This well paced Ethiopia safari enables you discover almost all the historical attractions of the northern Ethiopia. It offers a relaxed visit of the churches of Lalibela- the major attraction. As you drive from one spot to the other, you can also visit the attractive countryside and interact with the local people and see their way of life.
Day 1 Travel Day to Africa
Day 2 Addis Ababa
Day 3 Finote Selam
Day 4 Bahir Dar
Day 5 Gondar
Day 6 Gondar
Day 7 Simen
Day 8 Axum
Day 9 Axum
Day 10 Adigrat
Day 11 Mekele
Day 12 Lalibela
Day 13 Lalibela
Day 14 Lalibela
Day 15 Kombolcha
Day 16 Your Journey Ends
- Blue Nile Falls
- Monasteries
- Ancient Temples
DAY 1 TRAVEL DAY – TO USA
Your safari begins today as you board your international flight to Africa!
DAY 2 ADDIS ABABA
Welcome to Africa! Today you will arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia off your international flight and will be met by your guide and transferred to the Jupiter International Hotel for one night.
A warm welcome awaits you at Jupiter International Hotel, where you can work and relax in one of the 142 spacious and comfortable guestrooms. Supremely comfortable…a room at Jupiter International Hotel begins with a liberating sense of space – your guestrooms are often among the destination’s largest. You will enjoy a host of privileges including complimentary breakfast, free broad band internet connection in every room, multichannel satellite television, and free airport transfer.
Overnight: Jupiter Hotel (B)
DAY 3 FINOTE SELAM
Today you will drive from Addis to Finote Selam, along the way visiting the remarkable Blue Nile Gorge, that is comparable in scale with the Grand Canyon in the United States, and the largest monastery in Ethiopia – Debre Libanos Monastery (13th Century AD) where you can visit the mosaics by the most famous Ethiopian Artist Afework Tekle.
Overnight: Damot Hotel (B, L, D)
DAY 4 BAHIR DAR
In the morning you will drive from Debre Markos to Bahir Dar and in the afternoon drive 32 km south of Bahir Dar to the remarkable Blue Nile Falls and visit the cultural market of Bahir Dar. Late in the afternoon, drive 7 km to the Bezawit Hill to have a panoramic view of the town of Bahir Dar, Lake Tana and the outlet of River Nile from its source.
Abay Minch Lodge is situated in the centre of Bahar Dar, close to Lake Tana. Abay Minch is a new lodge with wonderful green gardens and a spacious compound.
The rooms are in small bungalows and is kept very peaceful. There is a restaurant that serves both local and international meals for your taste preferences. For evening relaxation, there is a bar to lounge at as well as a conference room for any of your business needs.
Overnight: Abay Minch Lodge (B, L, D)
DAY 5 GONDAR
This morning you will take a boat trip on Ethiopia’s largest body of water, Lake Tana, to visit the island monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret (16th Century AD) and Azwa Mariam (16th Century AD). These monasteries are famous for their colorful murals and collection of manuscripts. After lunch, drive 185 Km North of Bahir Dar to the 17th Century capital of Ethiopia – Gondar.
Overnight: Goha Hotel (B, L, D)
DAY 6 GONDAR
You will enjoy a full day visit of Gondar, which includes visiting the Imperial Castle Compound of Gondar (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Bath of Emperor Fasiladas, the church of Quskuam Mariam (17th century AD), the residence of Empress Mintwab, and the church of Debre Birhan Sillassie which is famous for its wall and ceiling paintings.
Overnight: Goha Hotel (B, L, D)
DAY 7 SIMIEN
Today you will drive from Gondar to Debark (the headquarters of the Simien Mountains National Park). After check-in at your hotel in Debark you will drive 36 km farther to the Simien Mountains (UNESCO World Heritage Site) for their breathtaking scenery and get a chance to see the endemic mammal of Ethiopia – the Gelada Baboon.
Overnight: Simien Lodge (B, L, D)
DAY 8 AXUM
Your drive today continues to Axum – the earliest Capital of Ethiopia, crossing the Tekezze Gorge.
Overnight: Yeha Hotel (B, L, D)
DAY 9 AXUM
You will spend the day touring Axum, which is known for its huge stele cut from granite stones. The visit includes, the Archaeological Museum of Axum, the famous Stele Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Church of St. Mary of Zion, which is believed to be the last resting place of the original Ark of the Covenant, the palace and tomb of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel (6th Century AD), and the ruin palace of the Queen of Sheba (9th Century BC).
Overnight: Yeha Hotel (B, L, D)
DAY 10 ADIGRAT
Today you will drive from Axum to Adigrat, visiting the Yeha Temple (5th Century BC), and Debre Damo Monastery (5th Century AD), which is allowed only for male visitors and accessible only by using rope.
Overnight: Eve Hotel (B, L, D)
DAY 11 MEKELE
Today you will visit the rock-hewn churches of Abreha Atsbeha (10th Century AD) and Wukro Cherqos (10th Century AD) while on your drive from Adigrat to Mekelle.
Overnight: Axum Hotel (B, L, D)
DAY 12 LALIBELA
Your journey today takes you to Lalibela, home of the incredible hand carved 12th century rock churches of King Lalibela, through the scenic Wollo Mountains visiting the Amhara people.
Overnight: Roha Hotel (B, L, D)
DAY 13 LALIBELA
You will spend the day touring Lalibela. Visit the rock-hewn churches of King Lalibela, which are unofficially regarded as ‘the eighth wonder of the world’. In the morning, visit six churches that are grouped as first group of churches and in the afternoon visit the second and the third group of churches of Lalibela. These churches are Ethiopia’s top tourist attractions and are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Roha Hotel (B, L, D)
DAY 14 LALIBELA
In the morning, take a mule back ride to the hill top semi monolithic church of Asheton Mariam (13th Century AD). The peak of the hill offers a wonderful viewpoint to have a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area, including the town of Lalibela. In the afternoon you will enjoy a typical Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Overnight: Roha Hotel (B, L, D)
DAY 15 KOMBOLCHA
Drive from Lalibela to Kombolcha today, enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Wollo Mountains.
Overnight: Sunny Side Hotel (B, L, D)
DAY 16 YOUR JOURNEY ENDS
Your Ethiopia safari comes to an end as you drive back to Addis. In the evening before departure, you will be invited to a farewell dinner party at one of the best traditional restaurants in Addis, where you taste a variety of Ethiopian meals and watch the folkloric dances of the Ethiopian people.
