Ethiopia - ancient rock churches and mountain landscapes

Ethiopia

A wealth of unique cultures, ancient history, natural vistas, extreme landscapes, and experiences

Ethiopia - ancient rock churches and mountain landscapes

Ethiopia

A wealth of unique cultures, ancient history, natural vistas, extreme landscapes, and experiences

Traditional Ethiopian Village in the Mountains
Gelada monkeys in the Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
Simien Mountains, Ethiopia - steep cliffs and mist
Danakil Depression, Ethiopia - Colourful Sulfur Springs
The Rock-Hewn Church of Lalibela, Ethiopia, carved in red tuff
Why Ethiopia?

A land of contrasts that will leave you breathless

Ethiopia is a country of incredible cultural and natural diversity. And it's no wonder, because on a territory the size of 10 Bulgarias, it houses the second largest population among all African countries. These lands have been the stage for an ancient and rich history. Here, the oldest remains of the ancestors of modern humans have been discovered. Ethiopia is also one of the oldest independent countries in the world and among the first to adopt Christianity. Mighty empires flourished on its territory, even resisting the colonising raids of Europeans. Thus, for millennia, Ethiopia has been a crossroads of people, cultures, and trade.

It is also a land of exceptional natural contrasts – from the harsh and cool mountains, which are among the highest in Africa, to one of the lowest plains on the planet, where, well below sea level, the highest annual temperatures on Earth have been recorded; from large lakes strung like beads to barren deserts; from lush tropical forests to fantastical salt formations. Many of these extreme landscapes are also blessed with an abundance of wildlife. The contrasts extend to the traces of human presence, ranging from ancient walled cities to the modern capital, which is one of the continent's most important economic, political, and artistic centres.

Is this journey meant for you?

Challenge

Comfort

Nature

Culture

In truth, there's not just one specific 'you' on this journey, as it's suitable for a variety of people.

For example, accommodations will include both 5-star hotels and those with the most basic amenities, and even camping out in a military base.

The same applies to the experiences – we have the comfort of the capital Addis Ababa, situated high in the mountains, but also endless barren and very hot places. But no matter what, you need to possess one trait – curiosity. Curiosity about people, because we will meet all kinds, about animals (for the same reason), and about nature, because it's incredibly diverse here.

A group of adventurers in front of a rock church in Lalibela

Upcoming Journeys

-

About the Journey

Our journey will be just like Ethiopia itself – a kaleidoscope of experiences and vistas, as though blending several countries into one.

Its beginning and end will be in the capital Addis Ababa – a very artistic and colourful city, located at a higher altitude than Cherni Vrah. From there, we will head to the hottest place on Earth, amidst endless salt plains, dotted with ponds of unreal colours. The power of the Earth's core erupts here in springs, geysers, and volcanoes, near the most active of which we will spend quite some time, admiring the flowing lava. Then we will return to civilization (indeed, ancient civilization) to lose ourselves in the alleys of an old city.

Here will also be our first encounters with African animals, but their majestic spectacle in all its glory and in their natural habitat awaits us. This includes two of the great Ethiopian lakes, which we will also visit. But even more exciting will be the contact with the local people. We will learn more about them both around the lakes and in the famous Omo Valley. It is an incredible mix of cultures, customs, clothing, and adornments, all of which appear very unusual to Europeans. However, they help him feel the heart of Africa better. And if you want to know more about the journey itself, check out the detailed day-by-day programme.

Volcanic Lava in the Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
The Salty Lake Erta Ale and Volcanic Landscapes in Ethiopia

Itinerary

Day 1

Addis Ababa

Our Ethiopian journey begins in the capital, Addis Ababa. The city's name translates to "new flower" from Amharic and is situated at a lofty elevation of 2355 m above sea level, making for pleasant temperatures all year round—typically ranging between 9 and 23 degrees within a single day.

Our first stop today will be the National Museum, home to Ethiopia's artistic treasures. The museum also houses valuable archaeological finds, such as the fossilized remains of early hominids, the most famous of which is "Lucy"—a partial skeleton of an Australopithecus afarensis specimen.

