Welcome to Ethiopia!

Upon your early morning arrival in Addis Ababa, your guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel. After breakfast, you’ll have some time to acclimate to the altitude, as the city sits at approximately 2,300 meters above sea level. In the afternoon, your Ethiopian adventure begins with a three-hour city tour. Addis Ababa, a vibrant young capital, offers a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. From the nearby Entoto Mountain, standing at around 3,200 meters, you’ll be treated to a stunning panoramic view of the city. During dinner, you’ll finalize the details of your upcoming round trip. Overnight stay at the Saro-Maria Hotel in Addis Ababa.

In the morning, you’ll catch a flight to Mekele, the heart of the Tigray region. Begin your exploration at the Palace Museum, where you’ll be awed by ancient robes, crowns, and manuscripts. Your journey then takes you to Wukro, home to Wukro Cherkos, reputedly the oldest rock-hewn church in Tigray, and the stunning Abreha Atsbeha Church, adorned with remarkable murals. Legend has it that the prayer cross of Frumentius, the founder of the Ethiopian Church, is housed here.

As you continue across the plateau, you’ll pass typical rectangular quarry stone houses before reaching Negash, a significant Islamic pilgrimage site. Here, you’ll visit the modest mosque of Negash, nestled among ancient tombstones. You’ll then head to Adigrat for an overnight stay at the Agoro Lodge.

Route details: Altitude around 2,500 meters, distance approximately 145 km, with a travel time of about 3 hours.

In Adigrat, the spiritual center for Ethiopian Catholics, the Church of the Redeemer is graced by a mural from the renowned Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle. From here, you’ll wind your way through the serpentines of the Ahleqa Pass en route to Axum. Along the way, you’ll visit Yeha, thought to be the heart of the Ethio-Sabaean Empire of Diamat, where you’ll be captivated by the ancient Temple of the Moon. Remarkably built without mortar, this is the only surviving monument from the pre-Axumite era. Nearby, you’ll find Ethiopia’s oldest inscriptions on the church dedicated to Abba Asfe, one of the revered Nine Saints.

Continuing your journey, you’ll traverse the historic Adwa Mountains, where Ethiopia’s decisive victory over Italian forces in 1896 secured its status as the only African nation never colonized. You’ll arrive in Axum for an overnight stay at the Yared Zema International Hotel.

Route details: Altitude around 2,150 meters, distance approximately 125 km, with a travel time of about 3.5 hours.

Axum, often referred to as the “Rome of Ethiopia,” is the sacred city of Orthodox Christians, the site where emperors were crowned, and the legendary home of the Queen of Sheba. Here, you’ll explore the ruins and monuments of the ancient Axumite Empire. Visit the Park of Stelae, home to the world’s largest carved monoliths, the tombs of kings, the Stele of Ezana, and the Palace of the Queen of Sheba.

A nearby chapel is said to guard Ethiopia’s most revered relic—the original Ark of the Covenant, which holds the stone tablets of Moses’ law. During lunch or at sunset, take in the breathtaking view of the stelae field and St. Mary’s Church from the terrace of the traditional Yeha Hotel—a sight that is truly unparalleled. You’ll spend another night at the Yared Zema International Hotel in Axum.

From the highlands, you’ll descend into the vast river plains of the Tekeze River, navigating serpentines that wind back up through striking basalt formations. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the “Chess Pieces” massif, a dramatic part of the Simien Mountains. These mountains, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, form a national park dedicated to preserving the endemic Ethiopian ibex, Simien wolf, Gelada baboon, and various species of birds of prey.

Cross the Wolkefit Pass at 3,100 meters, and pass cascading waterfalls as you ascend to the “Roof of Africa” after countless hairpin bends. Tonight, you’ll stay at Africa’s highest hotel, where you can enjoy breathtaking views. Overnight in the Simien Mountains National Park at Simien Lodge.

Route details: Altitude around 3,300 meters, distance approximately 250 km, with a travel time of about 5-6 hours.

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the unique features of the Simien Mountains National Park, choosing between leisurely walks or more challenging hikes based on your fitness level. You’ll coordinate the day’s activities with your personal guide. As you traverse ancient paths between villages, you’ll encounter shepherd children tending to their cattle and sheep.

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including warthogs, vervet monkeys, 137 species of birds, and majestic predators like leopards. Your journey along the western side of the massif will bring you to some of the most breathtaking viewpoints. With its mix of rugged rock formations, meadows, fields, and distinctive Afroalpine flora, the park is a visual delight. You’ll spend another night at the Simien Lodge in the Simien Mountains National Park.

