Gondar

Tours

Discover the highlights of Ethiopia on a 5-day tour. Visit the Blue Nile Falls, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the ancient city of Axum. Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Tana and attend a traditional Ethiopian dinner and dance show. Day 1: Addis Ababa - Lalibela Morning: Take an early flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and freshen up. Mid-Morning to Afternoon: Begin your exploration of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its monolithic rock-hewn churches. Visit the Northwestern Cluster, which includes Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and Bet Giyorgis, the latter being the iconic cross-shaped church. Evening: Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner while experiencing a local cultural show featuring music and dance. Overnight: Lalibela. Day 2: Lalibela - Gondar Morning: Fly from Lalibela to Gondar, known as the "Camelot of Africa. "Check into your hotel upon arrival. Late Morning to Afternoon: Visit Gondar Castle (Fasil Ghebbi), a World Heritage site featuring a complex of palaces and castles. Continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its stunning interior with a ceiling adorned by angelic faces. Evening: Stroll through Gondar’s local markets to explore traditional crafts and enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel. Overnight: Gondar. Day 3: Gondar - Bahir Dar Morning: Depart by car to Bahir Dar (approximately 3-4 hours). Enjoy the scenic countryside views along the way. Mid-Morning to Early Afternoon: Take a boat trip on Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the Blue Nile. Visit two significant island monasteries: Ura Kidane Mehret: Known for its vibrant frescoes and sacred artifacts. Azwa Mariam: Smaller but equally captivating with its peaceful surroundings. Afternoon: Drive to the Blue Nile Falls. Evening: Return to Bahir Dar for a relaxed dinner by the lakeside. Overnight: Bahir Dar. Day 4: Bahir Dar - Addis Ababa - Axum Morning: Fly from Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa and connect with a flight to Axum. Afternoon: Upon arrival, visit Axum's ancient ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights include: The Obelisk of Axum, a towering granite stele. The Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. The Queen of Sheba's Palace ruins. Evening: Relax at your hotel after a day of exploration. Overnight: Axum. Day 5: Axum - Addis Ababa Morning: Explore more of Axum, including the King Ezana’s Stele, tombs of kings, and the archaeological museum. Visit a local market to shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs. Afternoon: Fly back to Addis Ababa. Evening: Option to enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant. Overnight: Addis Ababa. N:B:- "To ensure a seamless travel experience to and within Ethiopia, I highly recommend Ethiopian Airlines for both your international and domestic flights. Renowned for its reliability, convenience, and affordable services, Ethiopian Airlines ensures a smooth and comfortable journey.

Day 1 – Addis Ababa On arrival at Bole Int Airport, the Aman Ethiopia Tours team will meet you & transfer you to your hotel then later start Exploring Addis Ababa. Visit the various museums, including the National Museum where you’ll discover ‘Lucy’, the fossilized skeleton of an ancient human ancestor dating back 3.2 million years who changed our understanding of human evolution. Heading to the Mercato market, the largest open-air market in Africa, and experience a traditional coffee ceremony. Discover what Haile Selassie and Sylvia Pankhurst have in common at the copper-domed Holy Trinity Cathedral. See why the European Council on Tourism and Trade named Ethiopia its number-one place to visit in 2015.

17-Day Ethiopia Tour Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. Explore key landmarks and cultural sites. Day 2: Addis Ababa to Danakil Depression Drive to Ragad to witness salt mining activities. Visit Dallol's colorful landscapes, Lake Assal, and camel caravans. Overnight in Hamadella. Day 3: Dallol to Erta Ale Drive to Erta Ale, home to the world's only permanent lava lake. Trek to Dodom, then camp near Erta Ale. Day 4: Erta Ale to Mekelle Watch the sunrise over the crater. After breakfast, descend and visit Lake Giulietti before heading to Mekelle for the night. Day 5: Mekelle to Gheralta Explore Tigray's rock-hewn churches, including Abrha We Ashibha and Abune Yemata Guh. Overnight in Hawzen. Day 6: Hawzen to Axum Visit the ruins of Yeha and Debre Damo Monastery before returning to Axum for the night. Day 7: Exploring Axum Discover Axum’s historical sites like the obelisks, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath, and St. Mary of Zion Church. Overnight in Axum. Day 8: Axum to Simien Mountains National Park Drive to Sankaber, stopping at the park head office to register. Enjoy a short trek around the campsite. Overnight in Sankaber. Day 9: Trek from Sankaber to Gich Camp Hike to Gich Camp via Jinibar Falls, taking approximately 6 hours. Day 10: Trek from Gich to Chennek Trek to Chennek via Imet Gogo, observing stunning views and endemic wildlife. Overnight in Chennek. Day 11: Summit Ras Bwahit Trek to Ethiopia’s second-highest peak, Ras Bwahit (4,430m), then return to Chennek. Day 12: Morning Trek and Transfer to Gondar Explore Chennek in the morning, then transfer back to Gondar. Day 13: Historical Gondar Visit Fasilidas' Castle, Fasilidas Swimming Pool, and Debre Birhan Selassie Church. Overnight in Gondar. Day 14: Gondar to Bahir Dar Drive to Bahir Dar, then enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana, visiting historic monasteries and a local market. Day 15: Blue Nile Falls Visit the Blue Nile Falls in the morning, then return to Gondar for an overnight stay. Day 16: Gondar to Lalibela Fly to Lalibela and explore rock-hewn churches, including the Northwestern and Southeastern Clusters. Overnight in Lalibela. Day 17: Lalibela to Addis Ababa Attend early church services if applicable. After breakfast, fly back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy sightseeing and overnight stay in the city. This itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Ethiopia’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage.

