Category: Historic Route Tours

Day 1: Arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Air port
Meet and greet  Wisdom representative at exit of luggage claim and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay in  the hotel .

Day 2: City tour in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is the third highest capital of the world on an altitude of 2300-2500 m. with a pleasant climate and a background of green with eucalyptus trees covered mountains. The city is founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II and Queen Taitu.
Visit Entoto Mountains, with very nice view over the capital, the National/Ethnographic museum, St George church and the Merkato, biggest open air market in Africa. Overnight stay in the Jupitor hotel.

Day 3: Drive to Debre Markos 325km asphalt road
On this day you start your tour to North Ethiopia. En route you can visit one of Ethiopia’s most holy sites: the Debre Libanos monastery founded in the 13th century by priest Tekla Haimanot, today one of Ethiopia’s most renowned saints.

Continuing on from Debre Libanos to the main route, the road dropping more than 1000m, gradually winds down to the bottom of the Blue Nile Gorge, which is comparable in scale to American’s Grand Canyon cited to be the largest canyon in Africa. Overnight stay in Tilq Hotel.

Day 4: Drive to Bahir dar; to the Shores of Lake Tana 260km asphalt road
You drive through the plain landscape of Gojjam land, well-known for its Teff productivity. Upon arrival having a lunch drive to Tis Isat (smoking of Fire); Since a dam has been built upstream, the waterfall is reduced a little. Also the walk to the waterfall is nice and you can enjoy nature and watch birds. Overnight stay in Homeland Hotel.

Day 5: Visit the Island monasteries of Lake Tana
Make a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the medieval period island monasteries such as; Kibran Gabriel (only for men), Entos and on the Zegien peninsula visit Ura Kidan Mehiret, Azuwa Mariam, Mahal Giorgis. In afternoon make free time. Overnight stay in Homeland Hotel.

Day 6: City tour in Gondar
After having breakfast drive to Gondar, 180km asphalt road via a scenic route and marvelous landscape and Visit the Royal Enclosure that is surrounded by high stone walls containing the 17th century palaces of King Fassiladas, King Iyasu and Queen Mentewab and different other buildings. Visit also Fasiladas’ Bath, (that is filled with water for the important Timkat (epiphany) ceremony once a year)

Having a lunch in afternoon visit the rectangular Debre Brehan Selassie (Trinity at the Mount of Light) has a ceilings decorated with beautiful winged Angels. Depending on the time you can visit also Kweskwam Complex which is a royal compound built by the Empress Mentewab. Inside the palace look out the figures of crosses and Ethiopian characters and animals, such as St Samuel riding his lion. Overnight stay in the Florida Hotel

Day 7: Drive to Debarq, 100km gravel road to visit the Simien Mountains National Park.
Finish formalities at the Head Quarter of the park at Debarq and continue to drive another 20km then make a short walk/trek. O/n stay inside the park at Simen Lodge or drive back to Debarq.

Day 8: Drive to Axum
Today you drive in a very scenic route, first take the zig-zag road of Lima Limu with many hairpins and crossing a rough mountain landscape. Later you descend in to the impressive Takezze River gorge. Overnight stay in Sabean Hotel.

Day 9: City tour in Axum
Axum is a town with impressive monuments that testify of the rich and glorious past of the mighty Kingdom of Axum (1-700 A.D.). And the town also recorded in UNESCO lists as a World Heritage Site.
Upon arrival check in hotel then start to make a visit to the famous Axumi’s stelae, St. Mary of Zion church (which supposed to house the Ark of Covenant) and archeological museum, the ruins palace of Queen Sheba so called Dungur & palace.

Outside Axum you can visit also the tombs of Kings Kaleb & Gebre Meskel dating to 6th century. They are a great example of the sheer sophistication of Axumite architecture and building techniques. Overnight stay in Sabean Hotel.