On this first day, we'll also visit the oldest coffee shop in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. It's in the southwestern highlands of the country that the endemic coffee tree Coffea arabica grows—the first cultivated species of coffee, which is now grown worldwide and accounts for about 60% of global coffee production. A legend tells of how, in the ninth century, an Ethiopian shepherd noticed one of his sheep behaving unusually energetically after it ate the red berries of the tree (which actually looks more like a bush) and took them to a monk in a nearby monastery. He threw them into the fire, but a delightful aroma spread, and the monks decided to grind the beans contained in the berries and brew them. Thus, the first cup of coffee in the world was prepared.

And while we're on the wave of local products, we'll take a look at one of the local markets. In the evening, we will have the opportunity to truly enjoy Ethiopian cuisine for the first time at a local restaurant. For the finale, we'll spend the night in a 5-star hotel.

Day 2

The Hottest Place on Earth

The day begins with an early flight to Semera or Mekele (depending on the flights), which is the starting point for our 6-hour drive to the Danakil Desert, with travel time unchanged from the starting point. Here you find the hottest place on Earth on an annual basis. Between 1960 and 1966, the highest average annual temperature in the world was recorded in the now non-existent local town of Dallol – 34.6 degrees. The average maximum daily temperature during this period was 41.2 degrees, and in the hottest month – June, it reached 46.7 degrees. The highest recorded temperature is 49 degrees, but according to some reports nowadays in the Danakil Depression, as the area is also known (because it is about 125 meters below sea level), it even exceeds 50 degrees.

Besides being the hottest, Danakil is also one of the most vividly coloured places in the world. The surreal landscape is due to sulfur, potassium carbonate (a type of salt), and other minerals that saturate the hydrothermal field of Dallol, scattered with hot springs, cracks, and geysers, and situated among the crust-covered salt plains of Danakil. One of the lakes here is the saltiest body of water on Earth.

We will visit the bright green, hypersaline lakes, and even have the chance to dip into one of the water-filled holes in the deep salt layers. We will also see an entire canyon built from salt.

Dinner will be prepared by a local chef who will travel with us, and the overnight stay will be outdoors, under countless stars, at the local military base.

On the second and third night, we'll step completely out of our comfort zone and sleep on wooden beds in the desert under the open sky. 

Day 3

Encounter with an Active Volcano

We'll greet the sunrise and enjoy breakfast prepared by our Ethiopian chef, along with a small surprise from our hosts. After that, we have around a 200-kilometre journey ahead through local towns, desert, and frozen lava.

The road is long, but it's worth it. Because the evening will be one of the brightest in our lives, both literally and figuratively.

We'll spend it near Ethiopia's most active volcano – Erta Ale. Here, we'll have the chance to see the crater spew lava, which flows around. 

Overnight in tents near the volcano.

Day 4

Breakfast by the Volcano

Once more, we'll greet the sunrise and have the chance to admire the volcano during the day. Breakfast will be served straight on the hardened lava.

Afterwards, we're in for about a 6-hour transfer to Semera or Mekelle, the nearest airport, from where we'll catch a flight back to Addis Ababa. Dinner is at a local restaurant, and we’ll spend the night in a 5-star hotel.

Day 5

Ancient City and Animal Feeding

We will catch an early flight to Dire Dawa, but our goal is another, much older city. The less than 70 kilometers to it will take us about an hour and a half.

Harar is situated on a hill in the eastern part of Ethiopia. For centuries, the city has been a significant trading hub, linked by caravan routes to the rest of Ethiopia, the entire Horn of Africa (a vast geopolitical region in the far eastern part of Africa, also known as the Somali Peninsula), the Arabian Peninsula, and through the ports of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea—connected to the rest of the world. We will spend the day exploring the old town—Harar Jugol, which is surrounded by fortress walls. Due to its immense cultural importance, UNESCO included it in the World Heritage List in 2006. Ethiopian laws regard the destruction or any other interference with local historical sites as a crime.

