Our years of experience and extensive network of local partners can help you build your dream trip from the endless possibilities of Ethiopia. We’ll talk through your ideas, give you some suggestions, set it all up and advise on travel, kit and preparation, so that you get the Ethiopian adventure you’ve always wanted.
Addis Ababa Stopover Tours
Transportation
Flight and Drive
Duration
2 Nights / 3 Days program
Accommodation
Hotels and Lodge
Lalibela in Deep
Day 1.
Fly to Lalibela
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. On arrival, meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the town of Lalibela. In the monring, visit the first group of churches of Lalibela. There are no less than 200 churches in the Lasta Region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves, but it's exceptional to find 11 churches of such master craftsmanship in one locale. These brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often referred to as the "Eighth wonder of the world". The churches are said to have been constructed during King Lalibela’s reign during the 12th and 13th centuries when Lalibela (then known as Roha) was the capital of the Zagwe dynasty. In the afternoon, we will make an excursion trip to Yimrehane Christos church located 42km from the town of Lalibela on the foothill of the highest mountain in Lasta Massif. Here you will see the magnificent church of Yimrehane Christos who is credited for the construction of a stone church built in the Axumite style, which bears his name. The church's interior decorations make Yimrehane Krestos the most elaborate of all known ancient Ethiopian churches. Mural paintings high on the nave walls are considered the oldest surviving mural paintings in Ethiopia. Drive back to the town of Lalibela Overnight: Sora Lodge or similar
Day 2.
Lalibela
After breakfast, enjoy an excursion out of town to Asheten Mariam. We visit Asheten Mariam, atop a mountain overlooking Lalibela, by mule back. The mountain views are impressive and panoramic and it’s easy to understand why the priests at this church believe they are the “closest to God.” In the afternoon, visit the Second group of the churches representing the heavenly Jerusalem. In this group are the Bete Gabriel & Raphael, Bete Merquorios, Bete Emmanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most interesting cross-shaped church of Bete Giorgis (St. George), which is said to be the symbolization of Noah’s arc. The cruciform-shaped Bete Giorgis is the most perfect and beautiful church here; its interior is dominated by depictions of Saint George killing the dragon. Overnight: Sora Lodge or similar
Day 3.
Fly back to Addis Ababa
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. On arrival in Addis Ababa, transfer to your place.
Two Nights in Simien Mountains
Day 1.
Fly to Gondar and drive to Simien Mountains NP
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar. On arrival, meet your guide at the airport and transfer to Simien Mountains NP. Spend the rest of the day exploring the pinnacles, valleys, vistas, and wildlife of this stunning region. The beauty of the ranges can be discovered by following century old footpaths, and don't forget to look out for the Gelada Baboons that reside here amidst the local pasture lands. Overnight: Simien lodge or Limalimo lodge
Day 2.
Simien Mountains
After breakfast, depart the lodge with picnic lunch for Chenek where it’s possible to spot another endemic mammal- the Walia Ibex. The landscape in the area is remarkably picturesque with panoramic vistas overlooking the deep gorges of the escarpment. We will also be able to spot troops of Gelada baboons. If lucky, we will also be able to spot the endemic Ethiopian Wolf. Overnight: Simien lodge or Limalimo lodge
Day 3.
Drive to Gondar and fly to Addis Ababa
Drive back to Gondar and make short visit to the Royal enclosure. This fortress, which is surrounded by a 300-foot-long wall, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest and most impressive structure in the compound is the two-story palace of Emperor Fasilidas, built of solid basalt stones. After late lunch, transfer to the airport and take late afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa.
Short Trekking in the Simien Mountains
Day 1.
Fly to Gondar trek to Geech (3,200m)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar. On arrival in Gondar, meet your guide and drive 136 km north to Sanka Ber via Debark, the headquarters of Simien Mountains National Park. Then trek from SankaBer to Geech visiting the Jinbar Falls, which falls about 500 meters to the bottom of the gorge. In this trek we see troops of Gelada baboon and red-hot poker plants en route. The gelada baboon is endemic to Ethiopia and has adapted to living on the nearly vertical cliff faces. Overnight: camping at Geech campsite
Day 2.
GEECH-CHENEK (3,600m)
Trek from Geech to Chenek passing through Imetgogo to have one of the best views of in the Simien Mountains National Park. There are outstanding views of the gorge and mountain range and it is easy to understand why the striking formations have been described as 'the chess pieces of the Gods'. This exciting walk traverses the Jinbar river and provides us with fantastic views. The dramatic views continue all the way down to our camp at Chenek, where we will have a chance to visit the other endemic not only to Ethiopia but also to the Simien Mountains – the Walia Ibex. Overnight: Camping at Chenek Camp site
Day 3.
Drive to Gondar and fly to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, drive back to Gondar. Then transfer to the airport and take late afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa.
Climbing Mount Ras Dashen
Day 1.
Fly to Gondar and drive to Ambiqo
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar. On arrival in Gondar, meet your guide and drive to Ambiqo. We will have short trekking around Ambiqo. Overnight: Camping at Ambiqo Camp site
Day 2.
Climb to Ras Dashen
This day we start an early climbing to Ras Dashen, the highest mountain in Ethiopia. On the way you, will pass through villages and beautiful landscape covered by Giant Lobelia trees. Climb up to the summit and have lunch in this highest mountain- 4600m above sea level. Return back to Ambiqo for overnight. Overnight: Camping at Ambiqo Camp site
Day 3.
Drive to Gondar and fly to Addis
After breakfast, drive back to Gondar and take late afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa.
Bale Mountains and Rift Valley Lakes
Day 1.
Drive to Bale Mountains
Start early in the morning and drive to Bale Mountains national park visiting the rift valley region. We will have stop at Dinsho – the head quarter of Bale Mountains National Park. Here, you will have the best opportunity to easily spot the Mountain Nyala, Menelik Bush buck warthogs, and different birds like Abyssinian cat bird, Abyssinian long eard owl, white backed black tit etc. Crossing the senette plateau, where we will have the chance to see the endemic Ethiopian wolf, and further drive to Harena forest for overnight at Bale Mountains lodge. Overnight: wabe shebelle Hotel
Day 2.
Bale Mountains
Today will be a day of great contrasts with amazing scenery and birding. We will depart early, and ascend the Bale massif onto the Sanetti Plateau, which is between 3800m and 4377m above sea level. This site is an Important Bird Area of immense importance, supporting seven globally threatened species and nearly all of Ethiopia’s Highland biome species. Our main target today is to see the plateau’s most celebrated resident, the Ethiopian or Simien Wolf, crowned with the unenviable title of “the world’s rarest canid.” Watching these vibrantly colored animals, most closely related to the European Timber Wolf, exhibiting their hunting prowess while pouncing on Giant Mole-rats (another endemic to the Sanetti Plateau), is surely amongst Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences. We should enjoy excellent photographic opportunities in this unique mountain wonderland. Overnight: wabe shebelle Hotel
Day 3.
Drive back to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, make short walk in Harena forest and drive to Addis Ababa via Nazreth (Adama). On arrival in Addis Ababa, transfer to your place.