Ethiopian Ties
Our classic program - open to adoptees and their loved ones of all ages.
NOV or DEC 2027
ADDIS • HAWASSA • YERGALA
ALL AGES
What fits your journey?
Nov 19 -
Nov 30, 2027
●10 days of guided heritage experience
● Addis, Hawassa & Yergalem ’s top heritage destinations
● Personalized reconnection experiences
● Full group activities and community time
● Financial assistance available
● Registration deadline September 1, 2026
from USD
$5,100
Dec 19 -
Dec 30, 2027
● 10 days of guided heritage experience
● Addis, Hawassa & Yergalem ’s top heritage destinations
● Personalized reconnection experiences
● Full group activities and community time
● Financial assistance available
● Registration deadline September 1, 2026
from USD
$5,100
Questions about whether Ethiopian Ties is right for you? Contact Ben, Ethiopian Ties Program Manager — he’s happy to help.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Your Heritage Journey • 10 days
This is a representative overview of what to expect during Ethiopian Ties ● Both the November and December departures share this itinerary.
DAYS 1 - 3
Arrive in Addis
group welcome, orientation & first cultural experiences
DAYS 4 - 6
Reconnection Experience
2 - 3 days tailored toward your personal adoption story. Travel to your birth region.
DAYS 7 - 8
Hawassa
rejoin the group in Hawassa and explore the city.
DAY 9
Yergalem
explore the rich history of Ethiopian coffee
DAY 10
Addis
final cultural experiences on Mount Entoto, farewell dinner
DAY 11
Addis
group goodbyes and flights home
Full sample itinerary available by requesting our info packet.
Optional Extensions & Excursions
Bahir Dar, Blue Nile Falls, and Gondar
Bahir Dar, the regional capital and hub for Lake Tana and the Blue Nile, is known for its palm-lined avenues and was awarded the UNESCO Cities for Peace Prize for addressing rapid urbanization. About 20 minutes downstream, the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay, “great smoke”) reach 138 ft high, though the flow varies by season. Gondar, a former Ethiopian Empire capital, is home to several royal castles, including the Fasil Ghebbi UNESCO World Heritage Site, earning it the nickname “Camelot of Africa.”
Day 1 | Fly to Bahir Dar | Explore the serene Lake Tana
Day 2 | Tis Abay | Hike to the iconic Blue Nile Falls
Day 3 | Gondar | Explore this European-style city with Islamic influences
Inclusions: Domestic flights from Addis to Bahir Dar and Gonder to Addis. Three night accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels (double/triple occupancy). Three breakfasts, three lunches, and two dinners while traveling. Transfers and ground transportation to/from the locations, admission to attractions, guide, and all taxes.
Lalibela
Known as the "Jerusalem of Ethiopia", Lalibela provides nearly a dozen below-ground rock-hewn churches and beautiful vistas. Lalibela, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, features churches carved out of solid volcanic rock during the 12th and 13th centuries with intricate tunnels, trenches, and courtyards. If you are choosing not to or unable to reconnect with important people, this excursion can occur December 23 - 25. You can also choose to add it as an extension December 30 - January 1.
Day 1 | tour of churches
Day 2 | full day guided tour of below-ground churches
Day 3 | fly to Addis
Inclusions: Domestic flights from Addis to Lalibela and from Lalibela to Addis. Two nights’ accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels (double/triple occupancy). Two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners while traveling. Transfers and ground transportation to/from the locations, admission to attractions, guide, and all taxes.
Please contact the program manager for pricing.
Safety and security is dynamic in Ethiopia and can change at any time. Ties will not operate any extensions and/or excursions if our team determines they could pose a risk to participants safety and/or wellbeing.
“The Ethiopia trip was very emotional for all of us. I’m glad we traveled with Ties because they organized meaningful cultural activities and supported us through the emotional parts of the experience, with a strong understanding of adoptive families.”
—Patima S., Ethiopian Ties 2025
Hear from prior tour participants
YOUR ETHIOPIAN TIES PROGRAM MANAGER
Ben Kaanta
Ben met Tanya, a Korean adoptee, while she was doing her master’s research on adoptee identity, and many of their early dates were spent talking about her work. Married for over 25 years, he has walked beside her ever since, from visiting her in Korea in 1999 to supporting her through birth family searches and raising their two now-adult children with heritage camps as a part of family life. Today, Ben co-leads Together in This, our seminar for partners of adoptees. A former bioscience executive and a CPCC and IFC certified coach, he’s especially passionate about helping loved ones who travel with Ties to better understand the adoptee experience.
Please note: Ben may not travel on every trip.
Ready to begin?
Your birth country is waiting.
Request information about 2026 or upcoming 2027 tours.