Day 10: Drive to Hawzen via Adigrat
On the way you can visit Ethiopia’s earliest known capital city of Yeha which is considered as the birthplace of the country’s earliest civilization. Its single most remarkable antiquity is the well-preserved walls of the 12m-high stone temple of the moon that is thought to be over 2500 years old.
Another possible excursion is to Debre Damo monastery (only accessible for men). The Debre Damo Monastery is built on the flat- topped mountain of Debre Damo. The monastery is only accessible by climbing a rope which hangs down from a perpendicular rock, an adventure in itself! Overnight stay in Gheralta Lodge

Day 11: Visit the Rock-hewn Churches of Tigray and drive to Mekelle
You can visit 1 or 2 Churches some of the most beautiful medieval Churches on impressive viewpoints are Abuna Yemata Guh, Debre Maryam Korkor or Abreha we Atsheba church, which are all situated near to the road between Mekele and Hawzen. You have to climb rather steep to reach this Churches so take good walking shoes.
In Mekelle visit the 17th century palace-museum of Emperor Yohannes IV. Overnight stay in Axum Hotel, Mekelle.

Day 12: Drive to Lalibela
Lalibela and its rock-hewn church are thought, to date the 12th and 13th century during King Lalibela reign. The churches are remarkable since they are entirely freed from the rock, refined and concentrated in small land. Overnight stay in Mountain View hotel.

Day 13: Visit the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, so called eighty wonder of the world
Start to visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela which are clustered in to three different places separated by River Jordan. Today visit the first and the third groups of churches. O/n stay in Lalibela. Overnight stay in Mountain View Hotel.

Day 14: Continue sightseeing around and in Lalibela
Make excursion to visit Asheton Mariam by mule or drive to 45km gravel road North of Lalibela to visit Yemrehan Christos church. In afternoon continue to visit the second groups of churches. Overngight stay in Mountain View Hotel.

Day 15: Drive to Kombolcha
On this day also will you enjoy the mountainous landscape and splendid views on your way to Kombolcha. En route near to Dessie you can visit lovely Lake Hayk and its 13th Century Istafanos monastery, which is only accessible for men. Overnight stay in Sunnyside Hotel.

Day 16: Drive to Addis Ababa and flight back home
Today you will last minute shopping in Merkato or in the numerous souvenir shops near Churchill road, to visit art galleries. Late in afternoon have a fare-well dinner then check in for flight back home.

NORTHERN ETHIOPIA- HISTOTRY, NATURE,CULTURE AND FOR THOSE WHO WISH FOR COLORFUL MARKET OF SEMBETE AND BATI.
DURATION: 15/16 NIGHTS AND 16/17 DAYS
TRANSPORTATION: DRIVE

Day 01: Friday Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrive Addis Ababa Bole international airport meet our staff at exit  gate and assist to transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel of your choice.

Day 02: Saturday Addis Ababa
We exploring Addis Ababa beginning with a visit to the National Museum, one of the most important sub- Saharan museums in all of Africa. The museum is home to the fossilized humanoid Lucy, as well as an amazing collection of artifacts, royal items and art. We then visit the Ethnological Museum, which was the former palace of Haile Selassie.
After lunch we take time in St. George Cathedral, built in 1896 by Emperor Menelik and then continue on to Holy Trinity Cathedral. Holy Trinity Cathedral is the largest Orthodox Church in Ethiopia and has survived through many historical periods, as its interesting architecture can attest to. The Cathedral contains the thrones and the tombs of the emperor and some of the royal family. Visit Merkato, the largest open air market in Africa. Overnight at hotel of your choice.

Day 03: Sunday Senbete Market – Kombolcha
Pick up from the hotel is earlier than usual at 6.30 am, since it is about 275 km to Senbete or about 5 hoursf drive up the main road north, or the Asmara road. There is spectacular mountain scenery en route.  We should aim to get to the market before it gets hot, and before the other shoppers imbibe too much local beer, honey wine and home distilled spirits!  Markets in Ethiopia are not only about buying and selling, but are major social occasions, where people meet and exchange information.  Once the business is done, the socializing begins.
Senbete market is a place where the highlands and lowlands meet, and brings together different ethnic groups: the Afar (with their camels and distinctive knives), the Oromo, the Amhara, Afar and Argoba.  (The latter claim descent from the Muslims who fled persecution in Saudi Arabia before the triumph of Islam.)   Visitors can buy different kinds of crafts, jewelry, baskets and woven materials. This market offers visitor opportunity to meet different people with their way of life ,dressing style, belief and above all this market is one of very colorful
We will have our lunch in local restaurant , local restaurant or on the way to Kombolcha on good view point then keep on going, arrive  Kombolcha overnight Sunny side/Tekle Hotel at Kombolcha.