But aside from stone houses and museums, here we will also encounter awe-inspiring animals. We will have the chance to feed eagles amidst the crowd at the market in the old town, and after sunset—hyenas. Accommodation is in a hotel that provides basic amenities, yet it is the best in the city.

Day 6

Exploring a Tropical Forest

We leave the hotel early and fly to the city of Arba Minch with a stopover in Addis Ababa. The name of this city in southern Ethiopia means "40 springs." Located on the shore of Lake Abaya, it is in close proximity to another lake - Chamo.

Here, we'll settle into a 5-star hotel with views of the endless tropical forest and lakes. The afternoon can be spent resting, swimming in the pool, or visiting the spa center. Dinner is also at the hotel.

Day 7

Lake excursion and visit to a local tribe

Today, we'll embark on a boat tour of Lake Abaya to see its resident crocodiles and numerous bird species. The lake is also a favourite fishing spot for locals, with about 412 tonnes of fish caught annually. It's known for its unusual reddish colour, caused by floating sediments.

On this day, we'll also visit the first local tribe along our route. The Dorze are skilled weavers, and their traditional textiles are vibrantly colourful. The people are also masters at crafting huts from locally growing bamboo, designed in the shape of an elephant's head. Besides seeing these, we'll taste the local alcohol and learn the traditional dances of the Dorze.

And for dinner and overnight, we'll return to the hotel.

Day 8

The Omo Valley

For the next three days, we'll explore the Omo Valley in southwestern Ethiopia. This valley is home to eight very distinct and unique tribes, with a combined population of about 200,000 people. Known for its deep traditions and incredible cultural diversity, this region has been a true crossroads for millennia. Today, each tribe has its own unique language, clothing, cuisine, and overall way of life.

Day 9

An extraordinary variety of ancient cultures

We will visit the villages of the Mursi, Dassanech, Hamar, and Bena tribes, local markets where they trade goods, and Omo National Park—a truly remote and hard-to-reach protected area in the world that offers an exceptional concentration of wildlife.

Day 10

Running on the Bulls' Backs

If we're lucky, we might witness the ancient coming-of-age ritual performed by the Hamar tribe. Between seven and ten bulls are lined up side by side, their backs smeared with dung to make them slippery. Amidst the euphoric atmosphere created by the onlookers and the cacophony of horns and cowbells, the boy who wants to become a man must leap onto the back of the first bull and run from one end of the row to the other, a total of four times (twice in each direction) without falling. If he succeeds, he will be ready for marriage and able to own his own cattle.

In the area, we can't expect to find luxury hotels; instead, we will spend the night in houses with basic levels of comfort.

Day 11

Departure

Filled with experiences of a lifetime, we catch the flight from the city of Jinka to Addis Ababa, from where we return home.

* Panic Frame & Travel reserves the right to adapt and change the program according to changes in accommodation conditions, climate, and other factors that require it.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Dive into adventure!

11 days

16 travellers

Price per person

€5,500

Includes airfare from Sofia, transfers, all accommodations, transport, guide, food

Price excluding flights

€4,375

Includes everything except the plane tickets. Plan your flights on your own.

