SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK 15 Day Northern Ethiopia Tour

January 20, 2021

SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK 15 Day Northern Ethiopia Tour

SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK ◐ TOUR CODE: OVET-005 ☀ DURATION: 15 DAYS ◐ TRANSPORTATION: LAND & AIR ☀ DESTINATION:JOURNEY TO THE NORTHERN HISTORIC ROUTE WITH DANAKIL DEPRESSION AND HARER OF ETHIOPIA

DAY 01: ARRIVAL OF ADDIS ABABA AND SIGHT SEEING

Up on arrival at Bole International airport you will be meet OVET Ethiopia Tours representatives and be taken to your reserved hotel. Depending up on time make sightseeing in Addis Ababa. The sightseeing includes the national museum (where you can see the Lucy fossil skeleton found), Unity Park and Entoto hills.

DAY 02: FLY TO BAHIR DAR (LAKE TANA) AND SIGHT SEEING

Catch a morning flight to fly to Bahir Dar. After a short break leave out the hotel for a boat trip on Lake Tana and visit two or three of its beautiful and interesting islands with their medieval period monasteries. Covering over 3500sq km, Lake Tana is Ethiopia’s largest lake and is famous as the home of the monasteries established on some 20 of its 37 islands. Most churches in the monasteries have interesting paintings and contain a collection of church treasures and beautiful old manuscripts.

DAY 03: DRIVE TO GONDAR AND VISIT THE SIGHTSEEING OF GONDAR

Heading to the legendary city of Gondar. In Gondar visit the Royal Enclosure that is surrounded by high stone walls containing the ruins of 17th-century palaces of king Fasiladas, king Iyasu, and queen Mentewab and different other buildings. The castles are a mixture of Ethiopian, European and probably also Indian styles. According to descriptions of 17th-century travelers, the interior of the castle of king Fasiladas was extremely luxurious, decorated with gold, ivory, and precious stones. Also, visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church meaning Trinity at the Mount of Light.

It has a rectangular structure and ceilings are decorated with beautiful winged angels, and its walls with impressive scenes depicting biblical events, including the life of Christ, Mary, and the saints and martyrs. There is also a painting of the church’s founder, Emperor Iyasu I.

DAY 04: DRIVE TO SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Today drive to the jagged panorama of the Simien Mountains National Park, famed for its exclusive landscape, afro-alpine vegetation and unique wildlife, where you may spot the endemic Wallia Ibex, Gelada Baboon troops, Bushbuck, Klipspringer. However, as we stay for one night we will enjoy the dramatic scenery and a troop-friendly Gelada Baboon at very close distance and Birds such as Chestnut-napped Francolin, Mountain Thrush, Thick-billed Raven, Lammergeyer, White-collared Pigeon and Ankober Serin just to name a few. For those who interest in hike/Trek, we will trek for about 2-3 hrs on the edge and beautiful escarpment to view the beautiful and green valley, wondering the long day eating and grooming of Gelada Baboon families.

DAY 05: DRIVE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS – AXUM

More time in an amazing the Simien Mountains National Park: the incredible mountain scenery is breathtaking. Hike along mountain trails enjoying the endless unique flora and fauna of this elevated region (Giant Lobelia). Drive to continue Axum via Tekeze Valley.

DAY 06: FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING IN AXUM

Exploring the old city of Ethiopia, Axum. Visit the interesting museum in Stelae field, the impressive Stelae Fields and also the grounds of the 16th-century Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, home of the original Ark of the Covenant, Queen of Sheba ruin palace, and Tomb of Kaleb and Gebre Meskel at a certain place will be dropped for souvenir and stretching your legs to the hotel.

DAY 07: DRIVE TO MEKELE

Leaving Axum to Head Mekele en route visit Yeha temple and Debre Damo monastery.

DAY 08: DRIVE TO HAMDELA AND EART ALE.

Late Morning drive to Hamedela and Picnic lunch at Berhale where we arrange the permits and police escort. You will be around late afternoon at Hamdela campsite then, drive to Dodom. Here we will arrange camels to transport your luggage and water, and then you will start hiking to the Erta Ale Volcanic hills (613 meters above sea level) which is 15km one way and walk to see the volcanic eruption. The eruption is so colorful and spectacular. At night, we will camp nearby the eruption, on the crater rim above the active lava lake.

DAY 09: MORE EXCURSIONS IN DODOM AND DRIVE BACK TO HAMADELA

Climbing again early in the morning to the rim to see the sunset. Then drive to Hamed Ela. Late afternoon visit camel caravan.

