Essence Ethiopia Tours

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$1,870 pp (USD)

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Breakdown of Costs
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Start Date
Age at the end of the tour
*This tour does not accept children under 2.
Travelers

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 in Addis Ababa – City Tour

Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, begin your exploration of Ethiopia’s vibrant capital.
Visit the Ethnological Museum, which provides an excellent introduction to Ethiopia’s cultural diversity and history.
Proceed to Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, offering a lively glimpse into daily life. Conclude the day with a drive up Entoto Hill for panoramic views of the city.
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

Fly to Lalibela – Explore Rock-Hewn Churches

Fly to Lalibela – Explore Rock-Hewn Churches

Fly to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Begin exploring the first group of rock-hewn churches, including Bete Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church, and Bete Maryam, known for its intricate carvings and symbolic artwork.
Walk through tunnels and passageways connecting the churches, experiencing their unique architectural and spiritual significance.
Overnight: Lalibela.

Main Destination:
Lalibela (Town)
Accommodation:
Tabor Hotel Lalibela
  • Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Trek to Asheton Maryam Monastery – Visit Second Group of Churches

Trek to Asheton Maryam Monastery – Visit Second Group of Churches

After breakfast, embark on a scenic trek or mule ride to Asheton Maryam Monastery, located high in the surrounding mountains. The hike offers spectacular views over Lalibela and the rugged highlands.
At the monastery, discover ancient religious artifacts and enjoy the peaceful spiritual atmosphere.
In the afternoon, return to Lalibela and visit the second group of churches, including the iconic Bete Giyorgis, carved in the shape of a cross and standing as the most famous of all Lalibela churches.
Overnight: Lalibela.

Main Destination:
Lalibela (Town)
Accommodation:
Tabor Hotel Lalibela
  • Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Fly to Gondar – Explore Royal Heritage

Fly to Gondar – Explore Royal Heritage

Fly to Gondar, once the imperial capital of Ethiopia.
Visit the UNESCO-listed Fasil Ghebbi, a complex of castles built in the 17th century by Emperor Fasilides and his successors.
Continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its richly decorated interior and ceiling adorned with angelic faces one of Ethiopia’s most iconic artistic treasures.
Overnight: Gondar.

Main Destination:
Gondar (City)
Accommodation:
Haile Resort Gondar
  • Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

DayTrip to Simien Mountains

DayTrip to Simien Mountains

After breakfast, drive to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic landscapes.
Enjoy a scenic walk along the escarpments, with breathtaking views of deep valleys and rugged peaks. Encounter endemic wildlife such as the Gelada baboon and possibly the Walia ibex.
Return to Gondar in the afternoon.
Overnight: Gondar.

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

Accommodation:
Haile Resort Gondar
  • Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Drive to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Outlet

Drive to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Outlet

After breakfast, drive through scenic countryside to Bahir Dar, located on the shores of Lake Tana.
Take a trip on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Visit historic island monasteries including Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery, famous for its colorful religious murals, and Azwa Maryam Monastery, known for its peaceful forest setting.
You will also see the outlet where the Blue Nile begins its long journey toward Sudan and Egypt.
Overnight: Bahir Dar.

Main Destination:
Bahir Dar (City)
Accommodation:
Lake Avenue Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Visit Blue Nile Falls – Fly to Addis Ababa – Departure

Visit Blue Nile Falls – Fly to Addis Ababa – Departure

In the morning, visit the impressive Blue Nile Falls (locally known as Tis Issat, meaning “Smoking Water”). Enjoy a walk to viewpoints overlooking the cascading falls, especially spectacular during the rainy season.
After the visit, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Depending on your schedule, enjoy last-minute shopping or a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony before your international departure.

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.

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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.