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, And the magnificentDanakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on earth. 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 earlymorning, after a leisurelymorning rest and relax you will spend the afternoon on a site seeing of Addis Abeba. Established by Emperor MenelikII1887 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 Entototo have a panoramic view of the city and end the tour with Merkato, one of the largestopenair markets in Africa.
Overnight: Addis Abeba.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 2: Drive through the Blue Nile Gorge to Debre Markos
After morning breakfast check out from your hotel. It is time to head North. You leave Addis Abeba and drive via the beautiful northern Ethiopia scenery to the town of Debre Markos. Today you will make stops on the way to visit, the famous and most important 13th century orthodox monastery of Debre Libanos, one of the holy sites of Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Then short walk to the 16th century Portuguese Bridge. Finally visit theBlue Nile Gorge. Arrive in Debre Markos late in the afternoon and check-in to hotel.
Overnight: Debre Markos.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 3: Drive to Bahirdar and Visit the Famous Blue Nile Fall
Continue on your journey through northern Ethiopia to the city of Bahirdar, a beautiful city located next to Lake Tana and capital to Amhara regional state. Before arriving at Bahirdar visit Lake Zengena, a creator lake which the locals use it as a holy water. Arrive in Bahirdar and check in to your hotel. After lunch break 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 scenicwalk (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 or Lodge.
Day 4: Visit Bahirdar and Explore Orthodox Monasteries on Lake Tana
Today you will explore Bahirdar and Lake Tana. The main destination of the day is the ancient and mysterious island monasteries on Lake Tana. 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 Miheretfamous for its incredible wall paintings and collection of cross and crowns. Continue to other two monasteries and then the boat will return to Bahirdar via the source of the Blue Nileand here you might see some Hippos. End the day with a visit of a local market and mount Bezawit. The hilltop is the best viewpoint for the city, Lake Tana and the Blue Nile River.
Overnight: Bahirdar
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge
Day 5: 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 medievalcastles and churches. Spend the afternoon visiting the city’s Royal Enclosurehome 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 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 pavillon od delight’.
Overnight: Gondar
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 6: 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 Dashenat 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 theWaliaAntelopeand Ethiopian Wolf.
Overnight: Inside the park or Debark.
Accommodation: Lodge or Basic Hotel.
Day 7: 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 8: Discover the Ancient Capital of the Aksumite Kingdom
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 powerfuland 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 elaboratelydecorated. 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 9: Drive to Yeha Temple and Rock Churches of Tigray
Leaving Aksum this morning and travel to the town of Hawzen, base to visit the rock churches of Tigray region. 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 symbol of African independence free from European control. Stop at Yeha and visit the 500 B.C. pre-Christian temple. Yeha is said to be Ethiopia’s oldest settlement. After lunch at Adigrat visit a rock church of Tigray and continue to Hawzen.
Overnight: Hawzen.
Accommodation: Lodge or Hotel.
Day 10: Hawzen, Explore Rock churches of Tigray & Gheralta Mountains.
The day dedicated to discover and admire the little visited area of the Gheralta Mountains and ancient rock churches. According to historians these churches built between 9th to 13thcenturiesalthough the local legend claim that these churches dates back between 4th to 6th centuries. In the morning short drive to the small town of Megab and climb up and visit Debre Mariam Koror rock church. This is among the biggest church found in GheraltaMountains. 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. 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 12: Drive towards Mekele
After breakfast start driving from Hawzen toMekele. On the way you will visit other rock churches of Tigray. Start the day with the rock church of Medhane Alem Adikesho, one of the oldest and finest rock-hewn churches estimated to date from the 10th or early 11thcentury. 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 13: Drive from Erta Ale Volcano to Dallol Depression
Rise up early this morning and walk around the volcano one more time and make morning pictures. Then walk down to the base camp. Following breakfast and short break start drive via the dessert to the village of HamadEla, a center to explore the DallolDepression. Arrive in HamadEla late in the afternoon and visit the Camel Caravans and the beautiful sunset.
Overnight: HamadEla.
Accommodation: Local House or Tent.
Day 14: Explore Dallol Depression & Return to Mekele
Your main destination of the day is the Dallol Depression. In the morning drive to Ragad (Asebo) the place where the afar people mining salt. See the activity of breaking the salt from the ground and how they cut it into rectangular shape and loading it on camels. Continue further to the famous depression and explore the different landscapes formed by volcanic activity. Visit Lake Assale, Salt Canon and Camel Caravans. In the afternoon drive back to Mekele and transfer to hotel and relax.
Overnight: Mekele
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 15: Full Day Scenic Drive to the Holy Land, Lalibela
Enjoy a full day scenic drive to ‘AfricanJerusalem’Lalibela. Today’s drive takes you once again through spectacular mountains and river gorges. You will see for yourself why Ethiopia’s landscape is completely different to anywhere else. Arrive in Lalibela late in the afternoon.
Overnight: Lalibela.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.
Day 16: Explore the famous 11 rock churches of king Lalibela
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’. Itis 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.
Overnight: Lalibela.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.
Day 17: Excursion to YemrhaneKristos& Asheton Mariam Churches
Today’s excursion takes you out of Lalibela and visit two fascinating rock churches. 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 adornedwith geometricaldesigns. The ceiling over the sanctuary is domed and displays carvings and paintings. The founder of the church is Saint King YemrhaneKristos a predecessor of Saint King Lalibela. Drive back to Lalibela and in the afternoon visit Asheton Mariam (St. Mary) Monastery built on a ridge with excellent views over the surrounding countryside.
Overnight: Lalibela.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.
Day 18: Drive back towards Addis Abeba via Desse& Kombolcha
After breakfast leave and drive towardsKombolcha via Woldiya. Enjoy the mountainous landscape and splendid views. Before arriving Kombolcha visit the 13thcenturyMonastery of Hayk Estifanos (only accessible to men) and the lovely Lake Hayk.
Overnight: Kombolcha.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 19: Continue drive back Addis Abeba & Return Home
Proceed to Addis Abeba via Mezezo Escarpmentwhere you will get the chance to see the endemic Ethiopian Gelada Baboons. Enroute you will visit the colorful and lively Senbete Market (if today is Sunday) which is famous for its camel market. 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.
