7 Days Historic North with Simein Mountains
Ethiopia’s Historic Northern Circuit offers a mesmerizing blend of ancient wonders and natural beauty. Begin in Gondar, the “Camelot of Africa,” where 17th-century castles and palaces whisper tales of a royal past.
Journey to Lalibela, a UNESCO site famed for its 12th-century rock-hewn churches, carved like hidden gems into the earth, where spiritual ceremonies still echo through candlelit corridors.
Discover Negash, a cornerstone of Islamic heritage, home to Africa’s oldest mosque, the Negash Amedin Mesgid, which sheltered early followers of Prophet Muhammad.
Conclude at Lake Tana, the serene source of the Blue Nile, dotted with island monasteries like Kibran Gebriel and Kidanemhiret, adorned with medieval frescoes and manuscripts.
Trek to the thunderous Blue Nile Falls or mingle with locals at vibrant markets and coffee ceremonies. Best visited from October to March, this circuit weaves history, faith, and breathtaking landscapes into an unforgettable Ethiopian adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Price included
Price not included
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Highlights
- Explore the vibrant city of Bahir Dar, nestled on the shores of Lake Tana.
- Embark on a boat trip to visit the fascinating monasteries on the lake’s islands.
- Witness the breathtaking Blue Nile Falls.
- “Camelot of Africa,” Gondar, with its well-preserved 17th-century castles and palaces.
- The Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore the fascinating Debre Berhan Selassie Church.
- Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Itinerary
Day 1: ADDIS ABABA
After checking in at the hotel and having breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Addis. Drive up north to Mount Entoto to visit a museum, a church, and Emperor Menelik Palace. Descend to Addis and proceed to the Ethnographic Museum, which displays a large collection of Ethiopian crafts and items of historical interest. Continue to visit the Trinity Cathedral, the highest-ranking Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo cathedral in Addis Ababa, built in 1941 to commemorate the Ethiopian victory over Italian occupation. It is an important place of worship in Ethiopia. After lunch, visit the National Museum that houses the 3.2 million-year-old fossils of ‘Lucy’, possibly our earliest ancestor, along with other fascinating archaeological findings.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 2: ADDIS ABABA – BAHIR DAR (Flight)
In the morning, take the flight to Bahir Dar. After checking in at the hotel, take a private boat to Ura Kidane Mehret Ethiopian Orthodox Church, located on the Zege Peninsula around Lake Tana. Founded in the 14th century, the present circular church dates from the 16th century, with its interior decorated with numerous murals painted between 100 and 250 years ago. After lunch, drive to the village of Tis Isat to see the Blue Nile Falls. After the visit, return to Bahir Dar.
Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 3: BAHIR DAR – GONDAR
After breakfast, drive to Gondar, the 17th-century capital of Ethiopia. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Castle Compound, the Bath of Emperor Fasiladas, the Church of Quskuam Mariam, the residence of Empress Mintwab, and the Church of Debre Birhan Sillassie, famous for its wall and ceiling paintings.
Overnight Gondar
Day 4: GONDAR – LALIBELA (Flight)
After breakfast, drive from Gondar to Debark, the headquarters of the Simien Mountains National Park. Stop here to get permission to enter the park and meet the scout. From Debark, drive to the park gate, about 16km away, and then head 6km to Buit Ras, the first area of the national park. Trek for about 3-4 hours to Chilkuwanit, one of the most beautiful viewpoints, offering stunning views over the escarpment. You will encounter troops of endemic Gelada Baboons and may see jackals, klipspringers, and various birds. Afterward, return to Gondar.
Overnight Gondar.
Day 5: LALIBELA – ADDIS ABABA (Flight)
After breakfast, drive to Lalibela via Woreta, passing through the Amhara state. Enjoy stunning views of the Guna Mountains as you travel through this dramatic landscape.
Overnight Lalibela.
Day 6: LALIBELA
After breakfast, visit the rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela, often called ‘Africa’s Petra’. Lalibela and its churches are among Ethiopia’s top attractions. Visit the rock-hewn Churches including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Maskal, Bete Danaghel, Bete Golgotha & Bete Mikael, and Bete Giorgis. In the afternoon, visit the remaining churches: Bete Amanuel, Bete Markorios, Bete Aba Libanos, and Bete Gebriel-Rufael.
Overnight Lalibela.
Day 7: LALIBELA – ADDIS ABABA (flight)
After breakfast, take the flight back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the best traditional restaurants in Addis Ababa, with cultural music, dance, and traditional Ethiopian foods.
Overnight Addis Ababa, Hotel or Departure.
Price included
- Meals
- Car with fuel
- Driver allowance
- Boat
- Local guide fee all destinations
- Entrance fee in the park (SMNP)
- Sightseeing entrance
- Scout fee
- Bottle of water everyday
- Service fee
Price not included
- Domestic flight
- Tip
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Photo and Videography fee
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