Essence Ethiopia Tours

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$770 pp (USD)

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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 your arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel, Sun view Hotel, for check-in and a short rest.

Depending on your arrival time, you will begin a guided exploration of Addis Ababa, a vibrant city that blends modern life with deep-rooted history. Highlights of the city tour include:

National Museum of Ethiopia – Home to the famous fossil “Lucy,” offering insight into human origins.
Mercato – One of Africa’s largest open-air markets, full of local life and culture.
Entoto Hill – Offering panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into the former imperial palace area.
In the evening, you may enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner accompanied by cultural music and dance.
Overnight: Sunview Hotel, 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 the Rock-Hewn Churches

Fly to Lalibela – Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most iconic destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival, you will check in at Tabor Hotel and begin exploring the remarkable rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, often referred to as the “New Jerusalem.”

You will visit the first cluster of churches, carved directly into solid volcanic rock in the 12th century during the reign of King Lalibela. Highlights include:

Bete Medhane Alem – The largest monolithic church in the world.
Bete Maryam – Known for its beautiful interior decorations and religious significance.
Bete Golgotha – Believed to house the tomb of King Lalibela.
These extraordinary structures are connected by tunnels and trenches, creating a unique spiritual complex unlike anywhere else in the world.
Overnight: Tabor Hotel, 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

Explore the Second Group of Churches in Lalibela

Explore the Second Group of Churches in Lalibela

Today, you will continue your exploration of Lalibela by visiting the second cluster of rock-hewn churches.

Among the highlights is:

Bete Giyorgis – The most iconic and well-preserved church, carved in the shape of a Greek cross and standing isolated from the others.
You will also have time to immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere, observe local religious practices, and interact with priests and pilgrims. Lalibela remains an active place of worship, making the experience deeply authentic.

In the afternoon, you may explore the local village, enjoy traditional coffee ceremonies, or simply relax and take in the unique surroundings.
Overnight: Tabor Hotel 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

Visit NakutoLab Monastery - Fly Back to Addis Ababa

Visit NakutoLab Monastery - Fly Back to Addis Ababa

In the morning, you will visit the remarkable Na’akuto La’ab Cave Monastery, located in the mountains just outside Lalibela. This sacred site is set within a natural cave and houses ancient religious artifacts, crosses, crowns, and manuscripts believed to date back centuries.

The monastery offers not only spiritual significance but also breathtaking views of the surrounding highlands.

After the visit, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure or to your hotel if you have an extended stay.

End of the Trip.

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.

Interested in This Tour?

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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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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.