11-Day Discover the Wonders of Northern Ethiopia: 11-Day

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Fly addis abeba to bahirdar

Fly from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar in the morning. Embark on a scenic boat trip on Lake Tana, exploring the historic monasteries located on its shores and islands, such as Urakidanemirt, Azwa Mariam, and Entos. You can also see hippos and many bird species, as well as the stunning Blue Nile Falls. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Main Destination:

Blue Nile Falls (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Lake Avenue Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive from bahirdar to Gondar

Drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar, taking in the rural villages along the way, which provide insight into the Amhara culture and traditional agricultural practices. Upon arrival, visit the Royal Enclosure and other historical sites. Overnight in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive from Gondar to the simien mountains National park

Travel from Gondar to Sankaber, approximately 136 km away. You will stop in Debark town to get the permit, scout, cook, and other supplies. Stop at the park head office in Debark to register and meet your trekking team. Enjoy a 3-4 hour trek around the Sankaber campsite, situated at 3,250 meters. Overnight camping at Sankaber.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit September to December (Beautiful scenery)

High Season October to April (Lodges are busy)

Best Weather October to April

Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP

Gelada monkey Abundant

Walia ibex Occasional

Ethiopian wolf Rare

Klipspringer Rare

Bushbuck Rare

Show more

Golden jackal Rare

Hyena Rare

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Sankaber campsite to Chennek campsite

Today is an early morning (8 AM) departure to the Jinbar waterfall. From here, you will go for an easy trek to the Geech Abyss, where you will see a large waterfall where the Jinbar River plunges into the abyss. This area is also a great place for viewing the endemic Gelada baboon, also known as the bleeding heart baboon due to the red patch of skin. Afterward, drive to Aynamed and walk for 2 hours to Chennek campsite. Stay overnight at Chennek camp.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive Simien Mountains to axum

Chennek to Axum: After breakfast, walk around Chennek along the edge of the scarpments. You might see Walia ibex, Ethiopian wolves, and Gelada baboons. Then, drive back to Debark and start your journey. After lunch in Adarky, continue your drive through the Tekeze Valley to Axum, the heart of the ancient Axumite Empire. Overnight in Axum.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Sabean International Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Sightseeing of axum

Dedicate this day to exploring Axum’s historical sites, including the famous obelisks, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath, King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. Also, visit St. Mary of Zion Church, a significant site in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. Overnight in Axum.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Sabean International Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Axum to Yeha and Debre Damo

After breakfast, drive to the ruins of Yeha, believed to be the capital of ancient Ethiopian civilization and home to some of the oldest structures in the country. Explore the impressive temple complex and learn about its historical significance. Next, visit Debre Damo Monastery, a remarkable site perched on a cliff, accessible only to men who must climb a 15-meter rope to enter. This ancient monastery, known for its stunning frescoes and serene atmosphere, offers a glimpse into Ethiopia’s rich religious heritage. After a day of exploration, unwind and enjoy the stunning views at Gheralta Lodge in Hawzien, where you’ll spend the night.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gheralta and Tigray Rock-Hewn Churche

Explore the less-visited rock-hewn churches of Tigray, known for their stunning architecture and unique locations carved into cliffs. These ancient churches, such as Abreha we Atsbeha and Maryam Korkor, offer a peaceful atmosphere and fascinating history, often surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. After your exploration, drive to Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, where you can enjoy local cuisine and experience the city’s vibrant culture. From Mekelle, Spend the night in Mekelle, reflecting on your incredible journey through Ethiopia’s rich history and stunning scenery.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Planet Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Mekele (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mekelle-addis abeba and lalibela connection flight

Take a morning flight to Lalibela. Spend the day visiting the remarkable rock-hewn churches, starting with the Northwestern Cluster (including Bet Medhane Alem and Bet Maryam). After lunch, continue to the Southeastern Cluster (including Bet Gabriel-Rufael). Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Asheton Mariam and Yimrehane Kirstos

Hike up to the Asheton Mariam Monastery, located on a scenic hill that offers breathtaking views of Lalibela and the surrounding landscape. This monastery, dating back to the 13th century, is a peaceful place where you can admire ancient manuscripts and beautiful frescoes.

Afterward, visit Yimrehane Kirstos Church, known for its unique architectural style that blends local traditions with rock-hewn techniques. This church, built into a cave, features stunning stonework and intricate carvings. As you explore, learn about its historical significance and the legends associated with it. Both sites provide a deep insight into Ethiopia’s rich Christian heritage and the remarkable artistry of its ancient churches.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lalibela to addis abeba

Lalibela to Addis Ababa
Depending on the day, attend early morning church services if it coincides with a Saints Day. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.