Ankober Tours – 3 Days
Tour Overview:
Travel back in time with this 3-day tour to Ankober, once the seat of Ethiopian emperors and a place of stunning natural beauty. Nestled in the highlands east of Addis Ababa, Ankober offers breathtaking mountain vistas, rich history, and deep cultural encounters. Explore historical palace grounds, enjoy scenic hikes, and—if your timing aligns—witness the vibrant market of Aliyu Amba, where highland Christians and lowland Muslims have traded for generations. This tour is ideal for those looking to combine nature, history, and local culture in a peaceful rural setting.
Tour Highlights:
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Visit the historic town of Ankober, the former royal capital of Ethiopia
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Explore Koremash Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the Rift Valley
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Stay at the Ankober Palace Lodge, built near the ruins of Menelik II’s palace
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Enjoy gentle walks or adventurous hikes through mountainous landscapes
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Optional excursion to the Aliyu Amba market, a centuries-old cultural crossroads
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Relax in peaceful surroundings away from the city
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Ankober (170 km / ~3.5 hours)
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After breakfast, we pick you up from your hotel and head northeast toward Ankober.
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En route, we stop at Koremash Viewpoint to take in spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley below—perfect for photos and a quick stretch.
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Depending on departure time, we either enjoy a picnic lunch brought from Addis or a late lunch at the Ankober Palace Lodge.
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In the afternoon, take a relaxed walk to explore the historical sites surrounding the old palace grounds and learn about Ankober’s imperial past.
Overnight: Ankober Palace Lodge
Day 2: Explore Ankober & Optional Excursion to Aliyu Amba
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After breakfast, choose from a variety of ways to spend your day:
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Gentle walks along mountain ridges
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Moderate hikes to scenic viewpoints
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Strenuous treks for more adventurous travelers
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If your visit falls on a market day, consider walking or driving down to Aliyu Amba, a historic market town where Christian highlanders and Muslim lowlanders have traded for centuries.
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Return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful evening.
Overnight: Ankober Palace Lodge
Day 3: Ankober – Addis Ababa (170 km / ~3.5 hours)
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Enjoy a leisurely morning in the fresh mountain air.
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After lunch at the lodge, we begin the return journey to Addis Ababa, arriving in the late afternoon.
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Drop-off at your hotel or airport, depending on your onward travel plans.
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
