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Our Destinations
$2,300/
Per PersonNorthern Ethiopia is renowned for its rich history, dramatic landscapes, and cultural heritage. Key destinations include: Lalibela, Axum (Aksum, Gondar, and Simien Mountains National Park. Bahirdar & Lake Tana, Mekele and Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most geologically active places on Earth, known for its colorful sulfur springs, salt flats, and the Erta Ale lava lake. These destinations form Ethiopia’s Historic Route, offering a unique blend of adventure, spirituality, and archaeology.
Itinerary
This 12-day itinerary offers a rich and immersive experience of Northern Ethiopia’s most incredible highlights, including the adventurous and culturally rich Gheralta Mountains
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa & Fly to Bahir Dar
Morning: Arrive at Bole International Airport (ADD) in Addis Ababa.
Midday: Connect to your domestic flight to Bahir Dar (BJR), a picturesque city on the shores of Lake Tana.
Afternoon: Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you might have time for a relaxing walk along the lake shore or enjoy the views from your hotel.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 2: Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Falls
Morning: Take a boat trip on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake, to visit some of its ancient island monasteries. Explore Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Mariam on the Zege Peninsula, known for their beautifully painted murals and ancient religious treasures.
Afternoon: Drive (or hike) to the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay, “Smoking Water”), located about 35 km from Bahir Dar. Note: The volume of the falls can vary depending on the season and upstream dam activity.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 3: Bahir Dar to Gondar (Road Trip)
Morning: Enjoy a scenic drive through the Amhara region to Gondar (approximately 3-4 hours), the former capital of Ethiopia.
Afternoon: Upon arrival and check-in, begin your exploration of Fasil Ghebbi (the Royal Enclosure), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the impressive castles, palaces, and banquet halls built by Emperor Fasiladas and his successors in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in Gondar.
Day 4: Gondar Exploration
Morning: Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its exquisite ceiling adorned with angels’ faces. Afterward, explore Fasiladas’ Bath, a large bathing pool used for the Timkat (Epiphany) festival, believed to be filled by a miraculous spring.
Afternoon: Optional visits could include the Qusquam Complex (Empress Mentewab’s Palace) or a stroll through the local market.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in Gondar.
Day 5: Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park (Sankaber)
Morning: Drive to Debark (approximately 2 hours), the headquarters town for the Simien Mountains National Park. Here, you’ll pick up your park permits, scout, and local guide.
Late Morning/Afternoon: Continue your drive into the park to Sankaber (approx. 1.5-2 hours).
Late Afternoon: Take a short, acclimatizing walk around the Sankaber area, enjoying the stunning views of the dramatic escarpment and spotting your first Gelada baboons.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in the Simien Mountains (e.g., at Simien Lodge or a designated campsite if preferred).
Day 6: Simien Mountains – Trekking & Wildlife
Full Day: Dedicate the day to exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Activities: Drive deeper into the park towards areas like Chennek, which offers more chances to see Walia Ibex (endemic to Ethiopia) and potentially the elusive Ethiopian Wolf. Enjoy various treks to panoramic viewpoints (e.g., Jinbar Waterfall) and encounter large troops of Gelada baboons.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in the Simien Mountains.
Day 7: Simien Mountains to Axum (Long Drive)
Morning: Enjoy final views or a short walk in the Simien Mountains.
Late Morning: Embark on a long but scenic drive to Axum (approximately 7-9 hours). The road descends from the highlands, offering changing landscapes, and can be winding in places.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Arrive in Axum, a city steeped in ancient history.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in Axum.
Day 8: Axum Exploration
Full Day: Explore the ancient wonders of Axum, once the capital of the powerful Axumite Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Morning: Visit the famous Stelae Park (Northern Stelae Field), home to towering monolithic obelisks, including the Great Stele. Then, visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, which includes the old church, the new cathedral, and the chapel believed to house the Ark of the Covenant (viewable only by chosen guardians).
Afternoon: Explore other historical sites such as the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace, the Tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel, and Ezana’s Inscription.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in Axum.
Day 9: Axum to Gheralta Mountains (Tigray Region)
Morning: Drive from Axum through the stunning landscapes of Tigray to the Gheralta Mountains (approx. 3-4 hours), known for their dramatic geological formations and remote rock-hewn churches.
Afternoon: Check into your lodge in the Hawzien area. Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, you could visit a more accessible church like Abreha We Atsbeha, known for its impressive size and beautiful frescoes.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in the Gheralta area.
