Begin your adventure in Ethiopia's vibrant capital, where you'll discover the Ethnological Museum and the breathtaking Holy Trinity Cathedral, offering insights into the nation's diverse heritage.
Introducing Journey Through Time
Unveiling Ethiopia's Historic Treasures
Embark on an extraordinary adventure through the captivating history of Ethiopia with our meticulously crafted itinerary. This trip is tailored for the avid historic enthusiast, offering a unique opportunity to explore the country's ancient sites, rock-hewn churches, and legendary landmarks. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Ethiopia as we take you on a journey through time, unveiling the secrets of centuries past.
From Addis Ababa to Gonder, Lalibela to Axum, and Harar, each destination holds its own mesmerizing tales waiting to be discovered. Join us as we delve into Ethiopia's architectural wonders, religious artifacts, and majestic landscapes, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Destination Highlights
Highlighted Destinations
Explore the 'Camelot of Africa' and marvel at the well-preserved castles and palaces within the Royal Enclosure, alongside the iconic Debre Berhan Selassie Church.
Embark on a captivating excursion to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to stunning peaks, rare wildlife such as the Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf, and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Witness the architectural wonder of the rock-hewn churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Emmanuel, and the magnificent cruciform-shaped Bet Giorgis, all carved out of solid volcanic rock.
Discover the ancient city of Axum, with its towering stelae, the Church of Saint Mary of Zion, and the legendary Queen of Sheba's Palace, steeped in historical significance.
Step into the enchanting walled city of Harar, where narrow streets, a 16th-century mosque, and the bustling local market provide a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day by day Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ADDIS ABABA & CITY TOUR
- Fly to Addis Ababa; upon arrival at Bole international airport, your hospitality begins. We provide you with a meet-and-greet service at the airport, and then transfer you to your hotel.
- This afternoon, enjoy a tour of Addis Ababa, a pleasant capital city with wide jacaranda-edged avenues, interesting museums, and lively markets.
- Start our visit with the Ethnological Museum for an overview of Ethiopia's history, culture and traditions, and its collections from thousand-year-old nomadic tribes.
- Next, see the beautiful baroque-styled Holy Trinity Cathedral which contains the thrones and the tomb of Emperor Haile Selassie (the last king of Ethiopia) and some other members of the royal family.
- We end up the city tour by inviting you to the oldest and best coffee roaster and coffee shop-Tomoca. Not only do they serve fantastic Ethiopian coffee, they also offer other fine coffees.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 2: FLY TO GONDER
- This morning, board a short flight to Gonder. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. You will spend today exploring the city of Gondar, founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasilades as the royal capital of Ethiopia, and known as “the Camelot of Africa”.
- In Gondar, there are a dozen castles, built by various kings and a queen over the course of 236 years. You will visit the Royal Enclosure, among these the Castle of Fasiledes, the oldest and probably the most impressive of all the castles found in the area.
- You continue on to the church of Debre Berhan Selassie (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The interior of Debre Berhan Selassie is decorated with beautiful mural, cherubs, and paintings. It is rumored to have once been the proposed final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.
- Overnight in Gonder
DAY 3: EXCURSION TO THE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
- Early morning start after breakfast, drive to the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's largest ranges.
- More than a dozen peaks are higher than 3600 meters, including Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia.
- Your day is spent exploring the Simien Mountains National Park and watching for its endemic residents, including the elusive Walia ibex, the endangered Ethiopian wolf, and the gelada, a primate we'll get to know better alongside field researchers.
- We'll also look for a variety of birds, such as the powerful, cliff-nesting lammergeyer. Late afternoon you drive back to Gonder.
- Overnight in Gonder
DAY 4: FLY TO LALIBELA & VISIT THE ROCK HEWN CHURCHES
- From Gonder, a short flight takes you to Lalibela, home of the rock-hewn churches and a World Heritage Site. It is located at an altitude of 2,600 meters above sea level.
- Lalibela is the 8th wonder of the world; 11 rock-hewn churches have been cut out of a solid red volcanic rock, some completely hidden in deep trenches, while others stand in open quarried caves and a complex series of tunnels and narrow passageways connect the churches.
- Lalibela indeed offers a great opportunity for any traveler.
