Ethiopia Explorer

Land Tour

10 days

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Ethiopia Explorer
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location

$AUD 359 per day

Departure: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Adventure

Ethiopia is an African enigma, combining a rich history, mosaic of cultures and incredible geographic diversity. The highlands strong Orthodox Christian heritage has been formidably maintained over the millennia, alone amongst Islam and tribal cultures in surrounding African countries. From the colourful chaotic sprawl of the capital Addis Ababa, medieval castles of Gondar, to the tranquil island monasteries of Lake Tana, it is indeed a land of contrasts. This itinerary includes walking in the Simien Mountains for a look at highlands life as well as time to take in the greatest of the ancient churches including the 12th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. The tremendous ethnic diversity of Ethiopia is evident as we explore the only country in Africa to have escaped colonialism.
About
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners
airport transfer Day 1 only
2 nights in 3 star hotel in Addis and 7 nights in best available hotels elsewhere on a twinshare basis
private road transport
boat trip on Lake Tana
site entrance and national park fees per itinerary
local guides at each location (English speaking tour leader throughout for 6 or more guests)
Hightlights
Marvel at the monolithic churches of Lalibela
Discover the medieval castles in the old capital of Gondar
Day walk in the Simien Mountains
Cruise to the tranquil island monasteries of Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls
Explore the capital, Addis Ababa
Sightseeing in Bahir Dar

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Itinerary
Day 1 - Join Addis Ababa
On arrival in Addis Ababa you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel for overnight. Remainder of day at leisure. Addis Ababa is the third highest capital city in the world. Located at 2,400 metres above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto mountain chain, the altitude may fatigue you, so take it easy today.
Day 2 - In Addis Ababa, city tour
After breakfast we have a full-day city tour, which departs at 9:00am from the hotel. We take time to explore the city and lunch out is included. We will visit the National Museum (home of the remains of the famous hominid fossil, “Lucy”) and the Ethnological Museum at the Addis Ababa University (housed in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie). Overnight hotel.
Day 3 - Fly to Lalibela
This morning we take a flight from Addis Ababa over the Ethiopian plateau to Lalibela (approx 1 hr - flight at own expense), located at an altitude of 2,600 metres above sea level. The city contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved out of the local pink basaltic scoriae rock; they have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each church has a unique architectural style and all are superbly carved. On arrival in Lalibela we will have some time to relax. During the afternoon opening session we will spend time admiring and exploring the rock-hewn churches. Overnight hotel. (Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and availability).
Day 4 - In Lalibela
Today is dedicated to visiting a hill-top monastery and the city itself. Lalibela is situated amongst a series of flat-topped mountains; there is a difference in altitude of 1500m between the lower lying airport and the city. This morning there is an excursion to the Church of Asheton Maryam, about 7km outside the city. After driving a short distance, the monastery itself (3150m) is reached on foot by means of a 3-hour return walk (some steep sections) or by riding on a mule (done at own risk and own expense). In the afternoon we will visit the market place, where a colourful mix of people from the surrounding region gather. Overnight hotel.
Day 5 - Drive to Gondar (approx 6-7hrs)
An early start for the 6-7 hours drive to Gondar, the capital of Ethiopia in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Gondar is still one of Ethiopia’s most impressive cities, with its walled Royal Palace Enclosure (listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage monument). This enclosure lies at Gondar’s centre and contains several well preserved castles and other buildings. Overnight hotel.
Day 6 - Gondar sightseeing
Gondar was once the capital city of the Ethiopian empire, which began in 1632 with the reign of Fasiladas. Gondar is still one of Ethiopia’s most impressive cities, with its walled Royal Palace Enclosure (listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage monument). This enclosure lies at Gondar’s centre and contains several well preserved castles and other buildings. In Gondar, there are a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. The city seems more European than African and also has Islamic influences. We will visit the palaces, residences and baths of Fasilidas and also the church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity) which is located at the summit of a hill and surrounded by fortified walls. The interior is decorated with beautiful frescs. Overnight hotel in Gondar.
Day 7 - Drive to Debark for day walk in Simien Mountains, return to Gondar in the late afternoon (one way - 100km, 2.5hrs drive)
This morning we drive from Gondar to Debark (approx 2.5 hrs, 100 kms). In Amharic, ‘Simien’ means ‘north’. Six hundred million years ago, the mountains were an enormous volcanic mass. Rain and ice have carved deep fissures into them and rivers have continued the erosion, creating one of the greatest sculptures on the planet. The landscape is stunning with peaks, canyons, gorges, clefts and pointed, amethyst-coloured pinnacles like obelisks making dramatic panoramic vistas. We have the opportunity to walk in the area and take in the immense beauty of these mountains. We can try to spot some of the region's endemic wildlife, which includes various species of monkey. We will return to our hotel in Gondar in the late afternoon (approx 2.5 hrs, 100 kms).
Day 8 - Drive to Bahir Dar, afternoon city tour (175km, approx 4hrs)
This morning we will drive to Bahir Dar, which is one of the most well-planned cities in Ethiopia. Located at 1,800 metres above sea level it is situated on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in the country. This afternoon we will undertake a city tour. Overnight hotel in Bahir Dar.
Day 9 - Lake Tana boat trip and Blue Nile Falls
This morning we take a boat trip on Lake Tana to fully appreciate the sheer size of this waterway. There are a myriad of monastaries and churches on the islands; some are private and not accessible to the public. We will visit Ura Kidane Mihret church on Zeghie peninsula with its rich history and ornate frescs. In the afternoon we visit Tissisat to marvel at the Blue Nile Falls - or “Smoke of Fire”. The falls are located about 2hrs drive (on a rough, dusty road) from Bahir Dar but the result is worth it. The Falls are 400 metres wide when in flood and fall over a sheer chasm more than 45 metres in height. We return to Bahir Dar in the evening. Overnight hotel.
Day 10 - Fly to Addis Ababa, trip concludes on arrival
This morning we fly from Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa (about 50 mins - flight at own expense) where trip arrangements conclude on arrival at the airport in Addis Ababa. Transfers to the city and additional nights can be arranged (extra cost applies). Please ask your consultant for details. (Please note: flight schedule is subject to change and availability. We recommend not booking onward flights before 16:00hrs).
Location

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