after we check in to our hotel. King Lalibela is credited with the foundation of the 11 rock-hewn churches in the 12th century. One of the world's most incredible man-made creations, they are a lasting monument to man's faith in God. Most travel writers describe these churches as the "eighth wonder of the world". These remarkable edifices were carved out of a solid rock, in a region where the ragged landscape still protects the churches. O/N Lalibela.

 

    

 

Day 11 (05Jan) Lalibela : Visit Lalibela rock hewn churches: your visit will continue to the 2nd group of the eleven rock-hewn monolithic (carved from a single rock) churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World heritage site, with magnificent architecture & paintings inside the churches). Following the second group churches visit we take you to St George rock hewn church. As a showpiece of all the buildings is St. George's Church, which has been carved in the shape of a cross from the rock. Lalibela is a high place of Ethiopian Christianity, still today a place of pilgrimage and devotion. These notable structures are carved, inside and out, into the solid rock, and are considered to be among the wonders of the world. In the evening, you will get back to the hotel, rest, have dinner and relax. O/N Lalibela

Day 12 (06Jan) Fly to ADD : Fly to Addis Ababa (ET 123; 11:10 – 13:35). Upon arrival check in hotel. Then start a city tour of Addis, today city tour of the capital including: Entoto Mountains Highest peak (3,200m) in Addis Ababa, with very nice view over the capital and church of St Mary with adjacent museum of imperial objects. 

To wrap up the day’s visit we arrange a visit to the newly opened Unity Park, which is located in the compound of the very interesting palace of Emperor Menelik. The Menelik Palace, sometimes also known as the Imperial Palace, is a palatial compound in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. For years known as the Gebbi, it was the seat of the power of Ethiopia's emperors. Within its confines are several residences, halls, chapels, and working buildings. Today it contains the offices and residence of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed.  O/N Addis Ababa.

Day 13 (07Jan) Fly to Semera-Camp Site : After breakfast in Semera, the crew (drivers, local guides, cook, & road leader from the tourism authorities & police escort) starts its adventure tour to the Afar Danakil depression. Danakil Depression (Dallol and Erta Ale) ranks as one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and a 1km square caldera at its summit. Drive directly to Hamedella town of Dallol. You will have your picnic lunch en route at Afdera and continue to Hamedella to arrive in the afternoon around 4pm at our camp site. After setting up our camps, we may drive to Lake Assale, and visit the sunset late in the afternoon; overnight open-air camping with clean beds, mattress, bed sheets etc. We will provide enough volume of water this morning when departing from Semera. O/N camping at Hamedella

  

Day 14 (08Jan) Hamedella - Erteala Early in the morning before sunrise drive to the lunar landscape of Dallo geothermal site for
an amazing wonder seen nowhere else in the planet. A chemical reaction happening right in front of you, live face to face with row nature. After this drive to the salt and mud formed mountain cave right underneath Dallol creator. Another 10 minutes’ drive further, we will be in a completely different world, have a picnic breakfast near one of the caves. Then we continue to the vast salt plains, the Lake Karum swimming salt-water cold pool in that scorching sun & finally visit the salt miners before leaving back to Hamedella.

Walk about 30 minutes to the tip of the mountain where will see the caldera. We start the hike around 5:30 late in the afternoon, and after the visit, we will return to our camping site by 8:00 PM, camping facility arranged in an open-air camping on a flat ground with suitable matress & bed sheets. O/N camping at Erteale

 

Day 15 (09Jan) Afdera Salt Lake - ADD : Wake up in the morning with the sun, and a�er having breakfast drive to Afdera Salt Lake town,
the major & biggest hub in Ethiopia for salt production & distribution on lying at 112 m below sea level; & where you will experience the highest temperature in the Danakil depression. Have lunch in town, a glimpse of the Salt Lake, a walk along the salt farms and after this we drive back to Addis to fly back to Addis (ET165; 0540-0700PM). The evening goes with a traditional meal with a beautiful dance performance at the end. O/N Addis Ababa O/N Hotel in Addis

Day 16 (10Jan) ADD - Fly Home : Short visit of the capital Addis Ababa for last shopping in Addis Ababa. Transfer to the airport and flight back to home. ET638 ADDKUL 0010AM (11Jan2027). O/N Plane

Day 17(11Jan) Home : Arrived Kuala Lumpur 1715pm late afternoon (11Jan2027).

    

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Cost covers 6 sector domestic Ethiopian flight included tax & fuel surcharges (Note : if international airlines is NOT Ethiopia airlines, additional about USD220 will be incurred), accommodation, local guide, transportation (midivan & 4WD), entrance fees, boat trip on Lake Tana & Lake Chamo, permit & all meals for Afar/Danakil
2. Accommodation will be in budget hotels.
3. Not covered are international flight & taxes/fuel, Lunch & Dinner (RM50-80 p/day) except breakfast, in-town taxis, Visa USD62, optional tours, photo & video fees.
4. We will assist for flight booking if have min 10 pax for group ticket. If not book individual ticket by OWN which will advise.
5. NO YONGO trip leader along but local guides if group members less than 12 persons. Guide/driver accompanying group do expect tips. Yongo encourages group members to be generous but should commensurate with services rendered.
6. A Non-refundable deposit of Rm4600 is payable to confirm your place.
7. Cost is subject to change if there's significant changes in foreign exchange rates and airfares.

Email:rachelheng123@gmail.com or yongo123@gmail.com
Phone Rachel 012 352 0868
Phone Yong Lee Min: 016 220 9033

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