Things to do in Amhara Region

Visit the impressive Debre Libanos Monastery, the famed Portuguese Bridge, the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge, and the haunting Saint Teklehaimanot Cave Church in just one day with an English-speaking guide. Marvel at breathtaking mountain landscapes and endemic wildlife, like bleeding-heart gelada baboons. After pickup at your hotel or at the airport in Addis Ababa, drive 100 kilometers (68 miles) to the north and pass over undulating mountain ranges that shelter the famous bleeding-heart baboons, as well as various endemic birds. Arrive at Debre Libanos, a monastery complex founded by Ethiopian Saint Abune Tekle Haymanot in 1284 that sits on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of one of the tributaries to the Blue Nile River (Jamma River). Then, experience the breathtaking views of the Blue Nile Gorge, often compared with Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Admire the Portuguese Bridge, built by Ras Darge in the 1890s in a classic Portuguese style. Enjoy the scenic views, interact with the Oromo people, and trek to the Saint Teklehaimanot Cave Church where around 300 monks were slaughtered in 1936 by Italian invaders. On the way back to Addis Ababa, make a stop at the Entoto Mountain for panoramic views of Addis Ababa from 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) above sea level. The tour concludes with drop-off at the airport or your hotel

Get picked up from your hotel in Addis Ababa or at the Arrivals Hall of Bole International Airport where you will meet your English-speaking guide. After a quick refreshment, embark on your guided sightseeing city tour of Addis Ababa. First, drive up to Mount Entoto for spectacular panoramic views over the city. Descend by way of the National Museum where you will have the chance to observe the fossil of 'Lucy' - the oldest ancestor of humans.  Then, visit the remarkable Ethiopian Orthodox ancient churches of the Holy Trinity which were built during World War II. Proceed to Ethnographic Museum, which was the former palace of Emperor Hailie Selassie.  After lunch, see the tombs of Emperor Hailie Selassie and admire the amazing paintings and church frescoes. Finally, end the tour with a stroll through the spectacular open-air markets - the biggest in East Africa. In the evening, transfer back to your hotel or the airport in time for your departure.

On your full day tour we take you to the main highlights of Addis Ababa ( The capital of Africa) National museum It is the repository of an assortment of archaeological and cultural artifacts of Ethiopia. Here is the 3.2 million years old, most famous hominids skeleton, discovered in 1974 at a place called Hadar Lucy (Dinknesh) to be seen. This was a discovery which has given rise to the theory that Ethiopia is the cradle of Humankind. Ethnographic museum This museum is a home for various types of traditional artifacts that show the lifestyles of different Ethiopian major ethnic groups. It is located in Addis Ababa university. Trinity Cathedral This unique and beautiful church with a baroque style of European architecture is dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Here scripts of the imperial families, statues made by Greek sculpture, Old and New Testament in the Bible  painted on a glass window, and the coffin of Emperor Haile Selassie-I; the founder of the church, and his wife, to be visited. Now is time for your lunch break and rest. Before you start your afternoon tour, you go test the famous Ethiopian coffee in the oldest and first coffee roaster in the country (Tomoka). Its not far from Merkato Market, the first site of your afternoon tour. Merkato Merkato is the largest open-air market in Africa. This open market can be confusing, but fascinating glimpse with its vast range of goods and artifacts available from all parts of the country. The Ethiopian traditional trade exchange takes place in the open air and you can purchase anything you desire here. Mount. Entoto The highest peak in Addis with an altitude of 3200 meters, which was the site for the first palace of Emperor Menelik-II, the founder of Addis Ababa. Were crowned as Emperor there is St. Mary church. From this mountain you can enjoy the panoramic view of Addis Ababa and its surrounding forests. We always end our tour at one of traditional restaurant, where you enjoy Ethiopia food while watching our traditional dance and music from the stage. When its time for your bed, we bring you to your hotel. Tour Ends there.

We will pick you from Addis Ababa Bole Int airport or any hotel in Addis Ababa or houses then drive to north Ethiopia passing through the wonderful chain mountains and densely tree forest of Mount Entoto then after a two hours driving we will be arriving at one of the respected monastery of Ethiopia Debre Libanos is a monastery in Ethiopia which is lying northwest of Addis Ababa and it was Founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot and visit the museums that have a lot of ancient bible books collection with religious crosses later take a visit internal parts of the church with the tombs of the founder of the monastery then we will have a 10 min hiking to the cave(served like a praying area for the founder of the monastery ST Tekle Haymanot) finally take a walk and a hiking to the portugse bridge lying at the Blue Nile George to see the wonderful landscapes and Ethiopian endemic baboons which is called the Chelada Baboon and have a chance of seeing Ethiopian Birds. In the evening be transferred to the airport for your departure.

This private day tour from Addis Ababa takes you through the scenic East African Rift Valley part of Ethiopia to the unique rock carved church of Adadi Mariam, ancient grave site of Tiya (UNESCO World Heritage), and experience the daily life of locals with family visit. Appreciate interesting places and activities such as the unique still operational church of Adadi Mariam which is cut out of a single piece of rock in the 13th Century AD, an ancient cemetery of Tiya, and a traditional village of the Oromo people. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Ethiopian part of the Great East African Rift Valley and learn also how to cook Enjera, an Ethiopian pancake. This is a Tour limited to a maximum of 6 people. This is 9-hour long tour with Later you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.