Embark on a 6-day trek through the Simien Mountains. Hike to the top of Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Day 1: Gondar to Sankaber Start your trek with a drive from Gondar to Michibiny. Stop at the Simien Mountains National Park headquarters to arrange the permit. Begin your trek with a 2-3 hour hike to Sankaber. Overnight at the campsite. Day 2: Sankaber to Gich Hike from Sankaber to Gich. Pass through highland grasslands, heather forests, and cultivated fields. Follow a spectacular escarpment with dramatic views. Encounter the friendly gelada baboons foraging in big groups. Reach the Jinbar Falls, a waterfall that plunges several hundred meters down the escarpment. Pass through the welcoming village of Gich. Overnight at the campsite. Day 3: Gich to Chennek Hike from Gich to Chennek. Pass through the Gich plateau, where the giant lobelia is abundant. Spot the majestic lammergeyer and the endemic thick-billed raven. Pass some major peaks and a deep valley. Reach Chennek, the best place to spot the endemic and endangered walia ibex. Overnight at the campsite. Day 4: Chennek to Ambiko Hike from Chennek to Ambiko. Hike up the Bwahit Pass and summit Bwahit, the second-highest peak after Ras Dashen. Reach the bottom of the valley of the Mesheha River before reaching Ambiko. Overnight at the campsite. Day 5: Ambiko to Ras Dashen Hike from Ambiko to Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. Take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Return to Ambiko. Overnight at the campsite. Day 6: Ambiko to Gondar Hike from Ambiko to Chiro Leba. Drive back to Gondar.

Day 1: Arriva to Addis Ababa- City tour Arrive Addis Ababa in the morning. After a leisurely morning to relax we will spend the afternoon on a site-seeing tour of Addis Ababa. Overnight Hotel Day 2: Fly to Axum As we explore Axum, and its ancient relics, a sense of adventure and imagination guides us through this mysterious and historic place. Overnight Hotel Day 3: Fly to Lalibela Today you need to rise early for the short flight over the amazing rust colored canyons and high peaks to Lalibela. Overnight Hotel Day 4: Excursion -Mule Riding We visit Asheton Mariam, atop a mountain overlooking Lalibela, by mule back. The mountain views are impressive and panoramic. In the afternoon, visit the Second group of the churches representing the heavenly Jerusalem. Overnight Hotel Day 5: fly to Gondar (January 19) After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport and fly to Gondar. With the castles of the Royal Enclosure, ornate churches and resplendent bathing pools, it’s easy to imagine Gondar in all of its glory as the capital of Ethiopia in the mid 1600s. Day 6: Bahir Dar (January 20) After breakfast you will depart for a three hour drive to Bahir Dar- the beautiful lake side city. After a short hike through local villages and coffee farms, you will reach the monastery of Ura Kidane Meret, which is home to an important collection of crosses and crowns dating back to the 16th century. The painted maqdas, colorful and well-preserved, tell the stories of Ethiopian saints. Overnight Hotel Day 7: Return to Addis After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport and fly back to Addis Ababa. On arrival you will be taken for lunch at the hotel and thereafter on a short tour of Addis Ababa. End of Service Please note: This tour may precede or follow any other Ethiopian tours offered by Ethio Backpacker Tours. This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirement.

Day 01: Drive From Gonder to Sankabor, Walk 3-4hrs around Sankabor Drive from Gondar or directly from the airport (depending on your arrival time) to Sankaber about 136km away. We will go via the park head office in Debark to register and pick up trek staff such as scouts, guides and cook if required. After trekking for 3 or 4 hours we return to the Sankabor camp (3250m) and stay overnight. Accommodation: Camping at Sankaber Day 02: Explore Simien Mountains – Ginbar water fall -Gonder Trek for 2.5 hours to 500m high Jinbar waterfall. Along the way, you will observe the splendid landscape and different kinds of flowers and trees. There is also a possibility to see a klipspringer and mini bushbuck. There are leopards in the area but they are rarely seen, however maybe you’ll be one of the lucky ones! Of course, the delightful gelada baboons are always around. After lunch, by the waterfall, the 4×4 picks us up to drive back to Gondar.