Become a part of our community

Over 50 people have already journeyed with us in Ethiopia

Мъж с червено яке пред висок водопад в гората
Портрет на мъж в Исландия, пътешественик на открито
Портрет на мъж, пътешественик в пустинна среда
Мъж с брада, страничен профил на тъмен фон
Мъж с шапка прави селфи с бирюзово море и скали зад него
Мъж с жълта тениска се усмихва на нощна градска улица
Портрет на мъж, пътешественик и авантюрист
Портрет на мъж, пътешественик и авантюрист
Портрет на жена с червена коса на открито в слънчев ден
Жена с дете в раница по дъждовен планински преход
Портрет на жена, пътешественичка в тропическа среда
Пътешественик с качулка и маска пред скали на Фарьорски острови
Мъж свири на конги на сцена под цветни светлини
Мъж с кафява тениска и кръстосани ръце, студиен портрет
Млад мъж на плаж с табела Kuradu, тропическа среда
Жена с кратка коса, черно-бял меланхоличен портрет
Жена с руса коса държи бяла котка пред коледна украса
Млад мъж с очила гледа назад на градска улица
Мъж с черна тениска, студиен портрет на неутрален фон
Мъж без риза галено дива сърна в тропически навес
Мъж с брада и слънчеви очила, цветен портрет на оранжев фон
Жена с черна шапка и кожено яке пред графити стена
Мъж в бяло гащеризон с малко дете, хумористичен портрет
Млад мъж с татуировки на врата, градски портрет
Портрет на мъж с брада на открито, приключенски пътешественик
Жена с бяла коса в черно яке, артистичен портрет
Мъж в лекарска престилка и стетоскоп, студиен портрет
Символ Ин-Ян, черно-бяло лого на профил
Жена с азиатска шапка в тропическо заведение
Млада жена с тъмна коса, мек близък портрет
Жена с шал пие кафе на открито сред зелена природа
Жена с къса коса и слънчеви очила, нощен портрет

Itinerary

Day 1

Addis Ababa

Our Ethiopian journey begins in the capital, Addis Ababa. The city's name translates to "new flower" from Amharic and is situated at a lofty elevation of 2355 m above sea level, making for pleasant temperatures all year round—typically ranging between 9 and 23 degrees within a single day.

Our first stop today will be the National Museum, home to Ethiopia's artistic treasures. The museum also houses valuable archaeological finds, such as the fossilized remains of early hominids, the most famous of which is "Lucy"—a partial skeleton of an Australopithecus afarensis specimen.

On this first day, we'll also visit the oldest coffee shop in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. It's in the southwestern highlands of the country that the endemic coffee tree Coffea arabica grows—the first cultivated species of coffee, which is now grown worldwide and accounts for about 60% of global coffee production. A legend tells of how, in the ninth century, an Ethiopian shepherd noticed one of his sheep behaving unusually energetically after it ate the red berries of the tree (which actually looks more like a bush) and took them to a monk in a nearby monastery. He threw them into the fire, but a delightful aroma spread, and the monks decided to grind the beans contained in the berries and brew them. Thus, the first cup of coffee in the world was prepared.

And while we're on the wave of local products, we'll take a look at one of the local markets. In the evening, we will have the opportunity to truly enjoy Ethiopian cuisine for the first time at a local restaurant. For the finale, we'll spend the night in a 5-star hotel.

Day 2

The Hottest Place on Earth

The day begins with an early flight to Semera or Mekele (depending on the flights), which is the starting point for our 6-hour drive to the Danakil Desert, with travel time unchanged from the starting point. Here you find the hottest place on Earth on an annual basis. Between 1960 and 1966, the highest average annual temperature in the world was recorded in the now non-existent local town of Dallol – 34.6 degrees. The average maximum daily temperature during this period was 41.2 degrees, and in the hottest month – June, it reached 46.7 degrees. The highest recorded temperature is 49 degrees, but according to some reports nowadays in the Danakil Depression, as the area is also known (because it is about 125 meters below sea level), it even exceeds 50 degrees.

Besides being the hottest, Danakil is also one of the most vividly coloured places in the world. The surreal landscape is due to sulfur, potassium carbonate (a type of salt), and other minerals that saturate the hydrothermal field of Dallol, scattered with hot springs, cracks, and geysers, and situated among the crust-covered salt plains of Danakil. One of the lakes here is the saltiest body of water on Earth.

We will visit the bright green, hypersaline lakes, and even have the chance to dip into one of the water-filled holes in the deep salt layers. We will also see an entire canyon built from salt.

Dinner will be prepared by a local chef who will travel with us, and the overnight stay will be outdoors, under countless stars, at the local military base.

On the second and third night, we'll step completely out of our comfort zone and sleep on wooden beds in the desert under the open sky. 

Day 3

Encounter with an Active Volcano

We'll greet the sunrise and enjoy breakfast prepared by our Ethiopian chef, along with a small surprise from our hosts. After that, we have around a 200-kilometre journey ahead through local towns, desert, and frozen lava.

