On this 10-day trip, you will journey through northern Ethiopia along the country’s historic route. Cruise along the placid Lake Tana exploring its historic island monasteries by boat; visit the thriving city of Gondar, known as ‘Africa’s Camelot’, home to medieval castles and churches; in the Simien Mountains, see some of Ethiopia’s endemic wildlife, most notably the gelada baboon; visit the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a rural town known as ‘Africa’s Petra’; wander through Axum, one of Ethiopia’s nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the ancient civilizations of the world; hike to the spectacular churches carved into the Gheralta Mountains, requiring stamina and determination to reach many of them. While gaining a deep knowledge of the nation’s history, you will also be immersed in the local culture. Meet and talk with many locals in the small villages along the way, and gain some local cooking and baking skills too!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Details for Today
Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel
Meals: D
Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon your arrival at Bole International airport Addis Ababa, and completion of the entry formalities, you will be met by one of our representatives outside the terminal and transferred to your hotel.
After dropping off your luggage and a little refreshment, you will head to Sholla Market. Apart from admiring the colorful shops, the bustling environment, and the different goods, you will also get to buy a few ingredients for your upcoming cooking class “Ethiopian Style”, which involves bargaining and negotiating.
Ethiopian food is one of the most extraordinary cuisines in the world. Especially known for the variety of vegetarian dishes served on the flat “gluten-free” bread called “Injera”. Enjoy a cooking class that will teach you to cook the Ethiopian vegetarian “Beyaynetu” dishes (Keye Misir, Shiro, Alicha Kik, Kosta, Carrot be Dinich, Timatim Salalta, Key Sir). Following your cooking class, you will have welcome dinner at the Makush restaurant.
Day 2
Details for Today
Addis Ababa:
- Enjoy a city tour -Visit Mount Entoto, a sacred mountain, and Unity Park, full of historical sites
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel
Meals: B
Today you will enjoy a city tour. Mount Entoto will be your first stop. It is a historical place where Emperor Menelik II resided and built his palace when he came from Ankober and founded Addis Ababa. It is considered a sacred mountain and has many monasteries. It is situated at an altitude of between 2,600 and 3,100 meters.
You will enjoy a magnificent view of the city from the hills of Entoto. Following that, you will drive to the National Museum. The museum houses the nation’s artistic treasures as well as many of the most precious archaeological findings such as the fossilized remains of early hominids, the most famous of which is “Lucy,” the partial skeleton of a specimen of Australopithecus apheresis. The well-known Lucy is said to be 3.2 million years old.
Shortly after having your lunch and a little refreshment, you will head to the 19th-century palace of one of Ethiopia’s greatest emperors, Menelik II, which has been transformed into Unity Park, to be visited by local and foreign tourists. Since the end of the 19th century, Ethiopian leaders have made this historic palace their home.
The Park, which takes up more than 20ha out of the 40ha compound, and where the Office of the Prime Minister is located, features six attraction sites including historical buildings, indigenous plants, endemic black mane lion zoo, a green area, and the nine regions’ pavilion. Furthermore, the park will also feature more than 1000 display items along with Ethiopia’s great emperors including Emperor Haileselassie is featured in a life-size waxwork.
After your interesting visit to Unity Park, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 3
Details for Today
Begin your journey along the historic route!
Transfer: Fly to Bahir Dar, near Lake Tana
- Take a boat cruise to explore Lake Tana and its historic island monasteries
- Visit the village of Awra Amba – a unique settlement considered to be a prime model for self-help and above all gender equality.
Transfer: Drive to Gondar
Accommodation: Gondar Hails Resort
Meals: B
Today you begin your journey along the historic route of Ethiopia, visiting key historical destinations and getting immersed in the country’s culture.
This morning you will be transferred to the airport to catch your local flight to Bahir Dar, near Lake Tana – your first stop on the historic route. Placid Lake Tana is dotted with centuries-old island monasteries. The Blue Nile Falls are nearby, and the charming town of Bahir Dar has lots of lovely sidewalk cafés where travelers can relax and watch the bustle of the city.
