This fascinating Ethiopia Tour flies to northern Ethiopia’s historic highlands, exploring ancient civilizations, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures. Discover the sacred city of Lalibela, marvel at the rock-hewn churches, and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Simien Mountains. Explore the ancient capital of Axum, home to towering obelisks and the legendary Queen of Sheba’s Bath. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Ethiopian people, visiting traditional villages, witnessing colorful markets, and experiencing the unique traditions of each region. This 12-day adventure offers a comprehensive exploration of Ethiopia’s historic highlights, leaving you with lasting memories of this extraordinary country.
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar
Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Portuguese bridge, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. The gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m.
Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).
Day 2 :
Boat trip on Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls
In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit a selection of the monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Visit the Zege Penninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake.
Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).
Day 3 :
Gondar and Its Castles
After breakfast, continue north to Gondar. The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. After briefly settling in your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidass Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, Ras Gimb Palace Museum and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia.
Overnight in Gondar (hotel).
Day 4 :
Hike The Simien Mountains
Today is an early morning departure to Sankober in the Simien Mountains. From here you will go for an easy hike to the Geech Abyss, where you will see a large waterfall where the Jinbar River plunges into the abyss. This area is also a great place for viewing the endemic gelada baboon, also known as the bleeding heart baboondue to the red patch of skin on its chest.
Overnight in Debark (hotel).
Day 5 :
Depart to Axum
After breakfast, depart north for Axum, enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains. After stopping for lunch in Adi Arkay, proceed driving through the dramatic Tekeze Valley, offering some of the best landscapes in the country. Proceed to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant.
Overnight in Axum (hotel).
Day 6 :
Axum Ark of the Covenant
On this day you will have a full day visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum, the Queen of Shebas Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezanas enscription, King Kalebs tomb, King Bazens tomb, and the Queen of Shebas Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept.
Overnight in Axum (hotel).
Day 7 :
Drive to Hawzen via Adigrat
On the way you can visit Ethiopia’s earliest known capital city of Yeha which is considered as the birthplace of the country’s earliest civilization. Its single most remarkable antiquity is the well-preserved walls of the 12m-high stone temple of the moon that is thought to be over 2500 years old. Another possible excursion is to Debre Damo monastery (only accessible for men). The Debre Damo Monastery is built on the flat- topped mountain of Debre Damo. The monastery is only accessible by climbing a rope which hangs down from a perpendicular rock, an adventure in itself.
Overnight in Gheralta Hotel/Lodge.
Day 8 :
Abuna Yemata Guh, Abreha we Atsbeha
You can visit 2 or 3 churches some of the most beautiful medieval Churches on impressive viewpoints are Abuna Yemata Guh, Debre Maryam Korkor or Abreha we Atsheba church, which are all situated near to the road between Mekelle and Hawzen. You have to climb rather steep to reach this Churches so take good walking shoes.
In the afternoon proceed driving to Mekelle for overnight (hotel).
Day 9 :
Drive to Lalibela
Early in the morning, embark on a full day of driving to Lalibela. Here you will pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people. Proceed through this rural area for the stunning approach to the home of Ethiopia’s most prized destination Lalibela.
Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).
Day 10 :
Lalibela stone churches
In the morning, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia Saint George.
Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).
Day 11 :
Lalibela – Kombolcha
After breakfast, visit the nearby monastery of Naakuto Laab, set on the side of a cliff. After the visit, proceed driving to Kombolcha via Woldia. On the way you will stop for a rest in Hayk where you can enjoy the views of this stunning lake, visit the local monastery (open for men only) and enjoy the birdlife.
Overnight in Kombolcha (hotel).
Day 12 :
Debre Birhan – Addis
Return driving to Addis via Debre Birhan. On the way you pass the Mezezo Escarpment, with a good chance to see the endemic gelada baboons. If today is a Sunday, you can stop in the town of Senbete to visit the lively market including the interesting camel market.
End of Tour!
