9-Day Ethiopia Historic North and Danakil

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

Arrival in Addis and City Tour

The tour begins with a visit to the Ethnographic Museum, housed within the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie on the beautiful grounds of Addis Ababa University. As we explore the museum, we'll travel through Ethiopia's diverse cultural history, from ancient artifacts and traditional art to exhibits showcasing the daily lives of various ethnic groups. Next, we will visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the official seat of the Orthodox Archdiocese of Addis Ababa. It is also the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and his wife, Empress Menen Asfaw. Haile Selassie was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974, known for modernizing the country and advocating for African unity. Revered as a defining figure in Ethiopian history, he is also considered a messianic figure by the Rastafarian movement. Your tour continues with a visit to the Mercato, Mercato is a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells, bustling with activity as traders and shoppers haggle over goods.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Ramada by Wyndham Addis

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Addis Abeba - Bahir Dar

Our day will begin with an early morning flight to Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara Region. Upon arrival, we will visit the magnificent Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tis Abay, meaning “the smoking water.”
In the afternoon, we will embark on a scenic boat trip on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake. This activity is optional and available at an additional cost of USD 15 per person.
Our next destination is one of the lake’s hidden treasures: Ura Kidane Mehret Monastery, a centuries-old monastery located on the Zege Peninsula. It is renowned for its unique circular architecture and conical roof. Stepping inside, visitors will be captivated by the vivid frescoes adorning the walls. These colorful paintings, dating back to the 16th century, depict scenes from the Bible, Ethiopian saints, and significant historical events.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Activities:

• Morning game drive (normal 4x4 vehicle) & afternoon boat trip

Accommodation:

Homeland Hotel Bahir Dar

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bahirdar - Gondar

After a short drive, we will arrive at our next destination - Gondar. Often referred to as the "Camelot of Africa," Gondar is a treasure trove of ancient castles, churches, and monuments that tell the story of a once-great empire. Founded in the 17th century, Gondar was Ethiopia's royal capital for over 200 years. The city is famed for its Royal Enclosure - a walled compound that houses several well-preserved castles and palaces, which we will explore today. The centerpiece of the Royal Enclosure is Gondar Castle, also known as Fasil Ghebbi. We will then continue with a visit to the iconic Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its breathtaking ceiling paintings. These stunning artworks, dating back to the 17th century, depict biblical scenes and Ethiopian saints, reflecting the deep spiritual heritage of the region. Our local guide will share the captivating history of Debre Birhan Selassie.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Gondar

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gondar - Lalibela

Take the morning flight to Lalibela via addis abeba After you arrive, you are going to start visiting the Lalibela Churches, which are located north of a small stream named Jordan River. These Churches were carved during the time of King Lalibela (1181 – 1221) and are registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the city of Lalibela, you will see about Eleven Rock Churches organized into groups of three. These churches are carved entirely out of solid volcanic rock, inside and out, a testament to their creators' architectural and engineering prowess. Our day begins with a visit to the largest one - Bet Medhanealem, also known as "The Saviour of the World." our journey culminates with a visit to the iconic Bet Ghiorgis, Lalibela's most breathtaking church, carved in the shape of a cross and surrounded by an aura of spiritual reverence. Every step of today's tour will showcase Lalibela's rock-hewn churches' timeless beauty and deep spirituality, leaving a lasting impression.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Mountain View Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela

The drive from Lalibela to Semera takes you through the rugged landscapes of northern Ethiopia, Offering a scenic yet adventurous journey. The route spans approximately 320 kilometers and can take around 9-10 hours, You will pass through diverse terrains, including highland plateaus, valleys, and semi-arid areas, with stunning views of the Ethiopian Highlands. The roads can be challenging, with some unpaved stretches, but the journey provides a unique glimpse into the rural life of the region and its varying landscapes. The climate changes as you descend, from the cooler highlands near Lalibela to the hotter, drier environment of Semera.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort

• Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Semera - Erta Ale (Danakil Depression)

We will explore the amazing Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most unusual places on Earth. You will see colorful landscapes, vast salt flats, and beautiful yellow, orange, and green mineral formations created by volcanic activity.
Our main destination today is Erta Ale Volcano. The drive takes about 5–6 hours on a rough road. After sunset, we will visit the volcano’s summit, where you can see the glowing lava, feel the heat, and hear the sounds of this active volcano. It will be an unforgettable adventure into one of the most extraordinary places on Earth!

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort

• Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Hamed Ela - Dallol Depression

After breakfast we are heading to our next location in the Danakil Depression - Lake Giulietti, also known as Lake Afrera. Named after the Italian explorer Giuseppe Maria Giulietti, who perished in the region during an expedition in the late 19th century, this remote and unique lake is a significant feature of one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on Earth. Lake Giulietti is a hypersaline lake, meaning its waters are significantly saltier than typical seawater. One of the most exciting aspects of Lake Giulietti is its role in local salt production. We will then continue to our next stop - the Hamed Ela Camp, where we will spend the night. The camp is a collection of simple huts and shelters providing basic accommodation and essential supplies for adventurers. The rustic setting adds to the sense of being on the edge of the world, far removed from the comforts of modern life.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Hamed Ela - Dallol Depression - Mekele

Today, we will start our day by visiting Ragad (Asebo) to observe the salt mining process. After that, we will head to the Dallol region, which is one of the lowest points here at 116 meters below sea level. The area's volcanic features create a dramatic and unforgettable scenery, with volcanic cones and craters scattered throughout the area. We will then drive back to Mekele for overnight.

Main Destination:

Mekele (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Homeland Hotel Mekelle

• Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Mekele - Tigray's churches - Addis Ababa

Drive from Mekelle to visit Tigray's churches in Ethiopia including a stop at Abuna Yemata Guh church, famous for its cliff-face location and its 15th-century wall-paintings. The paintings include a dome showing the Nine Saints, missionaries who helped spread Christianity in Ethiopia. Accessible via a guided hike with some climbing using ropes, the church features ancient frescoes and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Recommended for travelers with a good level of fitness and no fear of heights. Comfortable shoes and clothing advised. After we drive to Mekelle and fly back to Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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