• Day one: Gondar - Debark - Sankaber  Your Ethiopian trekking adventure begins here with a two-hour drive to Debark, the entrance to Simien Mountains National Park. Get all the formalities and permits for visiting the famous Simien Mountains sorted before entering the park. Meet your personal cook and the scouts who will assist you throughout the tour, and collect your camping gear.  Continue on a one-hour drive on a rough road to Sankaber for your first hike of two to three hours to assist with acclimatization process. The first of many amazing views of the dramatic mountain range is sure to amaze you. Settle in for an overnight in the Sankaber camp.  • Day two: Sankaber - Geech Pack up your gear at Sankaber and meet your mule men before commencing the trek. Hike to Geech in five to six hours (11,800 feet, 8 miles), spotting many gelada baboons, klipspringer, and bush buck on the way. Walk along the escarpment before dropping down for impressive views. Eagles, vultures, and ravens are commonly seen here. On day two you'll also pass by Genbar Falls, an incredible 1,640-foot sheer drop of water. In the evening, climb Mount Kedadit (12,335 feet) for an unforgettable sunset. Overnight at the Geech campsite.  • Day three: Geech - Chenek - Gondar From the Geech campsite, trek back to Chenek. After lunch, drive back to Gondar to get dropped off at your hotel or any other address.

See the complex architecture and unusual features of Lalibela's incredible churches on a full-day guided tour. Marvel at important churches, including Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Giyorgis. Immerse yourself in local tradition with a coffee ceremony and an afternoon of live music. After pickup, begin your guided tour in the northwestern cluster of churches. Visit Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). Admire the distinct architectural features and rock cuttings. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant at noon. After, continue to the south-eastern cluster of churches. See Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, arrive at the famous Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint –Saint George. Finally, make your way to a family home for a traditional coffee ceremony and learn more about local life and culture. In the evening, watch traditional Amhara tribal music and dance. At the end of your trip, enjoy a return transfer to your chosen point in Lalibela.

Begin your full-day Ethiopian trekking adventure from the old, once-capital city of Gondar. Get picked up from your hotel and drive two hours to Debark, the entrance of Simien Mountains National Park. Upon arrival, get all the formalities and permits figured and meet your guide and the national park scouts who will assist you throughout the day. Then, drive 13 miles to the first area of the park and the starting point of your hike. Begin trekking on a three-hour trail all the way up to Michibi, where you will see the endemic gelada baboon and many varieties of plants and birds. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Simien Mountains from above. End the wonderful day with drop-off to your hotel in Gondar.

Journey through the Ethiopian Highlands on a guided, three-day trekking adventure from Lalibela. On your tour, immerse yourself in highlander culture amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Lasta Mountains. See the first big birds, experience a coffee ceremony, and visit a working monastery. To begin your tour, your guide will meet you at your hotel in Lalibela at approximately 7:30am. From there, trek in the direction of the scenic Lasta Mountains. After about three hours, you'll reach the Merebarbu Plateau. Pause for a snack of fruits and kollo, a typical Ethiopian roasted barley.  Continue your hike to the plateau of Ad Medhane Alem, or Atabkit, known as the "tight pass." Here, delight in the expansive views of the highlands stretching out before you. Birds of prey, such as the Lammergeier and the Augur buzzard, soar overhead as you tuck into lunch provided by the eco lodge. After lunch at Atabkit, trek to the Ad Medhane Alem Village and get acquainted with your host family for the evening. Explore the village with your family and partake in the honored custom of an Ethiopian coffee ceremony. In the evening, gather around the fireplace and relax as dinner is served. The next morning, following breakfast with your host family, set out on a shorter trek to Tigu Kebele, about three to four hours. Along the way, pass by highland farms, where you'll see families at work and children at play. Cows and sheep graze freely in the fields. Upon arrival in Tigu Kebele, stop by your accommodation for the evening, the Abune Yosef Eco Lodge. For lunch, you'll hike to a scenic spot 40 minutes away, situated at an altitude of 4,000m. Relax in the stunning surroundings of the Abune Yosef conservation area. Spend your afternoon in Tigu Kebele with two options. You can choose to hike further after lunch to the other side of the mountains for impressive views. Wander onwards to the twin Ziggit peaks, and even climb to the top of Rim Gedel, the highest summit in the Lasta Mountains at 4,284m altitude. Alternatively, you can choose to join in the daily rhythm of the village locals. Milk a cow, learn how to bake the famous Ethiopian Injera bread, harvest some crops with the farmers, or visit the local mountain school for a glimpse into Highlander culture. After your evening in Tigu Kebele, greet the next day with breakfast and a descending trek to the working monastery of Asheten Maryam. Carved into the mountainside, this remarkable structure is home to monks, nuns, and rare religious artifacts, including ancient crosses and a Bible. Finally, continue along your way back to Lalibela, where your tour of the Ethiopian Amhara Highlands concludes in the mid-afternoon.

Explore Ethiopia’s world-famed cuisine on this full-day tour. While immersing yourself deep in the culture of Ethiopia, your taste buds will have a busy day in the office. On this popular tour, you will be presented with the challenge of baking the spongy injera bread with local mothers. Experience a demonstration of the Ethiopian coffee ceremony and learn to bargain with the savvy spice dealers in Africa’s largest open air market, Merkato. You will have a buffet-style lunch at the oldest hotel in Ethiopia, Taitu Hotel.