When to go
January – April and September – December
Price
From £3,149 pp (including flights)
Flight time
7hrs 50mins
Introduction
After generations of resistances, fighting the colonization efforts of the Italian armed forces and other forces, Ethiopia has clung tightly to its culture and traditions. During your journey to this magical destination, you will learn about the country’s struggles, its achievements, and its commitment to maintaining time-tested traditions and practices. You will also bear witness to spellbinding scenery, lively local villages, and the majestic wildlife.
Good For
At a Glance
Duration
13 days & 12 nights
Guide price
Group: £3,149pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Addis Ababa | Bahar Dar | Laka Tana | Simien Mountains | Axum | Wukro | Mekele | Lalibela | Asatan Maryam | Addis Ababa
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
Age Range
16+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Golden Royal Hotel | Tana Hotel | Goha Hotel | Simien Park Hotel | Yared Zema Hotel | Fiseha Hotel | Planet Hotel | Roha Hotel
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Average 4 people with a maximum of 16
Start/Finish
Addis Ababa | Addis Ababa
Extensions
Harar (4 days & 3 nights)
Highlights
Explore the Rock-Hewn Lalibela and Tigray Churches
Lalibela is a popular place for Ethiopian Christianity, and a frequented place of devotion and pilgrimage. The site has 11 medieval monolithic churches, which are carved out of rock and attributed to King Lalibela. Northern Tigray is a similarly renowned religious site. It features 2 main groups of churches, of which there are 120 in total.
Visit the Castles of Gondar
After centuries of moving from land to land, King Fasil established Gondar as a permanent capital in 1636. Over the years, the buildings were further refined, introducing new architectural styles. Today, the site consists of 6 major complexes, surrounded by a 900-meter-long wall. There are 20 palaces and royal buildings, as well as 30 churches.
Marvel at the Gorgeous Scenery in the Simien Mountains
Located in northern Ethiopia, the Simien Mountains has the highest peak in the country at 14,872 feet high. The site is also home to over 863 bird species and several rare mammals. Such rare species include the Olive baboon and Vervet monkey, which have only ever been seen in the Simien Mountains.
Visit the Stelae of Aksum
Composed of several memorial obelisks, the Stelae of Aksum were built between the 3rd and 4th century. They are one of the city’s most renowned monuments.
Discover the Lake Tana Monasteries
Laka Tana is home to many historically significant monasteries. They were vital in maintaining the Christian faith in the 14th and 16th century at a time when contemporary forces were striving for change. The site features various manuscripts, royal objects, and ecclesiastical art.
Recommended Hotels
Golden Royal Hotel | Tana Hotel | Goha Hotel | Simien Park Hotel | Yared Zema Hotel | Fiseha Hotel | Planet Hotel | Roha Hotel
Sample Itinerary
The Depths of Ethiopia
Marvel at the beauty, historical significance, and atmosphere of Ethiopia in this 13-day-long sample itinerary. Your journey will take you to many corners of this fascinating place; sightseeing in Addis Ababa, a full-day boat tour on Laka Tana, and a visit to the origin of Christianity in Ethiopia.
Day 1: Fly to Addis Ababa
Fly from London to Addis Ababa. Enjoy morning leisure then spend the afternoon sightseeing Addis Ababa. Visit the National Museum, which has a large collection of fossils and bones. It also has the 3.5-million-year-old remains of Lucy, the oldest hominid ever found. Then head to the Holy Trinity Church, the main cathedral of Ethiopia. It is home to the remains of Haile Selassie, the last Ethiopian emperor.
Stay overnight at the Golden Royal Hotel or similar.
(N)
Day 2: Fly to Bahar Dar
Fly from Addis Ababa to Bahar Dar. Located on the southern shore of Lake Tana, Bahar Dar is a significant pilgrimage site and home to many monasteries and churches. In the afternoon, enjoy free leisure. Take the opportunity to marvel at the various bird species. And explore the local markets. You can also take an optional half-day excursion to the Blue Nile Falls in the morning.
Stay for 2 nights at the Tana Hotel or similar.
(B)
Day 3: Laka Tana
Go on a full-day boat trip on Laka Tana. Visit the remote monasteries and churches, most of which have been around since the 13th century. Many of the structures were intentionally built on remote islands to store and protect treasure and religious objects.
(B)
Day 4: Gondar
Drive to the former capital of Ethiopia, Gondar. Upon arrival, visit the Kindu Trust, an organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged children, families, and communities. Their goal is to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of those less fortunate, including their access to education.
After lunch, head to Gondar and visit the local castles. Stay overnight at the Goha Hotel or similar.
(B)
Day 5: Simien Mountains
Enjoy breakfast and drive to Debark. In the late morning, drive up to the Simien Mountains for spectacular views of the surrounding area. You may also witness some of the rare animal species that are on site, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world.
Stay overnight at the Simien Park Hotel or similar.
(B)
Day 6: Axum
Go on a full-day drive to the city of Axum. Most of the day will be spent driving, with frequent meal and rest breaks. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the marvelous views. Arrive in the late afternoon.
Stay for 2 nights at the Yared Zema Hotel or similar.
(B)
Day 7: Axum
Enjoy a full-day tour of the city of Axum. The site is considered to be the birthplace of Christianity in Ethiopia. So naturally, it is rich with religious buildings, including churches and monuments. The city also has one of the largest monoliths ever erected by humans.
(B)
Day 8: Wukro
Make your way to Wukro. On the way, visit the many rock-hewn churst in eastern Tigray. You will also pass the Battlefield of Adwa, where local Ethiopians successfully resisted the Italian armed forces in 1896. Enjoy lunch at Adigrat and complete your journey to Wukro.
Stay overnight at the Fiseha Hotel or similar.
(B)
Day 9: Wukro | Mekele
Explore the northwest region of Wukro, home to the rock-hewn churches of Wkruos Cherkos and Abreha Wo Atsebeha. Then head to Mekele, one of the larger, more populated, and more industrial cities in Ethiopia.
Stay overnight at the Planet Hotel or similar.
(B)
Day 10: Lalibela
Enjoy a long but scenic drive to Lalibela. Relax and unwind as the world passes you by, marveling at the gorgeous mountains and river gorges, before reaching one of Ethiopia’s most famous sites.
Stay for 3 nights at the Roha Hotel or similar.
(B)
Day 11: Lalibela
Explore the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Most of the structures are cut from rock, giving off the appearance of an underground facility. They also feature limited natural and artificial light, adding to the mysterious atmosphere. Inside you will see various religious objects, including bibles and crosses.
(B)
Day 12: Asatan Maryam
Go on an optional mule trek to Asetan Maryam, otherwise known as St Mary. The trip takes approximately 6-hours and begins early to avoid the intense heat. Alternatively, enjoy free leisure in Lalibela. Go for a pleasant stroll around town, visiting the bustling shops, and enjoying a delicious meal at a local café.
(B)
Day 13: Fly to Addis Ababa
Take an afternoon flight back to the start of your journey, Addis Ababa. Transfer to the hotel for a day-stay and enjoy an optional farewell dinner at a local Ethiopian restaurant. The extension trip to Harar begins today as well. Otherwise, fly back to London.
(B)
