Day 1
Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Portuguese bridge, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. The gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m. Overnight in Bahir Dar at Kuriftu Resort & Spa/Abay Minch Lodge/Summerland Hotel/EthioStar Hotel.
Day 2
In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit a selection of the monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Visit the Zege Penninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar at Kuriftu Resort & Spa/Abay Minch Lodge/Summerland Hotel/EthioStar Hotel.
Day 3
After breakfast, continue north to Gondar. The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. After briefly settling in your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, Ras Gimb Palace Museum and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia. Overnight in Gondar at Taye Hotel/Fasil Lodge/Queen Taitu Pension.
Day 4
Depart early in the morning from Gondar (7am at the latest), driving to Sankober. We will stop along the way at Debark to handle park fees, etc. We will drop you near to Buyit Ras for a 3-4 hour hike to Sankober, which passes close to the escarpment edge. Nearing Sankober, you will have beautiful views on both sides of the escarpment ridge and where you will likely see the endemic Gelada baboons. In Sankober, you will be met with your supplies. Overnight camping in Sankober.
Day 5
From Sankober, depart into a valley, through which the Wazla (or Koba) River runs. (This river is often dry). Coming out of the valley you will have views of the Jinbar River waterfalls falling into the Geech Abyss. Continuing along, you will cross the Jinbar River and ascend into the village of Geech. Total trekking time: 4-5 hours
Day 6
After an early breakfast, depart from Geech to the peak of Imet Gogo at 3926m. Here you’ll have spectacular views over the lowlands – one of the highlights of the trip. As you continue to Chenek, you will pass Korbete Metia, a solid rock wall which opens up exposing beautiful views over the lowlands and the escarpment. This is also a good place for spotting lammergeyers. Overnight camping in Chenek. Total trekking time: 7 – 9 hours
Day 7
After breakfast, depart north for Axum, enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains. After stopping for lunch in Adi Arkay, proceed driving through the dramatic Tekeze Valley, offering some of the best landscapes in the country. Proceed to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight in Axum at Brana Hotel/Remhai Hotel/Africa Hotel.
Day 8
Today will be a full day visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezana’s enscription, King Kaleb’s tomb, King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Overnight in Axum at Brana Hotel/Remhai Hotel/Africa Hotel.
Day 9
After breakfast, drive to visit the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum. Afterwards, visit the Debre Damo monastery, where the men (sorry! No women allowed.) must climb up a 15-m rope to enter. Proceed through the state of Tigray, stopping en-route for a visit to the rock-hewn church of Medhane Alem Adi Kesho. Overnight in Hawsein at Gheralta Lodge/Tourist Hotel.
Day 10
In the morning, visit either Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor. Both churches involve an approximate one-hour hike but offer commanding views of the surrounding area. After lunch you may rest or visit another nearby rock-hewn church – Debre Tsion Abraham, Abuna Gebre Mikael or Yohannes Maqudi. Overnight in Hawsein at Gheralta Lodge/Tourist Hotel.
Day 11
In the morning, visit the other of Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor (whichever was not visited the previous day). After lunch, continue your visit with the more easily-accessible churches of Abreha we Atsbeha and Chirkos. Afterwards, proceed driving to Mekele for overnight at Axum Hotel/Hilltop Hotel.
Day 12
Early in the morning, embark on a full day of driving to Lalibela. Here you will pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people. Proceed through this rural area for the stunning approach to the home of Ethiopia’s most prized destination – Lalibela. Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.
Day 13
In the morning, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George. Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.
Day 14
Early in the morning, take a mule trek up to the Asheton Maryam monastery, set on the mountain overlooking the town of Lalibela. After lunch, drive out of town to visit the church of Yimrehanne Kristos, the most popular church in the surrounding region. Created in the late-Axumite style, this church is set in the entrance to a cave with a skeleton graveyard in the back of devout pilgrims who visited this church. Return to Lalibela for overnight at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.
Day 15
After breakfast, visit the nearby monastery of Na’akuto La’ab, set on the side of a cliff. After the visit, proceed driving to Kombolcha via Woldia. On the way you will stop for a rest in Hayk where you can enjoy the views of this stunning lake, visit the local monastery (open for men only) and enjoy the birdlife Overnight in Kombolcha at Sunnyside Hotel/Tekle Hotel.
