8-Day Classic Ethiopia –Culture, History & Adventure

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa and City Tour

Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s vibrant capital, you will be transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we will explore some of the city’s highlights, including the National Museum, before taking a scenic drive around the city. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Magnolia Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly to Bahir Dar & Explore Lake Tana

Start your day with a morning flight to Bahir Dar, a beautiful city on the shores of Lake Tana, one of the main headwaters of the Blue Nile. After checking into the hotel, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the historic monasteries of the Zege Peninsula. Highlights include Ura Kidane Meret, renowned for its 16th-century religious murals, and Azwa Maryam, surrounded by tranquil gardens and presided over by a friendly young priest. In the afternoon, explore Bahir Dar city, including Bezawit Palace and nearby Weito village, home to local artisans who craft traditional papyrus boats.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Gondar & Explore the Royal Castles

Drive three hours from Bahir Dar through picturesque villages and highland scenery to Gondar, often called Africa’s Camelot. Explore the Royal Enclosure, the ancient castles of King Fasilides, and the bathing pools used during traditional Timkat ceremonies. Visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its ornate ceiling featuring 80 angelic cherubs.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Simien Mountains National Park

After an early breakfast, journey into Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll experience some of Ethiopia’s most dramatic highland scenery, including jagged cliffs, deep valleys, and unique wildlife. Keep an eye out for endemic species such as the Gelada Baboon, also known as the bleeding-heart monkey.

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

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Golden Jackal Rare

Hyena Rare

Accommodation:

Simien Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Morning in Simien Mountains & Return to Gondar

Spend the morning exploring more of Simien Mountains National Park, often with few other visitors on the trails. Enjoy wildlife viewing, especially of the Gelada monkeys, who may approach closely while grooming or playing. After a rewarding morning, drive back to Gondar for an overnight.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly to Lalibela & Visit Rock-Hewn Churches

Take a short morning flight to Lalibela, a remote town in the Lasta Mountains. In the afternoon, explore three groups of rock-hewn churches, carved from massive red stone monoliths, some towering over 10 meters high with intricately detailed interiors. Wander through quiet courtyards, tunnels, and passageways, stepping deep into Ethiopia’s ancient past.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Soramba Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Asheton Mariam Church and Lalibela Churches

Begin early with an adventurous mule ride up the hillside to Asheton Maryam Church, perched 600 meters above Lalibela. After dismounting, enjoy a short hike with panoramic views of Lalibela. In the afternoon, return to explore the second and most famous group of rock-hewn churches, including Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George), a masterpiece of Ethiopian medieval architecture.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Visit Nakutoleab Monastery & fly back to Addis Ababa and Departure

Visit Nakutoleab Monastery & Departure
In the morning, visit Nakutoleab Monastery before transferring to Lalibela Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy a day room or overnight stay in the city. A farewell dinner featuring traditional music and dance can be arranged, offering a final immersive experience of Ethiopian culture before your journey home.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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