Day 04: Monday Kombolcha – Bati- Weldeya
Morning after breakfast drive to the way to Danakil Depression but only 50km for the most interesting  Bati cattle market here again we find the congregation of different ethnic group with local products and the livestock, the market is interesting photogenic for photographer and also for those appreciating the natural beauty and colorful dressing of the Afar, Oromo and Wello of Amhara region  women. Retrace to Kombolcha have your lunch the at the hotel we stayed last night and then drive Weldeya, We will stop at the Hike Estifanos Monastery earlier used by scholars of the other monasteries and religious leaders in the country. Overnight Lal hotel at Weldeya.

Day 05: Tuesday Weldeya – Lalibela
Drive to Lalibela leaving Weldeya, the town on the foot base of Abuna Yosef Mountain along the scenic road en route visit the Genete Mariam monolithic church 17km before the Town of Lalibela. Overnight Mountain view/Roha/Tukul hotel.

Day 06: Wednesday, Full Lalibela church visiting
The city contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved out of the pink tuff rock; they have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each church (Bet) has a unique architectural style; all are superbly carved and most of them are decorated with well-preserved paintings. The entire city may be described as a sculpture dedicated to the glory of God.
AM is dedicated to visiting the first group of churches, known as the Northern Group of Churches. Bet Medihan Alem is the largest, supported by 72 pillars and houses the 7kg (15 lbs) gold Lalibela Cross. We go through a tunnel from Bet Medihan Alem to Bet Mariam, in which there is a pillar; it is said that Jesus Christ leaned against this pillar when he appeared in a vision to King Lalibela. Bet Mariam also contains fabulous carvings of various birds and animals. We also visit Bet Danagel; 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. The twin churches also contain many important religious items and some of the best examples of early religious art in the country. The last church we visit today is Bet Georges, one of the more recent churches and best preserved. We walk back to our hotel and on the way back if time allows, we will have stops at the souvenir shops and around the city center.
PM we will visit the Eastern Rock Churches. Bet Amanuel is one of the most beautifully carved churches in Ethiopia in the Axumite style. Bet Merkorios has a wonderful painting of The Three Wise Men, which dates back to the 15th century A.D. We also stop to see Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Gebrieal-Reafael, which might have once been the home of the royal family before becoming a church. This afternoon, we visit the Nakuto La’ab Rock Hewn Church, built under a natural cave. Tonight, we have a special treat, participating in The Coffee Ceremony, a ceremony of hospitality in Ethiopia.
Overnight Roha/Mount View/Tikul hotel at Lalibela.
Day 07:Thursday, Lalibela – Mekelle drive
Drive to Mekelle through beautiful mountain scenery via Korem-Sekota on the way we drive to the cave church called Yimrehane Kristose (42 km from Lalibela). This Church has been constructed by King Yimrehane Kristose during the13th Century. In the church, there are more than 5000 thousand dead human skeletons lying without any coverage for the past 700 years. They are supposed to be pilgrimages from Syria, Egypt and Ethiopia. The murals on the dark walls of the church, the year round spring water – descending from the top of the church and the forest around are very impressive and worthy to be visited.Area and visit the Agaw and Amhara people at their village.Then we drive to Mekelle. Overnight Axum/ Abraha castle hotel – Mekelle.
Day 08: Friday, Mekelle – Gherelta Lodge
Drive and explore full day the hidden treasure of Tigrian Rock hewn church of the Tebien cluster which includes  Wukro Cherqos, Mariam Korkore, Abraha we Atsebeha, and Digum Silassie rock hewn churches. Overnight at Gherelta Lodge.
Day 09: Saturday, Gherelta – Axum visit Debre Damo and Yeha Temple
Drive to the old city Axum via Adigrat on the way visit The monastery of Debre Damo (closed to women), which is said the oldest nine Saints, built the church in the sixth century. The monastery of Debre Damo can only be reached by rope pulley. Trace back on the main road  drive to Yeha Temple. The ruins of this large, pre-Christian temple, erected around the fifth century BC, consist of a single roofless oblong chamber 20 meters along by 15 meters wide. The windowless 10 meters high walls are built of smoothly polished stones, some of them more than 3 meters long, carefully placed one atop the other without the use of mortar. Continue to historical town of Adwa where Ethiopian defeated the Italian colony the first European colony defeated on the soil of Africa. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and continue to Axum.
Overnight Remhai/Yeha hotel at Axum