Shortly after your arrival, you will begin exploring Lake Tana and its historic island monasteries by boat. Your boat cruise on Lake Tana covers a visit to the 14th-century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret which is the most famous of the Zege peninsula monasteries. It has a very beautiful painted maqdas and priceless collection of crosses as well as crowns.
Later on, you will set out on a drive further north to another spectacular destination on the Ethiopian Historic Route. En route you will drive to the village of Awra Amba, located off the Woreta – Woldia ‘China-Road’, this unique settlement is considered to be a prime model for self-help and above all gender equality.
In Awra Amba village, women have equal rights as men and there is no distinction in the division of labor. Men cook, women plow, and religion has no place. They believe in hard work and being good to people.
Day 4
Details for Today
Gondar:
- Explore Gondar, known as ‘Africa’s Camelot, home to medieval castles and churches
- Visit the Fellasha village, where Fellasha Jews used to inhabit
Transfer: Drive to Simien Mountains National Park, observing the magnificent scenery with unique flora
Accommodation: Limalimo Lodge, Simien Mountains
Meals: B, L, D
Today we explore Gondar. Known as ‘Africa’s Camelot,’ the thriving city of Gondar is somewhat unexpectedly home to medieval castles, churches with gorgeous frescoes and a king’s bathing pool. Set in a landscape of incomparable beauty, Gondar was once the Royal Capital of Ethiopia. Visit the impressive castles and churches built by Emperor Fassiladas and his descendants. After your tour of the Royal Enclosure, you will proceed to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie Church. Its walls and ceilings are decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history. Later on, you will begin driving towards the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park.
On the way to the park, you may have a stop to visit the Fellasha village where the Felasha Jews used to inhabit before the 1980s and they are thought to have come in to Ethiopia 3000 years ago at the time of King Solomon, but their history is shroud in mystery. Although most of the Ethiopian Jews left for Israel during the wars and famines of the 1980s & 90s, there are still few remnants of their culture left.
Once you check in to your hotel you leave to the national the park in the Simien Mountains, which is about 25km away. Continue your drive while observing the magnificent scenery with unique flora, the first the segment of the Simien Mountains National Park – “Roof of Africa”.
The Simien Mountains are a fantastic destination both for trekking, as well as to see some of Ethiopia’s endemic wildlife, most notably the gelada baboon. An excursion in the park to see the geladas, which are actually a species of monkey, is extraordinary. They are habituated, and travelers have the chance to view their behavior intimately.
Day 5
Details for Today
Simien Mountains:
- Explore the park and encounter birds like Lammergeyer and the endemic Gelada Baboon
- Visit a local village to experience Injera Baking with the local women
Accommodation: Limalimo Lodge, Simien Mountains
Meals: B, L, D
Early morning after having breakfast, you will proceed to drive to Sanqaber in Simien Mountains National Park, where you will be able to encounter birds like Lammergeyer and endemic Gelada Baboon.
Shortly afterward, you will be taken to one of the local villages in the vicinity of Simien Mountains National Park, where you will experience one of the most important household skills women of Ethiopia are expected to master: Injera Baking. A full process of production of the National Staple of Ethiopia: From grinding the indigenous teff seeds to baking the popular circular, pancake among Ethiopians.
Drive back to your lodge for your overnight accommodation.
Day 6
Details for Today
Transfer: Drive back to Gondar and fly to Lalibela, Africa’s Petra
Lalibela:
- Visit the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, which are called the “Eighth Wonders of the World”
Accommodation: Mezena Lodge
Meals: B
After an early breakfast, you will leave the lodge to begin driving back to Gondar. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your local flight to Lalibela. Located at an altitude of 2,600m above sea level, this rural town is also known as ‘Africa’s Petra’, Ethiopia’s crown jewel. It is the home of the most famous churches in the country and is the site of many major religious ceremonies.
