Wishlist
Ethiopia Unearthed
Expedition to the Cradle of Civilization
Ethiopia is a fascinating country that is much overlooked by the traveler and really shouldn’t be. Born Free’s Ethiopian Highlights and Omo Valley Journey cover the main points of interest but there is so much more in this country that can be a standalone trip to Africa.
With a short amount of time, Ethiopia is an excellent stopover or short visit on your way too East and South Africa especially on Ethiopian Airlines whose service can be matched with any leading carrier.
Considered the “Cradle of Civilization,” Ethiopia is teeming with rich historical sites and ancient cultures. The sites are unique, the people are charming, and the food delicious. The rock-hewn below-ground churches are one of the true man-made wonders of the world. Its landscapes are epic in beauty from the Simien and Bale mountains to the lowest place on the African continent, the Danakil Depression.
Ethiopia is the only country in Africa to have escaped European colonization, thus retaining much of its original identity. All can still be seen from the echoes of the Queen of Sheba, the passion of Christianity, and ancient Israel and the Beta Israel Jews.
The 8 Day itinerary shown is a good introduction to the highlights of Ethiopia but there is so much more.
Travel to the North of Addis Ababa to Lalibela, Axum, Gondar, and the Blue Nile to encounter the enduring spirituality that makes Ethiopia one of the most culturally magnificent destinations in the world. In the Omo, Ethiopian traditions remain as they have for hundreds of years.
Special site visit would be a stop at the Danakil Depression where you can witness one of the hottest, lowest and most unique places on Earth. Featuring a myriad of neon-colored springs and bubbling lava lakes.
Hike the Simien and Bale mountains where endemic wildlife can often be seen including Ethiopian Wolf, Ibex and the Gelada Baboon.
Travel to the South of Addis is Omo Valley, home to dozens of indigenous people known for their strong and maintained traditions including body painting, scarification, clothing and fascination folklore. It is here where it seems time has stood still, and primitive traditions are still practiced.
When traveling to Ethiopia we suggest aligning the trip with market days and one of the festive holidays. Dates for holidays will change each year.
Highlights
- Private Personalized Journey
- Choice of Accommodations
- Exclusive Born Free Safari Guide
- Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches
- Gondar, UNESCO World Heritage site
- Axum - The Ark of the Covenant
- Simien Mountains
- Wander the Largest Market in Africa & Ploughshare Women’s Crafts Center
- Traditional Dinner and Local Music
Journey Rates & Details
| 2027 Travel | Silver | ||||||||
| May-September | $ 4,600 | ||||||||
| October-April | $ 5,200 |
