Discover the vibrant capital city, with its bustling markets, historical landmarks, and renowned museums.
Historic & Wello Community Trekking
A Journey through Ethiopia's Ancient Legacy and Cultural Riches
Start PlanningIntroducing Historic & Wello Community Trekking
A Journey through Ethiopia's Ancient Legacy and Cultural Riches
Embark on a journey through the captivating wonders of Ethiopia, where ancient traditions and breathtaking landscapes blend harmoniously. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you on cultural exploration, from the bustling capital of Addis Ababa to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Lalibela's rock-hewn churches and the historical treasures of Axum.
Immerse yourself in the spiritual allure of Lake Tana's monasteries and trek through the stunning scenery of the Tigray region. Witness the country's vibrant culture, encounter endemic wildlife, and marvel at architectural marvels carved from solid rock. This extraordinary adventure promises to unveil the rich tapestry of Ethiopia's heritage and its awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Destination Highlights
Highlighted Destinations
Cruise the tranquil waters and visit isolated monasteries, adorned with ancient murals and steeped in spirituality.
Explore the medieval castles and churches, including the impressive Fasilades Castles and Debre Berhan Church.
Embark on a chance to walk in stunning scenery, encountering endemic wildlife and enjoying panoramic views of the rugged landscapes.
Experience the architectural wonder of Lalibela's rock-hewn churches, a testament to Ethiopia's ancient Christian heritage.
Uncover the historical treasures of Axum, including stelae, the Queen of Sheba's Bath, and the Church of Saint Mary of Zion.
Trek through the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Tigray region, exploring remote rock-hewn churches and immersing yourself in the local culture.
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, our hospitality begins. We provide you with a meet-and-greet service at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel for overnight accommodation. The city enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F).
- With a multiethnic population of over 5 million, Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums, and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the “Mercato”. After your long flight and a welcome briefing, you can settle into your hotel for some rest.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 2: EXPLORE THE CITY OF ADDIS ABABA
- Today you will spend the day exploring Addis Ababa, which begins with a visit to the Holy Trinity Cathedral. It is the most important Orthodox Church in Addis Ababa and has survived many historical periods, as its interesting architecture can attest. You proceed to visit the National Museum, one of the most important museums in Africa. The museum is home to the fossilized humanoid Lucy (3.5 million year-old fossils), as well as an amazing collection of artifacts, royal items, and art.
- After lunch, you will continue our visit to St. George's Cathedral, built in 1896 by Emperor Menelik II. 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 3: FLY TO BAHIR DAR & VISIT THE MONASTERIES ON LAKE TANA
- Board a short flight to Bahir Dar where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Then you embark on a cruise of Lake Tana, the largest highland lake in Ethiopia, to visit monasteries dating back to the 14th century. Located on the forested Zege Peninsula, Azuwa Mariam is the most impressive of the southern monasteries. The walls of the church are completely covered with remarkable 16th-century murals that offer a revealing look into medieval Ethiopia.
- You then return to Bahir Dar for lunch at your hotel. Then you head into the colorful market. Later in the afternoon, you drive up Bezawit Hill for impressive views over the town, the Blue Nile, and of Lake Tana with its island monasteries. We aim to get here shortly before sunset to enjoy the magnificent natural light show. Afterwards, we return to our hotel.
- Overnight in Bahir Dar
DAY 4: TREK TO MEQUAT MARIAM
- In the morning, your driver will pick you up from the hotel in Bahir Dar and transfer you to the lunch stop, Werkhaye Mariam. Enjoy a simple traditional lunch of injera & 3 vegetarian wots over coffee or tea before beginning the 3-hour walk through various villages to the escarpment edge.
- You will soon arrive at Mequat Mariam on the south and west-facing promontory. The guesthouse offers staggering views into the gorges below that feel the Nile system.
- Overnight in Mequat Mariam community lodge
DAY 5: TREK TO WAJELA
- Wake up to the stunning views of the guesthouse and fresh coffee. Begin today's 7-hour walk to Wajela. The walk combines sections following the escarpment edge with incredible vistas and sections across the meadows and grazing land.
- There are plenty of opportunities to see the communities at work. Having a lunch stop at Meskal Mikael, you then continue on the north side to the village of Wajela. Wajela Community Guesthouse is in a bucolic location in west Meket just below the top of the plateau with great views to the west and north.
- Overnight in Wajela community lodge
DAY 6: TREK TO ATEROW
- A beautiful way to start with awe-inspiring views and delicious breakfast, you head to Aterow. An enjoyable 5 hours walking, mostly along the escarpment edge with the steep basalt cliff edge eroded into protruding blocks. Stop for lunch at Gicha next to Giyorgis church before continuing the trail onto Aterow community lodge.
- Lunch is served by the community at Gicha by a big Giyorgis church and its lovely wooded churchyard perched on the cliff edge.
- Overnight in Aterow community lodge
DAY 7: DRIVE TO LALIBELA
- This morning you have a short walk to the trail-head. You meet your vehicle that will transport you to Lalibela (approx. 2 hours drive). As you drive, you pass most through the beautiful mountains of Lasta. Lalibela is the 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.
- Overnight in Lalibela
DAY 8: EXPLORE THE ROCK CHURCHES
- After breakfast, you will proceed to a full day exploration of the rock-hewn churches. You start with the visiting of the first group (or the north – western cluster) of churches: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Mariam, Bet Meskel, and Bet Danaghel.
- 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 9: 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.
- 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 10: DRIVE TO GHERALTA AREA
- In the morning, 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.
- After having lunch break, you drive across the dramatic mountainous landscapes to Gheralta. On your way, you visit the Monastery of Abba Garima which houses an impressive collection of ancient crosses, crowns, other artifacts, and the oldest illustrated Christian manuscripts dated to the fifth-sixth century. You arrive at the lodge in time to enjoy a beautiful Ethiopian sunset.
- Overnight in Gheralta
DAY 11: EXPLORE THE TIGRAY ROCK CHURCHES
- After an early breakfast, head to explore the marvelous rock churches in the Gheralta cluster. A short drive takes you to closer to the foot of Korkur Mountain. It is from here you start your hiking up to the plateau. Here you will visit Mariam Korkur and Daniel Korkur rock-hewn churches.
- The latter one is the smallest church and has a really beautiful view of the surrounding areas. Drive back to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, drive to visit Mariam Papaseti church which is decorated with beautiful mural paintings.
- Overnight in Gheralta
DAY 12: DRIVE TO MEKELLE & FLY TO ADDIS
- This morning you will drive to Mekele, passing by a number of interesting churches and towns on the way. Carrying on towards Wukro, you visit Abreha Atsbeha church, one of the most picturesque of the churches in the area with a beautifully decorated interior, depicting biblical scenes and saints. Then drive to Mekelle to catch your flight to Addis Ababa.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 13: DEPARTURE
- After breakfast, 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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