The road is long, but it's worth it. Because the evening will be one of the brightest in our lives, both literally and figuratively.

We'll spend it near Ethiopia's most active volcano – Erta Ale. Here, we'll have the chance to see the crater spew lava, which flows around. 

Overnight in tents near the volcano.

Day 4

Breakfast by the Volcano

Once more, we'll greet the sunrise and have the chance to admire the volcano during the day. Breakfast will be served straight on the hardened lava.

Afterwards, we're in for about a 6-hour transfer to Semera or Mekelle, the nearest airport, from where we'll catch a flight back to Addis Ababa. Dinner is at a local restaurant, and we’ll spend the night in a 5-star hotel.

Day 5

Ancient City and Animal Feeding

We will catch an early flight to Dire Dawa, but our goal is another, much older city. The less than 70 kilometers to it will take us about an hour and a half.

Harar is situated on a hill in the eastern part of Ethiopia. For centuries, the city has been a significant trading hub, linked by caravan routes to the rest of Ethiopia, the entire Horn of Africa (a vast geopolitical region in the far eastern part of Africa, also known as the Somali Peninsula), the Arabian Peninsula, and through the ports of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea—connected to the rest of the world. We will spend the day exploring the old town—Harar Jugol, which is surrounded by fortress walls. Due to its immense cultural importance, UNESCO included it in the World Heritage List in 2006. Ethiopian laws regard the destruction or any other interference with local historical sites as a crime.

But aside from stone houses and museums, here we will also encounter awe-inspiring animals. We will have the chance to feed eagles amidst the crowd at the market in the old town, and after sunset—hyenas. Accommodation is in a hotel that provides basic amenities, yet it is the best in the city.

Day 6

Exploring a Tropical Forest

We leave the hotel early and fly to the city of Arba Minch with a stopover in Addis Ababa. The name of this city in southern Ethiopia means "40 springs." Located on the shore of Lake Abaya, it is in close proximity to another lake - Chamo.

Here, we'll settle into a 5-star hotel with views of the endless tropical forest and lakes. The afternoon can be spent resting, swimming in the pool, or visiting the spa center. Dinner is also at the hotel.

Day 7

Lake excursion and visit to a local tribe

Today, we'll embark on a boat tour of Lake Abaya to see its resident crocodiles and numerous bird species. The lake is also a favourite fishing spot for locals, with about 412 tonnes of fish caught annually. It's known for its unusual reddish colour, caused by floating sediments.

On this day, we'll also visit the first local tribe along our route. The Dorze are skilled weavers, and their traditional textiles are vibrantly colourful. The people are also masters at crafting huts from locally growing bamboo, designed in the shape of an elephant's head. Besides seeing these, we'll taste the local alcohol and learn the traditional dances of the Dorze.

And for dinner and overnight, we'll return to the hotel.

Day 8

The Omo Valley

For the next three days, we'll explore the Omo Valley in southwestern Ethiopia. This valley is home to eight very distinct and unique tribes, with a combined population of about 200,000 people. Known for its deep traditions and incredible cultural diversity, this region has been a true crossroads for millennia. Today, each tribe has its own unique language, clothing, cuisine, and overall way of life.

Day 9

An extraordinary variety of ancient cultures

We will visit the villages of the Mursi, Dassanech, Hamar, and Bena tribes, local markets where they trade goods, and Omo National Park—a truly remote and hard-to-reach protected area in the world that offers an exceptional concentration of wildlife.

Day 10

Running on the Bulls' Backs

If we're lucky, we might witness the ancient coming-of-age ritual performed by the Hamar tribe. Between seven and ten bulls are lined up side by side, their backs smeared with dung to make them slippery. Amidst the euphoric atmosphere created by the onlookers and the cacophony of horns and cowbells, the boy who wants to become a man must leap onto the back of the first bull and run from one end of the row to the other, a total of four times (twice in each direction) without falling. If he succeeds, he will be ready for marriage and able to own his own cattle.

