Northern Ethiopia

5 Days Short Trip Ethiopia

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa and complete your entry formalities before getting settled at your hotel. Take a tour of the city's highlights, and if interested, visit a humanitarian project supported by our local tour operator. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner and rest up for the days ahead.

Day 2: Fly from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, Visit Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana Blue Nile Falls
In the morning you'll fly to Bahir Dar, a town located on the shores of Lake Tana – the origin of the Blue Nile. In the town, situated at 1,800 meters above sea level, you will find a pleasant climate, fresh fish, and excellent freshly pressed fruit juices. In the morning we undertake a boat tour on the big lake and visit one of the island monasteries. There are plenty of interesting fauna in the lake, including hippos and pelicans. In the afternoon we visit the Blue Nile waterfalls, eventually crossing the Blue Nile by boat to pay a visit to some sugar-cane plantations.

Day 3: Bahir Dar, Awra Amba, Lalibela
Today we drive to Lalibela, a pilgrimage site and holy city for the Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. On the way, we visit Awra Amba – a self-governed Ethiopian village in the province of Amhara, in which exists equal rights of women and men and in which all inhabitants work together for the common welfare. Profits are divided among the residents. The village was founded in 1980 by Zumra Nuru which before had attempted to spread his ideas as a wandering preacher.

Day 4: Rock Churches of Lalibela
Today you'll visit the world-famous rock churches, built in the 12th and 13th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site took 23 years and thousands of people to excavate. In the late afternoon, there is the possibility to walk through the city center and experience a traditional Ethiopian market.

Day 5: Flight from Lalibela to Addis Ababa, Market, and Departure
On your last day, you'll catch a morning flight back to Addis Ababa. If time allows, you can see a bit more of Addis Ababa via a traditional market or visit some shops to buy souvenirs. Finally, you'll enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with music and a lively dance performance. Say farewell to Ethiopia and depart on your scheduled flight the next day.

8 Days Northern Ethiopia

Day 1: Arrive in Ethiopia Ethiopia – Addis Abeba mountain Addis Ababa mountain
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can settle into your accommodation and get some rest and enjoy a first Ethiopian meal.

Day 2: Addis Ababa Tour Ethiopia, Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa After breakfast at your accommodation, set out for the day to discover Addis Abeba. Visit the National Museum, which exhibits antiquities, historical relics, and archaeological and paleontological objects from Ethiopia, including the 3.5 million-year-old skeleton of Lucy, one of the earliest humans. Later, you can also visit one of the city's many fine Ethiopian Orthodox churches, St. George's Cathedral, which contains interesting modern paintings and mosaics. Also visit the Mercato, the biggest open market of its kind in Africa, and get a commanding panoramic view from atop Mt. Entoto. For lunch, choose one of the many eateries that dish out traditional Ethiopian food. Try pancake-like injera heaped with a spiced selection of vegan or meat dishes, washed down with honey-derived tej. Later, depending on your interests and the weather, you have a choice of activities. Follow the coffee route into the rainforests that swathe Ethiopia's western highlands. Here you'll find the Mother Coffee Tree, the oldest living plant of its type anywhere in the world. Alternatively, spend some time exploring the markets and craft stalls of Addis Ababa. You can shop for high-quality crosses, handwoven fabrics, and other uniquely Ethiopian handicrafts. For dinner, settle back into your accommodation or find out if there is some local entertainment going on. This will depend on the day of the week. Be sure to take in the breathtaking sunset over the city skyline.

Day 3: Bahir Dar: Boat Cruise & Blue Nile Falls
Ethiopia, Blue Nile Falls Blue Nile Falls After breakfast, travel to the airport and take a short flight to Bahir Dar (or travel overland to keep costs down, a trip of around three hours). Ethiopia supports a wealth of lakes, rivers, and other aquatic habitats. The pleasant city of Bahir Dar is located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. After checking into your hotel, explore Lake Tana and its islands by boat. There are 37 islands on Lake Tana, and 30 of them have churches and monasteries of considerable historical and cultural interest. Visit the monastery churches of Ura Kidane Mihiret and Azwa Mariam. Ura Kidane Mihiret is the best known of the monasteries and has an important collection of religious icons from the 16th to 18th centuries. Azwa Mariam is known for its paintings, and there will be time to visit the small museum here. The Blue Nile, which rises in Lake Tana, is associated with two of Ethiopia's scenic highlights. The first, along the road between Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar, is the 5000-foot (1500-m.) deep Blue Nile Gorge, Africa's answer to the Grand Canyon. The second is the Blue Nile Falls, a popular day trip from Bahir Dar. Other massive gorges, almost as imposing as the Blue Nile, have been carved by the Tekaze and Wabe Shebelle Rivers. Take an afternoon drive to the Blue Nile Falls, which is known locally as Tissisat (smoking water). The water plunges for 148 feet (45 m.), giving rise to steam clouds and rainbows. Climb down to the base of the falls for an up-close look, and then ascend the other side. The round-trip walk will take about one hour. Then, cross the Blue Nile by boat.

