Bahir Dar

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.

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: 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.

Bahirdar is as pleasant as you'll find for relaxing and viewing the lake, and the weather is probably the best in Ethiopia. In the morning, gish market is the best place to view pelicans and enjoy sitting by the shores of the Lake. A boat trip to Zege, the main tourist attraction in the region, and to the monasteries merit a good half day. Ura-Kidane Mihret is the largest and most impressive monastery on the peninsula, while nearby Azwa Maryam is situated near one of the prettiest and most secluded inlets in the area. You will enjoy great calmness if you stop in at the museums at Azwa, Ura or Mehal Zege; you get an impression of just how far back Christianity goes in this region

Explore on a 2-day tour in Bahir Dar, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical exploration, and cultural immersion. Explore the largest lake in Ethiopia, Lake Tana, and the source of the Blue Nile River. Visit the ancient Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity Monasteries Including Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery,Azwa mariam,Entos Eyesus ,Kibran Gebriel plus Blue Nile Falls & the Lake Tana Aquatic Animals alots of birds,hipos the most testi and unique fishes. Day 1: Exploring Historical Monasteries and Majestic Waterfall Start your adventure with a scenic flight to Bahir Dar, a vibrant city nestled on the southern shores of Lake Tana. After a warm welcome by your guide, start on a mesmerizing boat cruise on Lake Tana. As Ethiopia’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile River, Lake Tana is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Witness the fascinating natural phenomenon where the Nile River flows without mixing with the lake's waters. Your first stop is the Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery, Entos Eyesus, and Azwa Mariam, dating back to the 14th century. Situated on the Zege Peninsula, the monastery is renowned for its stunning mural paintings, ancient religious books, and sacred artifacts. As you explore, you'll have the chance to spot a variety of bird species, aquatic and terrestrial plants, and even hippos. The serene atmosphere and rich history will leave you in awe. After a delightful lunch at a lakeside restaurant, where you can savor fresh fish from Lake Tana, drive 35 km to the village of Tis Abay. Here, embark on a hike to the iconic Blue Nile Falls. Along the way, immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and Ethiopia's picturesque countryside. Upon arrival, cross the historic Portuguese bridge and witness the breathtaking Blue Nile Falls. Depending on the season, the water flow may vary, but the beauty and tranquility of the area are ever-present. On your return, cross the legendary Blue Nile River by boat, the same river that later converges with the White Nile at Khartoum in Sudan. Conclude your day by checking into a top-tier resort or hotel in Bahir Dar, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures. Enjoy a peaceful evening with the soothing sounds of the lake as your backdrop. Day 2: Leisurely Exploration and Departure Start your day at a leisurely pace, with options to either explore the city with a guided tour or enjoy a serene hike along the shores of Lake Tana. Discover local markets, historical sites, or simply take in the beauty of the lake. Depending on your schedule, you can either proceed to the North, visiting Gondar or Lalibela, or take a flight back to Addis Ababa. If you choose the latter, enjoy a relaxing flight back to the capital city, where you can spend the rest of the day at your own pace before your international 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.

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.

Short flight north to Bahir Dar. Bahir Dar is a pleasant city located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. After checking in to your hotel, exploring Lake Tana and its islands by boat. There are 37 islands on Lake Tana and 20 of them have churches and monasteries of considerable historical and cultural interest. We visit the monastery churches of Ura Kidane Mihiret, Azwa Mariam, Ura Kidanemihiret is the best known of the monasteries and has an important collection of religious icons from the 16th to 18th centuries A.D. Azwa Mariam is known for its paintings and we also have time to visit the small museum. Afternoon drive to the Blue Nile Falls, which is known locally as Tissisat (smoking water) the water plunges for 45 m (148 ft.) giving rise to steam clouds and rainbows. We climb down to the base of the falls for an up-close look and then ascend the other side the round trip will take about 1hour walking. Than we cross the Blue Nile by boat to return to the point of departure. then drive back to Bahir Dar.

Discover the best of Ethiopia on a 6-day tour from Lalibela. Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the Royal Enclosure in Gondar, and the Blue Nile Falls in Bahir Dar. Trek in the Simien Mountains National Park and visit the Blue Nile source. Start in Lalibela, known for its 11 rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the architectural gems formed by monolithic constructions. After 2 nights in Lalibela, head south to Gondar, famous for the Royal Enclosure called Fasil Ghebbi. See the 6 big building complexes surrounded by a 900-meter-long wall. Visit the Fasilides pool where the Ethiopian epiphany or Timkat is celebrated every year in January. The next day, visit the Simien Mountains National Park, where you will enjoy a short trekking route to encounter the Gelada Baboons, an endemic primate species found mainly in the Ethiopian highlands. Finally, the tour ends in Bahir Dar, known for hosting the Blue Nile source. The powerful Tana Lake will give you the opportunity to reach the famous Zege Peninsula, where you will visit the monasteries of Ura Zidane Mihret, founded in the 16th century and known for its Bible paintings, and the church of Azuwa Maryam. Before flying back to Addis Ababa, visit the Blue Nile Falls.