Tour overview
This trip will start and end in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia and center for the African continent. This is a great itinerary that visits the very best of the Northern Ethiopia Historic Circuit whilst offering hidden treasures and includes several UNESCO world heritage sites.Travel to Ethiopia and discover a beautiful country and explore the hidden treasures. It’s an incredible combination of history, tradition, culture and nature. You will discover fascinating places and beautiful scenery on this journey across the heart of Ethiopia’s countryside. Ethiopia is a land of spectacle, of amazing natural scenery and wildlife as well as impressive man-made structures.This trip takes you deep into human history.
The discovery begins in Addis Ababa with a panoramic escape to Mt. Entoto and an important stop at the National Archaeological Museum, home of the 3.5 million-year-old bones of Lucy, the world’s oldest hominid. Continue to the north to the amazing rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts and grottoes in Lalibela (which is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world); The 500-year-old monastery islands of Bahirdar on Lake Tana and taking in views of the Blue Nile and its fall; The elegant castles of Gondar; The majestic geological formations of the Simien Mountains (meeting red-chested Gelada baboons); The giant obelisks that rise out of Axum , also home of the Ark of the Covenant and a place to discover archaeological treasures; The Mysterious and some of the most rarely seen ancient rock churches of Tigray on Gheralta Mountains. You’ll be sure to taste the country’s famous coffee and delectable cuisine, and meet the genuine and friendly people along the way. This is an adventure like no other.
Download pdf brochureDay 1: Arrive in Addis Abeba Ethiopia & City Tour
Welcome to Ethiopia! Arrive at Addis Abeba Bole International Airport. Here you will be greeted by your tour guide or driver from Memento Ethiopia Tours. Then you will be transferred to hotel. If your arrival is early morning, after a leisurely morning rest and relax you will spend the afternoon on a site seeing of Addis Abeba. Established by Emperor Menelik II 1887 Addis Abeba or ‘New flower’ in Amharic, is relatively young city full of contrasts. This city tour includes, The National Museum which houses the country’s historic treasures & the famous ‘Lucy”, The Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Ethiopian main cathedral and home to the remains of the last emperor: Drive up to Mount Entoto to have a panoramic view of the city and end the tour with Merkato, one of the largest open air markets in Africa.
Overnight: Addis Abeba.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Lalibela & Explore the famous 11 rock churches of king Lalibela
In the morning transfer to Addis Abeba Bole International Airport for a short Scenic flight to Lalibela. Up on arrival at Lalibela airport you will meet your Guide and transfer to your accommodation. You will spend the day exploring one of the world’s most remarkable historic sites. The 11 rock churches of Lalibela are believed to be built 900 years ago by Saint King Lalibela. These elaborate edifices are each carved by hand entirely out of a single block of living granite rock and considered as ‘8th Wonders of the World’, ‘Jerusalem of Africa’ and ‘Petra of Africa’. It is a deeply spiritual place and UNESCO world heritage site. These churches are divided into two groups. The first group symbolizes Earthly Jerusalem while the second represents Heavenly Jerusalem. Today you will visit the first group of churches.
Overnight: Lalibela.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.
Day 3: Excursion to Yemrhane Kristos Church & Second Group Churches of Lalibela.
Today’s excursion takes you out of the town of Lalibela and visit one of fascinating rock churches located around the town. In the morning drive out to Yemrhane Kristos cave church built inside the cave in Aksumite wood and stone construction style. The church has become famous for its interior. The flat-span roof displays paneling richly adorned with geometrical designs. The ceiling over the sanctuary is domed and displays carvings and paintings. The founder of the church is Saint King Yemrhane Kristos a predecessor of Saint King Lalibela. Drive back to Lalibela and after lunch break visit the Second Group of 11 Rock Churches of King Lalibela.
Overnight: Lalibela
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge
Day 4: Full Day Scenic Drive to Bahirdar
Today you will enjoy a full day scenic drive to Bahirdar, a beautiful city located next to Lake Tana and capital to Amhara regional state. The drive takes you through the spectacular northern highland scenery and gives you the chance to see the life of the local Amhara people. On the way stop and visit the Small community Awramba.The Awramba are famous for their unique way of life, philosophy, Social and economic system. Meet the founder or other representative of the community and listen to their philosophy. Arrive in Bahirdar late in the afternoon.
Overnight: Bahirdar
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.
Day 5: Bahirdar, Explore Ancient Monasteries on Lake Tana & Famous Blue Nile Falls
In the morning embark on a boat trip of Lake Tana. Covering 3,600 sq. kms, this is Ethiopia’s largest lake and home to 37 islands. 20 of these islands house some of the country’s most venerated monasteries, which many of them believed to date back to the 13th& 14th century and feature superb ecclesiastical art. First you will visit the monastery of Ura Kidane Miheret on the Zege Peninsula famous for its incredible wall paintings and collection of cross and crowns. Continue to Betre Mariam monastery and then the boat will return to Bahirdar via the source of the Blue Nileand here you might see some Hippos on the lake. After lunch break at the lake shore enjoy an hour scenic drive to the famous and stunning Blue Nile falls. The fall known as “the water that smokes” in Amharic, is located about 32kms south of Bahirdar. The Blue Nile Fall measure over 400 meters wide and descends 48 meters in full flood. You can take a longer scenic walk (1.5kms) or a short walk to reach the foot of the falls. Then cross the Nile River with a boat to reach to your car and drive back to Bahirdar.
