We will dedicate the day to knowing a representation of the monasteries of Lake Tana, which counts more than 20, remaining many of them almost in anonymity for foreigners until 1930. Several of them have magnificent decoration and hide true treasures, turning them into places full of mystery and legend.

The trip across the lake will be on a small ferry, which will take us to the Zege peninsula, where we will visit the Ura Kidane Mehret church, accessed by a path surrounded by lush vegetation. We will continue our excursion on this stunning lake and stop at the Azuwa Maryam temple or another similar one. Depending on the time we have, we may visit two or three churches on the lake.

In the afternoon, we will take a walk through the Bahar Dar market and the surrounding areas to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Tana.

Founded by Emperor Fasilidas, Gondar was the second capital of the Axumite Empire and a major reference center during the 17th and 18th centuries. Once in Gondar, we will visit its historic center, paying special attention to the castle complex, the pool of King Fasilidas, and the Debre Birhan Selassie monastery.

Gondar was the capital of Ethiopia in the past and features one of the earliest castles known in the history of Africa (Fasil Ghebbi). The central walled enclosure, surrounded by tall stone walls, covers a whopping 70,000 square meters and contains a total of six castles, an interconnected tunnel complex, and raised walkways to other smaller buildings. Known as the “Camelot of Africa,” the royal complex also includes chapels, a banquet hall, horse stables, and... even a lion's cage.

After visiting the castles and the true heart of Gondar, we will discover the 16th-century pool of King Fasilidas. The baths of the founder of Gondar cover 2,800 square meters. Surrounded by a stone wall with six towers, it overlooks the baths of a two-story building that, according to tradition, was the monarch's second residence. Other sources suggest that, although they are considered pools, they were probably used for ceremonies.

The Gondar tour concludes with a visit to the Debre Birhan Selassie monastery. Legend has it that it was the only temple saved from the massive destruction of 1888 due to “the divine intervention of a swarm of bees” (sic). The main tourist interest of the church lies in its interior paintings. For example, the ceiling is adorned with eighty angelic faces, a unique attraction that makes it one of the most photographed spots in the country. Additionally, a terrifying representation of the demon surrounded by flames stands out on the left wall of the main door.

We will visit the first group of rock-hewn churches, among which we can highlight the church of Medhanialem (San Salvador), one of the largest and most impressive, with external columns that adorn the sides, and the church of Bete Mariam, a small church that has preserved the beauty of its interior paintings and a curious internal structure formed by two levels.

The churches of Lalibela, being underground, are connected to each other through tunnels and ditches, which are undoubtedly one of the main attractions for travelers. We will dedicate the day to exploring this city, considered one of the wonders of the world. Located at 2,630 meters above sea level, Lalibela boasts the majesty of its churches, but also the charm of its alleyways, where we will wander until dinner time.

We will have a vehicle available to visit some of the most emblematic neighborhoods of Addis Ababa, such as Piassa or to see Merkato.

Turmi is the capital of the Hamer ethnic group. With ancestral customs, their own language, religion, and beliefs, the Hamer are incredibly hospitable, with unique rituals, including the ukuli bula or bull jumping, the boko presentation, and the evangadi dance. The town not only serves as a base for visiting the various villages of this tribe but is also an excellent starting point to reach Omorate and discover ethnic groups such as the Dassanech or the Karo.

The Hamer are undoubtedly the archetypal ethnic group of the Omo. The women, in particular, are striking, adorned with thick braids of ochre-colored hair that form a dense fringe, skirts made of skin, and numerous bracelets fitted to their arms and legs. The men, for their part, like the women, practice body scarification and wear simpler clothing, except for what they wear during ceremonies.

We will wake up early and head further south, towards Omorate, to take an extensive visit to the Dassanech village, on the banks of the Omo River.

The Dassanech base their livelihood on the cultivation of sorghum and corn. They are considered a pastoral people, but they also engage in seasonal crops that coincide with the flooding of the Omo River and its banks. This ethnic group forms a patriarchal society, where authority rests with a group of elders known as 'ara'.

One of the most surprising details about the Dassanech is the male hairstyles, which indicate the rise in the age system; from complete shaving, to the 'helmet' style of the children, to the sophisticated hairstyles with dirt that signify adulthood and social recognition.

The journey will also take place among the villages of the Hamer ethnic group. Accompanied by local guides, we will explore some of the most interesting villages.

The social structure of the Konso is based on belonging to one of the nine clans, called “gada,” which frames their social structure. Each gada has a religious authority known as pokwalla. The rituals associated with the cult of the deceased play a fundamental role in the Konso community, with the most visible manifestation being the ancestor worship through waga, wooden statues erected in memory of the deceased who hold significance in Konso society.

We will later head to the Dorze villages. We will ascend a path that gains altitude with incredible views over Nechisar National Park. We will visit the Dorze ethnic group, whose unique houses (made of bamboo) form domes of up to six meters high, serving as their calling card. Inside, quite spacious, they usually have a fire that they use both for cooking and heating the environment. The Dorze are also known for their colorful tunics with geometric designs, which they make and export throughout the country. Therefore, it is easy to see them working on traditional looms or spinning cotton threads at the doors of their homes, which they then use to make textiles.

In the image and likeness of the pygmies and the Khoisan, they have a polyphonic music called “edho,” which is usually sung during the epiphany or initiation festivals.

In the Ethiopian capital, we will dedicate time to make last-minute purchases and stroll along Churchill Avenue, one of its commercial arteries.

In the evening, farewell dinner.

Transfer to the airport.

Ethiopia Hesheba Route

$4,000

Deposit: $1,200

The Habesha Route, which pays tribute to all the inhabitants of this country, encompasses the most emblematic places of ancient Great Abyssinia in less than two weeks.

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