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Addis Ababa · Ethiopia
15-day Northern Ethiopia: A Journey Through Time
Starting From
From $2,759.06 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
There is no better way to explore the major historical sites of the Christian Highlands of Northern Ethiopia than with this 14-night, 15-day package tour. Our Discovering the Grand Historical Route tour guarantees that you will experience all the major historical cities in the North, most of which are registered as World Heritage Sites. In addition, you will have a wonderful opportunity to explore the cultural aspects of Northern Ethiopia. Let’s begin the tour with the 12th-century Monastery of Debre Libanos, then cross the beautiful Blue Nile River Gorge. In the late afternoon, we will arrive at the naturally gifted city of Bahir Dar, located on the lakeshore, to explore the iconic island monasteries of Lake Tana, the largest lake in the country. We will then continue our tour to the city of Gondar to explore the Gondarian-period kings’ castles, known for their unique architectural styles.
Highlights
Why travelers choose this experience
- Explore UNESCOlisted cities along Ethiopia’s Grand Historical Route
- Discover the royal castles of Gondar and cross the scenic Blue Nile Gorge
- Visit ancient monasteries on Lake Tana and the 12thcentury Debre Libanos
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Addis Ababa
Local Flavor at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Welcome to this amazing trip! Visit Trinity Cathedral, the resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Continued
Addis Ababa
Local Flavor at Ethnological Museum, Addis Ababa. Tour the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. Drive to Entoto Hills for panoramic city views and visit Maryam Church. On the way, stop at Sheromeda Traditional Cloth Market. End with a visit to either the Mercato or Sholla Market, two of Addis Ababa's main markets.
Continued
Addis Ababa
End of the day! Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa.
Day 2
Addis Ababa
Boating at Lake Tana. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana: The source of the Blue Nile. Visit two of the following island monasteries: Ura Kidane Mehiret, Azwa Maryam, Mehal Zege Giorgis, or Bete Maryam. End the day at Bezawit Hills for a sunset overlooking the Nile River.
Continued
Bahir Dar
End of the day! Overnight: Hotel in Bahir Dar.
Day 3
Gondar
Local Flavor. Travel through the countryside to Gondar: After lunch, tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with five castles from the 17th century. Visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its angel-covered ceiling, and the Fasilides Baths, still used during the Timkat celebration.
Continued
Gondar
End of the day! Overnight: Hotel in Gondar.
Day 4
Debarq
Hiking at Simien Mountains National Park. Depart for Debark (100 km): The park headquarters. Meet your trekking team and continue to Sankabar (31 km), the first campsite. Enjoy your first views of the Simien Mountains and look for Gelada baboons and lammergeyers (bearded vultures).
Continued
Addis Ababa
End of the day! Overnight: Camping at Sankabar (3200 m)
Day 5
Addis Ababa
Hiking at Simien Mountains National Park. Trek to Geech Camp (3600 m): Approx. 5–7 hours. See the Jinnbar River and waterfall, and cross the river before ascending to Geech. Along the way, enjoy spectacular scenery and spot Gelada baboons.
Continued
Addis Ababa
End of the day! Overnight: Camping at Geech.
Day 6
Addis Ababa
Sightseeing at Simien Mountains National Park. Trek to the best viewpoints of the park: From Imet Gogo, enjoy stunning 360° views. You may spot the Walia Ibex, Simien Wolf, or Klipspringer. Return to Geech in the afternoon.
Continued
Addis Ababa
End of the day! Overnight: Camping at Geech.
Day 7
Addis Ababa
Hiking at Simien Mountains National Park. Hike along the Enatye Escarpment (4,000 m): Before descending to Chenek Camp (3620 m). Wildlife sightings likely include Walia Ibex and Gelada baboons.
Continued
Addis Ababa
End of the day! Overnight: Camping at Chenek.
Day 8
Addis Ababa
Hiking at Simien Mountains National Park. Trek approx. 9 hours: To Ambiquo Camp (3200 m), crossing Mt. Bwahit (4430 m) and the Mesheha River.
Continued
Addis Ababa
End of the day! Overnight: Camping at Ambiquo.
Day 9
Addis Ababa
Hiking at Simien Mountains National Park. Start early to summit Ras Dashen (4543 m): Africa’s 4th-highest peak. Pass the village of Mizma and scramble up to the summit. Return to Ambiquo Camp.
Continued
Addis Ababa
End of the day! Overnight: Camping at Ambiquo.
Day 10
Addis Ababa
Hiking at Simien Mountains National Park. Return trek to Chenek: Bypassing Mt. Bwahit on the way back.
Continued
Addis Ababa
End of the day! Overnight: Camping at Chenek.
Day 11
Gondar
Meet your vehicles and return to Gondar. Rest and recover from your trek.
Continued
Gondar
End of the day! Overnight: Hotel in Gondar.
Day 12
Lalibela
Local Flavor. Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines: Visit the 11 rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore intricate carvings, underground passages, and the world’s largest monolithic church. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony and learn how to make injera, Ethiopia's staple food.
Continued
Lalibela
End of the day! Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela.
Day 13
Lalibela
Local Flavor at Na’akuto La‘ab Monastery. After breakfast: Drive 5 km to visit the Na’akuto La’ab Monastery, set inside a cave in the highlands. Spend about 3 hours exploring and continue to Nakuto La’ab for panoramic views and a short nature walk.
Continued
Lalibela
End of the day! Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela.
Day 14
Addis Ababa
Local Flavor at Northern Stelae Park. Fly to Axum, the ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire: Visit the Stelae Field, some standing for over 2000 years, and tour the Archaeological Museum. See St. Mary of Zion Church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant (not viewable). Visit other nearby tombs and ruins if time allows.
Continued
Axum
End of the day! Overnight: Hotel in Axum.
Day 15
Addis Ababa
Local Flavor. Return to Addis Ababa and visit the National Museum: Home to the 3-million-year-old skeleton “Lucy.” Enjoy optional souvenir shopping, followed by a farewell dinner with traditional music and dancing representing Ethiopia’s diverse cultures.
Continued
Addis Ababa
End of the trip! Late-night airport transfer for your departure. Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa (if not departing the same night).
Planning Details
Before you go
Included
Air-conditioned vehicle Airport/Departure Tax Fuel surcharge Domestic flight Local guide Scout guide All entrance fees and All camping equipment Accommodations Government taxes Photography and video fee
Not Included
Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gonder, Lalibela, Axum lunch & dinner Laundry service Tips Personal expanses
What to Bring
Appropriate clothes Comfortable shoes Camera or phone Passport or ID
Restrictions
Not suitable for pets Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Meeting & Pickup
We can pickup at any Addis Ababa hotel or airport
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Automatic
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