Overview
This Eleven-day journey takes you through Ethiopia’s northern circuit, offering a mix of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences. You’ll explore the vibrant capital city, Addis Ababa, the serene Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls in Bahir Dar, the medieval castles of Gondar, the dramatic Simien Mountains, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the breathtaking Gheralta rock churches, and the ancient ruins of Axum.
Itinerary
Addis Ababa and City Tour Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. Followed by Addis Ababa city tour. Visit the National Museum, Merkato, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from Entoto mountain before driving back to your hotel. Overnight at Aya hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning, take an early flight to Bahir Dar, a city on the shores of Lake Tana. LateMorni ng, drive 37KM to the village of Tis Abay to visit the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay). In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Tana, to visit Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam monasteries. Overnight at Jacaranda hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning drive to Gondar (approximately 3 hours) and explore Gondar city, the Camelot of Africa. Visit Fasilides Castle, Iyasu's Palace, the Banquet hall and stables which offers insights into Gondar's royal history. In the afternoon, visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church and Fasilides' Bath. Overnight at Goha hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning drive to SMNP. Then enjoy a scenic trek to viewpoints like Geech waterfall and Bwahit Pass, spotting wildlife such as gelada monkeys and Walia Ibex. Enjoy the dramatic landscapes of jagged peaks and deep valleys. Overnight at Simien Mountains lodges or camping.
In the morning hike to Imet Gogo (3,926m). Imet Gogo is situated in the heart of the Simien Mountains, it offers the most spectacular views in the park. In the afternoon, return to Gondar for overnight stay. Overnight at Goha hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
Late morning, fly from Gondar to Lalibela and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit northern group of Lalibela rock-hewn churches, namely: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Golgotha, Bete Mikael, Bete Meskel and Bete Denagel. Late afternoon, visit the purely monolithic standalone Church of Bete Giyorgis, with spectacular sunset view. Overnight at Top Twelve hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning, visit the southern group of churches namely; Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Amanuel, Bete Abba Libanos and Bete Lehem. Late morning, transfer to Lalibela airport for your flight to Mekele via Addis Ababa. Overnight at Axum hotel or in the hotel your choice.
In the morning drive to Hawzen, the gateway to the Gheralta Mountains. On the way visit Abreha Atsbeha rock-hewn church. In the afternoon, hike to the 5th century Abune Yemata Guh church. The church is perched on a cliffside at an altitude of 2,580 meters (8,460 feet). The hike is challenging and requires good physical fitness. Overnight at Vision hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning, drive to Gheralta and start hiking to the churches of Mariam and Daniel Korkor another rock-hewn churches in the Gheralta mountains. The hike to the churches takes about 2 hours and involves a moderate climb, which requires a reasonable level of fitness. In the afternoon, drive to Axum on the way enjoy the dramatic landscape of Tigray. Overnight at Consular hotel or hotel of your choice.
Spend your day exploring Axum city, the ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire. Visit the Stelae Park, home to towering obelisks that are symbols of Axum’s ancient civilization. Explore the Church of St. Mary of Zion, where the Ark of the Covenant is said to be housed. Visit king Ezana’s inscription and Tombs of different kings. In the afternoon, walk through the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace and learn about Axum’s rich history. Overnight at Consular hotel or at the hotel of your choice Axum.
Late morning, take a flight back to Addis Ababa and time for final pack and shopping. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant with traditional music and dance performances. Followed by transfer to the airport for your flight back home. End of the trip!
Price Includes
- All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
- All entrance fees according to the program
- Accommodations with Breakfast
- Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
- Multilingual professional guide
Price Excludes
- Any flight (Domestic Flights can be arranged upon request)
- Lunch and Dinner
- Alcoholic drinks
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned under what’s included section
FAQs
Gonder is best known for its castle ruins and decorated churches. The castle ruins, known as Fasil Ghebbi, are a series of buildings that were once the home of Ethiopian royalty.
In its center lies a unique complex of 11 churches cut out of the living rock some 800 years ago. Their construction is traditionally attributed to King Lalibela, of the Zagwe dynasty, who attempted to create a new Jerusalem on African soil, accessible to all Ethiopians
The five churches of the northern group are: Biete Golgotha Mikael, Biete Mariam, Biete Denagel, Biete Maskal, and Biete Medhani Alem. The southern group contains another five churches: Biete Lehem, Biete Gabriel Rafael, Biete Abba Libanos, Biete Amanuel, and Biete Qeddus Mercoreus
The Simien Mountains are one of Ethiopia’s most popular destinations. Sitting just north of Gondar, it’s easily accessible along the northern circuit of Ethiopia. Comprising 220 square km of peaks, plateaus, vistas and valleys, the park offers stunning viewpoints and some of the best trekking routes in Africa.
Simien Mountains, found in northern Ethiopia, northeast of Gonder. Simien Mountains is the highest peak in Ethiopia at 14,872 feet (4,533 metres) above sea level.
Axum is known by its elaborate monuments and written script, as well as for introducing the Christian religion to the rest of sub-Saharan Africa.
