Discover Ethiopia
10 days from Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
From $ 2549
Duration10 days

Tucked in between the Middle East and Africa, Ethiopia sits in the middle of these distinctive regions and yet takes on a cultural mosaic and aesthetic that’s tangibly distinct. On this 10-day tour you’ll see just what we mean with Christian churches hewn from solid rock; national park’s vivid, green peaks; and fascinating cities where luxury sports cars and assorted livestock hang out together in perfect harmony.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 10 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Addis Ababa
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Addis Ababa
    Ages: 12+
Discover Ethiopia - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Addis Ababa

Start place: Addis Ababa

Arriving early? Pre-book the City Tour of Addis Ababa on Day 1, and be back in time for your evening welcome meeting. We strongly advise arriving one night earlier to facilitate the activity's early start.

Addis Ababa, founded more than a century ago, means “new flower” in Amharic. At an elevation of 2,400m (7,874 ft), it's the third highest capital in the world and the climate is pleasantly cool. The city mixes past and present, the streets a mishmash of expensive cars, old Russian (Lada model) taxis, along with donkeys, sheep, and goats. Traditional mud houses stand not far from austere fascist architecture and private-sector banks.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included. Please note that if you choose to participate in the City Tour of Addis Ababa, it will depart from the Azzeman Hotel in Addis Ababa at approx 9:00am. If you have booked alternative pre-tour accommodations, please make your way to the Azzeman Hotel before 9:00am. You can store your luggage at the Azzeman Hotel for the day, if you still have to check in.

End place: Addis Ababa

Day 2: Addis Ababa/Axum

Start place: Addis Ababa

Axum is Ethiopia's oldest and holiest city, and was once the home of the Queen of Sheba.
Fly to Axum, then spend the afternoon exploring the many archaeological sites.
Meals: B
Day 3: Axum/Simien Mountains NP
Travel, via the Lima Limo Valley, to Debark, our base for visiting Simien Mountains National Park. Relax at the scenic lodge with views of the stunning mountain ranges. It is cold in the morning, during the day, in the evening, and at night when there is cloud cover or sleet. Ice often forms on water in the early mornings during the cold period of December through February, and afternoon spurts of hail frequent the beginning of the rains (April through May).
Meals: B, D
Day 4: Simien Mountains NP/Gondar
The scenic Simien Mountains are a good break from the busy cities. Rising high above an eroded landscape of deep gorges and valleys, they rank as one of the continent’s most beautiful (and unusual) mountain ranges. A number of peaks reach well over 4,000m (13,123.4 ft), and Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia, is one of Africa’s highest mountains. Here, you can see some of Ethiopia's remarkable flora and fauna, including Gelada baboon, Walia ibex, and, if you're lucky, the Ethiopian wolf. The huge lammergeyer is also found soaring over the valleys here.
Spend the day in Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy guided hiking excursions around Sankaber campsite, and the Jinbar waterfalls, with its scenic views and wildlife. In the late afternoon, drive to Gondar. Today is a full day of hiking. Those not interested in hiking can spend the day relaxing at the lodge.

End place: Gondar

Meals: B
Day 5: Gondar Area

Start place: Gondar

Enjoy a cultural and nature excursion in a rural Amhara community, then return to Gondar in time for lunch. In the afternoon visit the Debre Birhan Silassie Church.

End place: Gondar

Meals: B
Day 6: Gondar/Bahir Dar

Start place: Gondar

Continue exploring Gondar in the morning, then head to Bahir Dar.

End place: Bahir Dar

Meals: B
Day 7: Bahir Dar

Start place: Bahir Dar

The scenic Blue Nile Falls are known as Tis Issat, which means “smoking water.”
Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to enjoy stunning views and visit monasteries including Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to the Blue Nile Falls.

End place: Bahir Dar

Meals: B
Day 8: Bahir Dar/Lalibela

Start place: Bahir Dar

Lalibela is a good place to taste the local beverage, tej (honey wine) accompanied by local traditional song and dance.
Drive to Lalibela.
Meals: B
Day 9: Lalibela
In the morning, opt for a hike to Asheton Maryam, for panoramic views of the town and countryside.
Enjoy a full day exploring the rock-hewn churches, including St. George Church, and other historical sites.
Meals: B
Day 10: Lalibela/Addis Ababa
Book onward travel after 5pm.
Morning flight to Addis Ababa, where the tour ends on arrival at Bole International Airport.

End place: Addis Ababa

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Arrival transfer
  • Visit to Axum historical sites
  • Simien Mountains trek
  • Guided tour of Debre Berhan Selassie Church, Fasiladas's Bath, and historic castles in Gondar
  • Boat trip on Lake Tana
  • Excursion to Blue Nile Falls
  • Guided tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Plane, Minivan/bus, Boat, Walking, Hiking
  • Accommodation

    Hotels (9 nts)

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