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 magnificent Danakil 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 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: Flight to Bahirdar & visit Monasteries on Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls
Rise early this morning and transfer to the airport for early morning flight to Bahirdar, a beautiful city located next to Lake Tana and capital to Amhara regional state. 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. Then the boat will return to Bahirdar via the source of the Blue Nileand here you will have a chance to 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 3: 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 buildings 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 pavilion of delight’.
Overnight: Gondar
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 4: Excursion 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. Late in the afternoon return back to Gondar for overnight stay. Today you might have a chance to see the endemic Ethiopian Gelada Baboons and klipspringers. 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: Gondar.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 5: Fly from Gondar to Lalibela & Explore the 11 rock churches of king Lalibela
In the morning transfer to Gondar Airport for a short Scenic flight to Lalibela. Up on arrival at Lalibela airport you will meet your Guide and transfer to hotel. You will spend the day exploring one of the world’s most remarkable historic and religious 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 6: 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 7: Fly to Aksum &Discover the Ancient Capital of the Aksumite Kingdom
This morning after breakfast catch your flight to Aksum, the birth place of Ethiopian civilization, and discover the incredible historical site of this 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 8: Drive to Hawzen & visit 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 rock churches of Tigray region.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 visit a rock church of Tigray and continue to Hawzen.
Overnight: Hawzen.
Accommodation: Lodge or Hotel.
Day 9: 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. 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 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. 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 10: Drive towards Mekele
After breakfast start driving from Hawzen to Mekele. On the way you will visit other rock churches of Tigray. Start the day with the beautiful rock church of Medhane Alem Adikeshoone 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 and center to visit the famous Denakil Depression.
Overnight: Mekele.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 11: From Mekele to Denakil Depression & Erta Ale Active Volcano
Today you will start discovering the Denakil depression. The depression is located in the afar region of north-east Ethiopia. It is a geological depression caused by the afar triple junction: a place where three tectonic plates on earth as well as one of the lowest places on the planet (around120 meters below sea level) join. In the morning drive (with 4x4 vehicles) to Dodom the base camp to start a 3-4 hours trekking up to the Erta Ale Volcano. You will drive through changing landscapes of solidified lava lake, rocks, sand and occasional palm lined oasis. After a short break and when the sun set start climbing up around 6pm. The Erta Ale Volcano is one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural site anywhere in Ethiopia. Spent the night on the mountain watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava.
Overnight:
Accommodation: Local Hut or Tent
Day 12: 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 Dallol Depression. Arrive in HamadEla late in the afternoon and visit the Camel Caravans and the beautiful sunset.
Overnight: HamadEla.
Accommodation: Local House or Tent.
(This 3 days and 2 night trip to Denakil depression might start first from HamadEla & finish with Erta Ale.)
Day 13: Explore Dallol Depression & Return to Mekele
Day 13: 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 14: 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.