DAY 10: EXCURSION TO DALOL DEPRESSION DRIVE BACK TO MEKELE

After early breakfast drive to the Lake Asale, salty Lake and visit the salt workers and the merchant, then head to Dallol/Danakil Depression, which straddles the Eritrean border to the east of the Tigrian Highlands and is officially listed as the hottest and active place on the earth surface with an average temperature of 40 – 50 degrees Celsius. Most of this vast and unpopulated region lies below sea level at 116 Meters. Then drive back to Mekele.

DAY 11: DRIVE TO LALIBELA

For the whole day your journey will be drive Mekele to Lalibela. on the visit some local market.

DAY 12: VISIT THE ROCK HEWN CHURCHES

Start your day by excursion. Visit the first group of the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela which are carved out of living volcanic tuff with a super architectural skill that the world has never seen, yet elsewhere. UNESCO registers these churches as world heritage. Among churches of this group, Bete Medahine Alem (house of the redeemer) is the largest with 5 aisles, 72 pillars, a vaulted dome, and molding decoration. Bete Mariam (house of St. Marry) is the most decorated among the rock-hewn churches.

DAY 13: FLY LALIBELA – ADDIS – DIRE DAWA

Take a morning flight to fly back to Addis and connect your flight to Dire Dawa. Then drive to Harar. Evening Hyena man show.

DAY 14: FULL DAY SIGHT SEEING OF HARAR CITY

Start visiting from the walled city of Harar covers an area of a little over 1sq km. There are over 87 mosques in the old town alone, and these are said to form the largest concentration of mosques in any city in the world. Harar is known as the 4th Moslem sacred city of the world next to Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. The town is also regarded as the walled city because of the wall that was built in the 15th c by Harari (Adare people) to protect themselves from the repeated invasion of surrounding tribes. A day visit of Harar sightseeing includes the Harari museum, Artier Rambo house, surrounding of the old wall and old village and market inside the wall.

DAY 15: FLY BACK TO ADDIS ABABA

For the last day catch the morning flight to fly back to Addis Ababa, shopping at souvenir shops. Evening farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant and transfer to airport for flight back home.

This itinerary is flexible, and will likely change depending on your choice and schedule.

Included

Accommodation as per the program based on twin or double room

All transfer in and transfer out services

Ground transportation

Local guides and Scout If needed

All entrance fees as per the program

Internal flight tickets

Breakfast, lunch & Dinn

Excluded

Any alcoholic drinks

Any videography or camera fees if needed

Any personal expenses like internet, telephone, fax

Services that are not mentioned in the included section

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soigal

2021-01-13

*** OUTSTANDING *** Our experience with ‘Omo Valley Experience Tours’ was outstanding. We booked a 5 day Omo Valley tour with Robel, who served as our guide and went above and beyond expectations. The vehicle used for the trip was a new SUV, air conditioned, and extremely comfortable. Robel travels with a WiFi hotspot as well, complimentary to his guests. The hotel accommodations Robel set up were top-notch and much better than expected, given the remoteness of the region. He was very flexible in changing the itinerary on the spot and was extremely knowledgeable of the area and the tribes. It seemed that everywhere we went, everyone knew Robel. We had an immersive experience meeting multiple tribes, and Robel introduced us to some great Ethiopian food as well! There were things that he did for us that were not expected. When we flew to Lalibela after the Omo Valley segment of our trip, Robel set up an outstanding tour guide for us at the last minute. In addition, when he found out that we had a few hours to spare in Addis Ababa on the back end of our trip before our flight home, he picked us up at the hotel and took us on a tour of Addis Ababa. He also took us to a shopping district for souvenirs and to a great restaurant. He then waited for us to check out of the hotel which was around midnight and brought us to the airport. This was all done on his own and was not on the planned itinerary. Our memories of our trip will live on forever. Seeing the tribes of Omo Valley were beyond expectations. It’s something everyone should experience. Robel made our trip most memorable. I highly recommend ‘Omo Valley Experience Tours’. Robel can be contacted on WhatsApp (+251912707956) or email (Sol770084@yahoo.com).

