15 Days 14 Nights Ethiopia Discovery Tour

15 Days 14 Nights Ethiopia discovery tour itinerary

Day 1: Addis Ababa city tour

Morning drive to discover Addis Ababa city, founded in 1886 by Menelik II and situated at an elevation of around 2438m making it the 3^rd highest capital city in the world. It enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 25°C. Our city tour takes us to visit the National museum housing some of the country’s historic treasures like the 3.5 million year old remains of ‘Lucy’, the oldest hominid ever found. We proceed to the Ethnographic Museum and the church of the Holy Trinity, Ethiopia’s main cathedral and home to the remains of the last emperor, Haile Selassie. Dinner and overnight at Monarch Hotel or (www.monarchaddis.com) similar in Addis Ababa

Day 2: Bahir Dar

After breakfast, we drive to Bahir Dar (565kms) via Debre Markos with a visit enroute to the 13th C monastery of Debre Libanos which founded by Tekle Haymanot. We shall proceed further down to enjoy the fabulous Blue Nile Gorge spanning an altitude of around 2,500 to 1,200 m. After lunch in Debre Markos, we proceed through the beautiful scenery and Amhara peoples’ villages. In the late afternoon arrive in the Bahir Dar. Dinner and overnight at Kuriftu Lodge (www.kurifturesortspa.com) or Jacaranda Hotel (www.jacarandahotelbahirdar.com) or similar

Day 3: Full day at Bahir Dar

Today, we have the full day at bahir Dar which is the capital of the Amhara region situated on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in the country. Bahir Dar is one of the best well-planned cities in Ethiopia. This morning, we take a boat trip on the lake Tanna to visit the monasteries and churches on the islands. We will visit Ura Kidane Mihret church on Zeghie peninsula. Under the thatched roof are some distinctive colorful paintings of religious scenes, and an impressive display of illuminated bibles written in Ge’ez, the religious language from which Amharic is derived. In the afternoon, we will visit Tississat Falls, Amharic for ‘water that smokes’ located about 32km south of Bahar Dar. Due to a nearby hydro electrical power scheme, the waterfalls can no longer be guaranteed to be in full force. Dinner and overnight at Kuriftu Lodge (www.kurifturesortspa.com) or Jacaranda Hotel (www.jacarandahotelbahirdar.com) or similar

Day 4: Gondar (UNESCO world heritage site)

After breakfast, we drive for 185 kms (3.5 hrs) north to Gondar, the former capital of Ethiopia. Gondar has now become one of Ethiopia’s largest and most impressive cities, with its walled Royal Enclosure. Gondar’s most famous monuments are its exceptionally well preserved 17^th century castles. The largest and best is that of King Fasilidas. It is a stone-built construction with round turrets and wooden balconies. The king also built a remarkable bath a mile or so outside of town known as the ‘Pavilion of Delight’. The Bathhouse of Fasil at which thousands of Ethiopians celebrate Timkat festival every January. This afternoon, we visit the Debre Birhan Selassie church (Light of Trinity) with its sensational angelic ceiling and mural. Dinner and overnight at Goha Hotel or Fasil Lodge (www.lodgefasil.weebly.com) or Gondar Hills Resort or Taye Belay Hotel or similar

Day 5: Simien Mountains (UNESCO World heritage site)

After breakfast, we drive to Debark on the edge of the Simien Mountains for an optional 1.5hr walk to see the endemic Gelada baboons, Klipspringers, Lammergeyer vultures, and bushbuck. The scenery is truly breathtaking and there will be time for a walk around the Sankaber region of the National Park. The maximum altitude we reach is 3250m. Dinner and overnight at Simien Lodge or Limalimo Lodge or Walia Lodge in Debark or Simien Lodge (www.simiens.com) or similar

Day 6: Axum

After breakfast, we drive on the rugged road for a full day’s drive to the ancient city of Axum via the lowlands of the Simien Mountains and Tekeze River gorge. Though a long drive, the spectacular views are worth the fatigue. In the late afternoon, we arrive and check in our hotel. Dinner and overnight at Sabean Hotel (www.sabeanhotel.com) or Atranos Fantasy Hotel or Yared Zema International Hotel (www.yaredzemainternationalhotelaxum.com) or similar

Day 7: Axum (UNESCO – World Heritage site)

Today, we have full day in Axum. This is the seat of the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Axum, which was once one of the most powerful in the ancient world. Located at the center of the trading routes between the Mediterranean and India, and the great port of Adulis on the Red Sea, it was economically, politically and technically advanced and at times had control over both sides of the Red Sea. Axum is also the origin of Christianity in Ethiopia and believed to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. The old church of St Mary of Zion was the first church to be built in Sub-Saharan Africa around 330AD. Its ruins can be seen in the precinct of the church compound. We visit the famous monolithic stelae of Axum, the tallest one still standing reaches over 21 meters and the greatest one of them all, once 34 meters high now lies toppled on the ground. However, it is still the largest monolith ever erected by man. The subterranean tombs, stone inscriptions of ancient Axumite kings and the small archaeological museum are also living witness of the ancient Axumite history. We will also visit the ruined palace of the Queen of Sheba who is said to have given birth to Menelik the First, fathered by King Solomon, the founder of Ethiopia’s ruling family until the late Emperor Haile Selassie. Dinner and overnight at Sabean Hotel (www.sabeanhotel.com) or Atranos Fantasy Hotel or Yared Zema International Hotel (www.yaredzemainternationalhotelaxum.com) or similar

