Axum

Tours

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.

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.

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.

Day 1: Addis Ababa – Semera – Afdera – Erta Ale Fly to Semera and drive to the Danakil Depression. Visit Lake Afdera, enjoy the natural hot springs, and swim in the salt lake. Continue to Dodom at the base of Erta Ale. Overnight camping on the mountain. Day 2: Erta Ale – HamadEla – Dallol – Afdera After breakfast, drive to HamadEla, visit a local village, and witness camel caravans. Explore the stunning volcanic landscapes of Dallol, Lake Assale, and the Salt Canyon. Overnight camping at Lake Afdera. Day 3: Dallol – Mekele – Gheralta Drive to Mekele, then continue to Abuna Yemata Guh. Hike up the Gheralta mountains to visit the rock-hewn church, known for its breathtaking views. Overnight at Vision Hotel in Hawzien. Day 4: Hawzien – Axum – Addis Ababa Drive to Axum, visit its UNESCO-listed heritage sites, including the ancient stelae and the Queen of Sheba’s legendary city. After lunch, fly back to Addis Ababa. Overnight at Metas Hotel. Day 5: Fly to Lalibela Early morning flight to Lalibela, where our guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After lunch, explore the breathtaking 11 rock-hewn churches. Overnight at Lal Hotel. Day 6: Lalibela – Addis Ababa After breakfast, fly back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a city tour and later, a farewell dinner at Yod Abyssinian Cultural Restaurant before your departure.

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.

Explore the Danakil Depression, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a 7-day tour from Addis Ababa. Visit the Tigray churches, Axum, and Lalibela churches, and see the Holy Trinity Church. Day 1: Addis Ababa Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. After a refreshment, visit the city. Drive to Entoto mountain for a panoramic view, visit the National Museum, and see the Holy Trinity Church. Overnights at Metas Hotel Day 2: Addis Ababa to Semira to Danakil Depression (Erta Ale) Fly to Semira Airport and drive to the Danakil Depression. Visit the Erta Ale volcano, which contains the world’s only permanent lava lake. Spend overnights camping Top of mountain Day 3: Erta Ale to Dallol (Lake Afdera) Trek to the volcano and spend 1-2 hours there. Then, have breakfast and drive to Dallol. Drive to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the localities are mining salt. Drive back to Hamedela and spend the night camping. Day 4: Drive Erta Ale to Mekele to Axum Drive to Mekele and then to Axum. Visit Abuna Yemata Guh, a church built into the rock. Overnight Hawizen Vision Hotel Day 5: Axum to Hawzein Drive to Hawzein and pass the Adwa battlefield, site of Emperor Menelik II's 1895 victory over the invading Italians. Visit the 2,500-year-old ruins of Yeha, an ancient moon temple. Continue past Adigrat and visit Aba Gerima and Petros Paulos, two of the Tigray region's oldest and finest rock churches. Overnight Vision Hotel Day 6: Axum to Addis Ababa Fly back to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, have rest and refreshments after your trip. Spend the night in Addis Ababa. Day 7: Addis Ababa to Lalibela Fly to Lalibela and transfer to your hotel. Visit the 11 medieval churches of Lalibela, and the second group of churches. Attend the morning mass in Bete Gabriel-Rufael. Spend the night Lal Hotel Day 8: Lalibela to Addis Ababa Fly back to Addis Ababa. Have a farewell dinner and get ready for your departure.

Explore the historical and cultural highlights of Ethiopia on a 6-day tour. Visit the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Ethnographic Museum in Addis Ababa. Fly to Bahir Dar and see the Blue Nile Falls. Visit the castles of Gondar, the ancient city of Axum, and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa Upon arrival, meet a local Ethiopian tour guide and transfer to your hotel. After getting refreshed, begin your sightseeing tour of Addis with a drive up to Mount Entoto for a panoramic view of the city. Descend for a drive to the National Museum where you will have a chance to spot the oldest hominid fossil of ‘Lucy'. Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, built during WWII. Then proceed to the Ethnographic Museum, which used to be the palace of Emperor Hailesellase. To wrap up, drive to Merkato, the biggest market in East Africa. Overnight in Addis. Day 2: Fly from Addis to Bahir Dar In the morning, catch the flight to Bahir Dar. Later, go on a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 13th-century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret. In the afternoon, drive to the village of Tis Isat to see the Blue Nile Falls. Note that the volume of the water could be minimal because of the construction of the new dam. Overnight in Bahir Dar. Day 3: Bahir Dar to Gonder After breakfast, begin your journey to Gondar. The Royal Capital of Ethiopia, Gondar was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fassiladas. In the afternoon, visit the Castles and Churches built by Emperor Fassiladas and his descendants. Proceed to the observe fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie (The Enlightening of Trinity) with wonderful murals art, and Qusquam Church. Overnight in Gondar. Day 4: Axum Transfer to the airport for your flight to Axum. A city more than 2500 years of history, once the center of a great empire and ancient civilization, home of the original Ark of covenants, Axum is the prime historical site in the north of Ethiopia. Take a city tour that includes visits to St. Mary’s Church, the Sanctuary Chapel (which is the repository of the Ark of the Covenant), the coronation yard, Stelae Park, Tomb of Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel, Ezana’s Inscriptions, Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins, and the Axum Museum. Overnight in Axum. Day 5: Lalibela Take the flight from Axum to Lalibela. In the afternoon, visit the top attractions of Lalibela, the rock-hewn churches. Overnight in Lalibela. Day 6: Fly Lalibela - Addis Ababa Catch the flight to Addis Ababa. In the evening, attend a folkloric dinner and taste several national dishes. Also, watch dances of the various ethnic groups of Ethiopia. Experience the traditional coffee ceremony. Transfer to your hotel to mark the end of the tour.

