Overview

This 13 Days Northern Ethiopia Tour is ideal for travelers who would like to explore the highlights of Northern Ethiopia without rushing and without renouncing any comfort.

Day 1 | Arrival in Addis Ababa at Bole International Airport

our representative will meet and greet you and your group at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay in Ghion Hotel.

Day 2 | City Tour in Addis Ababa

After having breakfast explore Addis Ababa beginning with the National Museum and the Ethnological Museum, which is the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie I. After lunch, take time to experience the Holy Trinity Cathedral and visit the Mercato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Overnight stay in Ghion Hotel

Day 3 | Drive to Bahir Dar

After an early breakfast, drive north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Debre Libanos Monastery and the Portuguese bridge, known as the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterward, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge before stopping in Debre Markos for lunch. Overnight stay in Kuriftu Lodge.

Day 4 | Tour in Bahir Dar

After breakfast, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to various island monasteries like those on the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gabriel (women are not allowed). In the afternoon, you will drive to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike to the falls. Overnight stay in Kuriftu Lodge.

Day 5 | Drive to Gondar, City Tour

After breakfast, drive three hours north to Gondar. On the way, enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Amhara highlands. After arrival, visit the castle compound of Fasilides and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, one of Ethiopia’s most famous churches. Overnight stay Goha Hotel.

Day 6 | Drive to Simien Mountains National Park

Depart early in the morning from Gondar, driving to Sankober, a campsite in the national park. On the way, Insider guides will handle park fees, local guides, and scouts. Shortly after, you will start a 3-4 hour hike from Buyit Ras to Sankober. Back in Sankober, enjoy beautiful views from the escarpment where you can observe the Gelada baboons and perhaps the Walia Ibex. In Sankober, an Insider will meet you with your supplies. Overnight stay in Simien Lodge.

Day 7 | Drive to Axum

In the morning after having breakfast, depart north for Axum enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains on the way. After stopping for lunch in Adarky, proceed driving through the Tekeze Valley to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight stay in Yeha Hotel.

Day 8 | Axum City Tour

Explore Axuma UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit the ancient stele, and granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian times. Visit the church compound of St Mary of Zion Church where the Ark of the Covenant is stored. Overnight stay in Yeha Hotel.

Day 9 | Gheralta Mountains and Drive to Mekelle

After an early breakfast, drive four hours to the Gheralta Mountains where you will visit some of the rock-hewn churches of Tigray such as Abraha Atsbeha and the steep Abuna Yemata Guh (perched on the side of a cliff). Afterward, proceed driving to Mekelle. Overnight stay in Axum Hotel.

Day 10 | Drive to Lalibela

After breakfast, drive all day to Lalibela. Lalibela contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century. These churches have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay in Hotel.

Day 11 | Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela

Spend the day visiting the three groups of Lalibela rock-hewn churches. Overnight stay in Hotel.

Day 12 | Drive to Kombolcha

Early in the morning, drive to Kombolcha via Woldia. On the way visit Hayk Lake, visit the local monastery Estafanos and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Overnight stay in Sunny Side Hotel.

Day 13 | Drive to Addis Ababa and Departure

After breakfast drive back to Addis Ababa where you can spend the rest of the afternoon for last-minute shopping or resting before meeting for the farewell dinner in one of the traditional restaurants with traditional dancing. Proceed to the airport for check-in and departure.

What’s included