Day 4: Gondar: African Architecture Adventure Ethiopia, Gondar
Gondar After breakfast, take a short flight through to Gondar (or a three-hour drive).Gondar was the first capital city of the Ethiopian Empire, which began in 1632 with the reign of Fasilidas. In Gondar, there are a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. The city seems more European than African, and also has many Islamic influences. In the morning, visit Fasilidas' Palace, the oldest and probably the most impressive of all the castles. Continue on to the Bath of Fasiledes and Quskuam Church. In the afternoon, visit the Church of Debre Berham Selassie (Light of the Trinity). The interior is decorated with beautiful frescoes, cherubs, and paintings. Debre Berham Selassie is rumored to have once been the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Also, pay a visit to the colorful market in Gondar.

Day 5: Simien Mountains
Ethiopia, Simien mountains Simien Mountains After breakfast, drive for about 1.5 hours through to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO-listed area. Ethiopia's scenic centerpiece is a mountainous central plateau that covers half of its surface area, and supports the vast majority of its population. It's the most extensive contiguous block of fertile land on the eastern side of Africa. The elevated plateau stands almost entirely at altitudes above 6500 feet (2000 m.), and includes dozens of peaks above 13,000 feet (4000 m.), including Ras Dashen, the fifth-highest mountain in Africa at 14,905 feet (4543 m.). The Ethiopian highlands support a remarkable diversity of habitats. There are lush evergreen forests inhabited by monkeys and parrots, tall sculpted sandstone cliffs studded with ancient rock-hewn churches, high moorlands covered in green grass and pastel-shaded heather, and cultivated fields of tef, wheat, and maize. The road to the mountains crosses areas of wild beauty, drawing close to the Simien Massif (in Amharic, Simien means north). You will almost certainly encounter troops of the endemic gelada baboons. This animal is often referred to as the bleeding heart baboon, or the lion monkey, because its coat is shaggy and resembles a lion.

Day 6: Axum: Oldest African Empire
Obelisks in Axum, Ethiopia After breakfast, drive to the airport at Gondar (1.5 hours), and take a short flight to Axum, in northern Ethiopia. The alternative is a 5.5-hour drive. The legends narrated in the Kebre Nagast ('Book of Kings') recount how Axum, in the 10th century B.C.E., was where the Queen of Sheba resided. It is recounted that the son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon brought the Ark of the Covenant to Axum, where it remains to this day, preserved in a sanctuary. Famous long before the time of Christ, Axum was the capital of the long Axumite reign, one of the oldest African empires, and represented a crucial connecting-point between Africa and Asia for almost a thousand years. Visit the steles, granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian times and decorated with symbolic engravings. In ancient times, there were seven steles. Now, one of them is in Rome, as Mussolini took it there during Italy's occupation of Ethiopia. Also visit the church of Santa Maria of Zion, which contains the crowns of Ethiopian kings, and other treasures.

Day 7: Churches of Lalibela
Ethiopia, Lalibela Lalibela In the morning, take a short flight from Axum through to the city of Lalibela (40 minutes). Lalibela contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century, carved out of pink granite rock, that have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each church (Bet) has a unique architectural style, but all are superbly carved and most are decorated with well preserved paintings. The entire city may be described as a sculpture dedicated to the glory of God. Bet Medihanialem is the largest church, supported by 72 pillars and housing the 15 lb (7 kg.) gold Lalibela Cross. Pass through a tunnel from Bet Medihanialem to Bet Mariam, which has fabulous carvings of birds and animals. We also visit Bet Danaghel, a chapel built in honor of martyred nuns. Bet Golgotha and Bet Mikael are twin churches and many believe that a visit to Bet Golgotha alone can guarantee your place in heaven. The twin churches also contain many important religious items and some of the best examples of early religious art in the country. Bet Giyorgis is one of the more recent churches and best preserved. In the afternoon, visit the Eastern Rock Churches. Bet Amanuel is one of the most beautifully carved churches in Ethiopia, following the Aksumite style. Bet Merkorios has a wonderful painting of The Three Wise Men, which dates back to the 15th century. Also stop to see Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Gebrieal-Rafael, which might have once been the home of the royal family before it became a church.