We will meet you in the morning at Gondar Airport or your hotel in Gondar. 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. We will have tea and coffee break and visit the local market if we have time. The local market is open every day, and every Wednesday and Saturday is the big market day. 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. Our car will pick you up at Chilkuwanit and drive to Gondar

Experience the breathtaking Simien Mountains with our 2-night/3-day trek! Day 1. Begin in Gondar, where our driver or guide will warmly greet you & We'll pick you up in the morning Airport or Hotel and drive 100 km to Debark, the National Park's headquarter. After a scenic 2-hour drive, we'll stop in Debark to obtain permission to enter the park and take a refreshing tea or coffee break. If time allows, we can explore the local market, known for its vibrant atmosphere on Wednesdays and Saturdays. From Debark, we'll drive 16 km to reach the park gate, followed by another 6 km to the starting point of our trek. The starting point can be customized based on your interests and available time. As we hike, you'll be treated to stunning views of the escarpment and encounter various plant and bird species. Keep an eye out for the fascinating Gelada Baboon, as well as clipspringers, bushbucks, and other unique flora and fauna. Our trek will last approximately 4 hours until we reach Sankaber camp, located at an elevation of 3250m above sea level. Here, you can immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings and appreciate the natural beauty. Day 2 . takes you from Sankaber to Chenek, where you'll witness the Jinbar Waterfall and summit Mt. Inatye at 4070m In the morning our adventure starts, after enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will begin our trek towards the awe-inspiring Jinbar waterfall. The trek will take approximately 2 hours, allowing you to witness the magnificence of the waterfall up close. Afterward, we will drive for 20 minutes to Aynameda before embarking on a 2-hour climb to reach Mt. Inatye 4070m absl. From there, we will trek along the scenic escarpment for 2 hours until we reach Chenek Camp, situated at an elevation of 3620m above sea level. You will spend the night at Chenek Camp, surrounded by the beauty of nature. During this day, you will have the incredible opportunity to spot the Endemic Ethiopian wolf, either around Mt. Inatye or at Chenek Camp. Keep your eyes peeled for this fascinating and rare species. Additionally, as we trek downhill, try to spot the Walia ibex, another endemic wildlife species that inhabits the area. Day 3, of Simien Mountains 3days trek... Conquer Mt. Buahit, the Park's 2nd Highest Peak at 4430m. Explore Chenek Camp, nestled at the base of this majestic peak. After a delightful breakfast, start your ascent of 800m to the peak, a 3-hour climb. Witness the diverse Afroalpine biodiversity, including Walia Ibex, Ethiopian Wolves, Gelada Monkeys, and a variety of birds. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the peak and traverse the incredible trail along the ridge. Spot the distant Mt. Rasdejen across the horizon. Descend back to the camp for a packed lunch before a scenic 4-hour drive back to Gondar. Depending on your schedule, you may catch a late afternoon flight to Addis or choose to stay overnight in Gondar. Our package concludes with drop-off at your hotel or the airport."

Arrive in Gondar and check into your hotel to relax. Start your visit at **Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure)**, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive castles. Next, go to **Debre Berhan Selassie Church**, a 17th-century church known for its colorful paintings. In the afternoon, visit the **Fasilides Bath**, a historic bath built by Emperor Fasilides that is still used during Timkat celebrations. Explore the ruins of **Empress Mentewab's Kuskuam Complex** to learn more about the local culture. Finally, take a trip to Qusquam Monastery**, located outside Gondar, which offers beautiful views and holds religious importance. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and taste traditional Ethiopian food. This itinerary gives you a great chance to see Gondar's history and culture.

a Day trip from Gondar to the breathtaking Simien Mountains is an adventure that promises an unforgettable blend of natural wonders and wildlife. Your journey begins with a 100km drive from Gondar to Debark, the gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park, taking approximately an hour and a half. Upon arrival in Debark, you'll register at the park office, a necessary step before delving into the heart of this majestic landscape. From Debark, you'll drive another 22km to reach the first major area of the national park, where the real exploration starts. Here, you're greeted by stunning views that span across the rugged terrain, home to an array of unique plant and bird species. It's also where you'll encounter troops of Gelada monkeys, a sight that adds a special touch to the experience. These monkeys are known for their sociable nature and striking appearance, making them a highlight for many visitors. Your adventure continues as you drive up to Sankaber, ultimately reaching the Sankeber Camp situated at an impressive altitude of 3250 meters above sea level. The journey to this point is not just about the destination but also the awe-inspiring landscapes you'll pass along the way. From Sankeber Camp, you'll trek down to the Jinbar Waterfall, a hike that takes about 2 hours. The sight of the magnificent Jinbar Fall, coupled with a picnic in this serene setting, is the perfect way to rejuvenate before concluding your trip. Finally, you'll drive back to Gondar, carrying with you memories of a day spent amidst some of Ethiopia's most stunning natural beauty.