Essence Ethiopia Tours

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$550 pp (USD)

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

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

Day 1

Arrival & Addis Ababa City Tour

Arrival & Addis Ababa City Tour

Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After some refreshment, begin exploring Ethiopia’s vibrant capital city.

The city tour may include:

National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous fossil Lucy and important archaeological collections

Ethnological Museum, located inside the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, offering insight into Ethiopia’s many cultures

Holy Trinity Cathedral, a major religious and historical site

Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, offering a lively glimpse into daily life

Mount Entoto, providing panoramic views of Addis Ababa and a look at the city’s historical origins

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with cultural music and dance (optional).
Return to your hotel for overnight in Addis Ababa.

Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:
Addis Ababa (City)
Accommodation:
Sun View Addis Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2

Addis Ababa – Debre Zeit (Bishoftu) – Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa – Debre Zeit (Bishoftu) – Addis Ababa

After breakfast, drive southeast to Debre Zeit (Bishoftu), located about 50 km from Addis Ababa. This area is famous for its volcanic crater lakes, pleasant climate, and scenic landscapes.

Activities may include:

Visiting Lake Hora, Lake Babogaya, or Lake Kuriftu, surrounded by lush greenery

Short walks along the lake shores and opportunities for birdwatching

Lunch at a lakeside resort with beautiful views

Debre Zeit offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling capital and is a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.
In the afternoon, drive back to Addis Ababa and enjoy a free evening.

Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:
Addis Ababa (City)
Accommodation:
Sun View Addis Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Addis Ababa – Debre Libanos & Jemma Gorge – Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa – Debre Libanos & Jemma Gorge – Addis Ababa

After breakfast, depart northward through the Ethiopian highlands toward Debre Libanos, one of the most important religious centers in the country.

Highlights of the day include:

Debre Libanos Monastery, founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haimanot

The nearby Portuguese Bridge, offering spectacular views over the Jemma River Gorge

Scenic walking opportunities and birdwatching in the surrounding cliffs and valleys

This excursion combines religious history, dramatic landscapes, and photographic viewpoints.
After lunch, return to Addis Ababa in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:
Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight)
Accommodation:
Sun View Addis Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Addis Ababa – Wonchi Crater Lake – Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa – Wonchi Crater Lake – Addis Ababa

Overnight: Addis Ababa

Today’s excursion takes you west of Addis Ababa to the stunning Wonchi Crater Lake, located in the highlands between Addis Ababa and Ambo.

Upon arrival, enjoy:

Panoramic views of the volcanic crater lake

Hiking or horseback riding down to the lake (optional)

Boat crossing to visit the island monastery and hot springs

Picnic lunch surrounded by pristine natural scenery

Wonchi is known for its fresh air, dramatic landscapes, and tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect nature escape.
In the afternoon, return to Addis Ababa for your final evening.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:
No major destination visited
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

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

Interested in This Tour?

Request a Quote

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  • Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Essence Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Essence Ethiopia Tours.