Day 8: Goodbye Ethiopia
Ethiopia Landscape Farewell Ethiopia Pack up your bags and your wonderful memories and make your way to Lalibela Airport for a short flight through to the Abbis Ababa International Airport. From there, connect to your flight home.

10 Days Northern Ethiopia

Day 1: Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos.
On the way visit the Portuguese bridge, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. The gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m.

Day 2: In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the island monasteries,
such as those on the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gabriel (not allowed for women), and the source of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake.

Day 3: After breakfast, continue north to Gondar.
The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. After briefly settling in your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas's Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia.

Day 4: Early morning, depart north for Axum,
Enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains. After stopping for lunch in Adi Arkay, proceed driving through the dramatic Tekeze Valley, offering some of the best landscapes in the country. Proceed to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant.

Day 5: Today will be a full day visiting the sites of Axum,
Including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy), the Queen of Sheba's Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), King Bazen's tomb, and the Queen of Sheba's Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept.

Day 6: After breakfast, drive to visit the ruins of Yeha,
Dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum. Afterwards, visit the Debre Damo monastery, where the men (sorry! No women allowed.) must climb up a 15-m rope to enter. Proceed through the state of Tigray, stopping en-route at Wukro to visit the rock-hewn church of Chirkos.

Day 7: Early in the morning, embark on a full day of driving to Lalibela.
Here you will pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people. Proceed through this rural area for the stunning approach to the home of Ethiopia's most prized destination – Lalibela.

Day 8: In the morning, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela,
Visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches – Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George.

Day 9: Early in the morning, drive to Kombolcha via Woldia,
On the way visiting the lake in the town of Hayk, where you can visit the local monastery and enjoy the birdlife. Overnight in Kombolcha (hotel).

Day 10: Return driving to Addis via Debre Birhan.
On the way you pass the Mezezo Escarpment, with a good chance to see the endemic gelada baboons. If today is a Sunday, you can stop in the town of Senbete to visit the lively market including the interesting camel market.

*This itinerary is flexible and may change according to local events and conditions.*

12 Days Northern Ethiopia

Day 1: Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos
Visit the Portuguese bridge and pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).

Day 2: Boat trip on Lake Tana
Visit island monasteries including Zege Peninsula, Azuwa Maryam, Ura Kidane Mehret, and Debre Maryam. Afternoon visit to Blue Nile Falls. Sunset over the lake.

Day 3: Continue north to Gondar
Drive through rural villages. Explore the Royal Enclosure, Fasilidas Pool, Ras Gimb Palace Museum, and Debre Birhan Selassie church.

Day 4: Sankober, Simien Mountains
Easy hike to the Geech Abyss and view the endemic gelada baboon. Overnight in Simien Mountains or Debark.

Day 5: Depart north for Axum
Scenic drive through Tekeze Valley. Explore Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, Queen of Sheba, and Ark of the Covenant.

Day 6: Axum city tour
Visit obelisks, archeological museum, Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Ezana’s inscription, King Kaleb & King Bazen tombs, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, and St. Mary of Zion Church.

Day 7: Ruins of Yeha & Debre Damo monastery
Explore ancient capital ruins and climb Debre Damo monastery (men only). Visit rock-hewn church of Medhane Alem Adi Kesho.

Day 8: Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor
Hike to the churches and visit Abreha we Atsbeha and Chirkos churches. Drive to Mekele for overnight.

Day 9: Drive to Lalibela
Pass through small villages and rural areas for a stunning approach to Lalibela.

Day 10: Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
Visit Northwestern Cluster (Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, Bet Golgotha) and Southeastern Cluster (Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, Bet Abba Libanos). Visit Bet Giyorgis.

Day 11: Monastery of Na’akuto La’ab
Visit cliff-side monastery, then drive to Kombolcha via Woldia, stopping at Hayk monastery (men only).

Day 12: Return to Addis Ababa
Pass Mezezo Escarpment, stop at Senbete market if Sunday. End of tour.

