Celebrate New Year, Ethiopian Style!

In September 2026, we’re heading back to Ethiopia & this time to experience the magic of Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) in Addis Ababa. From ringing in the new year with unforgettable festivities, to exploring ancient history, meeting a few local tribes in South Omo Valley, tasting authentic Ethiopian cuisine, and dancing through Addis nightlife, this trip is all about culture, connection, and celebration. Get ready for an adventure like no other!

Welcome to Ethiopia Stampers!

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Your Ethiopian journey kicks off in the vibrant capital, Addis Ababa. After breakfast, set out on a guided city tour that brings Ethiopia’s rich history and culture to life. Explore the National Museum, home to the world-famous fossil “Lucy,”a fascinating window into human origins.

You'll also step inside the Ethnological Museum, housed in Haile Selassie’s former palace, to gain deeper insight into Ethiopia’s many diverse cultural groups.

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Next, enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding highlands with a scenic drive up Entoto Hill. Continue to the bustling Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, where the sights, sounds, and scents of spices, textiles, and handmade crafts create an unforgettable atmosphere.

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In the evening, come together for a warm traditional Sankofa welcome dinner, featuring authentic Ethiopian dishes. Since today is Ethiopian New Year's Eve, we’ll bring in the new year the Ethiopian way, filled with music, culture, and pure vibes. Tonight we will sleep overnight in Addis Ababa.

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Dinner Theme: "Shimmer In Silver" (please wear silver glam & dressy outfits)

⚠️ Travel Tip: We highly recommend arriving the night before (9.9.26) in case of flight delays, so you don’t miss this iconic welcome dinner and the city tour. Once you book, we’ll share more details to help you plan. Hotels before & after the trip dates will incur an additional fee.

Happy New Year! It's officially 2019!

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Today, we celebrate Ethiopian New Year right here in the heart of Addis Ababa! The exact activities will be finalized closer to the trip, but expect a day filled with rich culture, festive traditions, and unforgettable vibes.

From vibrant local celebrations to immersive cultural experiences, this will be a truly special way to ring in the new year, Ethiopian style.

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Tonight we will sleep overnight in Addis Ababa.

In the morning, board a flight to Hawassa, a tranquil lakeside town set in the heart of the Rift Valley. Along the way, make a stop in Shashemene, a town with strong Rastafarian heritage that offers an interesting cultural perspective.

Upon arrival in Hawassa, enjoy a guided walk through the lush lakeside park, where black-and-white colombus monkeys swing between the trees.

As night falls, witness the thrilling spectacle of hyena feeding. This centuries-old tradition allows visitors to observe these powerful creatures up close as they emerge from the bush to feed, creating an unforgettable experience. We will stay overnight in Hawassa.

Wake up to the serenity of Lake Hawassa and embark on a morning boat trip. Glide across the calm waters, watching hippos surface and fishermen haul in their catch, while vibrant birdlife fills the skies. You'll get a chance to grab some goodies at a little local market. After the excursion, begin your scenic drive south towards Arba Minch.

The journey takes you through fertile farmland, rolling hills, and rural villages that reveal everyday life in southern Ethiopia. As you approach Arba Minch, marvel at the stunning views of the twin Rift Valley lakes, Chamo and Abaya. Tonight we will stay overnight in Arba Minch.

Spend the morning with the Dorze people, a small ethnic group living in the highlands near Arba Minch. The Dorze are known for their towering beehive-shaped huts, which can last for decades and are ingeniously designed to be moved when necessary.

Explore their weaving workshops, where brightly colored cloth is still crafted on traditional looms, and taste local dishes made from the “false banana” plant, a staple in their cuisine.

In the afternoon, return to Arba Minch and enjoy a Sankofa wine tasting session & photoshoot. Sample Ethiopian wines while taking in the beautiful scenery of lakes Chamo and Abaya, creating a relaxed and memorable end to the day. Tonight we will sleep overnight in Arba Minch. You'll have a chance to book a variety of massages at the property.

This morning, set off on a long but rewarding drive deeper into the Omo Valley, eventually reaching Turmi, the cultural heartland of the Hamer people. Along the way, the scenery shifts to vast savannahs dotted with traditional villages.

The Hamer are among the most renowned tribes of the Omo, known for their intricate hairstyles coated in ochre, colorful beadwork, and body ornaments. Depending on the season and timing, you may witness the Evangadi dance, performed by young men and women, or even a bull-jumping ceremony, an important rite of passage for Hamer men. These rituals and celebrations reflect the deeply rooted traditions that continue to shape daily life. Tonight we will stay overnight in Turmi.

Begin the day with a drive to Omorate, a settlement on the banks of Omo River. Cross the river in a tradition dugout canoe to meet the Daasanach tribe. The Dessanech tribe lives in a harsh environment, relying on cattle, fishing, and seasonal farming, and they are known for their resilience and adaptability. After the visit, return to your lodge in Tumi to relax, book a massage, or head to see a bull jumping ceremony if there is on taking place.

Today we will  journey into Mago National Park to meet the Mursi people. Famous worldwide for the large clay lip plates worn by women and distinctive scarification practices, the Mursi maintain some of the Omo Valley’s most striking and recognizable cultural traditions. Spending time in their village offers a glimpse into a lifestyle that has endured for centuries despite modern pressures.

We will fly back to Addis Ababa and say farewell to Ethiopia and begin our journey back home, hearts full, bags packed with memories, and new friendships that will last a lifetime.

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You’ve experienced the culture, the history, the beauty, and the vibes of this magical island. And most importantly…

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✨ You’ve now officially been Stamp’d in Ethiopia. ✨