Day 1: Addis Ababa Fly Lalibela Morning we take flight to Lalibela upon arrival Check in Hotel afternoon we will Visit The 12th and 13th centuries. Will be the time to visit the first group of Lalibela churches : Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Meskel, Bete Danaghel, Bete Mikael and Bete Golgotha which are connected through an underground tunnel with Some boasting carved bas-reliefs and colorful frescoes. Overnight at hotel in Lalibela Day 2: EXPLORE LALIBELA Today we will visit the church of Yimrhane Kristos. Drive back to Lalibela For lunch afternoon Asheton Maryam Monastery is one of the highest in Ethiopia, set at an elevation of almost 3700m to the southeast of Lalibela. Overnight at hotel Day 3: Lalibela Fly to Semera Upon arriving in Semera, which is a bit warmer than previous locations, We’ll have dinner and prepare for the upcoming adventure in the Danakil Depression Overnight Ardi hotel in Semera Day 4: Semera – Ertale The departure is at 09:00am our driver will pick you from your location in Mekele |Semera| and Shortly after you will depart to Lake Afdera 200km north towards to Ertale. A slow and lazy drive will take us to the camp site near Ertale to arrive at 05:00. Then by 06:00pm will hike up to Ertale. O/N camping near Ertale Day 5: Ertale – Dallol Starting at 8:30am you will drive from base camp in Ertale & at 4:00pm you arrive in Hamedela via Dodom desert then continue to lake Asale salt flats and enjoy birth taking sunset & a splendid camel caravans transporting salt from Lake Asale. O/N camping in Hamedela Day 6: Dallol-Mekele In this day you will visit. – Dallol colorful mountain – Camel caravan – Lake Asale salt flats – traditional salt excavating methods – sulfuric acid ponds – swim in the Salt Lake. finally drive back . Day 7: Mekele – Gerhalta after brrakfast drive to Gerhalta Hawzen Visit the stunning Abune Yemata Ghu Rockhewen churches by climbing 8 meter long cliff is a life time Experiance. Overnight camping at Gehralta Day 8 : Gerhalta Full Day Enjoy The stuning view of the Gehralta mountain in the morning before Trekking to St. Maryam Korkur rock Hewn church from 6th c. Day 9 : Gerhralta - Axum After breakfast we will drive to Axum. On the way visiting the Yeha 5th century Temple displaying incredible skills in stonework and is in fact the oldest building still standing in Ethiopia. Axum is the prime historical site in the north of Ethiopia. we will visit St. Mary’s Church, the sanctuary Chapel which is the repository of the ‘Ark of covenant’, the coronation yard, Stelae Park, Tomb of Kaleb, Ezana’s Inscriptions, Queen of Sheba’s swimming pool, Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins and Axum Museum. Afterward Drive to Shera Town to take our flight to Addis Ababa Overnight At Yared Zema Hotel Axum Day 10: Axum – - Addis city tour - Fly home After breakfast we drive to Axum airport fly to Addis End of Tour

Discover the historic and cultural highlights of Ethiopia on a 5-day tour. Visit the ancient island monasteries of Lake Tana, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the stelae fields of Axum. Day 1: Addis Ababa - Bahar Dar Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Visit the Marketplace in Bahar Dar. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and visit ancient island monasteries. Overnight Hotel - Bahar Dar. Day 2: Bahar Dar - Gondar Drive through the countryside to Gondar. Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian Kings beginning in the early 17th century. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels. Overnight Hotel - Gondar. Day 3: Gondar - Lalibela Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines. Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings. Overnight Hotel - Lalibela. Day 4: Lalibela - Axum Fly to Axum via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines. Tour the ancient stelae fields, standing for 2000 years. Visit the new and impressive Archeological Museum. Visit other tombs and archeological sites as time permits. Overnight Hotel - Axum. Day 5: Axum - Addis Ababa Fly to Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines. Visit either the Ethnographic Museum or the National Museum, home of the 3.18 million year old skeleton "Lucy." Optional souvenir shopping in the afternoon. Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure upon request.