Explore the beauty of Ethiopia on this comprehensive historical and cultural tour. We will traverse stunning landscapes, see the cliff-churches of Tigray and the world-famous sites of Axum, Lalibela and Gondar. From the reputed home of the Ark of the Covenant, to ancient monoliths and rock-cut churches keeping alive a historic culture. It is possible to do the circuit below in the reverse order also; going first to Bahir Dar and Gondar and then Lalibela afterwards.
Day-By-Day itinerary
Day 1, Addis Ababa
After arriving in Addis Ababa you will transfer to a hotel before visiting Addis Ababa’s historical sites including a meeting with Lucy – the 3.2 million year old whose skeletal remains are housed in the National Archaeological Museum. You will also visit the Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto and its panoramic view of the metropolis.
Day 2, Addis Ababa – Axum
We will fly to Axum to explore the history and myth of this city. From the Queen of Sheba’s Palace and Bathhouse to St Mary of Zion church which is reputedly home to the Ark of the Covenant. You will see King Ezana’s Stone, written in three ancient languages, and the tommbs of King Kelab and Gebre Meskel, two of Axum’s most important rulers who ruled over southern Arabia also. After lunch, we visit the Axum stelae field and museum in beautiful countryside, and will visit a local painter.
Day 3 – Axum – Hawssen
We journey to Hawssen via Yeha – site of Ethiopia’s first known capital city and the birthplace of its earliest civilization. Now a peaceful remote place, the ruins are from 5th Century BC. Near to this we will see the oldest monastery in the country – Debre Damo – a very impressive site from Aksum-ite times.
Day 4 – Hawssen – Mekele
We will visit either Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor – stunning churches that require an hour hike to reach. After lunch, we will then visit more easily-accessed churches at Abreha Atsbeha and Chirkos.
Day 5 – Mekele – Lalibela
We depart early to head to Lalibela by car – approaching this famous UNESCO city.
Day 6 – Lalibela
Today we explore Lalibela – this famous city of churches. Firstly we explore the group of: Medhan Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (the latter not allowed for women). And then after lunch we visit the second group of churches, finishing at the famous cross-shaped St George church, believed to be the last work by King Lalibela. The churches are hewn from the rock and take the breath away.
Day 7 – Lalibela
Today you will go either by mule or on foot to Ashetun Mariam church – approx 4 hours round trip. Alternatively we can visit an Axum-ite church built from layers of different materials (Yimrehanne Kristos) outside Lalibela.
Day 8- Lalibela – Gondar
We fly to Gondar in the morning and spend the day in the royal Fasiladas castle. With high stone walls and many courtyards this is a hugely impressive castle. Following this you can go to the Debre Berhan Salassie Church, to see the famous paintings of Ethiopian cherubs and religious figures.
Day 9 – Gondar – Bahir Dar
In the morning we will drive through the ruins of Guzara castle to Bahir Dar by Lake Tana. We will visit the Blue Nile, crossing the river on a small boat with beautiful views. We finish the day with sunset from Bezawit Hill.
Day 10 – Bahir Dar
Today we will take a boat trip around Lake Tana. The lake is Ethiopia’s largest and has many islands with monasteries and churches scattered across them. We will go to the Zega peninsula an visit Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mhiret monasteries, before finishing at the island monastery Debre Maram at the Blue Nile River outlet.
Day 12 – Bahir Dar – Addis Ababa
It is time to return to Addis Ababa where we will have a complimentary farewell dinner party and you will head to Addis Ababa airport to return to your home after a wonderful trip!
To book or ask questions about this itinerary contact Mitiku here.
Ethiopia Treks 