$605 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Visit Lake Tana Monasteries
Visit Lake Tana Monasteries
Fly Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar
45 minutes in from your flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, you will notice one of East Africa’s prominent natural jewels, Lake Tana. 84km in length, 66km in width, 15 meters deep and at an elevation of 1,788 meters, this vast body of water is the largest lake in Ethiopia.
Lake Tana is also the birthplace of the Blue Nile, the major tributary to the world’s largest river, the great Nile.
Located in a depression of the north-west plateau, Lake Tana is home to about 37 islands and peninsulas, where some of the world’s oldest churches and monasteries are found, the most famous being the Kebran Gabriel. Kebran Gabriel is believed to have been built in the 14th century and contains a museum with old paintings and manuscripts. It is important to note this monastery is only open to male visitors.
Day 2
Bahir Dar City Tour
Bahir Dar City Tour
In the day you will have the opportunity to visit the city. Bahir Dar, As the capital of the regional state of Amhara, the city is home to historic monasteries, charming lodges, exotic fish markets, beautiful lakes, and of course the famous Blue Nile Falls.
- Main Destination:
- Bahir Dar (City)
- Accommodation:
- Lake Avenue Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Driver to Gonder, Visit Fasil Castel and Debrebirhan Selasea
Driver to Gonder, Visit Fasil Castel and Debrebirhan Selasea
Gondar- known for its remarkable collection of crumbling castles, fortifications, and 17th-century churches. Gondar is often referred to as the “Camelot of Africa”. This small city in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia was the home to many emperors who ruled the country from the 12th century to the last decade of the 20th century.
Day 4
Sankaber - Gich
Sankaber - Gich
We drive from Gondar to Sankaber with a brief stop at the Simien Mountains National Park headquarters to arrange the permit. Today's trek covers a distance of approximately 12 km and takes around 5-6 hours. The hike goes through highland grasslands, heather forests, cultivated fields and follows a spectacular escarpment with dramatic views. We will meet the friendly gelada baboons, foraging in big groups. A stunning viewpoint at the Jinbar Falls is reached after clambering a few rocks. This waterfall plunges several hundred meter down the escarpment in the abyss. At the end of the day we pass through the welcoming village of Gich where the local people are happy to prepare a well-deserved coffee. The coffee ceremony is an important social event in Ethiopian culture. The camp for the night is not far from the village.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Hike Gich to Ambaras - Drive back to Gondar
Hike Gich to Ambaras - Drive back to Gondar
Today is the most spectacular stage of the trekking, offering stunning views all the way. We hike 5-6 hours, including a short detour to Imet Gogo (3925 m). This summit offers the most exciting views. The giant lobelia is abundant on the Gich plateau. The majestically lammergeyer might soar the skies in front of you and the endemic thick billed raven will be present. In the afternoon we drive back to Gondar.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
