Ethiopia in Depth View Basket

Step into the Heart of Africa

ETHIOPIA TOUR | 17 Days - Starting Istanbul

Embark on this Byroads journey through Ethiopia, a land of striking landscapes, ancient traditions and remarkable cultural diversity.

Begin in Addis Ababa, where museums, cathedrals and bustling markets offer a window into the country’s imperial past and vibrant present. Fly east to the walled city of Harar, a centre of Islamic learning and trade for centuries, where colourful alleyways and nightly hyena feedings reveal a rich and unique heritage.

Venture south into the Rift Valley and highlands of Bale, where lush forests, bird-rich lakes and the vast Sanetti Plateau await. Amid its Afro-alpine scenery, search for the rare Ethiopian wolf—the world’s rarest canid—and take in views from Ethiopia’s second-highest peak. Continue through the Great Lakes region, where lively markets and abundant wildlife create vivid snapshots of everyday life. Then journey deep into the tribal heartland, where the Konso, Hamer, Karo and Ari peoples maintain strong ancestral traditions. From bull-jumping rites and beehive homes to body art and colourful markets, it’s an immersive and unforgettable cultural encounter.

Conclude in Addis Ababa, reflecting on a journey that has taken you from ancient relics to wild highlands and the living cultures of tribal Africa. With its spiritual depth, dramatic scenery and rich human story, Ethiopia offers a travel experience like no other.

Steve Mortimer – Byroads Owner and Tour Facilitator

My goal at Byroads is to use my 35 years of travel experiences in over 120 countries to provide you with an amazing and unforgettable holiday experience. I craft our holidays with this goal and you in mind. With just a limited number of tours each year, I select only the best times of the year to travel to our destinations, and it’s a thrill to travel with you and ensure your Byroads adventure is truly wonderful, with memories that will last a lifetime.

Bronny Nicholas – Tour Facilitator

Like Steve, I share a love for the world, its people, and have an unrequited passion for adventurous journeys. With a wealth of travel experience to some of the world’s most fascinating destinations, I look forward to the opportunity of sharing a Byroads adventure with you.

Why travel with Byroads?

Byroads is a travel company with a well-established pedigree. Small group tours are all we do. So we do them well. Hosted by either Steve or Bronny and accompanied by an expert guide- born and raised in the region, the Byroads’ traveller can be assured of an unforgettable travel experience.

We specialise in a select range of destinations, offering small group tours that cover not only the A-list sights, but many of the lesser-known attractions too. Our immersive tours run at the very best time of the year and wonderful, experiential accommodation truly adds to your holiday experience. A ‘byroad’ is a road less travelled, and this encapsulates the spirit of these tours.