Day 8: Yeha / Adwa / Gheralta

After breakfast, we drive East from Axum to Yeha. Yeha is Ethiopia’s oldest settlement probably dating back almost 3,000 years. A large temple, dedicated to the moon god Ilmuqah, is related to other pagan temples to the same god in Yemen, indicating connections across the Red Sea from the earliest times. The temple was later converted into a church in the 6th century, but still has wonderful friezes of ibex carved into the façade. We shall also make a visit to the important town of Adwa, set amidst rugged mountains. It was at Adwa that the Ethiopians became the first African nation to repel a colonial power when they defeated the Italian army in 1896. This afternoon we continue to the town of Adigrat. Dinner and Overnight at Gheralta Lodge (www.gheraltalodgetigrai.com) or Korkor Lodge or similar in Hawzen

Day 9: Mekele

Today, we will explore the remarkable Rock-cut Churches in this region. These architectural gems were created prior to the 16th century and unknown to the outside world until the 1960s. About 150 are now known to be in existence with all but a handful still in active use by the Orthodox Christian community. We look to explore two clusters including Abreha We Atsbeha and Degum Selassie at Gheralta and the sandstone church of Chirkos at Wukro with its cruciform pillars and barrel vaulted ceiling. In the afternoon enjoy the wonderful serenity of the Tigray landscapes and proceed to the town of Mekele. Dinner and overnight at Axum Hotel (www.axum-hotels.com) or Planet Hotel or similar

Day 10: Lalibela

After breakfast, we drive South through the stunning countryside between the mountains to the west and the stark landscape of the Danakil Depression to the east to arrive at the archaeological site of Lalibela. Dinner and overnight at Panoramic View Hotel (www.panoramicviewhotel.com) or Mountain View Hotel (www.mountainview-hotel.com) or

Maribela Hotel or Top 12 Hotel (www.toptwelvehotel.com) or similar

Day 11: Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

After breakfast, we visit the 1^st cluster of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. Lalibela, the ‘New Jerusalem’, thought to have been constructed some 800 years ago by King Lalibela. Although churches carved in rock are found in other parts of the world, those found in Ethiopia are particularly interesting. Generally, they were excavated on all sides of a rectangle, leaving a large block of granite isolated in the center. This rock was then shaped and formed both inside and out and the carvings show extremely skillful workmanship and they have been classified as one of the wonders of the world. Each church has a unique architectural style and all are superbly carved. There are 11 rock-cut churches of which the most impressive is Bet Giorgis. It is carved in the form of a Greek cross and is exceptionally well preserved. Dinner and overnight at Panoramic View Hotel (www.panoramicviewhotel.com) or Mountain View Hotel (www.mountainview-hotel.com) or Maribela Hotel or Top 12 Hotel (www.toptwelvehotel.com) or similar

Day 12: Lalibela

After breakfast, we visit the church of Yimrhane Kristos. This exquisite church, a masterpiece of Axumit wood and stone construction is renowned for its interior decoration, it’s beautiful wooden coffer ceiling inlaid with hexagons and medallions with both figurative and geometric motifs. In the afternoon, we drive back to Lalibela and visit the remaining rock-hewn churches of Lalibela that include the churches of Bete Gabriel and Rafael, Mercurous, Emanuel and Abba Libanos. Bete Emanuel is the best in this group and exceptionally carved with unique Axumite building features, such as the indentations on the walls, symbols of the multi-story building taken from the stelae of Axum, monkey heads and false windows. Dinner and overnight at Panoramic View Hotel (www.panoramicviewhotel.com) or Mountain View Hotel (www.mountainview-hotel.com) or Maribela Hotel or Top 12 Hotel (www.toptwelvehotel.com) or similar

Day 13: Kombolcha

After breakfast, we drive to Kombolcha with a stop enroute to visit the famous Lake Hayek and the ancient church of Hayek Estifanos and keep driving to Kombolcha. Dinner and overnight at Ethio Green hotel or Yom hotel or similar

Day 14: Bati Market / Kombolcha

After breakfast, we drive to Bati to visit the renowned Monday market which lies between the Central Highlands and the Rift Valley. It is an important crossroad for the Amhara, Oromo and the semi-nomadic desert dwelling Afar people. The weekly market brings together over 20,000 people and hosts Ethiopia’s largest cattle and camel market and is a fantastic insight into Ethiopia’s cultural diversity. Dinner and overnight at Ethio Green hotel or Yom hotel or similar

Day 15: Addis Ababa

After breakfast, we drive to Addis Ababa through the interesting Landscape with a stop over before Debre Birehan Town to view landscape variation of the central Highland with the Great Rift Valley. Proceed to Debre Birehan town for lunch and later proceed to Addis Ababa.

Group Size per Vehicle (Adults) – 2 Pax, 3 Pax, 4 Pax ,5 pax,6 Pax

What is Included on the safari price:-

•  14-night accommodation & meals as per program
• All tours as per the itinerary
• Transport as per program
• English speaking guide
• Entrance fees to all sites as per the itinerary
• Bottled water during the tours
• All service charges and taxes.

What is Excluded on the safari price:-

• Flights and taxes
• Entry visa to Ethiopia
• Airport transfers
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities not included above
• Gratuities
• Tips
• Personal insurance cover
• Deviation from above program