In the area, we can't expect to find luxury hotels; instead, we will spend the night in houses with basic levels of comfort.

Day 11

Departure

Filled with experiences of a lifetime, we catch the flight from the city of Jinka to Addis Ababa, from where we return home.

* Panic Frame & Travel reserves the right to adapt and change the program according to changes in accommodation conditions, climate, and other factors that require it.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Dive into adventure!

11 days

16 travellers

Price per person

€5,500

Includes airfare from Sofia, transfers, all accommodations, transport, guide, food

Price excluding flights

€4,375

Includes everything except the plane tickets. Plan your flights on your own.

Become a part of our community

Over 50 people have already journeyed with us in Ethiopia

Мъж с червено яке пред висок водопад в гората
Портрет на мъж в Исландия, пътешественик на открито
Портрет на мъж, пътешественик в пустинна среда
Мъж с брада, страничен профил на тъмен фон
Мъж с шапка прави селфи с бирюзово море и скали зад него
Мъж с жълта тениска се усмихва на нощна градска улица
Портрет на мъж, пътешественик и авантюрист
Портрет на мъж, пътешественик и авантюрист
Портрет на жена с червена коса на открито в слънчев ден
Жена с дете в раница по дъждовен планински преход
Портрет на жена, пътешественичка в тропическа среда
Пътешественик с качулка и маска пред скали на Фарьорски острови
Мъж свири на конги на сцена под цветни светлини
Мъж с кафява тениска и кръстосани ръце, студиен портрет
Млад мъж на плаж с табела Kuradu, тропическа среда
Жена с кратка коса, черно-бял меланхоличен портрет
Жена с руса коса държи бяла котка пред коледна украса
Млад мъж с очила гледа назад на градска улица
Мъж с черна тениска, студиен портрет на неутрален фон
Мъж без риза галено дива сърна в тропически навес
Мъж с брада и слънчеви очила, цветен портрет на оранжев фон
Жена с черна шапка и кожено яке пред графити стена
Мъж в бяло гащеризон с малко дете, хумористичен портрет
Млад мъж с татуировки на врата, градски портрет
Портрет на мъж с брада на открито, приключенски пътешественик
Жена с бяла коса в черно яке, артистичен портрет
Мъж в лекарска престилка и стетоскоп, студиен портрет
Символ Ин-Ян, черно-бяло лого на профил

Itinerary

Day 1
Addis Ababa
Day 2
The Hottest Place on Earth
Day 3
Encounter with an Active Volcano
Day 4
Breakfast by the Volcano
Day 5
Ancient City and Animal Feeding
Day 6
Exploring a Tropical Forest
Day 7
Lake excursion and visit to a local tribe
Day 8
The Omo Valley
Day 9
An extraordinary variety of ancient cultures
Day 10
Running on the Bulls' Backs
Day 11
Departure

* Panic Frame & Travel reserves the right to adapt and change the program according to changes in accommodation conditions, climate, and other factors that require it.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Dive into adventure!

11 days

16 travellers

Price per person

€5,500

Includes airfare from Sofia, transfers, all accommodations, transport, guide, food

Price excluding flights

€4,375

Includes everything except the plane tickets. Plan your flights on your own.

