Embark on an immersive 13-day tour through Ethiopia’s most iconic destinations, beginning in the bustling capital of Addis Ababa. Your journey will take you to the awe-inspiring Lalibela rock churches, breathtaking landscapes of Simien mountains national park, and the historic Axum Obelisk.
This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and culture, showcasing the very best of northern Ethiopia.
Day 1: Arrival – Sightseeing of Addis Ababa
As soon as you set foot at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, welcome and transfer to your reserved hotel followed by a short brief about your tours to Gonder, simien mountains national park, Lalibela and Tigray churches. In the afternoon. In the afternoon visit National museum, have an insight into the past and present history, culture, economy and art of the nation.
Among other things you will visit the oldest hominid known as Lucy “Dinknesh ” dated back to 3.2 million years. Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral built by Emperor Haile Silassie II. It is one of architecturally decorated, spacious, splendid stained-glass windows and well-designed churches in Ethiopia.
In the afternoon, proceed to Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa and visit mount Entoto the highest peak of the city which offers panoramic view of Addis Ababa city. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar
In the morning, drive to Bahir Dar through the Blue Nile gorge. On the way visit Debra Libanos monastery founded in the 13th century by Abuna Tekle Haimanot. Visit the interior of the church, which is adorned with beautiful stained glasses reflecting biblical history, a collection of religious relics in the church museum and a cave which contains a spring whose water is considered holy.
On the way also visit Jemma valley and cataracts of waterfalls created by Jemma River, the endemic Gelada Baboon and “Portuguese bridge”. Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 3: Bahir Dar
Bahir Dar is the capital of Amhara regional state, located on the shore of Lake Tana, the biggest lake in Ethiopia and source of the mighty Blue Nile River. Take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 14th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Maryam located on Zege peninsula.
In the afternoon, drive to the village of Tis Abay to see the Blue Nile falls (the volume of the falls could be minimal during the dry season). Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 4: Bahir Dar – Gondar (to kickstart trekking to Simien mountains national park)
In the morning drive to Gondar through agricultural fields and beautiful countryside. Gondar was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fassiladas and has served as the capital of Ethiopia for 250 years. In the afternoon explore the city of Gondar; visit Fasiladas Castle, Debre Birhan Selassie church and Fasiladas bath. Overnight in Gondar.
Day 5: Simien mountains national park trekking
In the morning drive to Sanqaber, a segment of the Simien Mountains National Park and the most spectacular of all Ethiopian landscapes. Take 3 to 4 hours hiking enjoying the magnificent scenery and wild animals such as Gelada baboons. Overnight camping at Simien mountains national park (Sanqaber).
Day 6: Simien mountains national park – Gondar
Hike from Sankaber to Jinbar waterfall to see the highest waterfalls in Africa. (Note: the volume of water could be minimal during dry seasons). Then drive to Chenneck to see the endemic Walia Ibex.
Late in the afternoon drive back to Gondar. Overnight in Gondar.
Day 7: Gondar – Lalibela
Late in the morning fly to Lalibela. Visit the 12th century Lalibela rock-hewn churches often called the 8th wonders of the world. This afternoon, visit five churches of the northern group namely; Biete Golgotha Mikael, Biete Mariam, Biete Denagel, Biete Maskal, and Biete Medhani Alem.
Finally, conclude the day with a visit to the famous and purely monolithic church of St. George with a spectacular sunset view. Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 8: Lalibela and Excursion to Asheton Maryam
In the morning, visit the remaining five churches of the southern group namely; Biete Lehem, Biete Gabriel Rafael, Biete Abba Libanos, Biete Amanuel, and Biete Qeddus Mercoreus.
In the afternoon take an excursion to Asheton Maryam monastery located on the outskirts of Lalibela at an altitude of more than 3000 meters and believed to be the first work of King Lalibela. Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 9: Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Mekelle
In the morning, have time to go through souvenir shops in Lalibela. Then fly to Mekelle via Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, visit Mekelle, the capital city of the Tigray regional state and the biggest city in northern Ethiopia. Overnight in Mekelle.
Day 10: Mekelle – Hawzen
In the morning drive to Hawzen. On the way visit Abraha Atsbeha rock-hewn church, founded in the 10th century by two brothers Abraha and Atsbeha, Aksumite rulers who have adopted Christianity to Ethiopia in the 4th century. On the way, also visit the 14th century Dugem Selassie rock-hewn church. In the afternoon visit the 5th century Abuna Yemata monolithic rock-hewn church. Abuna Yemata church is the highest church in Ethiopia situated at a height of 2,580 meters (8,460 ft.) and known for its dome and wall paintings dating back to the 5th century. Overnight in Hawzen.
Day 11: Hawzen – Axum
In the morning drive to Axum via a very scenic route that offers the opportunity to explore deep into the Tigray region. On the way visit the 5th century Yeha temple. Yeha temple is the oldest known and still standing building in Ethiopia. On the way also visit Debre Damo monastery, the most important monastery thought to date back to the 6th century. Debre Damo monastery is only accessible by climbing up by a rope. Overnight in Axum.
Day 12: Axum
Take a full day tour of Axum city. Axum is a city with more than 2500 years of history. It was a center of a great empire and ancient civilization and home to the original Ark of covenants. Explore the city of Axum; visit St. Mary Zion Church, Chapel of the Tablet, Stele Park, Tomb of Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel, Ezana’s Inscriptions, Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins and Axum Museum. Overnight in Axum.
Day 13: Axum – Shire – Addis Ababa
In the morning drive from Axum to Shire and fly back to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon have time for shopping or afternoon at leisure. In the evening attend a folkloric farewell dinner. Experience the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia with a traditional dance performance live from stage. Transfer to airport for your departure.You might be interested also on our 6-days danakil depression & Tigray churches tour package.
What is included in the price quote?
- All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
- All entrance fees according to the program
- Accommodations
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
- Multilingual professional guide
- Government tax
Price Excludes?
- Any flight (Domestic Flights can be arranged upon request)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Travel insurance
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned under what’s included section