Day 10:Sunday, Full day visiting of Axum
Axum, the legends narrated in the Kebre Nagast (eBook of Kingsf) recount how the city of Axum as early as the 10th century B.C was already the city in which 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 and it remains there 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. A visit is organized to the steles: granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian times and decorated with symbolic engravings. In ancient times, there were seven steals,  the one  in Rome – Mussolini brought it there during Italyfs occupation of Ethiopia was return to Axum and re-erected in its original place in 2004 . There is also a visit to the church of Saint Marry of Zion (Tsion), which contains the crowns of Ethiopian kings and other treasures.
Overnight at Yeha/Remhai hotel

Day 11:Monday, Axum – Debark-Simien Mountain
This morning we drive on the Tigrian Plateau after you pass the Shire Enda Silassie town then it start the most dramatic beautiful scenery in the country driving through mountain ranges and  zigzag roads to Adi Arkay village leading into the Tekeze Valley with its Baobab trees, birds such as Hunterfs Sunbird, Nile Valley Sunbird, Rock Buntings, Superb Starling and more can be found.
Debark, the head quarter of the national park here we the entrance fee and have the local park guide and scout to go with us for the day we stay in the park. Head to the Simien Lodge check in after short break  for those wish to trek we will takes short hiking or it depend on the arrival to prolong trekking. Overnight Simien lodge.

Day 12: Tuesday, Full day Trek and drive in the Simien Mountain
Start early morning we will Trek and drive to the Extent of Chenek on jagged panorama of the Simien Mountains National Park, famed for its exclusive landscape, afro-alpine vegetation and unique wildlife, where we may spot the endemic Wallia Ibex, Gelada Baboon troops, Bushbuck, Klipspringer and if we lucky we spot Abyssinian Wolf. However, we will enjoy the dramatic scenery and a troop of friendly Gelada Baboon at very close distance and  Birds such as Chestnut-napped Francolin, Mountain Thrush, Thick-billed Raven, Lammergeyer, White-collared Pigeon and Ankober Serin just to name a few. Arrive to the lodge check in, have lunch, after short rest, for those who interest in hike/Trek  we will trek for about 2-3 hrs on the edge and beautiful escarpment to view  the beautiful and green valley, wondering the long day eating and grooming of  Gelada Baboon families and then trace back to the Lodge. Lunch will be picnic or at the Lodge.
Overnight Semien Lodge.
Day 13:Wednesday, drive to Gondar
AM, Morning after breakfast drive back to Debark and stop at local café to say goodbye to our companion. it takes 2:30hours on all weather road from Debark to Gondar on the way visit the villages along the road, meet people at their field and photo stop for beautiful scenery then proceed to Gondar and Check in hotel.
PM our visiting the city will begin from  Fasiladas Gibi, 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 Islamic influences. We will visit Fasiladas’ Palace which is probably the most impressive of all the castles found in the area and the oldest one, too! We continue on to the bath of Fasiladas. Then we continue to visit the Church Of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity). The interior of this is decorated with beautiful frescos, cherubs and paintings. Debre Berhan Selassie is rumored to once have been the proposed final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Later on, we will visit the colorful market of Gondar. Overnight at Goha/ Taye Balay/Qwara hotel at Gondar.

Day 14: Thursday, Drive to Bahir Dar
AM drive to Bahir Dar through the beautiful and fertile countryside on the Lake Tana side on new paved road, it takes 2:30hours on the way visit the villages along the road, meet people at their field and photo stop for beautiful scenery then proceed to Bahir Dar. Bahir Dar is a pleasant city located on the shores of Lake Tana which is the meaning of the name city itself, the largest lake in Ethiopia. Check into our hotel and have lunch
PM we will take a boat excursion to the famous island monastery Kibran Gabreal( closed to women)/ Debre Mariam near to the blue Nile outlet/Azwa Mariam and Ura Kidanemihiret which is reach in lavishly painted Biblical history on the wall of the Monastery. On your way back enjoy the beautiful Sun set on the Lake Tana. Overnight Tana/ Summer Land hotel at Bahir Dar.