Day 16
In the morning, continue driving to Bilen via Bati. (If this day is a Monday, you can visit the Monday camel market in Bati.) You will also pass through the Yangudi-Rassa National Park, home to the rare wild African ass. Overnight on the edge of the Awash National Park (lodge).
Day 17
After breakfast, continue east to Harar. The remainder of the day is for discovering the treasures hidden in the narrow alleyways of the walled city of Harar, with its colorful markets, countless mosques and shrines and unique Harari people and homes. Sites to visit include: the House of Rimbaud, Ras Tafari’s House, Ras Mekonnen’s Palace, the Harari National Cultural Center, and the tomb of Emir Nur, who built the famous Jugol, as the wall is known locally. At night you will visit the hyena man, who feeds the hyenas every night just outside the walls of the city. This tradition was started long ago to prevent these wild hyenas from hunting for food in the town. Guests are welcome, and encouraged, to feed the hyenas themselves. Overnight in Harar (hotel).
Day 18
In the morning, drive out to Babile and the Valley of Marvels. The Valley of Marvels has wonderful landscapes, famous for its balancing rock formations. Additionally, the town of Babile has a very large market on Saturdays and a camel market on Mondays and Thursdays. Afterwards, return to Harar to visit any remaining sites in the city. Overnight in Harar (hotel).
Day 19
After breakfast, depart from Harar to Awash National Park. In the afternoon you will take a game drive to visit the wonderful birdlife and wildlife, such as oryx, baboons, greater and lesser kudu, warthogs, gazelles, colubus monkeys. Additionally, you’d be very lucky to see leopards, lions, and other cats. The landscapes in the park are beautiful, looking over the Awash Gorge. Overnight in Awash National Park (lodge or camping).
Day 20
Early morning visit the park as it wakes up and wildlife is at its most active. Afterwards, depart from Awash NP to Addis Ababa. On the way, stop in Sodere for a shower in the therapeutic hot spring waters.
End of tour.
Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. On the way visit the Portuguese bridge, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. The gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m. Overnight in Bahir Dar at Kuriftu Resort & Spa/Abay Minch Lodge/Summerland Hotel/EthioStar Hotel.
Day 2
In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit a selection of the monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake. Visit the Zege Penninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar at Kuriftu Resort & Spa/Abay Minch Lodge/Summerland Hotel/EthioStar Hotel.
Day 3
After breakfast, continue north to Gondar. The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. After briefly settling in your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, Ras Gimb Palace Museum and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia. Overnight in Gondar at Taye Hotel/Fasil Lodge/Queen Taitu Pension.
Day 4
Depart early in the morning from Gondar (7am at the latest), driving to Sankober. We will stop along the way at Debark to handle park fees, etc. We will drop you near to Buyit Ras for a 3-4 hour hike to Sankober, which passes close to the escarpment edge. Nearing Sankober, you will have beautiful views on both sides of the escarpment ridge and where you will likely see the endemic Gelada baboons. In Sankober, you will be met with your supplies. Overnight camping in Sankober.
Day 5
From Sankober, depart into a valley, through which the Wazla (or Koba) River runs. (This river is often dry). Coming out of the valley you will have views of the Jinbar River waterfalls falling into the Geech Abyss. Continuing along, you will cross the Jinbar River and ascend into the village of Geech. Total trekking time: 4-5 hours
Day 6
After an early breakfast, depart from Geech to the peak of Imet Gogo at 3926m. Here you’ll have spectacular views over the lowlands – one of the highlights of the trip. As you continue to Chenek, you will pass Korbete Metia, a solid rock wall which opens up exposing beautiful views over the lowlands and the escarpment. This is also a good place for spotting lammergeyers. Overnight camping in Chenek. Total trekking time: 7 – 9 hours
Day 7
After breakfast, depart north for Axum, enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains. After stopping for lunch in Adi Arkay, proceed driving through the dramatic Tekeze Valley, offering some of the best landscapes in the country. Proceed to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight in Axum at Brana Hotel/Remhai Hotel/Africa Hotel.