Become a part of our community

Over 50 people have already journeyed with us in Ethiopia

Portrait of a man, traveller and adventurer
Портрет на мъж в Исландия, пътешественик на открито
Портрет на мъж, пътешественик в пустинна среда
Мъж с брада, страничен профил на тъмен фон
Портрет на мъж, пътешественик и авантюрист
Портрет на мъж, пътешественик и авантюрист
Портрет на жена с червена коса на открито в слънчев ден
Портрет на жена с червена коса на открито в слънчев ден
Портрет на жена, пътешественичка в тропическа среда
Мъж свири на конги на сцена под цветни светлини
Пътешественик с качулка и маска пред скали на Фарьорски острови
Мъж с широка усмивка на тропически ресторант край морето
Мъж с червено яке пред висок водопад в гората
Жена с руса коса държи бяла котка пред коледна украса
Мъж с кафява тениска и кръстосани ръце, студиен портрет
Млад мъж на плаж с табела Kuradu, тропическа среда
Млад мъж с очила гледа назад на градска улица
Жена с бяла коса в черно яке, артистичен портрет
Портрет на мъж с брада, авантюрист и пътешественик
Мъж с черна тениска, студиен портрет на неутрален фон
Мъж с брада и слънчеви очила, цветен портрет на оранжев фон
Жена в черна рокля с пъстри точки седи пред розова врата
Млад мъж с татуировки на врата, градски портрет
Мъж в бяло гащеризон с малко дете, хумористичен портрет
Мъж с огърлица и сенки, стилен портрет на открито
Пътешественик в зимно оборудване сред снежна виелица
Жена с тъмна коса и сини обеци, топъл нощен портрет
Символ Ин-Ян, черно-бяло лого на профил
Ethiopia - ancient rock churches and mountain landscapes

Let's head to Ethiopia!

Upcoming journeys

-

SIGN UP

By clicking the "Sign Up" button, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

WHAT'S THE JOURNEY LIKE?

1

Complete the registration form. We'll give you a call to get acquainted and will be awaiting the necessary details for the contract and insurance.

2

You'll get a contract, insurance, and an invoice – pay a 50% deposit now, and we'll expect the rest up to 45 days before departure.

3

A month before the expedition, we'll remind you about the journey with a detailed email filled with insights about the destination, flights, and more.

Included in the price:

Flight tickets from Sofia and back, including standard hand luggage and a checked-in suitcase up to 23 kg.

6 indoor fields

All transfers, driver services, fuel, entry permits, and toll roads

All Overnight Stays

Included breakfasts, lunches, and dinners every day by the program (except for two evenings)

All the tours and national parks mentioned in the program

Entrance Fees for Visiting the Tribe

Medical insurance with coverage of €10,000

See Terms and Conditions

What's not included:

Services not mentioned in the programme

Personal Expenses

Food not mentioned in the itinerary

Photography Fee in the Mursi Tribe

Souvenirs and Tips

Alcohol and Drinks

Additional Insurance "Trip Cancellation"

Discover more about insurance

Let's head to Ethiopia!

Upcoming journeys

-

SIGN UP

By clicking the "Sign Up" button, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

WHAT'S THE JOURNEY LIKE?

1

Complete the registration form. We'll give you a call to get acquainted and will be awaiting the necessary details for the contract and insurance.

2

You'll get a contract, insurance, and an invoice – pay a 50% deposit now, and we'll expect the rest up to 45 days before departure.

3

A month before the expedition, we'll remind you about the journey with a detailed email filled with insights about the destination, flights, and more.

Included in the price:

Flight tickets from Sofia and back, including standard hand luggage and a checked-in suitcase up to 23 kg.

6 indoor fields

All transfers, driver services, fuel, entry permits, and toll roads

All Overnight Stays

Included breakfasts, lunches, and dinners every day by the program (except for two evenings)

All the tours and national parks mentioned in the program

Entrance Fees for Visiting the Tribe

Medical insurance with coverage of €10,000

See Terms and Conditions

What's not included:

Services not mentioned in the programme

Personal Expenses

Food not mentioned in the itinerary

Photography Fee in the Mursi Tribe

Souvenirs and Tips

Alcohol and Drinks

Additional Insurance "Trip Cancellation"

Discover more about insurance

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is something unclear?

office@panicframe.com

+359 887 293 757

Is Ethiopia dangerous?

The tourist areas we visit are safe. We travel in an organised group with local guides who know the terrain and conditions perfectly. Follow the guide's instructions and do not stray from the group.

Do I need a vaccine for Ethiopia?

The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory.

It should be given at least 10 days before travel. It's a one-time dose that offers lifetime protection and doesn't require a booster.

You can get vaccinated at: Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate, No. 20 "Vranja" St., 5th floor, office 503, working hours: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm, contact phone 02/ 813 04 98.