Day 15: Friday, Drive Bahir Dar-Debre Mariposa

Morning after early breakfast check out hotel and drive to the Blue Nile Falls, which is known locally as Tisisat (smoking water) falls: 400 m wide, the water plunges for 45 m, giving rise to steam clouds and rainbows. We climb down to the base of the falls for an up-close look and then ascend to the other side. This round trip will take about 1hour walking. Then we cross the Blue Nile by boat to return to the point of departure. Drive to Debre Marikose  on a paved road en route enjoy one of the beautiful and fertile highland known for Teff,  the small and may very small crop species in the world, visit local houses in the village. Overnight Shebel hotel at Debre Marikose.

Day 16: Saturday, Drive to Addis Ababa via Blue Nile Gorge
Morning we start driving on the central highland (plateau) till where it bisect Showa plateau by the awesome Blue Nile gorge enjoy the beautiful landscape and visit the Debre Libanose Monastery on the cliff of Jamma River and then continue drive to Addis have lunch in local restaurant late afternoon arrive Addis. Overnight at hotel of your choice or this evening you can fly back home.
Day 17: Sunday, Fly back home
End of the tour fly back home

Day 01: ARRIVE ADDIS ABABA
upon arrival in Addis Ababa, our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfer you to the Harmony Hotel. Enjoy the morning of leisure and enjoy lunch at the hotel. This afternoon visit historical sites including the National Archaeological Museum, to view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeleton was discovered in 1974. Continue to the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University; a great insight into the many different peoples of Ethiopia and their respective cultures. After visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral, we will end the day with a drive to the top of Mount Entoto, which rises to an altitude of 10,500 feet and offers a panoramic view of the metropolis.
Harmony Hotel (L,D)

Day 02 Bahrdar

Day 03: GONDAR (UNESCO SITE)
Fly to Gondar, once the old imperial capital founded in 1635 by
Emperor Fasillides who built a palace and seven churches. Refered to as the “Camelot of Africa”, visit the royal enclosure containing six castles, a complex network of connecting tunnels and raised walkways. Proceed to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie Church with its walls and ceiling decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history.
Goha Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 04: LALIBELA (UNESCO SITE)
This morning fly to the most unique Christian sites of Ethiopia.
Lalibela’s churches are collectively referred to as ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’. Legend has it that Emperor Lalibela had been instructed, in a vision from God, to build the new Jerusalem after returning from Jerusalem which was sacked by the Muslims. Visit the 11 majestic, rock churches that are still used as places of worship by Lalibelans. Since its relatively remote location, Lalibela has yet gained the worldwide exposure and has been compared as the “Petra of Africa”.
Mountain View Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 05: LALIBELA
Visit the exquisite church of Yimrhane Kristos. This is a masterpiece of Axumit wood and stone construction which is renowned for its interior decoration and beautiful wooden coffer ceiling. Notice the inlaid of the hexagons and medallions with both figurative geometric motifs. Return back to Lalibela and revisit the rock churches that were not visited on the day of arrival. Return to the Mountain View Hotel offering expanding views of the region.
(B, L, D)

Day 06: TO AXUM(UNESCO SITE)
Fly to the heart of ancient Ethiopia, the capital of the Kingdom of Axum which was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include monolithic steles or obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of her ancient palace. Also visit the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Tsion (Zion) and the sanctuary that houses the original Arc of the Covenant. The older of the two cathedrals, built in the 16th century, is believed to be built on the ruins of an earlier 4th century church, and is the holiest site in Ethiopia.
Consular Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 07: TO ARBA MINCH
Fly to Addis Ababa and connect with your afternoon flight towards southern Ethiopia and to the town of Arba Minch. On arrival,board your exclusive 4×4 exclusive 4-passenger vehicle for a short drive will to the village of the Dorze tribe. Walk amongst the Dorze people and appreciate their beehive-shaped homes. This tribe are respect as expert weavers. Also, they are expert farmers and witness their ingenious terracing technique, allowing them to farm efficiently along the mountainside and yet prevent soil erosion.
Paradise Lodge (B, D)