13 Days Northern Ethiopia

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrival at Bole International Airport, meet & transfer to hotel.

Day 2: City Tour in Addis Ababa
Visit National Museum, Ethnological Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Mercato.

Day 3: Drive to Bahir Dar
Visit Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge, Blue Nile Gorge. Stop at Debre Markos for lunch.

Day 4: Tour in Bahir Dar
Boat trip on Lake Tana to island monasteries. Afternoon visit to Blue Nile Falls.

Day 5: Drive to Gondar
Enjoy the Amhara highlands en route. Visit Fasilades Castle compound and Debre Birhan Selassie Church.

Day 6: Drive to Simien Mountains National Park
Depart Gondar, pay park fees, hike from Buyit Ras to Sankober. View Gelada Baboons and Walia Ibex.

Day 7: Drive to Axum
Scenic drive through Simien Mountains and Tekeze Valley to Axum. Overnight in hotel.

Day 8: Axum City Tour
Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit stele, St. Mary of Zion Church, and ancient palaces.

Day 9: Gheralta Mountains & Drive to Mekelle
Visit rock-hewn churches of Tigray (Abreha Atsbeha, Abuna Yemata Guh), then drive to Mekelle.

Day 10: Drive to Lalibela
Visit 11 monolithic churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Day 11: Visit Lalibela churches
Explore the three groups of rock-hewn churches. Overnight in hotel.

Day 12: Drive to Kombolcha
Visit Hayk Lake, local monastery Estafanos, enjoy scenic surroundings.

Day 13: Drive to Addis Ababa & Departure
Spend afternoon shopping or resting. Farewell dinner, transfer to airport for departure.

15 Days Northern Ethiopia

Day 1: Arrival at Addis Ababa
Meet & transfer to hotel.

Day 2: Addis Ababa City Tour
Visit National Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Entoto Mountain, St. Raguel’s Church, Merkato, traditional dinner and folk dance.

Day 3: Drive to Bahir Dar
Visit Debre Libanos Monastery, Blue Nile Gorge, Debre Markos for lunch, overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 4: Boat Ride on Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls
Visit medieval island monasteries, then Blue Nile Falls.

Day 5: Drive to Gondar & Visit Fassiladas Castles
Royal Castles, Debre Birhan Selassie Church, Empress Mentewab’s Kuskwam Complex, evening music house visit.

Day 6: Excursion to Debarq & Simien Mountains
Drive to Debark, visit Simien Mountains National Park.

Day 7: Drive to Axum
Scenic drive through Simien Mountains & Tekeze Valley. Overnight in Axum.

Day 8: Axum City Tour
Visit stele, Queen Sheba’s Palace, St. Mary of Zion, tombs of Kings Kaleb & Gebre Meskel.

Day 9: Drive to Hawizen via Adigrat
Visit Yeha, Debre Damo Monastery (men only). Overnight in Hawizen.

Day 10: Rock-hewn Churches of Tigray & drive to Mekelle
Visit Abuna Yemata Guh, Debre Maryam Korkor, Abreha WeAtsheba churches, drive to Mekelle.

Day 11: Drive to Lalibela
Arrival in Lalibela late afternoon.

Day 12: Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Visit 11 churches, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 13: Explore Lalibela Churches
Visit Asheton Mariam, Yimerhane Kirsotos, Nakute LeAb, Genete Maryam.

Day 14: Drive to Kombolcha
Visit Hayk Estifanos Monastery, overnight in Kombolcha.

Day 15: Drive to Addis Ababa & Flight Home
Arrive Addis Ababa late afternoon, farewell dinner, transfer to airport.

16 Days Northern Ethiopia

Day 1: Arrival
Meet on arrival and transfer to hotel in Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Sightseeing Addis Ababa
Visit Mount Entoto, National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Ethnographic Museum, Merkato.

Day 3: Fly Addis – Bahir Dar
Transfer to airport, flight to Bahir Dar. Boat cruise on Lake Tana to Ura Kidane Mihret monastery. Afternoon visit to Blue Nile Falls.

Day 4: Drive Bahir Dar – Gondar
Drive to Gondar, visit castles, Debre Birhan Selassie Church, Qusquam Church. Overnight in Gondar.

Day 5: Excursion to Semien Mountains
Drive to Buyit Ras, explore Semien Mountains National Park. Overnight in Gondar.

