Day One: Arrival
On your arrival in Addis Ababa, The guide from Afrikan Wildlife Safaris will welcome you, the transfer you to the hotel for the overnight. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may go for the city tour and visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Ethnological Museum and the National Museum. As the final resting place of much-loved Haile Selassie, Holy Trinity Cathedral is one of the country’s most sacred places of worship.
Day Two: Unity Park then fly to Mekele
This morning we will visit Unity Park. Newly opened in 2019, Unity Park is set upon the grounds of the old Grand Imperial Palace. The palace was originally constructed under the reign of Emperor Menelik, and has since been the decision-making seat of Ethiopia: successive occupiers included both Ethiopia’s final emperor Haile Selassie and the Marxist President Mengistu.. We’ll return to the hotel in time for some free time for lunch, before collecting luggage and transferring to the airport for our late afternoon flight north to Mekele. This ancient town is the political capital of the Tigray region and the gateway to one of Ethiopia’s most impressive geological areas, the Danakil Depression.
Day Three: Danakil Depression
Have very early morning breakfast and visit Dallol National Park. Take your picnic lunch with you as we travel into the vast Danakil Depression. Along the way we may see traditional and ancient scenes of this region; camel caravans. The Afar people have inhabited this region for many centuries, they collect salt from the desert and transport it back to the towns to sell in the market. They have no sense of borders, no nationality and no political rights. Dallol is the result of changing geological activity and the bright yellow, green and red acidic pools are a colourful reminder you are standing in one of the earth’s most uninhabitable places. Take a walk around the colourful pools, learn about the unique geology from the local guide. The heat of that day will determine how long we stay. But normally takes between 1-2 hours.
Day Four: Axum
After breakfast, depart Mekele and head to Axum. The whoe day will be driving but making some stops in historical areas. We will stop at Negash Mosque, the first mosque in Africa. Muslim refugees are said to have come to Ethiopia, then the Kingdom of Abyssinia, escaping persecution in Mecca in the 7th century. We will be guided around the mosque and we may get a chance to meet the imam. We will then proceed to The Great Temple of Yeha. Dating back some 3,000 years, this pagan site was first professionally excavated in the early 1900’s and is a great reminder of how long Ethiopia has played a role in human civilisation, predating both Islam and Christianity. A guide will take us around the compound explaining the significance of the stone structure, including the extremely advanced joinery. Then continue to Axum, the sacred home of biblical Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant.. This evening you’re free.
Day Five: Axum, ancient obelisks, St Mary of Zion
This morning, we will explore Axum with a local guide. We will take a short drive to a hill just north of Axum to visit King Kaleb’s tomb. King Kaleb is the most documented Axumite King, who extended the powers of the Axumite kingdom far beyond modern day Eritrea and Ethiopia but all the way across the seas to southern Arabia. With our local guide we will descend down the stone stairways into the stone-carved tombs. As well as the monarchical history. Then visit the stelae field where granite obelisks dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries can be found. The tallest standing obelisk is 24 meters and weighs a huge 160 tonnes but the largest constructed was a huge 33 metres tall and still lays exactly where it fell a few steps away. Depending on any ongoing excavation, we will hopefully be able to go inside one of the underground tombs to learn more about the Axumite burials. We will also visit Axum museum on the same site.The Church of our Lady Mary of Zion compound, allegedly, the final resting place of the sacred Ark of the Covenant. We will visit the church complex that is home to three scared buildings, the large 1950s Lady Mary of Zion Cathedral built by Haile Selassie as somewhere to bring men and women together in prayer, the older 17th century Old Church of Lady Mary of Zion that is only open to men, and the small Chapel of the Covenant, said to be home to the Ark, and closed off to all visitors. As the Ark itself is not allowed to be seen, biblical historians and archaeologists the world over have differing opinions on whether this can be true but to Christian Ethiopians this is fact. If time permits, we can visit the large market square and then go back to the hotel for the overnight.