Day 08: TO JINKA
Visit the colorful village of the Konso tribe. A pagan society, the Konso erect eerie wooden totems, replete with phallic symbols over the graves of the dead. They also have numerous cults based around the breeding and veneration of serpents. The cornerstone of Konso culture, however, is a highly specialized and successful agricultural economy that, through terracing buttressed with stone, enable these people to extract a productive living from the none-too-fertile hills and valleys that surround them. This will be an excellent day to mingle among the people, take photographs with them and learn firsthand about a culture virtually untouched by the outside world. Later in the afternoon arrive in Jinka, located at the foot of Mago National Park.
Eco Omo Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 09: JINKA
This morning drive to a Mursi tribal village. The tribe is renowned for the now-uncommon custom of their women, upon reaching maturity, having their lower lips slit and circular clay discs inserted. Return back to Jinka for lunch and this afternoon proceed to the Ari Village compound. Learn and understand how the local people process different foods and alcohol.
(B, L, D)

Day 10: TO TURMI
This morning proceed to Dimeka to visit the colorful Hamer tribe.
They are well known for their remarkable hairstyles made of ochre, water, and binding resin., resulting in copper-colored locks. This is a sign of wealth for this tribe. The Hamers are also considered the masters of body decoration. Continue to the town of Turmi.
Buska Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 11: TURMI
Turmi is our new base as we explore the region and meet the different tribes who share this valley but live a life uniquely their own. Drive to the Murulle area. Murile (also spelled Muelle and Murli) lies on the banks of the Omo River, and is a popular base for exploring this area. The two main tribes who live here are the Karo and the Hamer, both of whom practice scarification and have elaborate hairstyles. The Karo are experts in body painting, using clays and locally available vegetable pigments to trace fantastic patterns on their faces, chests, arms and legs. These designs have no special symbolic significance but instead are created for fun and aesthetic effect, as each artist tries to outdo another. Karo men also sculpt and shave their hair into extravagant shapes, with special ochre “caps” of hair usually containing several ostrich feathers.
(B, L, D)

Day 12: TO ARBA MINCH
On the return drive to Arba Minch visit the Arbore tribe who are known for herding cattle and depend on plant cultivation for their basic food. They provide cereal grains for neighboring tribes through trading partnerships. They are considered pastorals and have their own unique physical appearance with the women covering their heads with black cloth and known to wear very colorful necklaces and earrings. Body painting using natural colors are made from soil and stone. Traditional dancing is practiced by the tribe and wealth is measured by the number of cattle a tribesman owns.
Paradise Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 13: TO LAKE LANGANO
This morning enjoy a refreshing wildife cruise on Lake Chamo. While cruising view crocodiles. hippos and a variety of colorful bird life. After lunch in Sodo, visit Abiyata Shalla National Park to view two lakes with its population of flamingos and the hot springs at Shalla. Continue to your Lake Lagano accommodation, a resort offering both a serene beach front as well as as a vast cliff-top with a breath taking view over the lake.
Sabana Beach Resort (B, L, D)

Day 14: RETURN HOME.
This morning commence our drive to Addis Ababa and stop at Lake Ziway to view the colorful birds. On arrival in the capital city enjoy an
early evening dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant offering a folkloric show and the popular coffee ceremony. After sampling the various national dishes, proceed to the airport for your late night flight back to the home.
(B, L, D)

TITLE: NORTH HISTORIC ROUTE: BAHIR DAR, GONDAR, SIMIEN MOUNTAIN, AXUM AND LALIBELA
DURATION: 9NIGHTS AND 10 DAYS
TRANSPORTATION: BY FLIGHT BETWEEN DESTINATIONS EXCEPT BAHIR DAR- GONDAR AND SIMIEN MOUNTAIN

Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrive Addis Ababa Bole international airport meet our staff at exit  gate and assist to transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel of your choice.

