Begin an unforgettable 10-day journey through Ethiopia’s renowned Northern Historical Route, a treasure trove of ancient wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage. Start your adventure in Addis Ababa with visits to iconic landmarks like the National Museum of Ethiopia, Entoto Mountain, and the bustling Merkato market. Fly to Bahir Dar to explore Lake Tana’s island monasteries and witness the majestic Blue Nile Falls.
Travel onward to Gondar, the Camelot of Africa, to marvel at the royal castles and the beautifully adorned Debre Birhan Selassie Church. Discover the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains National Park, home to endemic wildlife like Gelada baboons and the Walia ibex. Continue to Axum, Ethiopia’s ancient capital, to explore its legendary obelisks, St. Mary of Zion Church, and other archaeological marvels.
In Lalibela, uncover the world-famous rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the stunning Yimrehane Kirstos Church nestled in a mountain cave. Conclude your journey back in Addis Ababa with vibrant cultural experiences, traditional cuisine, and opportunities for souvenir shopping before departure. This immersive tour offers a seamless blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, showcasing the very best of Ethiopia’s Northern treasures.
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa and City Tour
Arrive at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, where you will be warmly welcomed by our representatives and drivers. Transfer to your reserved hotel and settle into your accommodations.
Begin your exploration of Ethiopia’s bustling capital with a city tour.
- The National Museum of Ethiopia: Home to remarkable archaeological treasures, including the famous fossilized remains of "Lucy," estimated to be 3.2 million years old.
- Entoto Mountain:Enjoy a panoramic view of the city and visit the historic St. Mary’s Church and the Old Palace of King Menelik II.
- The Holy Trinity Cathedral:Built during World War II, this iconic cathedral commemorates Ethiopia’s liberation from Italian occupation and is one of the country’s most significant places of worship.
- Merkato:Explore Africa's largest open-air market, a vibrant hub teeming with local goods and cultural charm.
Conclude the day with a delightful welcome dinner, soaking in the flavors of Ethiopian cuisine. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Transfer to Airport for domestic flight to Bahir Dar, upon arrival in Bahir dar the capital of the amhara region and the get to more than 37 Iceland monasteries of lake Tana.
We will be hosting by the Sabeans Ethiopia Tours Guides and drivers and drive to the famous Blue Nile Falls known locally as “Ti's Abay” meaning Great smoke or smoking fall, are a testimony to Ethiopia's natural beauty. It's a dramatic fall and more spectacular in the rainy season from June to September.
We undertake a two-hour hike and thus have the opportunity to experience the fall, cross over bridges, then the Blue Nile river by a small local boat. Late afternoon drive back to Bahir Dar.
Overnight in Bahir dar.
Today we undertake a full day exploration on a boat trip to Lake Tana; the source of the Blue Nile River and the largest lake in Ethiopia is home to thirty-seven islands, of which twenty shelter churches of significant historical and cultural interest.
And visit the Iceland monasteries.
In addition, the interesting fauna of the lake can be observed in this trip (mainly hippos and different types of birds).
On this day we will visit the Monasteries of Azwa Mariam and Ura Kidane Mehret, built in the 14th century that is one of the several in the area containing frescos, elaborate painted ceilings, church crosses, crowns and attires of former Ethiopian kings and emperors. Will have enough time to discover the monasteries and nature. Back to Bahir Dar and walk to appreciate the beauty of the town.
Overnight Bahir Dar.
This morning after breakfast Drive around 180 km to Gondar, the Camelot of Africa”, the 17th century capital of Ethiopia, where the ancient emperor’s palace with churches and baths is situated. Start to visit
The ‘’ROYAL COMPOUND” with many majestic castles. The castles from the 17th century, called Fasil Ghebbi, are located in the palace district which has been declared to be a UNESCO cultural world heritage site. We will also visit the Church of Debre Birhan Selassie with its iconic ceiling of painted angels.
Overnight Gondar
In the morning we drive from Gondar to the park headquarters in Debark. The 100 km journey takes around 2 hours. At the headquarters, we arrange our permits to the park and then we keep driving to the most interesting spots of the national park.
we stretch our legs and take short walks 2 to 3 hours trekking, which will allow us impressive views over the dramatic mountain range and as well will gain the impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region, possibly spotting wildlife such as the endemic Gelada Baboons, the endemic antelope of walia Ibex, the semien fox and the “bone breaker” bird Lammergeyer.
In the afternoon, return to the Simien Lodge, the highest hotel in Africa.
Overnight Semien lodge or debark in Hotel
Today’s drive takes us farther north to the ancient city of Axum. The first part is leading along the old Limalimo road, admiring the very spectacular landscape, the Tekeze Valley and the mountains.
Late afternoon we will arrive at Axum.
Axum is a city with more than 2500 years of history, once the center of a great empire and ancient civilization, home of the original Ark of covenants. The prime historical site in the north of Ethiopia.
Overnight Axum
This day a full day city tour of Axum and Begin your exploration with the Axum Obelisks, impressive ancient grave markers that rise majestically into the sky.
Visit the Church of Saint Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant, adding an air of mystery to the town.
The Aksum Archaeological Museum displays artifacts spanning centuries, including ancient coins and inscriptions.
Other highlights include May Shum (the Queen of Sheba’s Pool), the ruins of Dongar Palace, and the royal tombs of King Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel.
Overnight Axum
In the late morning, transfer to Axum Emperor Yohannes Airport and take a short flight to Lalibela, famous for its rock-hewn churches dating back 12 century AD, and are today part of the UNESCO cultural world heritage,
This is the most important stop on the historical route. More than 11 rock-hewn churches, carved into the rugged mountainside, present an awesome spectacle.
Afternoon excursion to the most spectacular churches, This afternoon discover the first group of churches around 5 rock-hewn churches.
Overnight Lalibela.
After breakfast we will drive 42 km North of Lalibela to visit the extraordinary church of yimrehane kirstos , This 11th century church is a beautifully preserved Aksumite Architecture. It is widely known for its rich interior paneling, it stands in a natural cave at the foot of a cliff on Mt Abune yosef.
The stepped facade consists of alternating layers of wood and stone that quite probably provided the blueprint for several Lalibela churches.
We will drive back to Lalibela and after lunch, visit the 2nd groups of churches “Bet Gabriel & Rafael, Bet Emanuel , Bet Abba Libanos and the most famous St George , the one in a shape of cross and most probably the highlight of your visit to Lalibela.
Overnight Lalibela
Transfer to the Lalibela airport in the morning and flight to Addis Ababa.
We visit a market and shops in Addis Ababa to buy souvenirs, coffee etc.. Finally, there is a joint traditional Ethiopian dinner with music and dance performance.
Transfer to Airport for your departure, depending on your flight schedules.
End of the trip