- After check-in and having your lunch in your hotel, the afternoon will be devoted to visiting the first group (or the north – western cluster) of churches: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Mariam, Bet Meskel, and Bet Danaghel.
- Overnight in Lalibela
DAY 5: EXPLORE MORE ROCK CHURCHES
- After breakfast, drive to the cave church of Yemrhan Kristos. The drive will be on a good gravel road passing through the most dramatic landscape of the countryside.
- This exquisite church is a masterpiece of Axumit wood and stone construction style. It is renowned for its interior decoration, it's beautiful wooden coffer ceiling inlaid with hexagons and medallions with both figurative and geometric motifs.
- Drive back to Lalibela. In the afternoon, you will visit the remaining rock-hewn churches of Lalibela that include the churches of Bet Gabriel - Rafael, Bet Emanuel, and Abba Libanos.
- Then you will continue your visit to the cruciform-shaped Bet Giorgis, the most beautiful church here. Its interior is dominated by depictions of Saint George killing the dragon. It is one of the newest and best-preserved churches.
- Overnight in Lalibela
DAY 6: FLY TO AXUM & EXPLORE THE SIGHTSEEING
- In the morning, you will fly to Axum, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. You will proceed to a full-day city tour of Axum – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- You will visit the stelae: granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian times and decorated with symbolic engravings. You also visit the Archaeological Museum, before heading to the Queen of Sheba's Bath.
- Visit also historically important dedicatory stone dating to about 320 AD with an inscription written in three languages - Sabaean, Ge'ez (earliest written Ethiopian language), and Greek.
- Then continue on your visit to the church of Saint Mary of Zion. A chapel in the church is believed by many to contain The Ark of the Covenant. There is also a small museum here which contains the crowns of Ethiopian kings and other treasures.
- You then continue to the Queen of Sheba's Palace. The palace area has been fully excavated and is definitely worth a look.
- Overnight in Axum
DAY 7: FLY TO DIRE DAWA VIA ADDIS ABABA & DRIVE TO HARAR
- Today you fly via Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa, the commercial centre of the region, and the main railhead for the Djibouti to Addis railway.
- From here, you ascend by road from the plains to the walled city of Harar, another UNESCO heritage site. The city walls are pierced by 5 gates topped by 25 towers. The 16th-century mosque with its slender minaret and the narrow streets lined with small shops all give the impression of having wandered into a city from the Arabian nights.
- Overnight in Harar
DAY 8: EXPLORE HARAR
- Today we explore Jugal (old Harar) on foot, you first head to the daily colorful local market.
- Then you visit the Arthur Rimbaud Cultural Center. It is located in a beautiful century-old mansion and houses a small museum, library, and research center devoted to Rimbaud's time in Ethiopia.
- You also visit Sherif Harar Museum, the local municipal museum. Strolling along the winding, cobbled streets, you explore the gates, restored city walls, and interesting Harari houses of this once-secluded town.
- This evening at dusk, you pay a visit to the now-legendary “hyena man” at sundown. Illuminated by vehicle headlights, he calls to hyenas to take scraps of camel meat in a ritual derived from local tradition and religious observance.
- Overnight in Harar
DAY 9: FLY TO ADDIS
- This morning, you drive to Dire Dawa, where you catch your flight to Addis.
- On arrival in Addis, you transfer to a hotel where you can freshen up and have lunch.
- You have the afternoon free for shopping in Addis Ababa.
- Depending on your flight schedule, a transfer is arranged to Addis Ababa Bole international airport for the flight back home.
- Thanks for vacationing with Sawla Tours.
How Can We Help You Create an Extraordinary Ethiopian Adventure?
At Sawla Tours, we are passionate about turning your travel dreams into reality. With years of hands-on experience in crafting unforgettable journeys to Ethiopia, we are your go-to experts in deciding when to travel, where to explore, and what to discover.
Whether you have a detailed itinerary in mind, seek professional advice, or simply don't know where to begin, we're eager to assist. Reach out to us today, and together, we'll create an extraordinary travel experience tailored just for you.
Contact Us Now
Ethiopia Tour Themes
Discover MorePopular Destinations
Discover MoreItineraries By Experience
Discover More