Immerse yourself in the multiethnic capital city, known for its museums, markets, and vibrant culture.
Introducing Geological Wonders Of Ethiopia
Unveiling The Ancient Earth
Embark on a mesmerizing 14-day journey through the geological wonders of Ethiopia, a paradise for geology enthusiasts. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you on an unforgettable expedition to witness the remarkable landscapes and ancient rock formations that make Ethiopia a geological treasure trove.
From the bustling streets of Addis Ababa to the isolated churches on Lake Tana, the royal castles of Gondar, the breathtaking Simien Mountains, the ancient city of Axum, and the awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, each destination reveals the geological secrets embedded in Ethiopia's rich history.
Finally, venture into the otherworldly Danakil Depression, a surreal landscape of sulfur pools and colorful mineral deposits. Join us on this extraordinary adventure, where ancient rocks whisper tales of Earth's evolution.
Destination Highlights
Highlighted Destinations
Discover the isolated monasteries on the largest highland lake in Ethiopia, offering a glimpse into medieval Ethiopia.
Explore the "Camelot of Africa" and marvel at the Fasilades Castles and Debre Berhan Church.
Embark on exhilarating walks through stunning scenery, encountering endemic wildlife like the Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf.
Unearth the ancient city's treasures, including the stelae, the subterranean Tomb of Ramhai, and the Queen of Sheba's Bath.
Witness the 11 rock-hewn churches carved out of solid volcanic rock, a testament to human ingenuity and devotion.
Experience the surreal landscapes of sulfur pools, geysers, and salt flats, offering a glimpse into Earth's raw power.
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 fossil), 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, 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: DRIVE TO GONDER & SIGHTSEEING IN GONDER
- This morning’s drive (180kms) takes you to Gondar, a site of wonders. After some time to rest and have lunch, you will spend today exploring 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 mural, cherubs and paintings. It rumored to have once been the proposed final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight in Gonder.
DAY 5: DRIVE TO SIMIEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
- This morning’s drive takes you to Simien Mountain National Park. It is 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. Simien's landscapes vary from plateaus, escarpments, and steep gorges to rolling hills and pinnacles.
- 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. Overnight in Simiens.
DAY 6: DRIVE TO AXUM & EXPLORE THE SIGHTSEEING
- Today's half day long but scenic journey as you drives to Axum. The views in this remote part of Ethiopia are simply spectacular. The drive affords some excellent photo opportunities of the jagged the Simien Mountains and the Tekeze Valley. The route is dotted with intermittent mountain hamlets that add to the splendor of the scenery. Your journey brings you to the sacred city of Axum in the Tigrayan region.
- You will check in and have your lunch in the hotel. You will proceed to a half day city tour of Axum. 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. 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. Overnight in Axum.
DAY 7: 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 8: EXPLORE MORE 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 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 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 a lunch break, you drive across the dramatic mountainous landscapes to Gheralta.
- On your way, you visit the Monastery of Abba Gerima 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 closer to the foot of Korkur Mountain. It is from here you start you 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 THE DANAKIL DEPRESSION
- After breakfast, spend the morning at your leisure which can be arranged for short hiking, bird watching, and visiting the nearby rock-hewn church.
- After lunch, you drive towards the Danakil region, stopping a number of times en route to take in the spectacular scenery. You arrive in time to enjoy a beautiful Ethiopian sunset over Lake Asale. Overnight camping in the Danakil.
DAY 13: EXPLORE THE DALLOL AREA & DRIVE TO MEKELLE
- After an early light breakfast, you start driving to Dallol. It is like nowhere else; a bizarre landscape of colorful mineral deposits, sulfur pools, and geysers, where you will have this early morning to explore this seemingly alien terrain.
- You then visit the salt canyons, a bizarre landscape where we go for a short walk. On the way back to camp we cross the salt flats where we see the arduous work of salt being extracted by hand and loaded onto the camels.
- After freshening up and having lunch, we will leave the Danakil and climb the steep mountains to Mekele, climbing from 100 meters below sea level up to 2500m. Mekelle is the capital of the region. Overnight in Mekelle.
DAY 14: DRIVE TO LALIBELA VIA SEKOTA
- A full day's drive today takes you to Lalibela via Sekota. En route visit the cave church of Yemrehane Kristos, built by the king of the same name before the reign of King Lalibela.
- The church is constructed inside a cave, in Axumite style, similar to the church at Debre Damo, with alternating levels of wood and stone. Finally, drive to Lalibela, the country’s heart of spirituality and architectural wonder. Overnight in Lalibela.
DAY 15: VISIT THE ROCK-HEWN CHURCHES
- After breakfast, this morning was devoted to visiting 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 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 16: EXCURSION TO YEMRHAN KRISTOS & NAKUTO LEAB CHURCHES
- This morning drive takes you 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 for lunch. Late afternoon, you visit Nakuto Leab Monastery, which houses an impressive collection of ancient crosses and illustrated manuscripts. Overnight in Lalibela.
DAY 17: FLY TO ADDIS & DEPARTURE
- After breakfast, you transfer to the airport and take the short flight back to Addis Ababa and transfer you 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.
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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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