7-Day Ethiopia Africas Hidden Gum

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

Addis Ababa city tour

Welcome to Addis Ababa! Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you’ll be met by the team from Absolute Ethiopia Tours and transferred to your hotel. Set at 2,100–2,300 meters above sea level, Addis Ababa—meaning “New Flower”—is one of the highest capital cities in the world and the diplomatic hub of Africa. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a city tour beginning at the National Archaeological Museum, home to the 3.5-million-year-old remains of “Lucy” and remarkable artifacts highlighting Ethiopia as the Cradle of Mankind. Continue to the Ethnographic Museum for insight into the country’s diverse cultures, then visit St. George’s Cathedral, built in 1896 to commemorate the Battle of Adwa and renowned for its historic art and architecture.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Mado Hotel

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Fly to Bahirdar lake tana

This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar. Meaning “by the side of the sea,” Bahir Dar is one of Ethiopia’s most beautifully planned cities and is often considered the country’s most scenic. As the capital of the Amhara region, it is known for its relaxed lakeside setting, historic monasteries, lively fish markets, charming lodges, and natural highlights, including the famous Blue Nile Falls.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)

Drive to Gondar the camelot of Africa

After breakfast, travel 185 km (about 3 hours) to Gondar, the former royal capital of the Ethiopian Empire founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasilides. Known for its remarkable medieval architecture, Gondar is home to impressive castles and churches built by the emperor and his successors. Visit the grand Fasilides Castle and the historic Fasilides Bath, once believed to be the emperor’s pool and today a sacred baptism site during Timket (Epiphany), symbolizing the River Jordan. After lunch, explore Debre Birhan Selassie Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its beautifully painted ceiling of winged cherubs representing the omnipresence of God. Later, transfer to your lodge. In the evening, enjoy dinner followed by a cultural performance of the energetic Eskesta dance, for which Gondar is renowned.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Gondar

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)

Excursion to Simien Mountains National Park

After breakfast, drive to the Simien Mountains, covering approximately 210 km in about two hours. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its dramatic landscapes, unique plant life, and wildlife such as the Walia Ibex, Red Fox, and Chelada (Gelada) Baboons. Stop first at the Kosoye viewpoint for sweeping mountain views, then continue to Debarq, the park’s gateway, where a local scout will join you. Proceed to the Buyit Ras viewpoint and enjoy a picnic lunch near Jimbar Falls. Visit Sankaber, the park’s first campsite, offering spectacular scenery and excellent opportunities to observe Chelada Baboon behavior. Known as the “Roof of Africa,” the area reaches 3,260 meters, so warm clothing is recommended. Return to Gondar for overnight.

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:

Haile Resort Gondar

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)

Fly from gondar to lalibela

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic 40-minute drive to your hotel before beginning your exploration of this historic town. Lalibela, known as the “New Jerusalem,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its eleven extraordinary rock-hewn churches, carved from single blocks of stone in the 12th century during the reign of King Lalibela. Set below ground level and linked by tunnels, courtyards, and passageways, these churches remain active places of worship and are often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” After lunch, visit the north-western group of churches, including Bet Medhane Alem—the largest—Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Debre Sina, Bet Golgotha, and the iconic Bet Giyorgis (St. George). Conclude the day with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a meaningful cultural ritual symbolizing friendship and hospitality.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Maribela Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lalibela Asheton maryam church

Today, you will visit the Asheton Maryam Monastery, located about 9 kilometers from Lalibela atop the scenic Lalibela Mountains. Reached by a drive followed by a short walk or mule ride, this ancient monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding highlands. Believed to predate the famous rock-hewn churches, Asheton Maryam is one of the oldest religious sites in the region and reflects early Ethiopian Christian traditions. The monastery houses sacred manuscripts, religious artifacts, and a peaceful cave chapel that continues to serve as a place of worship. The journey itself is part of the experience, passing through rugged landscapes and traditional villages. After exploring the monastery and enjoying the sweeping mountain vistas, you will return to Lalibela town.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Maribela Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly back to Addis Ababa

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, check into a day-use room at your hotel to relax and freshen up. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant, featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine accompanied by live music and dance performances. After dinner, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Thank you for traveling with us, and we wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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