Ethiopian Explorer (northbound)

Itinerary

Day 1 Nairobi

Set off from Kenya's bust capital.

Day 2 Lake Naivasha

Visit the Elsamere Conservation Centre and try to spy the cheeky eastern black-and-white colobus monkeys who call the scenic grounds home. Head out on a guided hippo pool walking safari, enjoy horse riding or take a game walk in the stunning Crater Lake Game Reserve.

Days 3-4 Lake Nakuru

Spot the resident animals that feed around the shores of Lake Nakuru.

Days 5-7 Samburu/Thomson Falls

Witness traditional Samburu dancing, and learn about tribal life and customs from the locals. Venture into the vast reserve to try and spy Africa's iconic Big Five.

Days 8-9 Marsabit/Moyale

Traverse a surreal black lunar landscape and pass mountain greenery, spectacular craters and termite mounds on the drive into Kenya.

Days 10-11 Konso

Learn about the complex and fascinating Konso culture, including the custom of creating wagas, intricately carved wooden sculptures that mark the graves of the honorable.

Days 12-15 Omo Valley/Turmi

The colourful markets and friendly villages are a delight to explore in this picturesque valley. Meet Hamer, Arbore and the Dascensch tribes people and learn about their fascinating culture and customs.

Days 16-19 Shashemene/Arba Minch

Call into the local school at the Shashemene Rastafarian community, en route to bustling Arba Minch. Escape the city for the Lake Chamo National Park, where trips to the lakeside 'crocodile market' and the local Guji and Ganjule communities await.

Days 20-22 Bale Mountains National Park

Head out on game spotting expeditions in this stunningly diverse park, home to over 60 types of mammals and more than 260 bird species.

Day 23 Lake Abiata-Shala National Park

Admire the vast flocks of pink flamingos feeding in the shallow alkaline waters of Lake Abiata.

Days 24-25 Addis Ababa

Stop by the bustling capital to visit the eye-opening Ethnological Museum, indulge tastebuds with country's best examples of its delicious cuisine or shop at Merkato, the massive local market.

Days 26-30 Bahir Dar

Feel the sheet of mist rising from the mighty Blue Nile Falls before boarding a reed boat bound for Lake Tana's islands and isolated peninsulas. Explore the monasteries dotting the lake, famous for their murals and ornately decorated interiors.

Days 31-33 Lalibela

Hidden amongst the hills of northern Ethiopia, Lalibela is home to 13 monolithic churches hewn from the surrounding rocks. Take a walk through the structures with a local guide to unlock the fascinating history of these breathtaking churches.

Days 34-36 Mekele

Wander through the cliff-face churches of Tigray, admiring the clusters of more than 120 churches sculptured into caves and a dramatic cliff-face.

Days 37-38 Aksum

Get acquainted with this once mighty city, and discover its towering ancient obelisks, crumbling palaces and web of underground tombs. The ancient St Mary of Zion Church is said to house the original Ark of the Covenant and is carefully guarded at all times.

Days 39-41 Simien Mountains National Park

Stand atop a breathtaking precipice and stare into the giant Abyssinian abyss. These stunning mountains are also home to wealth of animals, including the striking gelada baboons. Hike through the rugged terrain, passing eroded volcanic cores, raging rivers and jagged peaks.

Day 42-44 Gonder

Discover this cosmopolitan city of castles and palaces. Stop by the Debre Berhan Selassie Church where the ceiling swarms with the smiling faces of 104 winged Ethiopian cherubs. Explore the restored Fasiladas' Palace and lounge around the lush, shady Fasiladas' Bath which is still used for a colourful religious celebration.