Day 8
Today will be a full day visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezana’s enscription, King Kaleb’s tomb, King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Overnight in Axum at Brana Hotel/Remhai Hotel/Africa Hotel.
Day 9
After breakfast, drive to visit the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum. Afterwards, visit the Debre Damo monastery, where the men (sorry! No women allowed.) must climb up a 15-m rope to enter. Proceed through the state of Tigray, stopping en-route for a visit to the rock-hewn church of Medhane Alem Adi Kesho. Overnight in Hawsein at Gheralta Lodge/Tourist Hotel.
Day 10
In the morning, visit either Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor. Both churches involve an approximate one-hour hike but offer commanding views of the surrounding area. After lunch you may rest or visit another nearby rock-hewn church – Debre Tsion Abraham, Abuna Gebre Mikael or Yohannes Maqudi. Overnight in Hawsein at Gheralta Lodge/Tourist Hotel.
Day 11
In the morning, visit the other of Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor (whichever was not visited the previous day). After lunch, continue your visit with the more easily-accessible churches of Abreha we Atsbeha and Chirkos. Afterwards, proceed driving to Mekele for overnight at Axum Hotel/Hilltop Hotel.
Day 12
Early in the morning, embark on a full day of driving to Lalibela. Here you will pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people. Proceed through this rural area for the stunning approach to the home of Ethiopia’s most prized destination – Lalibela. Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.
Day 13
In the morning, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George. Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.
Day 14
Early in the morning, take a mule trek up to the Asheton Maryam monastery, set on the mountain overlooking the town of Lalibela. After lunch, drive out of town to visit the church of Yimrehanne Kristos, the most popular church in the surrounding region. Created in the late-Axumite style, this church is set in the entrance to a cave with a skeleton graveyard in the back of devout pilgrims who visited this church. Return to Lalibela for overnight at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.
Day 15
After breakfast, visit the nearby monastery of Na’akuto La’ab, set on the side of a cliff. After the visit, proceed driving to Kombolcha via Woldia. On the way you will stop for a rest in Hayk where you can enjoy the views of this stunning lake, visit the local monastery (open for men only) and enjoy the birdlife Overnight in Kombolcha at Sunnyside Hotel/Tekle Hotel.
Day 16
In the morning, continue driving to Bilen via Bati. (If this day is a Monday, you can visit the Monday camel market in Bati.) You will also pass through the Yangudi-Rassa National Park, home to the rare wild African ass. Overnight on the edge of the Awash National Park (lodge).
Day 17
After breakfast, continue east to Harar. The remainder of the day is for discovering the treasures hidden in the narrow alleyways of the walled city of Harar, with its colorful markets, countless mosques and shrines and unique Harari people and homes. Sites to visit include: the House of Rimbaud, Ras Tafari’s House, Ras Mekonnen’s Palace, the Harari National Cultural Center, and the tomb of Emir Nur, who built the famous Jugol, as the wall is known locally. At night you will visit the hyena man, who feeds the hyenas every night just outside the walls of the city. This tradition was started long ago to prevent these wild hyenas from hunting for food in the town. Guests are welcome, and encouraged, to feed the hyenas themselves. Overnight in Harar (hotel).
Day 18
In the morning, drive out to Babile and the Valley of Marvels. The Valley of Marvels has wonderful landscapes, famous for its balancing rock formations. Additionally, the town of Babile has a very large market on Saturdays and a camel market on Mondays and Thursdays. Afterwards, return to Harar to visit any remaining sites in the city. Overnight in Harar (hotel).
Day 19
After breakfast, depart from Harar to Awash National Park. In the afternoon you will take a game drive to visit the wonderful birdlife and wildlife, such as oryx, baboons, greater and lesser kudu, warthogs, gazelles, colubus monkeys. Additionally, you’d be very lucky to see leopards, lions, and other cats. The landscapes in the park are beautiful, looking over the Awash Gorge. Overnight in Awash National Park (lodge or camping).
Day 20
Early morning visit the park as it wakes up and wildlife is at its most active. Afterwards, depart from Awash NP to Addis Ababa. On the way, stop in Sodere for a shower in the therapeutic hot spring waters.
End of tour.