8-Day Classic Ethiopia Discovery Including Lalibela

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa & Fly to Bahir Dar

Arrive in Addis Ababa for your morning domestic flight to Bahir Dar. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and head out for a scenic afternoon boat trip across Lake Tana. Cruise to the lush Zege Peninsula to explore the historic 14th-century island monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret, famous for its vibrant religious wall paintings and manuscript collections. Afterward, take an excursion to marvel at the mighty Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay), returning to Bahir Dar for a relaxing evening by the lake.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Lake Avenue Hotel

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Bahir Dar to Gondar

Enjoy a scenic morning drive through the picturesque Ethiopian countryside from Bahir Dar to the historic city of Gondar. In the afternoon, dive into Ethiopia's rich imperial past by exploring the UNESCO-listed Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), featuring magnificent 17th-century castles and palaces. Continue your tour to the iconic Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its breathtaking ceiling adorned with mystical winged angel faces, before settling into your hotel for the evening.

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
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park

Journey from Gondar up into the breathtaking highlands of the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic jagged escarpments and sweeping vistas. Spend the day on a guided trek along the mountain trails, taking in the spectacular scenery and enjoying up-close encounters with large troops of friendly, endemic gelada baboons grazing along the plateau. In the evening, settle into your lodge perched high on the escarpment edge to watch an unforgettable mountain sunset.

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

Gelada Monkey Abundant

Walia Ibex Occasional

Ethiopian Wolf Rare

Klipspringer Rare

Bushbuck Rare

Show more

Golden Jackal Rare

Hyena Rare

Activities:

• Morning nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Tsehay Zeleke Hotel

• Budget hotel located just outside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Simien Mountains to Axum

Embark on a scenic and dramatic overland journey from the Simien Mountains toward the ancient kingdom of Axum. Travel down through the breathtaking switchbacks of the highlands and cross the deep, striking gorge of the Tekeze River. Enjoy magnificent landscape views of the northern countryside before arriving in Axum by late afternoon to check into your hotel and unwind ahead of your historical exploration.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Consolar Hotel Aksum

• Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Ancient Axum & Archaeological Sites

Spend a full day exploring the ancient wonders of Axum and its surrounding archaeological landscape. Begin with a deep dive into the northern stelae field to marvel at the massive monolithic obelisks, then visit the tomb of King Kaleb and the sanctuary housing the legendary Ark of the Covenant. In the afternoon, discover the outlying historical treasures, including the ruins of the Palace of Dungur (attributed to the Queen of Sheba) and the ancient Ezana Stone, immersing yourself in the rich heritage of Ethiopia’s earliest empire before returning to your hotel.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Consolar Hotel Aksum

• Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly from Axum to Lalibela

Catch a morning domestic flight from Axum to the sacred town of Lalibela, nestled high in the Lasta Mountains. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon taking in your first immersive look at Lalibela's magnificent underground rock-hewn monolithic churches. Marvel at the intricate architecture and ancient spiritual atmosphere of these 12th-century marvels, hand-carved directly from living volcanic rock, before enjoying dinner at your lodge.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Asheten Maryam Monastery Hike

Embark on an unforgettable morning trek into the soaring Lasta Mountains surrounding Lalibela. Accompanied by a local guide, hike or ride by mule up the steep slopes of Mount Abune Yoseph to reach the ancient, cliff-carved monastery of Asheten Maryam. Explore its fascinating historical treasures and enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views stretching across the dramatic Ethiopian highlands. Descend back to town in the afternoon to relax or explore more of Lalibela's local markets before your final evening dinner.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Activities:

• Morning nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Na'akuto La'ab Monastery & Departure

On your final morning, depart your hotel for a scenic final excursion to the mystical Na'akuto La'ab Monastery. Tucked uniquely inside a natural volcanic cavern, this sacred sanctuary features constant spring-fed holy pools and houses historic imperial relics and ancient illuminated manuscripts. After exploring the cavern and taking in the peaceful highland surroundings, enjoy a seamless transfer to Lalibela Airport for your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa, marking the end of your unforgettable Ethiopian adventure.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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