Day Six: Debark
This will be an early departure to Debark, the gateway to the Simien Mountains. We will drive high over the Simien Mountains and through the Tekeze Valley with giant baobab trees. We should arrive into Debark in the late afternoon. Debark is a small roadside town with just a few simple hotels. We will be staying in a centrally located, family run property and there is a cafe-bar on site, which although modest in its appearance serves great coffee and a good selection of local beers. While there are a small number of places serving food in the town, the hotel is often the best opportunity for a wholesome evening meal.
Day Seven: Simien Mountain National Park
Today, we will drive to the Simien Mountains National Park, where we will begin our walks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Ethiopia’s main attractions. While wildlife viewing can never be guaranteed, one of the highlights of walking in this area is the chance to spot the endemic gelada monkeys. The gelada monkeys are the last living species of the ancient grazing primates. We will then go to the viewpoint and enjoy our picnic lunch. The walks are along well-worn trails but can be rocky underfoot with steep ascents and descents in places. The porters are with the group to assist but a general level of fitness is required to complete the walks. Good walking shoes and a hat are absolutely essential, and a walking pole is recommended if you’re used to using one. We will often stop for short breaks and photo opportunities but as the walks are at altitude anyone can struggle and it’s essential to notify the guide if you feel unwell. The bus remains in the park throughout the day so the second walk is optional and those who would like to give it a miss can be driven to the end point to meet the group.
Day Eight: Gondar
Depart Debark after breakfast and drive to Gondar, located on the high plateau just north of Lake Tana. Our hotel is located on a hill above Gondar and the terrace, with a swimming pool, is a great spot to enjoy the views. Gondar is most famous for its exceptionally well preserved 17th century castles. With pure African architecture, the castles were built here as part of King Fasilidas royal camp and the local guide will tell us the history. The same king also built remarkable baths a short drive away, known as the ‘Pavilion of Delight’ which we will also visit. These baths have the feeling of being lost in time where the surrounding nature has quite simply taken over, and yet remain in use regularly for holy festivals due to their sacred significance. The entire royal complex of buildings in Gondar is unique in Ethiopia and unlike anything found elsewhere in Africa. We also visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church. Set in a peaceful walled garden, this pretty, thatched-roof church is famed for its ceiling frescoes of angel faces. Men and women can both enter using separate entrances and inside this small church icons and biblical artwork cover the walls. This evening will be free to relax, perfect for a sundowner on the terrace.
Day Nine: Drive to Bahir Dar
Enjoy the relaxed free morning and take your time when having breakfast. At midday we will depart Gondar and head to Bahir Dar with a lunch stop at any of the Italian-inspired cafes or join the locals for traditional shiro wat, a spicy chickpea stew. Bahir Dar, the capital of the Ethiopia’s Amhara region. Our hotel is brilliantly positioned right on the shore line of Lake Tana with a big, shady garden which is a perfect spot to sit watching the many birds in the trees and see the sun go down over the lake. This evening is free and options include eating in the hotel’s humble restaurant which serves good Ethiopian and European food, or perhaps taking a bajaj taxi into the town centre for a fresh, grilled fish dinner.
Day Ten: Sunrise boat trip and a walk to Blue Nile Falls
Today, we will go for the sunrise boat trip on the lake, but optinal because it requires a very early start as we head out before the dawn, but the sunrise makes it worthy. On the boat ride, we will also spot some of the lake’s wildlife, including hippos, fish eagles, pelicans and other bird life.. We will return to the hotel for breakfast then drive to south of Bahir Dar towards Tississat Falls, also known as Blue Nile Falls. Together with a local guide, we will take a five minute boat ride across the Nile to begin a 30 minute walk to our first viewpoint. From here, you will begin to understand the Amharic translation for these falls – ‘the Water that Smokes’. After time to have a coffee with the locals in the shade, we will continue with the walk for a further one hour passing through quiet countryside before meeting the safari van to return to Bahir Dar in time for lunch. Later this afternoon there will also be the option to go with the local guide to a viewpoint high above Bahir Dar. This evening is then free to realax.
