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Tucked in between the Middle East and Africa, Ethiopia sits in the middle of these distinctive regions and yet takes on a cultural mosaic and aesthetic that’s tangibly distinct. On this 10-day tour you’ll see just what we mean with Christian churches hewn from solid rock; national park’s vivid, green peaks; and fascinating cities where luxury sports cars and assorted livestock hang out together in perfect harmony.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Ethiopia
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArriving early? Pre-book the City Tour of Addis Ababa on Day 1, and be back in time for your evening welcome meeting. We strongly advise arriving one night earlier to facilitate the activity's early start. Addis Ababa, founded more than a century ago, means “new flower” in Amharic. At an elevation of 2,400m (7,874 ft), it's the third highest capital in the world and the climate is pleasantly cool. The city mixes past and present, the streets a mishmash of expensive cars, old Russian (Lada model) taxis, along with donkeys, sheep, and goats. Traditional mud houses stand not far from austere fascist architecture and private-sector banks.
Arriving early? Pre-book the City Tour of Addis Ababa on Day 1, and be back in time for your evening welcome meeting. We strongly advise arriving one night earlier to facilitate the activity's early start. Addis Ababa, founded more than a century ago, means “new flower” in Amharic. At an elevation of 2,400m (7,874 ft), it's the third highest capital in the world and the climate is pleasantly cool. The city mixes past and present, the streets a mishmash of expensive cars, old Russian (Lada model) taxis, along with donkeys, sheep, and goats. Traditional mud houses stand not far from austere fascist architecture and private-sector banks.
Day 2Fly to AxumAxum is Ethiopia's oldest and holiest city, and was once the home of the Queen of Sheba.
Axum is Ethiopia's oldest and holiest city, and was once the home of the Queen of Sheba.
Day 3Travel
Travel, via the Lima Limo Valley, to Debark, our base for visiting Simien Mountains National Park. Relax at the scenic lodge with views of the stunning mountain ranges.
Day 4Spend the day in Simien Mountains National ParkThe scenic Simien Mountains are a good break from the busy cities. Rising high above an eroded landscape of deep gorges and valleys, they rank as one of the continent’s most beautiful (and unusual) mountain ranges. A number of peaks reach well over 4,000m (13,123.4 ft), and Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia, is one of Africa’s highest mountains. Here, you can see some of Ethiopia's remarkable flora and fauna, including Gelada baboon, Walia ibex, and, if you're lucky, the Ethiopian wolf. The huge lammergeyer is also found soaring over the valleys here.
The scenic Simien Mountains are a good break from the busy cities. Rising high above an eroded landscape of deep gorges and valleys, they rank as one of the continent’s most beautiful (and unusual) mountain ranges. A number of peaks reach well over 4,000m (13,123.4 ft), and Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia, is one of Africa’s highest mountains. Here, you can see some of Ethiopia's remarkable flora and fauna, including Gelada baboon, Walia ibex, and, if you're lucky, the Ethiopian wolf. The huge lammergeyer is also found soaring over the valleys here.
Day 5Enjoy a cultural and nature excursion…
Enjoy a cultural and nature excursion in a rural Amhara community, then return to Gondar in time for lunch. In the afternoon visit the Debre Birhan Silassie Church.
Day 6Continue exploring Gondar in the morning, then head to Bahir Dar
Continue exploring Gondar in the morning, then head to Bahir Dar.
Day 7Take a boat trip on Lake Tana…
Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to enjoy stunning views and visit monasteries including Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to the Blue Nile Falls.
Day 8Drive to LalibelaLalibela is a good place to taste the local beverage, tej (honey wine) accompanied by local traditional song and dance.
LalibelaLalibela is a good place to taste the local beverage, tej (honey wine) accompanied by local traditional song and dance.
Day 9Enjoy a full day exploring the rock-hewn churches
Enjoy a full day exploring the rock-hewn churches, including St. George Church, and other historical sites.
Day 10Morning flight to Addis Ababa
Addis AbabaMorning flight to Addis Ababa, where the tour ends on arrival at Bole International Airport.
Discover Ethiopia
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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