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

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)

Accommodation:

Ramada by Wyndham Addis

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Addis Abeba - Bahir Dar

Our day will start with an early morning flight to Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara Region. we'll visit Blue Nile Falls. Known locally as "Tis Abay" or "the smoking water," this natural wonder, In the afternoon, we will embark on a scenic boat trip on Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake. Our next destination is one of the lake’s hidden treasures: Ura Kidane Mehret, a centuries-old monastery on the Zege Peninsula renowned for its unique circular architecture and conical roof. Stepping inside the monastery, visitors are struck 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)

Accommodation:

Homeland Hotel Bahir Dar

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• 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)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Gondar

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• 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)

Accommodation:

Mountain View Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• 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 6-7 hours, depending on road conditions. 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)

Accommodation:

Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort

• Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch (Breakfast & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Semera - Erta Ale (Danakil Depression)

We will spend the next few days exploring the Danakil Depression - one of the planet's most extreme and otherworldly landscapes. Often referred to as the "hottest place on Earth," this geological wonder lies at the junction of three tectonic plates and boasts a terrain like no other. The landscape is a kaleidoscope of colors and textures, with vast salt flats stretching as far as the eye can see, dotted with striking formations of sulfur and mineral deposits. The ground beneath your feet is a mosaic of bright yellows, oranges, and greens created by the geothermal activity that bubbles below the surface. Our destination for today is Erta Ale Volcano - The drive can take 5-6 hours since we will be traveling on one of the roughest roads in the world. we will hike to the top of the volcano. Reaching the summit after sunset and standing at the crater's edge, you can feel the heat from the molten rock and hear the hiss and crackle of the Earth's raw energy.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch (Breakfast & dinner not 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)

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)

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)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch (Breakfast & 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.