Day 10: Gheralta Mountains – Trekking to Rock-Hewn Churches
Full Day: Embark on an adventurous day of trekking to explore some of the most spectacular and unique rock-hewn churches of Gheralta.
Options: Depending on your fitness level and interest, you might hike to Maryam Korkor and/or Daniel Korkor (requiring some scrambling and exposure to heights for incredible views and ancient art), or the beautiful Abune Gebre Mikael. Your local guide will help choose the best option. These hikes offer breathtaking scenery in addition to the historical churches.
Evening: Dinner and overnight in the Gheralta area.
Day 11: Gheralta to Lalibela (Flight)
Morning: Drive from Gheralta to Mekelle Airport (MQX) (approx. 1.5-2 hours).
Midday: Take a domestic flight from Mekelle to Lalibela (LLI).
Afternoon: Upon arrival in Lalibela, transfer to your hotel and have lunch. Begin your exploration of the magnificent Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start with the Northern Group of churches (e.g., Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Golgotha, Bet Mikael, Bet Meskel).
Evening: Dinner and overnight in Lalibela.
Day 12: Lalibela (More Churches) & Fly to Addis Ababa
Morning: Continue exploring Lalibela’s churches. Visit the Eastern Group (e.g., Bet Amanuel, Bet Abba Libanos, Bet Lehem, Bet Gabriel-Rufael). Conclude your visit with the iconic, cross-shaped Bet Giyorgis (Church of St. George), carved in a deep pit.
Afternoon: Transfer to Lalibela Airport (LLI) for your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa (ADD).
Evening: Depending on your international flight schedule, you can connect directly to your departure or have an overnight stay in Addis Ababa
Total Cost: $2300 pp
Inclusions
The total cost of $2300 per person typically includes:
✈️ Domestic Flights
⦁ Addis Ababa → Bahir Dar
⦁ Mekelle → Lalibela
⦁ Lalibela → Addis Ababa
🚐 Ground Transportation
⦁ All airport transfers
⦁ Private, air-conditioned 4WD or minivan with professional driver for road travel:
⦁ Bahir Dar → Gondar → Simien Mountains → Axum → Gheralta → Mekelle
⦁ Transportation within national parks and historic sites
🧭 Guided Services
⦁ English-speaking professional guide throughout the tour
⦁ Licensed local guides in Simien Mountains, Lalibela, Gheralta, Axum, and Lake Tana
⦁ Scout, local guide, and park ranger in Simien Mountains
⦁ All entry fees, permits, and park charges for:
⦁ Simien Mountains National Park
⦁ Lake Tana monasteries
⦁ Blue Nile Falls
⦁ Royal Enclosure and churches in Gondar
⦁ Rock-hewn churches in Lalibela and Gheralta
⦁ Archaeological sites in Axum
🏨 Accommodation (11 nights)
⦁ Comfort-class accommodations in major towns (3–4 star equivalent)
⦁ Lodges or local guesthouses in Simien Mountains and Gheralta
⦁ 2 nights in Bahir Dar
⦁ 2 nights in Gondar
⦁ 2 nights in Simien Mountains
⦁ 2 nights in Axum
⦁ 2 nights in Gheralta Mountains
⦁ 1 night in Lalibela
🍽️ Meals
⦁ Daily breakfasts included at all accommodations
⦁ Full-board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during Simien Mountains portion
⦁ Bottled drinking water throughout the trip
🧾 Tour Logistics & Support
⦁ All airport transfers and assistance
⦁ All government taxes and tourism levies
⦁ Coordination and logistics by your tour operator
❌ Exclusions
The following are not included in the $2300 per person price:
🛫 International Travel
⦁ International flights to/from Addis Ababa
⦁ Ethiopian visa fees (available on arrival or via e-visa)
💵 Tips & Personal Expenses
⦁ Tips for guides, drivers, cooks, and local staff (customary in Ethiopia)
⦁ Laundry, phone, internet, and other personal expenses
⦁ Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and personal snacks
🧳 Optional Add-Ons
⦁ Mule hire for steep treks (especially in Gheralta or to remote monasteries)
⦁ Entrance fees to any sites not listed in the itinerary
⦁ Single room supplement (available upon request)
⦁ Optional activities or unscheduled stops
🛌 Extra Nights
⦁ Additional accommodation in Addis Ababa at the start or end of the tour (can be arranged upon request)
🛡️ Travel Insurance
⦁ Personal travel or medical insurance (highly recommended due to the nature of the terrain and remoteness)
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