go12345

2021-01-10

Robel Hailu, Tour Guide Extraordinaire! Had the trip of a lifetime, thanks to Robel. Sometimes, when you dream of a trip for so long, it runs the risk of being a let down. I did extensive research while planning this trip, and contacted several different tour guides. Robel gave me a great price right off the bat, without the hassle of negotiations, which was the case with many others. Just as importantly, he was quick to communicate and answer all questions, and was very friendly from the get go, which made me feel comfortable. The trip to Omo Valley didn't just meet my expectations, it exceeded them. Omo Valley itself is a place like no other. The tribes are authentic and raw (not like the tribes in some other parts of Africa where you get the feeling they just dress up for the tourists). Robel is an absolute joy to be around. Always in a good mood, and a great sense of humor. He's got a relaxed personality, but at the same time also very well-organized, professional, and adaptable. He gave me a lot of options, not just ahead of time when booking the trip, but also along the way, always willing to be flexible. He and our driver, Neba, made me feel like we were all long time friends. It's obvious he's very well-connected (and well-liked), and was in contact with locals along the way, including the tribal chiefs, to ensure we maximized our experience. Robel made sure I got more than just a quick photo-stop with the tribes. The experience was so enriching. Robel knows a lot about all the tribes, and Ethiopia as a whole. I learned so much just talking to him, like with a friend. We visited 6 tribes (plus two markets). Robel organized the trip very efficiently and effectively to make the best use of our time. I was able to spend significant in their communities, interact with the locals and members of the tribes, and even got to go inside a home of a member of the Hamer tribe to share a hot coffee-shell drink. These, and so many more, are experiences I'll never forget. Robel is always on his A-game, and there's not a situation he's not able to handle. His vehicle is top-notch, and he travels with a spare tire. When my shoe broke in the middle of the trip, he fixed it. When a last minute rule change by Turkey (the country I would be transiting through for my connecting flight to go home to the US) meant a negative covid test was required to board the plane in Addis (even to transit), Robel jumped into action. Knowing I'd be coming back to Addis from Lalibela in a few days, with only a few hours to spare before my international flight to go back home, he went to the hospital in Addis the day before I was coming back to get a lay of the land. He spoke to the people there, told them my situation, and made sure they could guarantee I'd be able to take the test and get the results in time for my flight. He picked me up from the airport (with driver Yohannes, another amazingly friendly and helpful person), whisked me to the local hospital, ushered me in and talked to all the right people to make sure I got in and out quickly. As promised, my results were ready a few hours later, which he picked up for me prior to bringing me back to the airport. None of this was part of the original plan, and would have likely been much too complicated and too much effort for someone else to successfully deal with. But Robel handled it calmly and confidently. I've been home for several days now, and I"m still reliving my trip to Ethiopia over and over in my mind. I still can't believe I got to have the experiences I did. It's an incredible place-- but also, I know that I maximized every ounce of wonder from it, thanks to having Robel as my guide. Robel can be reached on WhatsApp: +251912707956 and email: Sol770084@yahoo.com I can say with 100% confidence that you'll have no regrets if you choose Robel to lead you through the Omo Valley, and even all of Ethiopia! I'll remember this experience for as long as I live!

Anastasia B

2020-12-07

Wonderful Ethiopia After re opening tourism in Ethiopia because of covid group of 12 people was an unforgettable experience.I had strong interest in how people live therI’ve alwayse and what traditions do they have. If I get a chance in the future, I will go back there again and again (together with the best guide in the world — our lovely Robel). I want to give a special thank to our guide Robel. It was him, who made our trip so memorable. He was kindly attentive to us and our wishes and he knows really a lot about Ethiopia and it’s population. We felt safe and wasn’t afraid of anything wit him. Please contact him What's app+251912707956 Email. sol770084@yahoo.com I cherish my memories of this trip very much. Special thanks to Haile — the best driver I could ever think of. And my big love to Robel and to everyone who was in our team with me💜

Nikolay Spektor

2020-12-02

Experienced tour with the experienced guide Robel Haile During our extremely intensive 9 day tour we visited 8 tribes of Omo valley with different culture and different beautiful landscapes of their villages. We managed to swim in the Chamo lake with crocodiles and hippos. And we also visited the capital with its interesting churches and palaces. With our guide Robel will feel safe. He paid a lot of attention to our wishes and remarks. Also he knows a lot of about Ethiopia, about its history, people and culture. He made our tour informative and unforgettable. Individual thanks to our driver Haile. He was very attentive to our group and his driving was calm.

avivast21

2020-10-17

ROBEL HIELO , The ultimate guide to southern Ethiopia ROBEL HIELO ,Recommended guide, great experience to the south. I think this is the best guide in Ethiopia. It's addictive! We were with him for three adults and an 8-year-old boy, two crazy weeks in southern Ethiopia and Umu Valley. The tribes in the south. This is my second time in the tribes and the experience with him was much more powerful than the previous time, he took us wherever we wanted, and made real efforts so that we would have more places we wanted .. we do not see how we would get to all the places we came without him. The tribes were less touristy, we spent a night in one of the villages, an amazing experience. We watched a completely authentic maturation ceremony, visited the markets. Fascinating trip !!! Ruble has a comfortable new Gip with Wi-Fi air conditioner, knowledgeable person, pleasant walks, did not spare hours of driving sometimes into the night just to get to see more and more places, very flexible thinking ahead, saved us hours of waiting for lunch by ordering our meal in advance. (Those who know Ethiopia can wait hours until the meal arrives, time wasted) Everywhere Rubel took a local guide, which added value to the visit, you could really say King of the South, know every place and place and everything is done in good spirits and with a smile. He always gave a feeling of security, caring and a big heart. When the trip was over we all cried, we won a friend for life. Worth every beer. Go out with him and he will make the trip for you.

