Ethiopia

Africa Tours

Ethiopia has always been a sadly overlooked destination. Sadly, because Ethiopia is a gem of a country waiting to be explored. Its rugged natural beauty surpasses many a popular destination and its many lakes, caves, national parks, mountains and waterfalls are guaranteed to leave you spellbound. Check out an active volcano, stand at the bottom of the roaring Blue Nile falls and drink in the beauty of snow-capped peaks at the Simien Mountains National Park. All in a day’s work in Ethiopia in our Africa tours special. This is a curated offbeat international tour.

Day 1

Arrival at Semera

Upon arrival at Semera, you will be greeted and then driven to Afdera. Overnight at Afdera.

Day 2

Afdera – Erta Ale

In the morning, visit the Afrera Salt Lake and traditional salt excavation by the local people, and then proceed driving to Erta Ale base camp. In the late afternoon, have an early dinner and start to trek to the rim of the active volcano of mount Erta Ale. It is the only permanent lava lake in the world. Overnight camping at Erta Ale.

Day 3

Danakil Depression, Hamed Ela

Early in the morning, visit Erta Ale for the second time to experience the daylight reaction of the volcano’s lake of lava before descending from the volcano. Afterward, drive to Hamed Ela, a far-flung settlement in a nomadic tribal area in the Danakil Depression. Overnight at Hamed Ela camping.

Day 4

Dallol Depression – Mekelle

Drive to Dallol Depression, one of the lowest spots on the earth, which dips to -116 meters. Stay for half day in Dallol by crossing the largest depression, to see the black salt mountain(Lake Karum), colorful hot spring water, salt mountains, acid cave, traditional salt excavating area as well as wide area of salt composition, and the original camel caravan life. After lunch, derive to Mekelle

Day 5

Mekelle – Gheralta

On this day, we will start our drive from Mekelle to Gheralta to the rock hewn churches of Tigray. Until the mid- 1960 the churches were almost unknown outside Tigray itself. For those who want to combine trekking with terrific art and history, this may be the perfect place. On this day we will visit the most amazing landscapes and the churches of Abrha –Astbaha, Abune-Yemata and Mariam Korkor. Overnight at a local hotel or Gheralta Lodge.

Day 6

Gheralta – Axum

After breakfast, visit Mariam Korkur church, which is cross-shaped and is famed for its decoration of columns, arches, and cupola with fine frescoes. Visit Abuna Yemata Guh and Dugum Selassie churches. Proceed to drive to Axum (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Upon your arrival in Axum, make a half day city tour of the ancient and holy city. It was the old capital of the country for about 800 years. In the morning, visit the stele complex which holds the free standing (monolithic) monuments with its unique architectural style. Additionally, visit the archaeological museum, Caleb and Gebre Meskel tomb also accessible there. After lunch, continue to see the ruin palace of the Queen of Saba and finally, Saint Mary of Zion (the house of the Ark of the Covenant). Overnight will be at Sabian Hotel.

Day 7

Drive to Chenek

Early morning, set out to drive to Chenek in the Simien Mountain National Park. On the way, enjoy the most spectacular scenic view of the park and Gelada Baboon with the unique flora, fauna and the stunning scenery of the Simien Mountains. Overnight camping at Chenek

Day 8

Gondar

Drive to Gondar and upon arrival you will have a city tour of Gondar, which includes a visit to Fasil Ghebbi or the Royal Enclosure with its magnificent castles dating back to the 17^th and 18^th century (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the bath of king Fasilides. Attend the Timkat ceremony here. Overnight at Goha hotel.

Day 9

Bahir Dar

After having breakfast, set out to drive to Bahir Dar, and on the way on the way visit Awra Amba community way of life and proceed to Bahir Dar, upon your arrival, transfer to hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, drive to the magnificent Blue Nile Falls.

Day 10

Lake Tana – Lalibela

After early breakfast, set out for a boat trip on Lake Tana to see beautiful island monasteries and their valuable treasures, which include biblical wall paintings, crowns of different Ethiopian Kings, ancient illuminated parchment books, superb crosses etc. Then drive to Lalibela via Woreta, passing through Amhara state. You will have stunning views of the Guna Mountains as you travel through dramatic landscape. Overnight at Cliff Edge or similar standard hotel.

Day 11

Lake Tana – Lalibela

After having breakfast, take a city tour of Lalibela, which has remarkable 12^th century rock-hewn churches and classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1978. In the morning, visit six rock-hewn churches, and Heavenly Jerusalem. After lunch, visit the finely curved Bete Giyorgis or church of St George. Overnight at Cliff Edge or similar standard hotel.

Day 11

Addis Ababa

Fly to Addis Ababa and on your arrival you will visit the National Museum where different archaeological findings like the oldest hominid fossil (Lucy) are exhibited. Transfer to airport for departure.

This offbeat international tour just a sample itinerary and is fully customizable. Feel free to ask us to chop and change in ways you want. Don’t want a fully guided tour? No problem. Ask us how we can make you travel to the deepest places without feeling like you are on an organized tour. We are here to help you plan. Help you travel. Responsibly.