Day Eleven: Boat cruise out across Lake Tana to Zeghie
After breakfast, we will join the local guide on a cruise across the lake to the Zeghie Peninsular. Set at the southern end of Lake Tana, this headland is home to ancient monasteries hidden among lush forest that buzzes with bird life and butterflies. On arrival, we follow a rough pathway, through fruit and coffee trees for about 15 minutes before reaching the 13th century Bete Maryam Monastery. Also known as the House of Mary, this active monastery is the oldest on the peninsular and home to some 10 monks. With walls constructed from mud and ceilings made of bamboo and juniper the building itself is impressive to see. The valuable murals inside date back to the 16th century and were created with paints derived from the surrounding flora. After our visit we’ll make our way back to the boat. As we will be within Lake Tana Biospehere Reserve, there is the opportunity to spot a wide variety of impressive birds in the canopy, including the yellow-fronted parrot and malachite kingfisher. Arriving back at our hotel in the early afternoon, we’ll have the rest of the day free to enjoy the surroundings or you may like to take a walk to the nearby winery offering a selection of Ethiopian wine.
Day Twelve: Fly to Lalibela
Depart Lake Tana and take a short flight to Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most remarkable historic sites. Upon arrival at Lalibela’s airstrip, the guide will pick us up ad transfer us to the lodge. Lalibela deemed ‘The New Jerusalem’ it is believed the town was constructed some 800 years ago by King Lalibela as his capital city. We’ll have some time for lunch before heading out with a local guide this afternoon to begin exploring this historic area. Lalibela is home to 11 rock-hewn monolithic churches split into the northern and southern clusters, which stand on either side of a stream, known locally as ‘The River Jordan’. Although churches carved into rock are found in other parts of the world, the ones in Lalibela are particularly grand and the carvings show extremely skilful workmanship. The stories of how the churches were constructed vary slightly depending on the story-teller but all such descriptions highlight how strong the Ethiopian’s faith is. This afternoon we focus on the northern cluster; it’s a privilege to be able to visit the site as these churches are not simply a historic attraction but are actually still in use by the local Christian community and host regular mass. The final church we’ll visit this afternoon stands in isolation, a short walk from the others and that is the magnificent Bet Giyorgis. Carved in the form of a Greek cross it is approached through a passage in the rock. Between them, these rock-cut churches are one of the great wonders of the world. This afternoon’s tour does involves a certain amount of scrambling along uneven paths and through tunnels, so good walking shoes are essential. This evening is free and there are many local restaurants to choose from.
Day Thirteen: Sacred Asheton Maryam Church
This day, we will start vey early so that we meet our mules and muleteers for an adventurous and authentic journey up the hillside to Asheton Maryam Church, 600m above Lalibela. The high ground is steep but its great fun and the views across Lalibela and beyond. The church itself is simple but there will be a chance to meet the monks who call it home and they will proudly show us their sacred paintings and crosses. At nearly 4,000m above sea level, we will also spend some time taking in the stunning views over the town and countryside below. On our return walk we will stop to have coffee with a local family who live along the walking trail before all taking the vehicle back to town. We will return to the hotel in time for lunch before departing again in the mid-afternoon to visit the southern cluster with our guide. The historical facts about the churches of the southern cluster are somewhat vague, and legend tends to creep in. Some believe the churches of Lalibela were built in a night with the help of angels, some say it took nearly a quarter of a century, while more modern estimates say the carving of these monolithic structures would have taken centuries. No matter which you believe, once standing within the church complex you can’t help but get wrapped up in the mystery of it all. Please note: There is an 80kg weight limit for this morning’s mule trek. For anyone not participating in the mule trek, the vehicle will take you to meet the group at the start of the walking trail. Vertigo sufferers or people with a low level of fitness may choose not to partake in this activity, your guide can advise you.
Day Fourteen: Fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa
This morning we fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa where you connect to the international flight to get back home.