11 Day Ethiopia Historical Encounters
Overview
ITINERARY
Day 1: Addis Ababa
Upon your arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, take the opportunity to explore the lodge grounds or participate in available additional activities.
Accommodation: Ghion Hotel or similar BB
Day 2: Addis - Bahir Dar
Fly to Bahir Dar and visit the renowned Blue Nile Falls. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana, exploring the island monasteries of Azwa Mariam and Ura Kidane Mihret.
Accommodation: Tana Hotel or similar BLD
Day 3: Bahir Dar – Gondar
Depart from Bahir Dar and drive 185km to Gondar. After lunch, explore this captivating city known for its medieval castles and the intricate churches, especially Debra Berhan Selassie, a masterpiece of the Gondarene School of art.
Accommodation: Goha Hotel or similar BLD
Day 4: Simien Mountains National Park
Travel north to the Simien Mountains National Park, where you’ll encounter the breathtaking mountain range and the endemic Gelada Baboon or bleeding heart baboon.
Accommodation: Simien Lodge or similar BLD
Day 5: Simien Mountains National Park – Axum
Drive through the remarkable Tekezze Gorge to Axum, the earliest capital of Ethiopia. En route, explore villages of the Tigre people. Axum, dating back to about 100 B.C., is Ethiopia’s historic starting point, known for its adoption of Christianity and ties to the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon.
Accommodation: Yeha Hotel or similar BLD
Day 6: Axum
Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Axum, including the Stele Park, the Archeological Museum, St. Mary of Zion Church, and historical sites associated with King Kaleb, Gebre Meskel, and the Queen of Sheba.
Accommodation: Yeha Hotel or similar BLD
Day 7: Axum – Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela in the morning and, after lunch, visit the first group of rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lalibela boasts 11 churches, each carved entirely from a single block of granite.
Accommodation: Roha Hotel or similar
Day 8: Lalibela
This morning, trek or ride a mule to the hilltop semi-monolithic church of Asheton Mariam, dating back to the 13th century. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the surroundings.
Accommodation: Roha Hotel or similar BLD
Day 9: Lalibela – Addis Ababa
After breakfast, fly back to Addis Ababa and embark on a short city tour, visiting the National Museum and Mercato, Africa’s largest open-air market.
Accommodation: Ghion Hotel or similar BLD
Day 10: Addis – Dire Dawa – Harar
Fly east to Dire Dawa and drive to the walled town of Harar, the medieval Muslim capital of Ethiopia. En route, visit villages of the Hararghe Oromo people. In Harar, explore Arthur Rimbaud’s house, the cultural market, and witness the ‘Hyena Man’ feeding wild hyenas by hand.
Accommodation: Heritage Plaza Hotel or similar BLD
Day 11: Harar – Dire Dawa – Addis
Drive to Dire Dawa, visiting the largest Chat Market at Aweday. Fly back to Addis Ababa, where you can explore historical monuments and shop. In the evening, enjoy traditional dances and a variety of Ethiopian meals at one of the best traditional restaurants before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
- Included
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
- Entry fees
- English-speaking guide
- Transport
- Mineral water
- Internal flights
- Not Included
- Visas
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary