Day 01 Arrival, Addis Ababa

On arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be met by a Safari-DMC representative and transferred to your hotel for overnight.

After time to refresh and have lunch, proceed on a sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa (The New Flower) beginning with a drive up Mount Entoto for a panoramic view of Addis. Proceed to the Ethiopia National Museum where you will have a chance to spot the oldest hominids of ‘Lucy’ fossil. Afterwards, tour the Holy Trinity Cathedral built during WWII where the remains of Haile Selassie and his wife are laid. You will then proceed to the Ethnographic Museum which is housed in the former Emperor Haile Selassie’s palace. You wrap up your tour with a visit to Merkato, the biggest open air market in East Africa where you can shop for unique Ethiopian crafts, curios and garments.

Overnight in Addis Ababa - Kaleb Hotel/Similar

Day 02 Addis/Bahir Dar (the Lake Side Town)

After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airport for your flight to Bahir Dar on the shores of Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, one of the two major tributaries of the mighty River Nile and whose upper sections are considered holy by orthodox Ethiopians.

On arrival at the local airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for overnight.

On arrival at the local airstrip, you will be met by a Serena guide and transferred to the lodge.

After checkig in, take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the UraKidaneMihret Monastery and Church.

After checkig in, take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the UraKidaneMihret Monastery and Church.

Founded in the 14th-C by St. BetreMariyam, the monastery with its beautiful murals each depicting a specific biblical story cum teaching is one of the Convent of Mercy complex and arguably the most beautiful and famous of the Zege peninsula monasteries.

In the afternoon, you will be driven to Tis Issat village to marvel at the Blue Nile Falls. Although the volume of water may be reduced due to the ongoing construction of The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, it is still a sight to behold.

The Blue Nile Falls is a magnificent waterfall on the Blue Nile River which originates in Lake Tana in northern Ethiopia and is the larger of the two tributaries that form the mighty River Nile. Situated 30kms south of the City of Bahir Dar and the lake itself, the breathtaking falls, also known as the Tis Abay (the great smoke, in Amharic) comprises four major streams that plunge 45m over canyon cliff in one of the most breathtaking displays in Ethiopia. Although the falls can substantially shrink in the dry season, it can also reach a staggering 400m wide in the rainy season! The upstream regulation of Lake Tana and on-going construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance hydro-power Dam has affected the volume and reduced the extremes, but it is still a marvel to be behold and quite totally amazing especially during the rainy season. Downstream of the falls sits the oldest stone bridge in Ethiopia, dating back to 1626 in the reign of Emperor Susenyos. The falls’ canyon is also significant for ecologically separating the Lake Tana from the rest of the Nile which has contributed to the evolution of the lake’s endemic fauna.

Later, you will drive back to Bahir Dar and your hotel for overnight – dinner on own account.

Overnight in Bahir Dar - Summerland Hotel or similar

Day 03 Bahir Dar/Gondar(the Camelot of Africa)

After breakfast, you will drive to Gondar arriving at your hotel there just before lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing town tour then return for dinner and overnight.

Gondar is considered the Royal Capital of Ethiopia. Founded by Emperor Fasilides in 1636, it is famous for its many ancient churches and castles built by Emperor Fasilides and his descendants. Proceed to the fascinating DebreBirhan Selassie (The Enlightening of Trinity) with her wonderful murals as well as the Qusquam Church and the Emperor Fasilides Bath Pool which every year on 19th January (or 20th during a leap year) is scene of the beautiful Ethiopian Epiphany (Timkat) celebrations when Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate/commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John on the River Jordan.

Overnight in Gondar- Florida Hotel or similar

Day 04 Semien Mountains

Todayyou drive to Buyit Ras (122kms/4½hrs), a section of the SemienMountains,considered the most wild and magnificentof Ethiopia’slandscapes, to marvel at the stunningscenery.

Simien Mountains National Park encompasses the northwestern side of the Simien mountains range in Ethiopia, 870km north of Addis Ababa and 110 km northeast of the City of Gondar overlooking the Tekeze River valley in Amhara State. It lies astride the five districts of Debark, AdiArkay, Beyeda, Janamora and Tselmt in the centre of a triangle between Gondar, Lalibela and Aksum from each of which it is easily reachable. The unique massif ranges in altitude from 1,900 to the RasDashen peak, at 4,533m the highest in Ethiopia); other notables include Mt Biuat (4,437m) and the 4453m Mt KidisYared. They are also remarkable as one of the few spots in interior Africa where snow regularly falls.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, her 412km² of stunning undulating plateau, precipitous cliffs, deep valleys and steep canyon-like gorges are home to some rare and endemic species such as the Ethiopian Wolf (the most rare canid in the world, only about 400 remain in the world, and Africa’s most threatened carnivore),the Gelada (also called the bleeding heart Baboon), the Caracal (a unique wild cat) and the rare Walia Ibex of which only 500 members remain in the world, over 180 species of birds including 5 endemic to Ethiopia and a further 12 endemic to Ethiopia and Eritrea. Incredible species include the Red-billed chough as well as many raptors and vultures ; the endangered Lammergeier,Pallid Harrier, and Augur Buzzard; Wahlberg’s, Verreaux, African Hawk Eagle, Rufous-Breasted Sparrow-hawk, Fox Kestrel, Cape Eagle Owl, the Martial Eagle, Abyssinian Owl and Black stork (recorded on passage) as well as The enormous Bearded Vulture, one of the largest and most spectacular birds with a wingspan of over 2.5m often seen soaring along the high cliffs and rocky outcrops at speeds up to 130km/hr and at staggering heights; a magnificent sight to behold. The park is also popular for her high level of diversity with over 1,200 species of plants of which three, Festucagilbertiana, Rosulariasimensis and Dianthus longiglumi are found only in the Simien Mountains.

Overnight in Gondar - Florida Hotel or similar

Day 05 Gondar/Axum

After breakfast youwillbetransferred to the airport for your flight to Axum (30mins).Axum, considered Ethiopia’s HOLIEST CITY, lies in the far north of the country near the border with Eritrea. One of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Africa, it is from whence the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon and started Ethiopia’s long relationship with Judaism and eventually Christianity as well as the Solomonic Dynasty which ruled until the 1980s. Today, the city attracts thousands of tourists who come to marvel at the remnants and monuments left behind by her ancient civilizations the most awe inspiring of which are the 3rd and 4th century Steles found in several parks around the town. These stone sculptures that were allegedly pagan tomb stones, are mind boggling for their sheer size (the biggest, The Great Stele, believed to have fallen and broken during raising, is 33m tall and 520tonnes!), the incredible quality of artistry, and that are made from solid granite, potentially the hardest and most brittle natural stone on earth!. Other major landmarks include the ruins of the original St Mary of Zion Cathedral believed built by Emperor Ezana in the 4thC, replaced with the old cathedral built by Emperor Fasilides in 1665 and later the new cathedral, built by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1955. The adjacent Chapel of the Tablet is said to houses the biblical Ark of the Covenant brought by Menelik I. Together, the ruins, the two cathedrals and the Chapel are considered the holiest site in Ethiopia and a place of pilgrimage for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. Other attractions include the ruins of the Queen of Sheba's palace (probably buried beneath the 4thC Ta'akha Maryam and 6thC DungurDalaces), her massive bath pool, King Bazen's Tomb (considered one of the oldest structures), the Ezana Stone (documents the Emperor’s conversion to Christianity in 350AD), the Archaeological Museum, Ethnographical Museum and several architecturally interesting monasteries.

On arrival at AxumAirport, youwillbe met and transferred to yourhotel.

Definitely once the center of a great empire and ancientcivilization, Axum packs over 2500yrs of history in herlittlespace. Celebrated as home of the original Ark of the Covenants, itis the foremosthistorical site in Ethiopia. It is home to the St. Mary’s Church headquarters of the EthiopianOrthodox Church as well as the sanctuary Chapel whichis the repository of the ‘Ark of the Covenant’, the Royal Museum, the coronation yard, Stelae Park, the Tomb of Kaleb and his son GebreMeskel, Ezana’s Inscriptions, Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Queen of Sheba’s Palace ruins and AxumArchaelogical Museum.

In the afternoon,enjoy a city tour of Axumvisitingherinteresting and amazinglandmarks and historical sites beforereturning to the hotel and overnight. Lunch and dinner are on ownaccount.

Overnight in Gondar - Florida Hotel or similar

Day 06 Axum/Lalibela

After breakfast, youwillbetransferred to the airport for yourscheduledflight to Lalibela (30mins).

Lalibela is a northern Ethiopian townmost famous for her monolithic rock hewn churches dating back to the late 12th-C and early 13th-C AD and still being used today. Ethiopia was one of the earliest nations to adopt Christianity, converting her synagogues to churches through a treaty in the middle of the 4th-C AD. Built during the reign of Ethiopian King Saint Lalibela; he attempted to build a new Jerusalem as his capital after the Israeli Jerusalem was captured by Muslims in 1187, they are a marvel to behold and an absolute engineering and architectural feat accomplished. The churches are divided into three sections with a Northern Group comprising BieteMedhaneAlem (House of the Saviour of the World), Biete Maryam (House of Miriam/House of Mary), Biete Golgotha Mikael (House of Golgotha Mikael), BieteMeskel (House of the Cross), BieteDenaghel (House of Virgins); the Western Group comprising BieteGiyorgis (Church of Saint George) and the Eastern Group comprising BieteAmanuel (House of Emmanuel), BieteQeddusMercoreus (House of St. Mark), Biete Abba Libanos (House of Abbot Libanos), Biete Gabriel-Rufael (House of the angels Gabriel and Raphael) and BieteLehem (House of Holy Bread); and a little further the monastery of Ashetan Maryam and the YimrehaneKristos Church. Lalibella remained the capital of Ethiopia until the 13th-C but to date remains one of Ethiopia's holiest cities and a center of pilgrimage. The churches are a part of everyday life in Lalibella and are still used.

Overnight in Lalibella - Lal Hotel or similar

Day 07 Lalibella(excursion to YimrehaneKristos)

This morning, you will take an excursion to the YimrehaneKirstos Church, an exquisite masterpiece of Axumite wood and stone construction located in a mountain ridge at the peak of AbunaYosep. Renewed for its interior decoration, the walls are sub-divided vertically with recessions and projections.

In the afternoon you visit Bete Gabriel, BeteMarqorios, Bete Emmanuel, and Bete Aba Libanos churches.

Overnight in Lalibella - Lal Hotel or similar

Day 08 Lalibela/Addis,Depart

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa whereupon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for dayrooms.

Afternoon spent at leisure, lunch on own account.

In the evening, attend a folkloric dinner where you will have a chance to taste several Ethiopian dishes and watch traditional music and dance performances of the various ethnic groups of Ethiopia. The traditional coffee ceremony will also be served.

Later you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

END of Safari DMC’s services– kila la kheri/safirisalama!

Tour Price in USD

Net and Non-Commissionable

It also depends on Month of Travel and Number of Participants.

Children Under 16yrs and Under 12yrs sharing get discounted rates.

Kindly email us for the specific rates for your group and we will advise.

INCLUSIONS:

Ground transportation using Toyota Hiace Minivans or Toyota Coaster Minibuses; Scheduled flights as shown (Addis/Bahir Dar, Gondar/Axum, Axum/Lalibela and Lalibela/Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines); Accommodation as shown on Bed & Breakfast basis; English-speaking local guides in each location, boat tour on Lake Tana, all entrance fees, scout fees and applicable statutory taxes.

EXCLUSIONS

International incoming and departing flights airfares, entry visa fees, International airport departure taxes, lunches and dinners, items of a personal nature such as crafts and curios shopping, laundry, bar drinks; tips and gratuities for your Drivers, Local guides, Tour leaders, Hotel/Restaurant Staff as well as other Guides and Rangers; any other items not shown or expressly mentioned as included.