9 Days Historic North
Overview
The historical northern circuit of Ethiopia offers a captivating journey through time, showcasing ancient civilizations, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. Gondar, with its castles and palaces; Lalibela, with its remarkable rock-hewn churches; Negash, one of the earliest holy Muslim centres from the Prophet Muhammad Era with the Negash Amedin Mesgid. Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, is the largest lake with 37 islands and the Monasteries like Kibran Gebriel and Kidanemhiret dating back to 14th century.
Highlights
Itinerary
Price included
Price not included
Reviews
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.
- Breathtaking trek through the Simien Mountains.
- Axum, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Aksum.
- Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Itinerary
Day 1: ADDIS ABABA
After checking the hotel and breakfast, on a sightseeing of Addis, drive up north to Mount Entoto to visit a museum, church and Emperor Menelik Palace. Descending down to Addis, proceed to the Ethnographic museum, which displays a very 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, Ethiopia. This was built in 1941 to commemorate the Ethiopian victory over Italian occupation and is an important place of worship in Ethiopia. After lunch, proceed to the National museum that houses the 3.2 million years old fossils of ‘Lucy’ (perhaps our earliest ancestor) is among other interesting archeological findings.
Overnight, Hotel.
Day 2: ADDIS ABABA – BAHIR DAR (Flight)
In the morning we take the morning flight to Bahirdar. After check in the hotel we take private boat to Ura Kidane Mehret Ethiopian Orthodox Church, located on the Zege peninsula around Lake Tana in Ethiopia. The most attractive church in the Lake Tana region founded in the 14th century although the present circular church dates from the 16th century. Its interior is decorated with numerous murals painted between 100 and 250 years ago. In the afternoon after lunch we drive to the village of Tis Isat to see the Blue Nile falls. After visit drive back to Bahir dar.
Overnight, Bahir Dar.
Day 3: BAHIR DAR – GONDAR
After breakfast drive from to Gondar – the 17th century capital of Ethiopia. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Castle Compound of Gondar, the ‘Bath of Emperor Fasiladas’, the church of QuskuamMariam, the residence of Empress Mintwab, and the church of DebreBirhan Sillassie which is famous for its wall and ceiling paintings.
Overnight, Gondar.
Day 4: GONDAR – SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast drive from Gondar to Debark, which is the headquarter town for the national park. We will stop here to get a permission to enter the park and meet the scout. From Debark town, we will drive to the park gate, which is about 16km from the town. Then, we are heading about 6km to Buit Ras, the first area of the national park. From Buit Ras, we will trek for about 3, 4 hours to Chilkuwanit which is one of the most beautiful viewpoints. This area offers stunning views over the escarpment dropping vertically. You will most certainly encounter troops of the endemic Gelada Baboons and see them up-close. You may also see common jackal, klipspringer and more. There are a lot of birds such as Thick-billed Raven, Augar Buzard, Black Kites, Lammergeyer and different plant species such as Abyssinian Rose, Erica Arboria tree, Euphorbia Species, St. Johns Worttree (Hypercumrevoltum) and so on.
Overnight, Simien Mountains.
Day 5: SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK – AXUM
In the morning, drive to Axum, enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains. After stopping for lunch in Adarky, proceed driving through the Tekeze Valley to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant.
Overnight, Axum.
Day 6: AXUM
Morning after breakfast explores the city of Axum. Axum, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Aksum. Visit the Stelae Park, home to massive obelisks, some of the largest stone monuments ever erected. Explore the King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel Tomb, a royal burial site. In the afternoon, visit St. Mary of Zion Church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Overnight, Axum.
Day 7: AXUM – LALIBELA (Flight)
On this day after breakfast take a short flight to Lalibela. After check in the hotel start to visit the rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela. Lalibela is the jewel in the crown of Ethiopia, the home of the most famous churches and the scene of so many major religious ceremonies. Also known as ‘Africa’s Petra’, Lalibela and its rock-hewn Churches are arguably Ethiopia’s top most attractions. Visit the rock-hewn Churches. These Churches include Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Maskal, Bete Danaghel, Bete Golgotha & Bete Mikael, and Bete Giorgis. Afternoon, you will visit the rest of the rock hewn churches of Lalibela i.e. Bete Amanuel, Bete Markorios, Bete Aba Libanos, and Bete Gebriel-Rufael.
Overnight, Lalibela.
Day 8: LALIBELA
On this day after breakfast we start to visit the rest of the rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela and an excursion to visit some of the churches outside Lalibela town.
Overnight, Lalibela.
Day 9: LALIBELA – ADDIS ABABA (Flight)
Fly back to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, visit the Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional Ethiopian cuisine and cultural performances.
Overnight, Addis Ababa hotel or Departure.
Price included
- Car with fuel
- Driver allowance
- Accommodation
- 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
- Any service not mentioned in the “Price included” section
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