Overnight: Bahirdar.
Accommodation: Hotel& Lodge.
Day 6: Drive to Gondar & Explore the Imperial Capital
Leaving Bahirdar this morning and drive further north to Gondar. Enjoy a 4 hours scenic drive through the northern highlands. Arrive in Gondar in the afternoon and check in to hotel. After lunch start your visit of the medieval royal capital. Located on the high plateau, Gondar was the imperial capital for 200 years and famed for its medieval castles and churches. Spend the afternoon visiting the city’s Royal Enclosure home to dramatic 17th century castles built by different emperors. These whole complexes of bulidings are unique in Ethiopia and never found elsewhere in Africa and known as the Camelot of Africa. After the castles stop by the famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie, one of the finest in Ethiopia. The walls and ceilings covered with stunning ancient murals. End the tour with the visit to the remarkable Bath of Emperor Fasil known as ‘the pavilion od delight’.
Overnight: Gondar
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 7: Drive up to the Simen Mountains National Park & Hike
Following breakfast this morning, continue traveling north to the Simen Mountains. After two hours scenic drive stop at the town of Debark, where the park headquarter located, to full fill park regulations and get local guide and park scout. Then you will drive in to the Simen Mountains National Park to start short hike (2-3hrs) through the breathtaking scenery. Today you might have a chance to see the endemic Ethiopian Gelada Baboons and klipspringers. After finishing your hike spent the night in the lodge or drive back to Debark town. The simen mountains range lies north of Gondar and many of the peaks rise above 4,000 meters, with the highest point of Ras Dashen at 4,620 meters absl. Being the fourth highest in Africa. The striking towers and formations have been described as ‘the chess pieces of the gods’. The park is home to some of the world’s most elusive animals, like the Walia Antelope and Ethiopian Wolf.
Overnight: Inside the Park or Debark.
Accommodation: Lodge or Basic Hotel.
Day 8: From the Simen Mountains Travel down to Aksum
Enjoy a full day scenic drive to the fabled and ancient city of Aksum through the lowlands of the Simen Mountains and Tekeze river gorge. The road between the Simen Mountains and Tekeze gorge is one of the most fascinating in Ethiopia. First you will take the zigzag road of Lima Limo with many hairpins and crossing a rough mountain landscape. Later you will descend into impressive Tekeze river gorge. Arrive in Aksum late in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Aksum
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 9: Discover the Ancient Capital of the Aksumite Kingdom
A full day dedicated to explore Aksum, the birth place of Ethiopian civilization, and discover the incredible historical site of ancient city. Aksum was once the capital of the kingdom of Aksum, Africa’s oldest empire, which lasted from 1 AD to 700 AD and grew to rank among the most powerful and civilized kingdoms of the ancient world. Today first you will visit the famous monolithic Stelae filed of Aksum. The filed is home to over 100 stelas, which, the largest one measuring 33 meters & weighing 517 tones, are carved from a single piece of granite and are often elaborately decorated. Then visit the church of St. Mary of Zine, which is believed to be the first church to be built in Sub-Saharan Africa and home to the original Ark of the Covenant. You will also visit the Archaeological Museum, the Ruined Palace of Queen of Sheba and different Toms of Kings.
Overnight: Aksum
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 10: Drive to Yeha Temple and Rock Churches of Tigray
Leaving Aksum this morning and travel to the town of Hawzen, small town and base to visit the ancientrock churches of Tigray.According to historians these churches were built between 9th to 13th centuries although the local legend claim that these churches dates back between 4th to 6th centuries. You first pass through the famous and historical Mountains of Adowa where Ethiopia became the first African nation to repel a colonial power when they defeated the Italian army in 1896. Since then Ethiopia has been a symbole of African independence free from European control. Stop at Yeha and visit the 500 B.C. pre-Christian temple. Yeha said to be Ethiopia’s oldest settlement. After lunch at Adigrat continue to Hawzen. After lunch and short break walk an hour through local village to Mariam Papaseti Rock Church known for its vivid cloth paintings, which depict various old and New Testament stories.
Overnight: Hawzen
Accommodation: Lodge or Hotel.
Day 11: Visit Tigray Rock Churches & Drive to Mekele
In the morning climb up and visit Debre Mariam Koror rock church. This is among the biggest church found in Gheralta Mountains. The interior part has 6 pillars and the walls are decorated with different paintings. Daniel Korkor another small rock church is also located behind this big rock church. Here you will have an amazing panoramic view from the top. In the afternoon drive from Hawzen to Mekele. On the way you will visit other rock churches of Tigray. Visit Medhane Alem Adikesho one of the oldest and finest rock-hewn churches estimated to date from the 10th or early 11th century. Then visit the church of Wukro Cherkos at Wukro town with its cruciform pillars and barrel vaulted ceiling. Proceed to Mekele the capital city of Tigray region.
Overnight: Mekele.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 12: Flight Back to Addis Abeba & Return Home
Transfer to the airport to catch a fight that takes you back to Addis Abeba. Arrive in Addis in the afternoon. Transfer to hotel to rest and get settled before your night flight or you can do last minute shopping. In the evening enjoy final farewell dinner at a well-known local Ethiopian restaurant with cultural danses. Later this evening you will be transferred to Addis Abeba Bole International Airport for your return flight back home. Your vacation ends here.