What documents do we need?

To enter Ethiopia, you will need an international passport, valid for at least six months after the date of entry. Additionally, you will need a visa, which can be issued at the airport upon arrival or obtained online in advance. It is also recommended to carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

What's the currency and how much money should I carry with me?

The official currency of Ethiopia is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). When travelling, it's advisable to have some cash on hand, as credit cards aren't widely accepted, especially outside major cities. You can exchange money at the airport or at bank offices. The number of banks and ATMs is limited, so it's wise to plan your expenses in advance.

What kind of food should I expect during my stay?

Ethiopian cuisine is like nothing else you've ever tried. The main dish is injera, a type of flatbread made from teff, served with various sauces and meats. The food is often spicy and varied, with an emphasis on vegetables and spices. In the restaurants of major cities, you can find international dishes, but in more remote areas, choices are more limited.

What kind of luggage should I travel with?

We recommend travelling with a hiking backpack or duffel bag.

Can you get mobile service and internet access?

In the major cities of Ethiopia like Addis Ababa and tourist sites, mobile networks and internet services are available, though the internet connection may be slower and less stable in some areas. In rural regions, mobile network and internet may be limited or completely absent. It is advisable to inquire in advance about roaming services and the possibility of purchasing a local SIM card.

Can I fly a drone in Ethiopia?

It's legal only with prior permission from the ECAA (Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority). Flights without permission are prohibited for all drones, including those under 250g. Without approval, drones are confiscated at Bole Airport (returned upon departure). Avoid flying near religious sites (monasteries, mosques, churches). In practice, the process is impractical for most tourists.

Ready for an adventure?

Signed up for the expedition, but wondering what to pack? You can check off your gear here to ensure you're fully prepared.

The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for visiting Ethiopia. It must be administered at least 10 days before the journey to be effective, providing lifetime protection after a single dose.

Clothing
GEAR

Antibacterial Hand Gel

Binoculars (personal choice)

External Battery (power bank)

Shorts

Personal Medications

Small Daypack for Day Hikes (15L)

Essential Personal Hygiene Supplies

Trekking Shoes

Trekking Trousers

Beachwear

Insect Repellent with DEET

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

T-shirts

Thermos

Warm clothes for the evening

Comfortable Trainers for Travelling

Hydrating Nasal Spray

Hydrating Creams

Headlamp with Spare Batteries

Shower Slippers

Socks

Face Cover

Hat

DESTINATIONS

CALENDAR

STORIES

GALLERY

BLOG

ABOUT US

CONTACTS

DESTINATIONS

CALENDAR

STORIES

GALLERY

BLOG

ABOUT US

CONTACTS

Destinations

Calendar

Stories

Gallery

Blog

About Us

Contact

November

16 travellers

11 days

€4,375

-

€5,500

Sign Up

November

16 travellers

11 days

€4,375

-

€5,500

Sign Up

Other Journeys in Africa

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

Who are we?

Panic Frame & Travel is not a commercial travel agency. We don't offer you tranquility, tickets, or accommodation in an all-inclusive hotel with white tablecloths. We see ourselves as Tarzan tourists, organizing journeys to hard-to-reach places, encountering wild nature, and traveling by campers, catamarans, off-road jeeps, and even helicopters.

Discover more about us

Forbes logo

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

Who are we?

Panic Frame & Travel is not a commercial travel agency. We don't offer you tranquility, tickets, or accommodation in an all-inclusive hotel with white tablecloths. We see ourselves as Tarzan tourists, organizing journeys to hard-to-reach places, encountering wild nature, and traveling by campers, catamarans, off-road jeeps, and even helicopters.

Discover more about us

Forbes logo

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

Who are we?

Panic Frame & Travel is not a commercial travel agency. We don't offer you tranquility, tickets, or accommodation in an all-inclusive hotel with white tablecloths. We see ourselves as Tarzan tourists, organizing journeys to hard-to-reach places, encountering wild nature, and traveling by campers, catamarans, off-road jeeps, and even helicopters.

Discover more about us

Forbes logo