Northern Ethiopia Tours – 17 Days

Tour Overview

This 15-day historical and cultural adventure through northern Ethiopia takes you from the bustling capital of Addis Ababa to the depths of the Blue Nile Gorge and the heights of the Simien Mountains. You’ll explore vibrant highland markets and timeless religious sites, including the legendary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the cliffside sanctuaries of Tigray. Marvel at the regal castles of Gondar, trace the ancient Axumite civilization, and relax by the calm waters of Lake Tana. Perfect for culturally curious travelers, photographers, and history lovers, this journey is a deep dive into the spiritual, natural, and historical heritage of Ethiopia.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Addis Ababa: Visit key landmarks like the National Museum (home of “Lucy”), Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Merkato – Africa’s largest open-air market.

  • Colorful Tribal Markets: Witness the vibrant Senbete and Bati markets, where Afar, Amhara, Oromo, and Argoba people gather in full traditional attire.

  • UNESCO Wonders of Lalibela: Marvel at the world-renowned 12th-century rock-hewn churches, a masterpiece of Ethiopian Orthodox architecture.

  • Ancient Monuments of Axum: Discover the obelisks, Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins, and the legendary Ark of the Covenant chapel.

  • Stunning Tigray Churches: Venture off the beaten path to see the cliff-carved churches of Gheralta and Yeha Temple.

  • Wildlife & Trekking in Simien Mountains: Spot endemic wildlife like Gelada baboons and Walia ibex amidst dramatic highland scenery.

  • Imperial Castles of Gondar: Visit the Camelot of Africa, with its medieval castles and ornate Ethiopian Orthodox churches.

  • Tranquil Lake Tana: Enjoy a serene boat cruise to ancient island monasteries and view the mighty Blue Nile Falls.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

  • Arrive at Bole International Airport. Meet our representative and transfer to your hotel.

  • Overnight at a hotel of your choice in Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Full Day in Addis Ababa

  • Visit the National Museum, home to the famous fossil “Lucy”.

  • Explore the Ethnological Museum, formerly Emperor Haile Selassie’s palace.

  • Visit St. George’s Cathedral and Holy Trinity Cathedral, resting place of emperors.

  • Explore Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market.

  • Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 3: Senbete Market – Kombolcha

  • Depart at 6:30 AM for Senbete market (5 hrs). Observe the colorful mix of Afar, Amhara, Oromo, and Argoba ethnic groups.

  • Enjoy a local lunch en route.

  • Continue to Kombolcha.

  • Overnight at Sunny Side or Tekle Hotel, Kombolcha.

Day 4: Bati Market – Woldiya

  • Morning drive to Bati Cattle Market, one of Ethiopia’s most ethnically diverse and photogenic markets.

  • Return to Kombolcha for lunch.

  • Proceed to Woldiya. En route, visit the Hayk Estifanos Monastery.

  • Overnight at Lal Hotel, Woldiya.

Day 5: Woldiya – Genete Mariam – Lalibela

  • Scenic drive to Lalibela with a stop at Genete Mariam Church, a rock-hewn monolith.

  • Continue to Lalibela.

  • Overnight at Mountain View, Roha, or Tukul Village Hotel.

Day 6: Full Day Exploring Lalibela Churches

  • Morning: Visit the Northern Group of churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Mariam, Bet Danagel, and Bet Giyorgis.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Eastern Churches, including Bet Amanuel, Bet Merkorios, and Bet Gabriel-Rafael.

  • Visit Nakuto La’ab Church in a natural cave.

  • Enjoy an authentic Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony.

  • Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 7: Lalibela – Yimrehane Kristos – Mekelle

  • Visit the cave church of Yimrehane Kristos, known for its architecture and mummified pilgrims.

  • Continue via scenic route through Sekota to Mekelle.

  • Overnight at Axum or Abraha Castle Hotel, Mekelle.

Day 8: Mekelle – Gheralta

  • Full-day excursion to Tigray’s Rock Churches: Wukro Cherqos, Mariam Korkor, Abraha We Atsbeha, and Diguem Silassie.

  • Overnight at Gheralta Lodge.

Day 9: Gheralta – Debre Damo – Yeha – Axum

  • Visit Debre Damo Monastery (men only; accessed by rope).

  • Explore the Yeha Temple, Ethiopia’s oldest standing structure (5th century BC).

  • Drive through Adwa, site of Ethiopia’s victory against Italian colonization.

  • Overnight at Yeha or Remhai Hotel, Axum.

Day 10: Full Day in Axum

  • Discover Axum’s legendary heritage: Obelisks, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, and Church of St. Mary of Zion.

  • Learn about the Ark of the Covenant and Axum’s pivotal historical role in Africa.

  • Overnight in Axum.

Day 11: Axum – Simien Mountains via Debark

  • Scenic drive through Tekeze Valley with wildlife and birdwatching en route.

  • Arrive in Debark, get park permits and guide.

  • Proceed to Simien Lodge.

  • Optional short trek on arrival.

  • Overnight at Simien Lodge.

Day 12: Full Day in Simien Mountains

  • Full-day trek and drive to Chenek, searching for Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and Ethiopian wolves.

  • Stunning views and endemic birdlife.

  • Optional afternoon hike on escarpment ridge.

  • Overnight at Simien Lodge.

Day 13: Simien Mountains – Gondar

  • Morning drive to Gondar, the 17th-century capital.

  • Visit Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure) and Fasilidas Bath.

  • Explore Debre Berhan Selassie Church, known for its angel-filled ceiling.

  • Overnight at Goha, Taye Belay, or Qwara Hotel, Gondar.

Day 14: Gondar – Bahir Dar

  • Drive to Bahir Dar via scenic countryside.

  • Afternoon boat cruise on Lake Tana, visiting monasteries like Ura Kidane Mehret, Azwa Mariam, or Kibran Gabriel.

  • Enjoy sunset on Lake Tana.

  • Overnight at Tana or Summer Land Hotel, Bahir Dar.

Day 15: Blue Nile Falls – Debre Markos

  • Early morning visit to Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat) – a stunning 45m high waterfall.

  • Cross the river by boat and hike back.

  • Drive to Debre Markos with scenic and cultural stops.

Includes:
  • Airport transfers and road transport by private car
  • Full board, including mineral water.
  • Full camping equipment including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags for camping and trekking.
  • Recommended to bring your own sleeping bag.
  • Fees for entrances, local guides, compulsory scouts/ security personnel for activities mentioned in the itinerary.
  • All government taxes for the services included in the tour price
Excludes:
  • Additional food and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Souvenirs

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