This afternoon you will visit the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, which are called the “Eighth Wonders of the World.” These churches were hand-hewn out of solid rock between 800 – 1200 AD and are still active worship places. Visit the first and third group of churches: “Bete Medhanialem”, “Bete Mariam”, “Bete Meskel”, “Bete Denagil” and “Bete Golgota” and “Bete Giorgis” of third group of the churches.
Day 7
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Transfer: Fly to Axum, Ethiopia’s most ancient city
Axum:
- Enjoy a city tour of Axum that includes St. Mary’s Church, the repository of the Ark of the Covenant, Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins and King Kaleb’s tomb
Accommodation: Sabean Hotel
Meals: B
This morning you will be transferred to the airport to catch your local flight to one of the ancient civilizations of the world: Axum. One of Ethiopia’s nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Axum is the reputed home to the Ark of the Covenant. While travelers are unable to see the holy relic, they are treated to glimpses into an ancient civilization. They can see the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace, royal treasures from Ethiopia’s past and more. It is the gateway to the Tigray region and the Gheralta mountains.
Upon arrival you will be sightseeing Ethiopia’s most ancient city: Axum, which was once the center of a great empire and the seat of learning for the ancient Ge’ez language and literature. Enjoy a city tour of Axum that includes the stolen park, St. Mary’s Church, the sanctuary chapel that is the repository of the Ark of the Covenant, the coronation yard and the Axum Museum, Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins and King Kaleb’s tomb.
Day 8
Details for Today
Transfer: Drive to Gheralta Mountains
- Visit Adwa on the way – where Emperor Menelik II inflicted the biggest defeat ever on a colonial army in Africa and Ethiopia was saved from Colonization
- Visit Yeha on the way – famous for its huge and remarkable temple
Accommodation: Gheralta Lodge
Meals: B
After breakfast, set out to drive from Axum to Hawzien in the Gheralta Mountains, visiting Adwa and Yeha along the way.
For Ethiopians, the town of Adwa holds huge significance. It was in the hills surrounding Adwa that the Emperor Menelik II inflicted the biggest defeat ever on a colonial army in Africa and Ethiopia was saved from Colonization.
You will also stop by Yeha: famous for its huge and remarkable temple. According to the 19th-century German scholar Heinrich Miiller, the temple is thought to date back to about seven or eight hundred years before the birth of Christ. The temple is believed to be the oldest standing building in the country. Besides the remarkable temple, a church dedicated to Abba Aftse stands. Abba Aftse was one of the famous nine saints who came to Ethiopia in the 6th century from the east Roman Empire to teach the Gospel. The church, sharing the same compound with the temple is rectangular.
Continue your drive to Hawzien for your overnight accommodation.
Day 9
Details for Today
Gheralta Mountains:
- Climb up to Debre Maryam Korkor, one of the biggest and most complex churches in the area and situated on one of the high mountains
- Visit Daniel Korkor, which consists of two rooms cut into the rock, with many frescoes, including a Madonna and Child
- Visit Abune Yemata, the most spectacular of all rock churches in Ethiopia
Accommodation: Gheralta Lodge
Meals: B
Today we will hike and explore the Gheralta Mountains. Reminiscent of the desert landscapes of the US’s southwest, the Gheralta Mountains offer scenic beauty while sheltering churches dotted among their highest reaches. These rock-hewn churches differ from Lalibela’s as they are carved into the mountains and it requires stamina and determination to reach many of them.
Debre Maryam Korkor is one of the biggest and most complex churches in the area and is situated on one of the high mountains of Gheralta. While the climb up to the church is not technical, it is steep and takes just over one hour to reach the summit. Climbing up to the church we will enjoy the panoramic view of the Hawzien plain. The church of Maryam Korkor faces west, and it has a white-washed facade nestled into the cliff face. The interior has a series of beautifully decorated arches, and both the arches and ceiling of the church are decorated with bas-reliefs, similar to those at Abreha we Atsbeha. The walls and columns of the church are decorated with paintings of stories from the bible, from both the Old and the New Testament. The church also has a wide collection of parchment manuscripts, archaic bibles, and crosses.
