Begin your journey in Ethiopia's capital, exploring its bustling markets, museums, and vibrant cityscape.
Introducing Simien Splendor
Trekking Ethiopia's North and Celebrating Culture
Set forth on a quest on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia. This meticulously crafted itinerary combines the thrill of trekking in the Simien Mountains with the exploration of historical gems such as Axum, Lalibela, and Gonder.
From the ancient stelae of Axum to the magnificent rock-cut churches of Lalibela, immerse yourself in Ethiopia's fascinating history and spirituality. The highlight of this journey is the exhilarating trek through the Simien Mountains, where you'll witness awe-inspiring vistas, encounter endemic wildlife, and camp under starlit skies.
This adventure culminates in the vibrant city of Addis Ababa, where you'll witness the fusion of tradition and celebration during the final days of your trip. Prepare for a journey of natural splendor, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences.
Destination Highlights
Highlighted Destinations
Uncover the ancient city of Axum, home to granite stelae, the subterranean Tomb of Ramhai, and the legendary Queen of Sheba's Bath.
Marvel at the remarkable rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and delve into the mysteries of Ethiopian Christianity.
Explore the medieval castles of Gonder, including the Royal Enclosure and the breathtaking Debre Berhan Selassie Church.
Trek through the majestic Simien Mountains National Park, encountering stunning landscapes, endemic wildlife like the gelada baboon and walia ibex, and awe-inspiring viewpoints.
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, but they also offer other fine coffees.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 2: FLY AXUM & EXPLORE THE CITY
- 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. Nearby is the subterranean Tomb of Ramhai, a former king of Axum. You also visit the Archaeological Museum, before heading to the Queen of Sheba's Bath. This large reservoir is an excellent place to observe the local women collecting water for washing.
- 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. After having a lunch break, 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. It is guarded by “The Guardian” who is the only person allowed into the chapel and the only person who may set eyes on it. 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 3: FLY TO LALIBELA
- From Axum, 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 checking 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 4: EXPLORE THE ROCK CHURCHES
- After breakfast, drive to the cave church of Yemrhan Kristos. The drive will be on a good 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, its 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 which 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 5: FLY TO GONDER & DRIVE TO SIMIEN TREK TO SANKABER
- This morning board a short flight to Gonder, upon arrival transfer to your hotel. You will spend today exploring the city of Gondar. It was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasilades as the royal capital of Ethiopia, and is also 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 murals, 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 6: DRIVE TO SIMIEN MOUNTAINS N.P. VIA DEBARK; PM TREK TO SANKABER
- Today, you drive to Debark, the village base for hiking in the Simien Mountains. The Simien range lies north of Gondar and many of the peaks rise above 4,000m with the highest being Mount Ras Dashen, at 4,543m, the fifth highest in Africa. The mountains are crisscrossed with tracks made by local people traveling from village to village or moving their animals to fresh pastures. The combination of these tracks and the spectacular scenery make for excellent walking.
- You start your trek with a 2-3 hour walk to your first camp, Sankaber. During the entire trek, we may spend each night in a different place. The circuits walked will vary depending on local conditions.
- Overnight: Camping, Sankaber
DAY 7: TREK TO GEECH
- You trek to Geech camp from Sankaber (approx. 5-6 hours), with the possibility of seeing Gelada baboons 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. You may also see the Jinbar River waterfalls today that plummet into Geech Abyss. The Abyss is a vast canyon cut into the main wall of the escarpment. Midday you stop for a picnic pack lunch overlooking the waterfall.
- Overnight: Camping, Geech
DAY 8: TREK TO CHENEK
- We aim to trek to Chenek camp today on good piste via Inatye (4070m) and along an escarpment (approx. 5-6 hours). From this point, there are spectacular views of the lowlands and across the Simien range with rock spires and prominent mesas. Your highest point today, where you will have lunch is Inatye at 4070m/13,353ft. This takes approx. 4 hours from Geech campsite. This exciting walk traverses the Jinbar River and provides us with fantastic views. You may choose to take the opportunity to freshen up in the nearby stream south of camp.
- You overnight at the thyme-covered campsite at Chenek, where we have one last chance to see Lammergeyer, gelada baboon, and Walia ibex.
- Overnight: Camping, Chenek
DAY 9: DRIVE TO GONDER & EXPLORE
- This morning's short walk takes you to the opposite of the camp which offers a superb panoramic view of the surrounding area. You may be fortunate enough to spot Walia Ibex here. Then you meet the vehicle that will transport you back to Gondar (approx. 4-5 hours drive). As you drive out of the Simien Mountains, we'll have time to take in a final look at some of the most spectacular views. The afternoon will be at your leisure in Gondar.
- Overnight in Gonder
DAY 10: FLY TO ADDIS
- After breakfast, you transfer to the airport and take the short flight back to Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. 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.
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