Ahuva

המלצה חמה על רובל Robel לפני כשנתים נסענו 2 חברות בנות 40+ לטיול תרמילאיות ברחבי אתיופיה. את כל הדרום עשינו עם בעל החברה והמדריך רובל! (את שאר אתיופיה עשינו בעצמנו.) סגרנו הכל עם רובל עוד מהארץ ואכן הוא עשה כל מה שהבטיח והיה אחלה. הוא עשה לנו מסלול וטיול חבל על הזמן. הוא מדריך מעולה ומעניין, מכיר את המקומות והאנשים שם מצוין, מאד אחראי ודואג לבטיחות ולאנשים, ובנוסף בחור מגניב וכיפי שנהנינו מאד לטייל איתו. זרם איתנו עם שינויים במסלול וממש השקיע והיה לו אכפת. הוא אמין והגון, ואפשר לסגור איתו מהארץ ישירות בלי מתווכים. ממליצה עליו בלב שלם ובחום.

maor

2020-10-14

Week in the South rubel an Amazing guide, explained to us about the nearby villages we learned a lot from him in addition he know the roads very well, helped us with any questions and thanks to him the trip was very fascinatingl. contact details : name. Robel What's app. +215912707956 Email. SOL770084@YAHOO.COM

SeferBalcarce

2020-07-15

Best trip in my life. Best guide. Robel (Whats App +251912707956 / mail SOL770084@yahoo.com) was a great companion and guide to this outstanding experience. Fortunately I have travelled around quite a bit. Visited up to now +50 countries. But never have I come across an experience as this one. I spent a week travelling with Robel visiting six of the tribes on the Omo Valley. It was literally like being in a Nat Geo documentary! I arranged from Argentina with Robel via WA a more than affordable price, which included hotels, food, and photos (I only paid for the souvenirs I bought), he picked me up at my hotel in Addis and returned me there a week later. We visited the most relevant tribes, the Hamar, Dassanetch, Mursi, Bona, Karo, and Dorze. He arranged with local guides from each of the tribes to walk me through their villages explaining culture and lifestyles. I even shared a bowl of cascara (known as coffee cherry tea), with Mursi tribesmen. A tea made with the dried skins of coffee beans (yes, in the land of coffee the tribes sell de bean and infuse the husk!!). We visited two tribal markets and took the most stunning photos of all of my trips. Really an unparalleled experience. Thanks Robel!!

theodore52018

2020-03-11

Worthwhile We had a wonderful time in the Omo Valley! I definitely recommend this experience. Our guide was professional, punctual, and helped explain the different tribes to us.

Jason

2020-03-01

8 Days in the Valley I just got back from an eight-day tour in Ethiopia with Omo Valley Experience Tours. As others have noted, the Omo Valley is one of the most unique places on earth. The tribal villages you'll visit have remained relatively unchanged for the past few hundred years. People still do everything the way they did in the 1800s, including making their tools and grinding grain by hand. In many ways, it's like stepping back in time a century or two. Our guide on the trip was Biniam (Ben). Ben grew up in the Omo Valley, and his expertise of the area was immediately apparent. He seemed to know everything about every single tribe and village, and he was happy to answer the million or so questions I had about the local culture. Ben is also a skilled organizer. He went above and beyond to make sure we experienced the most exciting things the Omo Valley had to offer, including a private visit with the Konso King, Gezahegne Woldu. Organizing the visits to the best villages was a full-time job, and Ben was continually texting and meeting with the right people. In all, I think we saw ten of the sixteen tribes of the Omo Valley and also visited multiple markets. The highlight of the trip was taking part in a bull-jumping ceremony with the Hamer tribe. This right of passage ceremony is quite extraordinary and involves an adolescent boy jumping over several bulls without falling off. Overall, the trip was an incredible experience and one that has changed my perspective on the world. I highly recommend Ben and Omo Valley Experience Tours for anyone wishing to see this part of Ethiopia. Visiting the Omo Valley isn't easy, and it's not relaxing, but it will undoubtedly leave you with memories that will stick with you for the rest of your life.

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SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK 15 Day Northern Ethiopia Tour

SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK 15 Day Northern Ethiopia Tour

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