Shortly after visiting Debre Mariam Korkor, you will explore another religious building (probably a hermitage) located in the Gheralta Range: Daniel Korkor. It consists of two rooms cut into the rock. The larger of the two rooms have many frescoes, including a Madonna and Child, David playing the lyre, the baptism of Christ, and, on the ceiling, the four evangelists and four archangels.
Later this afternoon you will drive to one of Gheralta’s rock-hewn churches, Abune Yemata (Guh), named for one of the nine saints who came to Ethiopia. The church is carved on the cliff face of one of the mountains of Guh and it is the most spectacular of all rock churches in Ethiopia, as well as the most challenging to access. The interior of the church is reached via a small crack in the rock and is noted for its beautiful ceiling frescoes. It is surprising that such great works of art have existed for centuries in such an unusual place that seems rather closer to the moon than to the earth.
Day 10
Details for Today
Transfer: Drive to Mekele and fly to Addis Ababa for your international departure
Meals: B
Today you will drive to Mekele to catch your flight to Addis Ababa. We have booked a day-use room at the Radisson Blu Hotel to refresh up before you depart home.
Accommodation
Radisson Blu Hotel in Addis Ababa is centrally located within Ethiopia’s capital city. The hotel is a short distance from the city’s main points of interest, such as the Imperial Palace, Meskel Square and Holy Trinity Cathedral. The hotel offers a total of 212 elegantly designed rooms and suites with premium amenities such as individual climate control and free high-speed wireless Internet. Savor French bistro fare from our on-site restaurant, Verres en Vers, or try a refreshing cocktail at the hotel’s Signature Bar. The Signature Bar & Terrace is the perfect place to relax, socialize or work quietly at any time of the day while enjoying sophisticated drinks or revitalizing snacks. Our life-enhancing Rainforest Day Spa provides self-rewarding massage options and revitalizing body treatments. A rejuvenating fitness center exclusively for in-house guests is also available.
Set on a mountain top overlooking these medieval castles, Gondar Hills is a new up market eco friendly property set to continue the architectural style of the castles with fascinating traditional stonework, green roof and breath taking views of the royal enclosure, urban and country side views. The property has 78 Deluxe Rooms, Restaurants, Bars, Swimming Pool, Wellness center, Curio shops, Conference center & other facilities. Our restaurants will be serving traditional dishes and different cuisines with our renowned world class international chef. In addition, the property provides butler services in the rooms.
Limalimo Lodge, Simien Mountains
Perched on the edge of the escarpment, Limalimo Lodge is a beautiful place to experience Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains National Park. Combining simple luxury and elegant design in a stunning setting, the lodge promotes sustainable tourism with minimal environmental impact, and provides new opportunities to the local community. Limalimo Lodge is a boutique 14 room lodge. Our bar, restaurant and terrace provide breathtaking views along the Simien escarpment and give you plenty of space to relax. Our communal areas are an ideal place to spot wildlife from. Eagles, vultures and many more soar past; Gelada monkeys, klipspringers, jackal and leopards amongst others are often spotted from Limalimo.
Mezena Resort & Spa opens its doors in September 2017 to provide an eco-friendly hospitality services in Lalibela. Ideally situated on the Eastern side of the city of Lalibela, on approximately 16.55 Acres of land, in a remarkably afforested compound, Mezena features 30 large, gorgeous bungalows, built with the state-of-the-art technologies. The resort has all the amenities you need – All-day dining restaurants, Lavish Bar, Souvenir shop, Spacious swimming pool with clean & warm water, modern day Spa (Sauna, Steam, and Massage) services, and fully equipped GYM (on development).
Sabean International Hotel offers accommodations in Axum. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, free wifi, and a flat-screen TV.
Gheralta Lodge is set in the vast stony and dramatic Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. Gheralta Lodge makes a truly delightful base for visiting the area’s extraordinary rock churches. The lodge has gentle charm, and has a welcoming and immediately relaxing atmosphere.
