Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival
Arrive in Addis at Bole International Airport or picked up from your hotel and visit the National Museum of Ethiopia for a comprehensive overview of the country’s natural, political and art histories. Then visit Merkato which used to be the largest open-air market in Africa. In the afternoon you visit Unity Park which is located in the premises of the Grand Palace and it is composed of various historical, natural and cultural sites. Overnight – Hotel.
Day 02: Addis – Bahir Dar
Early in the morning fly to Bahir Dar, the city is known for its wide avenues lined with palm trees and a variety of colorful flowers. And up on arrival take a boat on Lake Tana to access the 14th century monasteries. In the afternoon, after lunch, at Bahir Dar drive to Blue Nile Falls. Overnight – Hotel
(OPTIONAL) One extra day gives you a chance to do a forest walk at Zeghe Peninsula where you visit the monasteries and an hour biking to Bezawit Hill which gives you the view on Lake Tana, Bahir Dar and Blue Nile.
Day 03: Bahir Dar – Awra
The Amba community is found in South Gondar, Fogera Woreda, a 2-km distance right of a turnoff which is located 68 kms on Bahir Dar – Lalibela main road. The society was established in 1972 by a few individuals; however, now the number of the members has reached more than 400. The unbelievably marvelous life philosophy, the beautiful and well- trodden social life of this society has amazed anyone. The society has its own lifestyle which is different from the rest of the Amhara people. These people have special respect for unity, working culture, love and equality. It is on the basis of a structured system they formulated that these people began to perform and control the principles underlying their lifestyles.
Since there is a strong belief among the Awra Amba people that hard work is the sole means of getting out of poverty, responsibilities are divided based not on gender differences but merit. They also have a strong belief that human beings have descended from the same root and hence there will not be differences between relatives and non-relatives, blacks and whites etc. and all will be given due respect and love while they are on earth. In their religious faith the Awra Amba people differ from both Christian and Muslim followers. They accept that there is one strong power. They believe that distancing oneself from evil acts, positive thinking, respect to others and putting all these into practice are realizations of religion. Overnight at Community house.
Day 04: Awar Amba – Simien Mountains National Park
In the morning 5 hrs drive to Debark, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Simien which is an exotic place with unique wildlife, breathtaking views and a captivating combination of endemic wildlife species, superb scenery and traditional village life.
Day 05: Simien Mountains National Park
The whole day is to discover the park with the possibility of more than 3 hours of hiking – lunch is a picnic. On this day you will see endemic mammals of Ethiopia along with the beautiful landscape of the park. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06: Simien Mountains National Park – Gondar
Driveback in the morning to Gondar-medieval city which was the Ethiopian capital between the 17th and 19th centuries. After lunch visit the Royal Enclosure of Fasiledes, Fasil Bath and Debre Birhan Sillasie Church, one of the finest in Ethiopia, with walls and ceilings covered stunning in ancient murals. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07: Gondar – Lalibela
This day is dedicated for the drive along with stop overs on the way – villages, viewpoints, and local market.
The small city of Lalibela is one of the most important pilgrimage places of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. It is famed for its11 Medieval churches, all of which are hewn into the rock. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08: Lalibela
In the morning visit the northern group of Lalibela churches, one of the three groups Bete Medhanialem, Bete Mariam, Bet Meskel, Bete Denagl, Bete Debre Sina and Micheal are found. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09: Lalibela
Early in the morning an excursion to Asheton Mariam Monastery which predates Lalibela Churches. This excursion gives a spectacular view from the top, beside its rock church which is named by St. Mary. (This can be done using mules). And in the afternoon visit the rest of Lalibela Churches. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10: Lalibela – Addis
Fly back to Addis and depending on the time of arrival you will have free time to explore more sites in Addis before the cultural show dinner at one of the restaurants. End the trip and return home.
Rates
Prices are subjected to changes at any moment if there is a rise in park entry fees, or changes in accommodation but in cases like that, we will inform the clients/agent as early as possible.
Lodges, hotels, and tented camps base their prices on double occupancy and charge an additional fee for solo travelers. If you are traveling alone but would like to share a room/tent, every effort will be made to match you with a roommate. You will be charged for the single occupancy, but refunded if you are matched with a roommate.
- 2-49 person $2600/person
- 50+ person $2200/person
- Supplemental fee of single person $425
Prices include:
- Entrance fees
- Coaster bus (18 persons per vehicle)
- Local tour leader for the whole trip
- Domestic flight (make change depending on airline)
- Meals on full board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Porterage fee
- Boat on Lake Chamo
Not included in price:
- International and domestic flights
- Alcohol drinks
- Visa fee
- Airline baggage fee
- Tips for the driver and local tour leader
- Anything not included under “Price includes”
