Ethiopia Historical Route Adventure 12D/11N

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 

Departure Time: 07:00 hrs

Duration: 12 days

Addis Ababa Airport Pick-Up-Accommodation Check-In - Addis Ababa City Tour

Welcome to Addis Ababa! Start your trip with a pick-up at the Addis Ababa airport and then get transferred to your accommodation for check in. Later, take a city tour around Addis Ababa, where you’ll get to see the panoramic view point Entoto Mountain, visit the Merkato, said to be Africa’s largest market of its kind, and museums. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Addis Ababa-Debre Margos, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa - Blue Nile Gorge - Debre Marqos (B)

This morning, leave Addis Ababa and journey to Debre Marqos. On the way, visit Debre Libanos, an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity founded by the renowned 13th-century mystic Saint Teclehaimanot. There is also the site there where it is said that Saint Teclehaimanot stood for seven years on one leg until the standing leg crumbled away and dropped off. After, make your way to the Blue Nile Gorge, a so-called “cousin” of the Grand Canyon that is about one-mile deep and wide, before making your way to Debre Marqos for the night. Overnight in Debre Marqos.

Debre Margos - Bahir Dar, Ethiopia 

Debre Marqos - Blue Nile Falls Hike - Bahir Dar (B)

This morning, drive from Debre Marqos to Bahir Dar, stopping first at Blue Nile Falls for an easy hike. Finish the day watching the sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Lake Tana, Ethiopia 

Lake Tana Boat Trip (B)

Take a boat trip around Lake Tana, where you can explore the monasteries on the shores and islands. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Bahir Dar - Gondar Sightseeing (B)

This morning, have breakfast and then drive to Gondar for some sightseeing. Visit the Royal Enclosure and its six castles, Fasilidas’ Pool - used for Timket celebrations - Debre Birhan Selassie Church and its famous ceiling, and the former palace now sitting in partial ruins as it looks over Gondar. Overnight in Gondar.

Gondar - Semien Mountains (B)

Head to Semien Mountain in the morning to enjoy the national park that also is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to the highest mountain in Ethiopia, Ras Dashen, and also to wild animal species such as the Walia Ibex and Gelada baboon. Overnight in Semien Mountains.

Semien Mountains - Gich (B)

The first serious day of trekking starts from the beautiful situated campsite of Sankaber. Today's trek covers a distance of approximately 10 km and takes us around 6 hours straight walking. Right from the beginning the trek follows the spectacular escarpment. You will encounter Gelada baboons, foraging in big groups, at the fields. A stunning viewpoint at the Jinbar Falls is reached after clambering a few rocks. This waterfall plunges several hundred meters down the escarpment in the abyss. Overnight in Semien Mountains

Lalibela Sightseeing (B)

In the morning, you will have a short trek in the national park after a break. Driving from Lalibela, the road passes through mountainous regions of wild beauty, running alongside the Simian massif. Overnight in Lalibela.

The rock hewn churches of Lalibela (B/L)

In the morning you will start visit the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. After lunch, begin to explore the 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable king Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael and Bet Golgotha. Overnight in Lalibela.

Yimrehane Kirstos and Lalibela (B/L)

After breakfast, visit the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolith in the shape of a cross, and constructed in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia. After lunch, take an afternoon trip to visit the church of Yimrehanne Kristos. The most popular of the churches outside of Lalibela, this church is built in the late- Axumite style, with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern. After the visit, return to Lalibela for overnight.

Lalibela - Kombolcha (B)

Travel from Lalibela to Kombolcha, stopping at the town of Haike to visit the local monastery and lake. Overnight in Kombolcha.

Kombolcha - Addis Ababa Airport Drop-Off (B)

On your last day, drive from Kombolcha to Addis Ababa, passing by the Mezezo Escarpment where you could see the endemic Gelada baboon. Finally, conclude your trip with an airport drop-off in Addis Ababa. We wish you safe travels onward!