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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

Arrive in Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis Ababa

You will be met on arrival at Addis Ababa Airport and transferred to your hotel. Start exploring the city if time allows. In some ways, Addis is the epitome of an African capital city – loud, bustling, a little bit eccentric and home to a market to rival all others – but in others, it’s completely different. Take the amazing jazz scene, spilling out of trendy cafes and bars that also serve some of the best coffee in the world; or the hidden boutiques where you can shop for traditional shawls and baskets; and then there’s the National Museum, home to 3.2 million-year-old ‘Lucy’ and a melee of other treasures.

Entering the palatial lobby of this international-grade hotel is like walking into a province of calm and competence. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, is a beguiling city, but it's an energetic one, so it's good to escape the throngs. The staff at Capital Hotel & Spa, in the city's heart, will soon make you comfortable with their expert service and know-how.

Main Destination:
Addis Ababa (City)
Accommodation:
Capital Hotel & Spa
  • Mid-range hotel located in Addis (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 2

The gateway to the north - Bahir Dar

The gateway to the north - Bahir Dar

The gateway to the north, in an ancient, dusty country, the lakeside town sticks out like a (beautiful) sore thumb with its wide, palm-lined streets and riotous tropical foliage, all accompanied by the shimmering waters of Lake Tana. Hop on a boat to putter around the colourful monasteries, some dating back to the 14th century, that dot the islands of the lake before heading to the Blue Nile Falls, a tributary of the iconic river itself. And for the best views, leave an evening to walk up to the former palace of Halle Selassie and watch the sun set over this tranquil corner of the country.

Blue Nile Resort Hotel is conveniently located 8KM from Bahir Dar Airport. The Hotel has a total of 135 rooms, all with modern amenities, All rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi access, Air-conditioning unit, bathroom, mini bar, safe box, desk and 32' flat screen television with 25 paid and free to air channels.

Main Destination:
Bahir Dar (City)
Accommodation:
Blue Nile Resort Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 3-4

Scenic Simien Mountains

Scenic Simien Mountains

A scenic drive east from Gondar will bring you into the Simien Mountains, where millions of years of erosion have carved dramatic pinnacles, tiered mountainsides and dizzying ravines. There's vast network of trails – follow them on one- or multi-day treks to trace the phenomenal geography and meet fascinating wildlife that's found nowhere else in the world, from zany gelada baboons to the shy Ethiopian wolf.

Take a magic-carpet ride, and come to Limalilo Lodge, one of Ethiopia's newest, most chic retreats. Enjoy easy access to the Simien Mountains, and wallow in the dramatic views. The jagged peaks and deep canyons offer great hiking, and the plateaus are home to an assortment of endemic animals. This lodge combines simple luxury with a healthy community-development programme.

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:
Limalimo Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Simien Mountains NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinks not included

Day 5

Churches & Castles of Gondar

Churches & Castles of Gondar

After a short flight from Addis Ababa you will arrive in Gondar. For anyone with an iota of interest in history, the royal city of Gondar is a must-add to the list of Ethiopian sights. The capital for much of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Gondar was home to many of the county’s most famous (and ruthless) kings and emperors, warlords and courtiers who built a succession of impressive castles and churches connected by a series of secret tunnels. The striking melee of Portuguese, Indian and local architectural styles is stirringly majestic and whilst walking around the Royal Enclosure, it’s impossible not to imagine the tales of conspiracy, battle and brutality that took place inside the crumbling walls…

Goha Hotel stands on a hill with an enchanting view of the city. Furnished with the most up to date facilities the Hotel offers a Luxurious retreat for the tourist. You can enjoy a breath taking view of the panorama stretching away towards the distant Lake Tana.

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

Day 6-7

Lalibela

Lalibela

If there’s one place you might have heard of in Ethiopia, it’s the rock hewn churches of Lalibela – but nothing can prepare you for the moment you see them with your own eyes. Built in the 12th century as a ‘Second Jerusalem’, the 11 spectacular churches were carved by hand into the pastel-red mountains and connected by a warren of tunnels. Each is uniquely extraordinary, delicate yet majestic, and perfectly preserved. Today, the atmosphere is an intoxicating blend of awe and reverence, amplified by the thousand-strong crowds of monks, nuns and worshippers visiting on pilgrimages.

Sora Lodge offers a unique and spectacular view of the Asheten Mariam Mountain and the valleys in Lalibela. All rooms have two large verandas, one facing east and one facing west, providing unforgettable views of the sunrise and sunset. The property also has a beautiful garden where guests are welcome to explore and watch eagles sailing over the valley.

Main Destination:
Lalibela (Town)
Accommodation:
Sora Lodge Lalibela
  • Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 8

Onwards to Axum

Onwards to Axum

Most spots in Ethiopia will make you wonder whether time travel has been invented, but Axum really is like stepping into the pages of the Old Testament. The fourth-century capital was said to be founded by the great, great grandson of Moses and in its heyday, the empire was one of the four great powers in the world. Today, the small town is most famous for the magnificent granite obelisks, dating from around 300AD, the Queen of Sheba’s palace and swimming pool, and the church of St Mary of Zion. And if that wasn’t enough, it’s also said to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, one of the most precious relics of Christianity.

Welcome to Sabean International Hotel. We are strategically located only 8 kilometers from Airport. It is backed by team of qualified and experienced staff to provide efficient service to our esteemed guests. Sabean Hotel is a peaceful haven for all guests. Our spacious suites are set around tranquil, offering scenic views and excellent comfort.

Main Destination:
Axum (City)
Accommodation:
Sabean International Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 9-10

Bale Mountains

Bale Mountains

After a short flight from Addis Ababa you are welcomed to the south-central Ethiopian highlands, home to some of the richest and most pristine wilderness on the planet, and one of the last places you'll find the wild, enigmatic Ethiopian wolf. The landscape is a tapestry of juniper forests, rolling moorlands, lakes, gorges and volcanic cavities. Bale Mountain Lodge sits at 2,380 metres in the heart of Bale Mountain National Park, in a forest clearing. This family-run lodge has tried hard to stay in harmony with its surrounds, with stone, wood and thatch, and its own hydroelectric power.

Tear your eyes from the views to admire the structure itself. Sensitively designed to blend with its surroundings, the lodge's circular, slate-walled lounge and dining area is comfortably furnished, and has large windows. There's a fireplace for cold evenings, and a bar ideal for sampling local brews, cocktails and good Rift Valley wines. Expect nourishing home-style meals.

Main Destination:
Bale Mountains National Park
Best Time To Visit Nov to Feb (Little rain)
High Season Oct to Jan (Park is never busy)
Best Weather November to February

Wildlife in Bale Mountains NP

Warthog Common
Menelik's
bushbuck
Occasional
Guereza monkey Occasional
Show more
Olive baboon Occasional
Bohor reedbuck Occasional
Starck's hare Occasional
Giant mole-rat Occasional
Walia ibex None
Accommodation:
Bale Mountain Lodge
  • Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinks not included

Day 11

Return to Addis Ababa

Return to Addis Ababa

Today you will return to Addis Ababa to complete your trip.

Main Destination:
Addis Ababa (City)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • 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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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Timbuktu, 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 Timbuktu.