Overview
Ethiopia is one of the least visited countries by Kenyans among our neighbours, yet it has so much to offer — over 3,000 years of history, a population of over 100 million, unique culture and cuisine, and a shared history with Kenya. It is the oldest nation in Africa and was never colonised.
The region from Isiolo all the way to Addis Ababa is inhabited by Oromic tribes who share a similar dialect. Expect diverse, panoramic landscapes and some of the most beautiful scenery on the continent. Ethiopians are friendly and welcoming; in some areas you may face a language barrier, but overall this trip is a lifetime experience.
Highlights
- Hawassa city & Lake Hawassa boat ride
- Addis Ababa city tour & leather market
- Ras Teddy Dan & Shashamene / Roots Gallery
- Wondo Genet hot springs
- Yirga Cheffe coffee ceremony
- Konso & Dorze tribes of the Omo Valley
- Lake Langano, Arba Minch & Bishoftu crater lakes
Dates: Thursday 13th – Saturday 22nd August 2026 (10 days)
Price: KES 80,000 per person
Meeting point: International Life House, City Hall Way, Nairobi — 3:45 AM (depart 4:00 AM sharp)
Tour snapshot
10 Days
Ethiopia
Overlanding
Itinerary
Day 1 — Thu 13 Aug
Nairobi – Marsabit (~530 km)
Day 2 — Fri 14 Aug
Marsabit – Moyale – Yabello (~460 km)
Day 3 — Sat 15 Aug
Yabello – Lake Hawassa (~300 km)
Day 4 — Sun 16 Aug
Hawassa, Wondo Genet & Shashamene
Day 5 — Mon 17 Aug
Hawassa – Bishoftu (~240 km)
Day 6 — Tue 18 Aug
Bishoftu – Addis Ababa (~70 km)
Day 7 — Wed 19 Aug
Addis Ababa free day
Day 8 — Thu 20 Aug
Addis Ababa – Arba Minch (~440 km)
Day 9 — Fri 21 Aug
Arba Minch – Moyale – Marsabit (~650 km)
Day 10 — Sat 22 Aug
Marsabit – Nairobi (~530 km)
Map
Tour Route
Important Information
Included
- Transport in a comfortable overland safari truck (tables, charging points, fridge)
- Hotel accommodation on sharing basis (2 pax per room, budget rooms)
- Two meals a day (Breakfast and Dinner)
- Menelik Palace entry
- Addis Ababa city tour transport
- Wondo Genet healing hot springs entry
- Visit to Ras Teddy Dan and Roots Art Gallery (entry)
- Boat ride on Lake Hawassa
- Hawassa city nightlife experience
- Professional Ethiopian tour guide on board
Not Included
- Lunch
- Drinks and souvenirs
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities
- Medical / travel insurance
- Visa fees for non-residents
- Items of a personal nature
- Anything not listed under inclusions
FAQs about Ethiopian Grand Odyssey
No. Kenyan and Djibouti passport holders do not require an Ethiopian visa. All other nationalities must apply at the embassy in their home country before travel — visas are not issued at land borders. Visa on arrival is only available at Bole International Airport.
A valid international travel passport (no temporary passports), yellow fever certificate, and international travel insurance (UAP, Britam, Jubilee, CIC, etc.). Inform us in advance of any pre-existing medical conditions or dietary requirements.
Budget rooms on a sharing basis (2 pax per room). Rooms in small countryside towns may be very basic; rooms in larger towns and cities are better. Please set expectations accordingly.
The Ethiopian Birr is slightly stronger than the Kenya shilling (about 1 Birr ≈ 1.05 KES). Change most of your Kenya shillings at the border for a better rate. In Addis you can change USD. Visa ATMs work in Hawassa, Arba Minch, Bishoftu and Addis.
3:45 AM next to International Life House, City Hall Way, opposite the High Court Parking, Nairobi. Strict departure at 4:00 AM on Thursday 13th August 2026.
from KSh80,000 per person