Day 02: Addis Ababa
AM We exploring Addis Ababa beginning with a visit to the National Museum, one of the most important sub- Saharan museums in all of Africa. The museum is home to the fossilized humanoid Lucy, as well as an amazing collection of artifacts, royal items and art. We then visit the Ethnological Museum, which was the former palace of Haile Selassie.
PM we take time in St. George Cathedral, built in 1896 by Emperor Menelik and then continue on to Holy Trinity Cathedral. Holy Trinity Cathedral is the largest Orthodox Church in Ethiopia and has survived through many historical periods, as its interesting architecture can attest to. The Cathedral contains the thrones and the tombs of the emperor and some of the royal family. Visit Merkato, the largest open air market in Africa. Overnight at hotel of your choice.

Day 3: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar ( FLIGHT)
This morning we take a 55 minute flight to north, to Bahir Dar. Bahir Dar is a pleasant city located on the shores of Lake Tana which is the meaning of the name city itself, the largest lake in Ethiopia. After checking into our hotel, AM we driving to the Blue Nile Falls, which is known locally as Tisisat (smoking water) falls: 400 m wide, the water plunges for 45 m, giving rise to steam clouds and rainbows. We climb down to the base of the falls for an up-close look and then ascend to the other side. This round trip will take about 1hour walking. Then we cross the Blue Nile by boat to return to the point of departure. PM we explore the city of Bahir Dar, including the market and the Bezawit Palace (formerly the Palace of Haile Selassie). A short drive from our hotel, we visit a Weyto Village, where we will see the production of the papyrus boats known as Tankwas.Overnight: Tana Hotel or Summer Land Hotel, Bahir Dar.

Day 04: Gondar Drive
AM drive to Gondar through the beautiful and fertile countryside on the Lake Tana side on new paved road, it takes 2:30hours to Gondar on the way visit the villages along the road, meet people at their field and photo stop for beautiful scenery then proceed to Gondar and Check in hotel.
PM our visiting the city will begin from  Fasiladas Gibi, 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 Islamic influences. We will visit Fasiladas’ Palace which is probably the most impressive of all the castles found in the area and the oldest one, too! We continue on to the bath of Fasiladas. Then we continue to visit the Church Of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity). The interior of this is decorated with beautiful frescos, cherubs and paintings. Debre Berhan Selassie is rumored to once have been the proposed final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Later on, we will visit the colorful market of Gondar. Overnight at Goha/ Taye Balay/Qwara hotel at Gondar.

Day 05: Gondar / Simien Mountains (Drive)
Today we drive to the jagged panorama of the Simien Mountains National Park, famed for its exclusive landscape, afro-alpine vegetation and unique wildlife, where you may spot the endemic Wallia Ibex, Gelada Baboon troops, Bushbuck, Klipspringer. However, as we stay for one night  we will enjoy the dramatic scenery and a troop friendly Gelada Baboon at very close distance and  Birds such as Chestnut-napped Francolin, Mountain Thrush, Thick-billed Raven, Lammergeyer, White-collared Pigeon and Ankober Serin just to name a few. Arrive to the lodge check in, have lunch, after short rest, for those who interest in hike/Trek  we will trek for about 2-3 hrs on the edge and beautiful escarpment to view  the beautiful and green valley, wondering the long day eating and grooming of  Gelada Baboon families and then trace back to the Lodge. Overnight Semien Lodge.

Day 6: Gondar – Simien Mountains – Gondar
Spend the whole morning in an amazing the Simien Mountains National Park: the incredible mountain scenery is breathtaking. Hike along mountain trails enjoying the endless unique flora and fauna of this elevated region ( Giant Lobelia). Drive to Chenek and trek see Wallia a unique species indigenous to Ethiopia and the Simien Mountains. Return to Gondar for overnight Goha/ Taye Balay/Qwara hotel at Gondar.

Day 7: Gondar – Axum (flight)
A flight further north takes you to the oldest city in Ethiopia, Axum. Eight Km drive to the Town check in hotel. This afternoon explore the city. Visit the interesting museum in stelae field, the impressive Stelae Fields and also the grounds of the 16th-century Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, home of the original Ark of the Covenant, Queen of Sheba ruin palace and Tomb of Kaleb and Gebre Meskel at certain place will be dropped for souvenir and stretching your legs to the hotel.
Remhai Hotel / Yeha Hotel.

