Highlights of Ethiopia Tour

ETHIOPIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Join other Solo Travellers on this unusual adventure through one of Africa’s most beautiful countries. Prepare to see a lot on this amazing 12-day Ethiopia tour. Start in the city of contrasts, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, home to the impressive national museum and one of the largest open-air markets in the region. Continue to Bahir Dar for a boat ride on the stunning Lake Tana and a trip to the Blue Nile Falls. Spend a couple of nights with the gelada monkeys in the Simien Mountains where scenery and wildlife prevail. Visit the ruins of the ancient Kingdom of Aksum, once the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. Marvel at the magnificent cave churches of Gheralta, and finally, discover the monolithic rock-cut churches of Ethiopia’s holiest city, Lalibela. Get ready for a culture shock as you journey through this awe-inspiring country.

Price from: £1999.00

5 Oct 2018 – 16 Oct 2018

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Day 1 – Arrive Addis Ababa

You will be met by your local tour guide at the hotel. In the afternoon you can visit the National Museum and Addis Merkato, a large open-air market. The first night of your Ethiopia tour will be spent in Addis Ababa.

Day 2 – Addis Ababa / Bahir Dar

After breakfast you will take a 40-minute flight to Bahir Dar. After checking in at the hotel you will take a boat ride on Lake Tana to see the beautiful island monasteries which include biblical wall paintings, crowns of different Ethiopian Kings, and ancient illuminated parchment books. In the afternoon you will be driven to the magnificent Blue Nile Falls. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 3 – Bahir Dar / Gorgora / Gondar

Today you will take a 4-hour drive through Gorgora heading north to Gondar. Upon arrival you will be given a tour to include a visit to the Royal Enclosure with its magnificent 17th century castle, Fasilides’ Bath, and the remarkable Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its breath-taking 17th century wall and ceiling paintings. Overnight in Gondar.

Day 4 – Gondar / Simien Mountains

After breakfast you will take a 2-hour drive north of Gondar to one of the most popular trekking areas in the Amhara region. After lunch, you will take a walk to see the Gelada Monkeys and stunning views this area has to offer. Overnight near the Simien Mountains.

Day 5 – Simien Mountains

Today you will take a drive around the mountains, where you might come across the Gelada Monkeys, a Walia Ibex and the Ethiopian Wolf, as well as extraordinary views from the mountains. Overnight near Simien Mountains.

Day 6 – Simien Mountains / Aksum

After breakfast you will leave the stunning Simien Mountains via one of the most scenic routes in Ethiopia. You will stop to admire the Tekeze Gorge en route to Aksum, where you will spend the night.

Day 7 – Aksum

Today you will have a full day in UNESCO World Heritage listed Aksum, exploring its famous monolithic obelisks, the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace, King Kaleb’s Palace, the tombs of different Axumite Kings, and the church of St Mary of Zion. Overnight in Aksum.

Day 8 – Aksum / Mekele / Hawzen

After breakfast you will begin the journey to Mekele, stopping on the way to visit the 6th century Debre Damo Monastery and the ancient temple of Yeha. Continue the drive to Hawzen, where you will spend the night.

Day 9 – Hawzen / Gheralta Church

Today you will have a full day visit to the Gheralta cave churches, including Maryam Korkor and the Abuna Yemata with its notoriously challenging climb. Overnight in Hawzen.

Day 10 – Hawzen / Lalibela

After breakfast you will drive through the stunning scenery of the North Central Massif on the way to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s holiest cities. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 11 – Lalibela

Today you will be given a full day tour of the monolithic rock-cut churches for which Lalibela is famous. Although the churches are all carved out of rock, they each display unique architectural features. The last night of your Ethiopia tour will be spent in Lalibela.

Day 12 – Lalibela / Depart Addis Ababa

Take a domestic flight from Lalibela back to Addis Ababa for international flights.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE ETHIOPIA TOUR

Daily transportation in comfortable minibuses
11 nights at 3-star hotels, guest houses or lodges sharing a twin room with breakfast
English-speaking guides
Excursions and most entrance fees
Domestic flights from ADD to BJR and LLI to ADD

BOOKING PROCEDURE

Up to six weeks before departure, a place can be reserved on the Ethiopia tour on payment of a deposit of £250.00, after this date it would be the full amount of the trip.
Click the book now button and fill in the details and tick the box confirming you accept booking conditions.
The outstanding balance is due 6 weeks before travel.
Flights are not included in the cost of this trip and will need to be booked separately. Please do not book flights until we have given the go-ahead. Feel free to ask us if you need any help with booking.
Please ensure you have checked visa requirements. Get in touch if you are unsure.
Ensure you have purchased travel insurance, as this is mandatory for all trips.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Trip Type Discover

Group Size Maximum of 12

Physical Rating Moderate

Currency & Spending Money Ethiopian Birr / Spending £20 and upwards per day

Hosts One of our local guides will be your main point of contact throughout this trip.

Clothing The weather will be dry with temperatures in the mid-20’s so pack light clothes and comfortable shoes.

Health Always seek medical advice from your doctor or travel nurse before you travel and make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date, especially when travelling to Africa. Remember that your travel insurance may not cover you if you do not have up-to-date vaccinations. We also advise carrying toilet paper and hand sanitiser with you as this is few and far between if you’re away from the hotel for a day.

Single Supplement £399

Travel Advice We highly recommend that you read the foreign travel advice for Ethiopia before your departure date.