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Mysteries of Ethiopia
13 days, Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
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Ethiopia stands at the cultural crossroads of Africa and the Middle East. Discover its dramatic landscapes and diverse cultures on a 13-day adventure. Trek into the stunning Simien Mountains, explore the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and introduce yourself to the residents of the progressive village of Awra Amba. In this unique country, surprises await around every turn of the dusty road.
This specific trip is no longer running.
Trip Code: DEHNG
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Service Level: Upgraded
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Physical Rating: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 10.
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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View our Entry Requirements toolSee how your trip uplifts communities
In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
To travel Ethiopia is to discover a realm of epic landscapes and ancient cultures, of rock-hewn churches and exotic wildlife. From the otherworldly formations of the Simien Mountains to the plunging escarpments of the Central Highlands, to the fossil-dotted reaches of the Great Rift Valley (where the bones of Lucy, maybe the most documented prehuman, were found), this timeless land offers a glimpse into the origins of Africa—and of humankind." Jayne Wise, Senior Editor, National Geographic Traveler magazine
More from Mysteries of Ethiopia
Places visited
- Ethiopia
Itinerary
Day 1Addis Ababa
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Day 2Addis Ababa/Bahir Dar
Take a late morning flight to Bahir Dar. Enjoy a guided hike to the Blue Nile Falls. The falls are some of Africa's most scenic and are known as Tis Issat, which means “smoking water.”
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Bahir 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, take a city tour with a visit to the Bahir Dar market.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Bahir Dar/Gonder
Visit the egalitarian community of Awra Amba with a local expert. You’ll learn about the unique way of life that sets men and women equally in all community, social, and labour matters. Continue to Gondor and visit the Kusquam Castle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Gonder
Explore Gondar and visit Debre Berhan Salassie Church, Fasiladas's castles, bath, and gardens. Visit the Ploughshare Women Crafts Training Centre in a Falasha village where underprivileged single mothers can learn pottery, weaving, and other technical skills that enable them to make a living independently. Continue to our lodge just outside Gondar. In the evening, visit the Kossoye Community where you’ll learn about the staples of Ethiopian food and have an Injera making demonstration before enjoying a traditional dinner.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your Journeys Highlight Moment Ploughshare Women's Association Visit| Your Journeys Highlight Moment Community Injera Making Demonstration and Traditional DinnerMeals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 6Gonder/Debark’
Travel to Debark, our base for visiting Simien Mountains National Park. Relax at the scenic lodge with views of the stunning mountain ranges.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Debark’
Spend the day in Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy guided hiking excursions around Sankaber campsite, the Jinbar waterfalls, and Chenek campsite with its scenic views and wildlife. Return to our comfortable lodge for the evening.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Debark’/Āksum
Drive to Axum, Ethiopia's oldest and holiest city, which was once the home of the Queen of Sheba.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Āksum
Spend the day exploring Axum, Ethiopia's oldest city. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church was founded here in the 4th century and it remains the holiest city in the country. Visit archaeological sites and Axum Tsion church.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Āksum/Lalībela
This morning, we rise early for our flight to Lalibela. Upon landing, we head out to visit historical sites, including St. George Church, and other rock-hewn churches.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Lalībela
In the morning, enjoy a hike to Asheton Maryam, for panoramic views of the town and countryside. In the afternoon, we'll continue our tour of the second group of churches.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Lalībela/Addis Ababa
Take a late morning flight to Addis Ababa. Opt to enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Addis Ababa
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Awra Amba Community Visit, Gonder
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Ploughshare Women's Association Visit, Gonder
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Community Injera Making Demonstration and Traditional Dinner, Gonder
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Arrival transfer
- Excursion to Blue Nile Falls
- Boat trip on Lake Tana
- Bahir Dar market visit
- Guided tour of Debre Berhan Selassie Church, Fasiladas's Bath, and historic castles in Gondar
- Simien Mountains trek
- Visit to Axum historical sites
- Guided tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
- Asheton Maryam hike
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels (12 nts).
Meals
12 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Allow USD260-340 for meals not included.
Transportation
Plane, minivan/bus, boat, walking, hiking.
Staff & experts
Chief Experience Officer (CEO), driver, local guides.
Departures
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.