Day 6: Fly Gondar – Lalibela
Flight to Lalibela, visit rock-hewn cathedrals. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 7: Excursion to Asheton Mariam
Visit Asheton Mariam Monastery, remaining Lalibela churches. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 8: Fly Lalibela – Axum
Flight to Axum, city tour including St. Mary’s Church, coronation yard, Stelae Park, Kaleb tombs, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, Axum Museum.

Day 9: Fly Axum – Addis – Drive Langano
Flight to Addis, drive to Langano via Lake Ziway. Overnight at Langano.

Day 10: Drive Langano – Chencha – Arba Minch
Visit Doreze village, observe weaving traditions, overnight in Arba Minch.

Day 11: Drive Arba Minch – Konso – Jinka
Boat cruise on Lake Chamo, visit Konso village, Bana village, Ari people. Overnight in Jinka.

Day 12: Drive Jinka – Mago – Jinka – Turmi
Day excursion to Mago National Park, visit Mursi village. Drive to Turmi for overnight.

Day 13: Excursion to Murulle and Nyangatom
Visit Karo and Nyangatom villages. Attend colorful Dimeka market. Overnight in Turmi.

Day 14: Drive Turmi – Yabello
Visit Arebore and Tsemay villages, meet Borena people. Overnight in Turmi.

Day 15: Drive Yabello – Yirgalem
Drive through coffee plantations. Overnight in Yirgalem.

Day 16: Drive Yirgalem – Addis – Departure
Visit Awassa fish market, drive back to Addis, folkloric dinner, transfer to airport for departure.

20 Days Northern & Eastern Ethiopia

Day 1: Addis Ababa
Meet at airport, transfer to hotel, optional city tour of Ethnographic Museum, National Museum, Trinity Cathedral, Mercato, Entoto Hills.

Day 2: Addis Ababa – Debre Markos
Drive north, stop at Debre Libanos and Ras Darge’s bridge. Continue to Debre Markos.

Day 3: Debre Markos – Bahir Dar
Drive to Bahir Dar, visit vibrant town market, sunset from Bezawit Hill.

Day 4: Bahir Dar
Full day boat trip on Lake Tana, visit Zeghe Peninsula and Kibran Gabriel Island (men only).

Day 5: Bahir Dar – Gondar
Walk in Tissisat village, cross Portuguese Bridge, visit Blue Nile Falls. Drive to Gondar.

Day 6: Gondar – Simien Mountains
Visit Royal Enclosure, Fasilidas Bath, Debre Birhan Selassie. Afternoon drive to Simien Lodge or Debark.

Day 7: Simien Mountains
Full day in Simien Mountains National Park. Observe Gelada baboons, Walia Ibex, and Ethiopian wolf.

Day 8: Simien Mountains – Axum
Drive through Lima Limo Road and Tekeze River gorge to Axum. Overnight in Axum.

Day 9: Axum
Visit Axum stelae, Maryam of Tsion churches (men only), and other historical sites.

Day 10: Axum – Tigray
Visit Yeha Temple in the morning, Debre Damo Monastery (men only) in afternoon, Teka Tesfai cluster. Overnight at Gheralta Lodge near Hawzien.

Day 11: Tigray – Mekele
Explore rock-hewn churches in Tigray. Overnight in Mekele.

Day 12: Mekele – Lalibela
Drive to Lalibela, optional visit to Yemrehane Kristos en route.

Day 13/14: Lalibela
Visit 12th century rock-hewn churches, UNESCO World Heritage Site, optional hike to Asheton Maryam, visit weekly market.

Day 15: Lalibela – Kombolcha
Full day drive to Kombolcha through mountains. Optional visit to Bati market on Monday if arriving on Sunday.

Day 16: Kombolcha – Awash NP
Drive through Afar region, meet local people, optional wildlife sightings in Yangudi Rassa NP.

Day 17: Awash NP
Game drives and walks. Observe wildlife like oryx, kudu, gazelle, warthog, baboon, and birds.

Day 18: Awash NP – Harar
Drive to Harar through coffee and qat regions.

Day 19: Harar
Explore walled city, visit mosques and shrines, see Hyena man feeding hyenas.

Day 20: Harar – Addis Ababa
Drive back to Addis Ababa, day-use hotel, farewell dinner, transfer to airport for departure.

“Journey through the cradle of history — where ancient castles, rock-hewn churches, and timeless landscapes await.”