Ethiopian Photography Tours

5.0/5 – 6 Reviews

$2,530 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 5.
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

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an introductory tour of Addis Ababa, Africa's diplomatic capital and one of the highest capital cities in the world. Highlights may include the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous 3.2-million-year-old fossil "Lucy," the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and a visit to Mount Entoto for panoramic views of the city.

Overnight: Crescent International Hotel.

Main Destination:
Addis Ababa (City)
Accommodation:
Crescent International 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 Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries

Fly to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries

After breakfast, take a scenic morning flight to Bahir Dar, one of Ethiopia's most attractive cities, situated on the southern shores of Lake Tana.

Upon arrival, embark on a boat excursion across Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile. Visit some of the ancient monasteries located on islands and peninsulas around the lake. These monasteries preserve priceless religious manuscripts, centuries-old treasures, and vibrant murals depicting biblical stories and Ethiopian saints.

In the afternoon, enjoy a stroll along Bahir Dar's palm-lined lakeshore and experience the relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful city.

Overnight: Jacaranda Hotel.

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

Day 3

Drive to Gondar – Castles and Churches

Drive to Gondar – Castles and Churches

After breakfast, drive through the scenic Ethiopian Highlands to Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia. The route offers beautiful landscapes, rural villages, and opportunities to observe daily life in the countryside.

Upon arrival, visit the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an impressive complex of castles, palaces, banquet halls, and royal residences built by Ethiopian emperors during the 17th century.

Continue to the remarkable Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its beautifully preserved religious paintings and its famous ceiling decorated with dozens of angelic faces, considered among the finest examples of Ethiopian sacred art.

Overnight: Goha Hotel.

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

Day 4

Fly to Lalibela – The Eighth Wonder of the World

Fly to Lalibela – The Eighth Wonder of the World

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela, Ethiopia's most celebrated historical and spiritual destination.

Upon arrival, begin exploring the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved directly from solid volcanic rock during the 12th and 13th centuries under King Lalibela. These architectural masterpieces were created as a "New Jerusalem" for Ethiopian Christians and remain active places of worship today.

Visit several churches from the northwestern cluster, including Bete Medhane Alem, believed to be the largest monolithic church in the world, and other interconnected churches linked by tunnels and passageways.

Overnight: Mountain View Hotel.

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

Day 5

Explore Lalibela and Yimrehane Kristos Monastery

Explore Lalibela and Yimrehane Kristos Monastery

Today, continue exploring the remaining rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, including the iconic Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George), widely regarded as the finest and most perfectly preserved of all the churches. Its distinctive cross-shaped design has become the symbol of Lalibela.

After breakfast, take an excursion to the remarkable Yimrehane Kristos Monastery, located approximately 42 kilometers from Lalibela. Built inside a natural cave, this beautifully preserved monastery predates the churches of Lalibela and showcases exquisite Axumite-style architecture. The surrounding mountains and countryside provide spectacular scenery and excellent opportunities for photography.

In the afternoon, continue exploring the remaining rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, including the iconic Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George), widely regarded as the finest and most perfectly preserved of all the churches. Its distinctive cross-shaped design has become the symbol of Lalibela.
Overnight: Lalibela.

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

Day 6

Fly to Addis Ababa – Farewell Dinner and Departure

Fly to Addis Ababa – Farewell Dinner and Departure

After breakfast, depart from Lalibela and visit the historic cave church of Nakutoleab (Nakuto Leab), one of the region’s important monastic sites known for its unique cave setting, sacred springs, and rich religious heritage. After the visit, continue to Lalibela Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.

Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping, sightseeing, or relaxation. You may explore local craft markets, traditional coffee shops, or cultural centers to experience Ethiopia’s rich heritage one final time.

In the evening, attend a traditional farewell dinner at one of Addis Ababa’s renowned cultural restaurants. Enjoy authentic Ethiopian cuisine, accompanied by a traditional coffee ceremony and vibrant music and dance performances representing the country’s diverse ethnic cultures.

Following the farewell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your international departure flight.

Main Destination:
Addis Ababa (City)
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 Ethiopian Photography 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 Ethiopian Photography Tours.