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Discover Ethiopia
10 days, Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Itinerary
Day 1Addis Ababa
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
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.
Please note that if you choose to participate in the City Tour of Addis Ababa, it will depart from the Azzeman Hotel in Addis Ababa at approx 9:00am. If you have booked alternative pre-tour accommodations, please make your way to the Azzeman Hotel before 9:00am. You can store your luggage at the Azzeman Hotel for the day, if you still have to check in.
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
City Tour of Addis Ababa
Start the day with panoramic views of Addis Ababa from the atop Entoto Mountain. Visit local churches, the University of Addis Ababa and the city's largest market for traditional clothes. This tour also includes a visit to the National Museum where Ethiopia’s oldest resident, Lucy, is housed. Finish the day with shopping in merkato, the local marketplace which is said to be Africa’s largest open-air market.
Day 2Addis Ababa/Axum
Fly to Axum, then spend the afternoon exploring the many archaeological sites.
Axum is Ethiopia's oldest and holiest city, and was once the home of the Queen of Sheba.
Axum Historical Site Visit
Explore the Axum historical site, including visits to the main stelae field, the Queen of Sheba’s palace and bath, and the Church of Tsion Maryam (St. Mary of Zion), which is believed to be the first church in Sub-Saharan Africa and claimed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Axum/Simien Mountains NP
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.
It is cold in the morning, during the day, in the evening, and at night when there is cloud cover or sleet. Ice often forms on water in the early mornings during the cold period of December through February, and afternoon spurts of hail frequent the beginning of the rains (April through May).
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Simien Mountains NP/Gondar
Spend the day in Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy guided hiking excursions around Sankaber campsite, and the Jinbar waterfalls, with its scenic views and wildlife. In the late afternoon, drive to Gondar.
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.
Today is a full day of hiking. Those not interested in hiking can spend the day relaxing at the lodge.
Simien Mountains Trek
Enjoy a day visit to Simien Mountains National Park. In the morning, hike from Sankaber campsite to the Jinbar waterfalls. Later, depending on road conditions, drive as far as the Chenek campsite for a picnic lunch and short excursions in search of Walia Ibex and the Ethiopian wolf.
Hiking
Lace up your hiking boots and get to the next stop under your own power.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Gondar Area
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Amhara Culture & Nature Excursion
Spend the morning on a guided exploration of the area. Learn about the different traditions and cultures of the Amhara region and Ethiopia, and try your hand at traditional Ethiopian Injera (bread) making.
Debre Berhan Selassie Church Tour
Visit Debre Berhan Salassie Church, probably the country's most famous church and a highlight of Gondar. Its ceiling is covered with famous paintings of Ethiopian cherubs and the walls portray Ethiopian saints, martyrs, and lore.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Gondar/Bahir Dar
Continue exploring Gondar in the morning, then head to Bahir Dar.
Fasiladas Castle and Bath Visit
Visit the Fasiladas' Castle compound, which covers an area of over 70,000sq m (229,659 sq ft), surrounded by high stone walls. Emperor Fasiladas's Palace is the oldest and perhaps most impressive of the castles. It is two stories high, has an imposing parapet and four small domed towers. Thought to be designed by an Indian architect, it reflects Indian, Portuguese, Moorish, and Aksumite influences. Following the castle visit, we drive to Emperor Fasiladas’s bath and wander around the grounds shaded by huge fig trees.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Bahir Dar
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.
The scenic Blue Nile Falls are known as Tis Issat, which means “smoking water.”
Blue Nile Falls Hiking Excursion
Enjoy a two-hour hike to the Blue Nile Falls, crossing over the Blue Nile via the historic Portuguese bridge. You can also take a path to the bottom of the falls to experience a close-up view. During full flood (July - September), the falls increase to 400m (1,312 ft) across and a 45m (148 ft) drop.
Lake Tana Boat Trip (Monastery Visit)
Visit two monasteries on Lake Tana. Both men and women can visit these monasteries, Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam. From Ura Kidane Mihret, go for a twenty-minute walk through the forest on Zege Peninsula to a second monastery, Azwa Maryam. Have a short visit at this monastery before boarding your boat.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Bahir Dar/Lalibela
Drive to Lalibela.
Lalibela is a good place to taste the local beverage, tej (honey wine) accompanied by local traditional song and dance.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Lalibela
Enjoy a full day exploring the rock-hewn churches, including St. George Church, and other historical sites.
In the morning, opt for a hike to Asheton Maryam, for panoramic views of the town and countryside.
Lalibela Churches Tour
Lalibela is considered by many as the greatest of the religio-historical sites. The churches, carved out of single rocks, date back to the 11th and 12th century AD and are still in use. Visit various churches here, learning more about the culture and history of the area.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Asheton Maryam Hike
Enjoy a 3 hour morning hike to Ashetan Maryam, set at 3,150m (10,335ft) on top of the highest peak. Take some time to wonder at the panoramic views of the town and countryside. While this hike can be strenuous and demanding, there is an option for those who wish to hire a mule.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Lalibela/Addis Ababa
Morning flight to Addis Ababa, where the tour ends on arrival at Bole International Airport.
Book onward travel after 5pm.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.