After your stay in the national park, your journey continues to Gondar, often referred to as the “Camelot of Ethiopia.” This afternoon, you’ll explore this city, still regarded as one of Ethiopia’s religious centers. Your visit includes the palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the former power and grandeur of Ethiopia’s rulers.

Next, you’ll visit Debre Birhan Selassie, one of Ethiopia’s most beautiful churches, renowned for its iconic ceiling adorned with rows of winged angels’ heads and cross motifs. The murals here are some of the finest examples of Ethiopian iconography. You’ll also see the Bath of Fasilides, a charming, moat-surrounded castle just outside the city, once used by rulers as a summer retreat. From the nearby ruins of the “Widow’s Seat” at Kusquam, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of Gondar.

Overnight at the Goha Hotel in Gondar.

Route details: Altitude around 2,300 meters, distance approximately 120 km, with a travel time of about 2.5 hours.

Today, you’ll journey to Bahar Dar, located on the southern shore of Lake Tana. Along the way, your first stop will be Gorgora, where you’ll visit the 14th-century Debre Sina Mariam Church, beautifully situated on a peninsula overlooking the lake. After crossing the Garno River Valley, you’ll arrive in the lively town of Bahar Dar, known for its avenues lined with date palms—a rare sight at this altitude—and its lush vegetation.

Overnight stay at the Jacaranda Hotel in Bahar Dar.

Route details: Altitude around 1,800 meters, distance approximately 285 km, with a travel time of about 6 hours.

Overnight at the Goha Hotel in Gondar.

Route details: Altitude around 2,300 meters, distance approximately 120 km, with a travel time of about 2.5 hours.

In the morning, you’ll embark on a boat trip on Lake Tana, the highest and largest lake in Ethiopia. Your first stop will be the Zeghie Peninsula, where you’ll visit the Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery. This circular church, topped with a massive conical roof, is adorned with vibrant murals depicting numerous Bible scenes.

Your boat tour will then take you to the point where the Blue Nile flows out of Lake Tana. As you glide across the water, you’ll see traditional papyrus boats, still used for transporting firewood, fishing, and ferrying. You might even spot hippos or a flock of pelicans.

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a scenic 90-minute hike to the Blue Nile Falls, known as “Tis Isat.” The water level varies by season, but the falls remain a breathtaking sight. Overnight stay at the Jacaranda Hotel in Bahar Dar.

On your journey to Lalibela, you’ll travel through the historic province of Begemder, the heartland of the Amhara people. This region was once part of ancient trade routes, and the drive offers ever-changing landscapes, dramatic panoramas, deep valleys, and striking rock formations.

In the 12th and 13th centuries, King Lalibela commissioned the construction of the famous rock-hewn churches, considered the “8th Wonder of the World” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just before reaching Lalibela, you’ll visit the Neakuto Leab Grotto Church, where water dripping from the cracks in the rock ceiling into stone bowls is believed to have healing properties.

Overnight stay at the Maribela Hotel in Lalibela.

Route details: Altitude around 2,500 meters, distance approximately 335 km, with a travel time of about 6-7 hours.

According to legend, in the 12th century, King Lalibela fulfilled his dream of creating a “second Jerusalem,” carving it into the rock with the help of angels. So well hidden, these churches have remained untouched by the ravages of time. Many of the names reflect holy sites in Palestine. Each of the 12 churches is unique, intricately carved several floors deep into the tuff, featuring columns, reliefs, and celestial motifs.

In the morning, you’ll explore the first group of these captivating churches. In the afternoon, you’ll discover the old town of Lalibela, known for its distinctive two-story, clay-plastered round houses. Following your tour, you’ll experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

Overnight at the Maribela Hotel in Lalibela.

Your day begins with a visit to the Asheten Mariam Church, perched on a rocky spur high above Lalibela. You can choose to reach it either on foot or by riding a mule. Beyond the beauty of the church itself, this spot is said to offer one of the best panoramic views in the country.

Alternatively, you can take a drive of about 40 km to the Yemrehanna Krestos Church, located on Mount Abune Yosef. After a short walk, you’ll arrive at this unique church, built within a grotto, which stands apart from the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.

In the afternoon, you’ll explore the second group of rock-hewn churches, including the iconic St. George’s Church.

Overnight stay in Lalibela.

In the morning, you’ll fly back to Addis Ababa and check into your hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore more of the city’s attractions. You might visit the Ethnological Museum or the City Museum housed in the old Ras Birru Palace, which also features a gallery showcasing contemporary Ethiopian art. Your day room will be available until 6 p.m.

In the early evening, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine, accompanied by music and dances from various regions. Afterward, you’ll be driven to the airport for your flight home. While your journey may be ending, the memories of Ethiopia will stay with you for a long time.

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