10-Day Ethiopia Cultural and Nature Adventure

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

Arrival in Bahir Dar and Lake Tana Excursion

After breakfast in Addis Ababa, take a flight to Bahir Dar, one of Ethiopia’s most scenic cities, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Tana. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a local driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, embark on a tranquil boat trip on Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the Blue Nile. Along the way, visit some of the lake’s historic island monasteries, famous for their ancient religious manuscripts, colorful murals, and centuries-old treasures. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and abundant birdlife before returning to Bahir Dar for an overnight Bahirdar
Jacaranda hotel.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

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

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Blue Nile Falls and Bahir Dar City Tour

Following breakfast, drive through the countryside to reach the stunning Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tis Issat or “the Smoke of Fire.” Cross the Blue Nile River by boat and walk to the viewpoint to admire the powerful cascades surrounded by lush greenery. After returning to Bahir Dar, spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Stroll along the lakeshore, visit the local market filled with traditional crafts and spices, and experience the warm hospitality of the town. Overnight Bahirdar
Jacaranda hotel.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Gondar and Historic Sites Exploration

Depart Bahir Dar and drive north to Gondar, the former royal capital of Ethiopia and home to some of the country’s most remarkable medieval architecture. Stop for lunch at the popular Four Sisters Restaurant, known for its delicious local dishes. In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fasil Ghebbi (the Royal Enclosure), a complex of castles and palaces built by Emperor Fasilides and his successors. Continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its beautifully painted ceiling depicting angels’ faces, and then visit the ancient Fasilides Bath. Overnight in Gondar at Goha Hotel, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the city.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Journey to the Simien Mountains and Short Hike

After leaving Gondar, drive toward the majestic Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic landscapes and rare wildlife. Begin your adventure with a short introductory hike around the Chennek or Sankaber area, enjoying spectacular views of deep valleys, jagged peaks, and unique flora. The area is home to endemic species such as the Gelada baboon and Walia ibex. Spend the night camping at Sankaber, where you’ll enjoy a campfire under a sky full of brilliant stars. Camping
Sankaber campsite.

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

Show more

Golden Jackal Rare

Hyena Rare

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Trek to Imet Gogo Viewpoint and Overnight at Chenek

Continue your trek through the breathtaking highlands of the Simien Mountains. Walk for several hours along scenic trails leading to Imet Gogo, one of the most impressive viewpoints in the park. From here, take in the vast panorama of cliffs, gorges, and high plateaus that make the Simiens one of Africa’s most beautiful mountain ranges. End the day at Chenek campsite, surrounded by nature and the sounds of the wild. Spend another night under the stars with a cozy campfire. Overnight chenek campsite Camping.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Wildlife Observation and Return to Gondar

Spend the morning exploring the area around the campsite, where you might spot the endemic Walia ibex, a species of mountain goat found only in Ethiopia. After this refreshing walk, drive back to Gondar for a relaxing evening. Overnight again at Goha Hotel.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Lalibela and Visit the First Group of Rock-Hewn Churches

Depart Gondar for the scenic drive to Lalibela, often called the “New Jerusalem” of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy lunch before beginning your exploration of the town’s world-famous rock-hewn churches. Visit the first group of monolithic churches, intricately carved from solid rock and connected by underground passages. These extraordinary structures are an architectural and spiritual marvel. Overnight at Top Twelve Hotel.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Top Twelve Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore the Remaining Rock-Hewn Churches

Spend the day visiting the remaining groups of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, each with unique architectural designs and religious significance. Learn about their history, symbolism, and the devotion of the faithful who worship here. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty of the surrounding highlands before returning to your hotel for another night at Top Twelve Hotel.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Top Twelve Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Excursion to Yemrehanna Kristos and Asheten Mariam

Take a day excursion to visit Yemrehanna Kristos Church, a stunning pre-Lalibela church built inside a cave and known for its impressive stone-and-wood construction. In the afternoon, hike or drive up to Asheten Mariam Church, which offers sweeping views over Lalibela and the surrounding valleys. These visits provide deeper insight into Ethiopia’s ancient Christian heritage and remarkable craftsmanship. Return to Lalibela for an overnight stay at Top Twelve Hotel.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Top Twelve Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Return to Addis Ababa and City Exploration

After breakfast, fly back to Addis Ababa, where you’ll be met and transferred for a brief city tour. Visit some of the capital’s main attractions, such as the National Museum, home to the famous fossil “Lucy,” and the bustling Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. You can also shop for traditional souvenirs before concluding your Ethiopian adventure. End of the tour.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner 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.