Day 8: Axum – Lalibela (flight)
Fly to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lalibela – the Jerusalem of Ethiopia, and Africafs own ePetraf. In a fitting finale to your Ethiopian adventure, explore the first group of the monolithic red-Tuff churches incredibly carved into the rock. Your will lead you through the network of crevices and tunnels linking each of the churches. The churches are still in use today: finally  walk to the separately standing,  uncovered and beautiful Saint Georges Church down to narrow path to church, step inside and you will see

This program  allows you to see the home of a quarter of the rock churches, some famous for their stone workmanship, ancient paintings and manuscripts, and others known for their magnificent view and difficult ascent.

Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa Bole international airport meet our staff at exit  gate and assist to transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel of your choice.
Day 2: Early in the morning transfer to bole international airport and fly to Mekelle. Mekelle Town is a capital city for Tigrian Region which developing and expanding from time to time. Here where we meet our ground transportation and be introduced with drives by escorting guide. The town is pleasant to walk and also explore the castle of Emperor Yohanis and visit the museum built for commemoration of those sacrificed their life during the struggle against the Revolutionary government. Overnight Axum/Abreha Castle at Mekelle.
Day 3: Drive to Degum-visit Wukro Cherqos and Abreha wa Atsbeha Today is beginning  to explore the  wonderfulTigray rock hewn churches  starting from Abreha wa Atsbeha, is situated 15 kms west of Wukro,the finest church in Tigre, lies about halfway between Dugem and Wukro on newly built gravel road leads to Hawzien via Degum. Afternoon visit Degum Selassie church. Overnight camping at Degum.

Day 4: Trek to Abuna Abraham Debre Tsion and Yohannes Maequdi Trek to Abuna Abraham a couple of hours walk from Dugem, the Abune Abraham Debre Tsion church which is elaborately decorated with 16th century murals. The church’s ceremonial fan dates back to the 15th century and consists of 34 parchment panels, each painted with a figure of a saint. Lunch in Dugem,  Afternoon trek to Yohannes Maequddi which is best known for its ancient and well-preserved paintings. Overnight camping at Dugem
Day 5: Drive and trek to Mariam Korker   Mariam Korker is a rock church situated on one of the high mountains of Gheralta just overlooking the village of Megab, 8 kms south of Hawzien. An hour’s trek from the village brings you to the Mariam Korkor and the nearby smaller church of Daniel Korkor. A picnic lunch after a steep climb up. Time to enjoy the wonderful view across the Gherelta Plains. In the afternoon a gentle return to camp. Visit local village, a local grinding mill or may be join in coffee ceremony. overnight Camping at Megab village or Gheralta lodge.

Day 6: Drive and Trek to Abune Yemata  Abune Yemata is 4 kms drive from Megab and a further 30 minutes’ walk will bring you to the foot of the perpendicular rock mountains of Guh. The scenery is breathtaking and the mountains resemble pillars reaching to the sky. The challenging and the only way to the church is footholds and handgrips in the rock face. Just before the entrance to the church there is a narrow ledge carved in the cliff from which one can view a sheer drop of approximately 250m to 300m. Picnic lunch at top, it worth and relaxing to ascend even if you can make to the church. afternoon at leisure or visit the village and overnight or proceed to Hawzien. Overnight Gheralta Lodge.

Day 7: Drive back  to Mekelle via Sinkata   Morning after breakfast drive Sinkata – Mekelle, on the way about 30 minutes walk from Sinkata lies Adi Chewa visit Arbuta Insesa. It is a large church with several unusual features, most notably the deepest domed ceiling in any Tigrian church, and strange red and yellow stencil-like figures on thick columns. We also explore Medhane Alem Adi Kasho, regarded as one of the oldest and most impressive churches in Tigre for its size and impressive architecture. The interior has a cathedral-like atmosphere. Moreover, you can visit Petros and Paulos and Mikael Melehayezenghi. Overnight  Axum hotel at Mekelle.

Day 8: Fly back Addis and fly back to home Morning transfer to Mekelle airport  Fly Addis Ababa. Transfer to airport fly back home.