13-Day Ethiopia History Coffee & Wilderness Journey

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Highlights

Arrive at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, explore Addis Ababa’s highlights including the National Museum, home of Lucy, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Ethnographic Museum. Conclude the day with panoramic views from Entoto Hills, learning about the city’s history and culture. Overnight in Addis.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Grand Addis Ababa Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Falls

Take a morning flight to Bahir Dar. Enjoy a scenic boat trip to Lake Tana’s island monasteries, seeing ancient frescoes and meeting local monks. In the afternoon, visit the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as “Tis Issat,” witnessing the dramatic cascade of water and surrounding lush landscapes. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Homeland Hotel Bahir Dar

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Gondar – Castles & Debre Berhan Selassie Church

Drive to Gondar, exploring the medieval Fasil Ghebbi castles, royal bath, and palaces. Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for its angel-covered ceiling frescoes. Walk through Gondar’s charming streets and marketplaces, absorbing local life. Overnight in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Gondar Hills Resort

• Mid-range resort located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly to Axum – Stelae Queen of Sheba Palace & St Mary Church

Take a morning flight to Axum. Visit the famous obelisks, Queen of Sheba’s purported palace, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart. Learn about Axumite civilization and ancient inscriptions. Optional local encounters in the surrounding countryside. Overnight in Axum.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Consolar Hotel Aksum

• Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela – Second Cluster & Asheten Mariam Monastery

Morning flight to Lalibela. Explore the first cluster of UNESCO rock-hewn churches including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and the iconic cross-shaped Bet Giyorgis. Witness local worship rituals and enjoy the dramatic surrounding hills. Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Zan-Seyoum Hotel - Lalibela

• Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela – Second Cluster & Asheten Mariam Monastery

Spend the day exploring Lalibela’s second cluster of churches and optionally visit the lesser-known Asheten Mariam Monastery. Learn about the legends of King Lalibela and the region’s deep religious traditions. Enjoy panoramic sunset views over the highlands. Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Zan-Seyoum Hotel - Lalibela

• Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly to Addis – Drive via Rift Valley Lakes to Langano

Take a morning flight back to Addis Ababa, then set out by road through Ethiopia’s scenic Rift Valley. Along the way, stop at Ziway and other lakes, famous for birdlife and vibrant local markets. Enjoy the lush landscapes and rural villages that line the route. Arrive at Lake Langano, a popular lakeside retreat known for swimming, relaxation, and its golden shoreline. Spend the evening at leisure by the lake. Overnight in Langano.

Main Destination:

Lake Langano

Accommodation:

Hara Langano Eco Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Arba Minch – Dorze Village Experience

Drive south to Arba Minch, a scenic town in Ethiopia’s Southern Nations region. Visit Dorze village, renowned for its unique beehive-shaped bamboo huts, traditional weaving, and enset “false banana” bread preparation. Engage with local families, learn about their customs and daily life, and witness authentic cultural practices. Explore the surrounding landscapes, interact with villagers, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Emerald Resort Arbaminch

• Mid-range resort located in Arba Minch (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Chamo Boat Trip & Konso Cultural Landscape

Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to spot crocodiles and hippos, then continue to Konso, a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape. Explore terraced fields, unique sculptures, and engage with local communities to learn about Konso traditions. Overnight near Konso.

Main Destination:

Konso (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Konso Korebta Lodge

• Budget lodge located in Konso (Cultural Village)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Bale Mountains – Trekking & Wildlife Spotting

Drive to Bale Mountains National Park and begin light to moderate trekking, surrounded by stunning highland scenery. Spot endemic wildlife like the Ethiopian wolf, watch for birds, and explore diverse habitats. Learn about local ecosystems, traditional highland culture, and conservation efforts. Return to your lodge in Bale for overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit November to February (Little rain)

High Season October to January (Park is never busy)

Best Weather November to February

Wildlife in Bale Mountains NP

Ethiopian Wolf Common

Mountain Nyala Common

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

Bale Monkey Rare

Giant Forest Hog Rare

Golden Jackal Rare

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Accommodation:

Bale Mountain Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bale Mountains – Sanetti Plateau & Harenna Forest Exploration

Spend a full day in Bale Mountains National Park exploring its diverse landscapes. Hike the Sanetti Plateau, enjoying sweeping highland vistas and spotting endemic wildlife like the Ethiopian wolf and giant mole-rat. Continue into the lush Harenna Forest, discovering dense woodlands, rare plant species, and abundant birdlife. Immerse in the region’s natural beauty and local highland culture. Overnight in Bale Mountains lodge.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Bale Mountain Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Yirgacheffe – Coffee Farm Visit & Tasting

Travel to Yirgacheffe, the birthplace of Ethiopia’s world-renowned coffee. Visit local coffee farms to see traditional cultivation methods and processing techniques. Participate in a cultural coffee ceremony, experiencing the art and rituals of coffee preparation. Taste freshly brewed coffee while learning about its deep cultural and economic significance. Enjoy the scenic highlands and local hospitality. Overnight in Yirgacheffe or nearby.

Main Destination:

Yirga Alem (Town)

Accommodation:

Amnen Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Yirga Chefe (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Back to Addis – Shopping, Leisure & Departure

Drive back to Addis Ababa, stopping along the way for souvenir shopping and visits to local markets to experience Ethiopian culture firsthand. Enjoy leisure time exploring Unity Park, relaxing at your hotel, or strolling through the city. In the evening, transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your 13-day journey through Ethiopia’s history, culture, wilderness, and coffee regions with lasting memories.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.