Essential Ethiopia: Historic North & Simien Mountains

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Amazing Experience

Overview

  • Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, one of the world’s most extraordinary religious sites carved entirely from stone.
  • Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains and spot endemic wildlife, including gelada baboons.
  • Discover the island monasteries of Lake Tana and admire centuries-old religious art and manuscripts.
  • Witness the Blue Nile Falls, one of Ethiopia’s most iconic natural attractions.
  • Step into Ethiopia’s imperial past in Gondar, home to historic castles and royal enclosures.

 

Trip Includes & Excludes

No trip inclusions and exclusions information available.

 

Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire. 

 

Upon arrival meet with our representative and get transferred to your Hotel. Addis Ababa ("New Flower), and Ethiopia's capital city! The city lies in the central highlands at a Welcome to Addis Ababa "New Flower", Ethiopia's capital city which is located at 2,700m above sea level. It is a pleasant city with wide avenues, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, "Merkato". It was founded by Emperor Menelik II in 1887, who selected the site because its location within the Entoto hills has long been the center of Shoan politics. It is Africa's diplomatic capital with headquarters for the Organization of African Union and the United Nation Economic Commissions for Africa. The capital is rich in impressive statues and monuments of different architecture, several of which are just in the middle of the turnarounds. After taking a rest start explore Addis Ababa, drive to Entoto Hills - best introduction place to Addis Ababa. Mt. Entoto is the highest peak in Addis Ababa reaching 3,200 meters above sea level, giving the opportunity to catch stunning views over the city and the surrounding area from the summit. It is the first settlement in Addis Ababa where Emperor Menelik II resided and built his palace in 1887. It is a historical place which offers a unique glimpse into the history of Ethiopia's distinct culture. The compound at the peak hosts the Entoto Mariam church, an Ethiopian artefact muse-um as well as Menelik II palace. In addition to its historical significance as one drive up the hill there is an appreciable drop in temperature and the air is filled with the scent of the Eucalyptus trees which line the road. On the way up the roadside stalls offers fresh Ethiopian coffee. Also, if you have an interest in Ethiopian traditional clothes, with time availability possible to stop by at Shero Meda Market. There is a wide variety of beautiful fabrics, shawls, scarves, dresses, tops and jewelry with lots of choice and really good for gift ideas. After lunch visit the Ethnographic and National museum. The Ethnographic Museum, with its two main sections covering local crafts and on regions and people, is an ideal place to start learning about Ethiopia's rich ethnic diversity.  The museum has an impressive array of religious crosses, triptychs and murals, as well as Haile Selassie's bedroom and bathroom. National Museum, which ranks among the most important museums in sub- Sahara Africa. It is famous guest Lucy, One could find exhibits ranging from the 3.5 million-year-old bones of Lucy.

Meal

Dinner, Lunch

 

Arrival at Addis Ababa

 

Your Accommodation

Best Western Plus Addis Ababa

The Best Western Plus Addis Ababa is ideally located in the heart of the commercial and entertainment district of Addis Ababa, the bustling capital city of Ethiopia. Nearby attractions such as business centers, religious centers, restaurants, bars, and Bole International Airport are all within walking distance of the hotel, making it a convenient choice for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can relax and unwind in any of our 160 rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed to offer a home away from home experience. The hotel also provides complimentary on-site parking for added convenience. Our fresh and trendy all-day dining restaurant, located on the mezzanine floor, offers an incredible selection of cultural and international delicacies. The Lobby Bar & Cafe serves authentic Ethiopian coffee, refreshing mocktails, and a variety of items from the fresh display. For those who prefer to dine in the privacy of their rooms, room service is available. The Best Western Plus Addis Ababa is also equipped to host a wide variety of private functions, including weddings, corporate events, meetings, conferences, and private parties, in one of our modern and spacious meeting rooms and halls. Located on the 10th floor, our modern and atmospheric sports bar provides guests with a stunning 360-degree view of the city, ensuring a memorable experience. The hotel also boasts a state-of-the-art gym with a wide range of equipment and a dedicated professional team on hand. Guests can feel relaxed and rejuvenated in our spa, which offers a variety of bespoke treatments.

Best Western Plus Addis Ababa

After early breakfast you'll transfer to the airport for your flight to Bahir Dar, where you'll meet with our representative and get transferred to Avanti Blue Nile Hotel. Bahir Dar means "by the side of the sea" in the Amharic language. After taking a rest, you'll drive to the Blue Nile Falls - known locally as Tissiat - which means "The Smoking Water." The Falls are 328 feet wide and the water plunges some 150 feet, giving rise to picturesque stream clouds and rainbows. After lunch you'll embark by boat to Lake Tana to visit two of the renowned Island Monasteries of the Lake, namely: Ura Kidane Mihret and Azua Mariam. Both have wonderful wall paintings which depict scenes from the Old and the New Testaments of the Holy Bible.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

 

Fly to Bahir Dar

 

Your Accommodation

Avanti Blue Nile Hotel

Constellation Hotels and Resorts proudly presents its first Avanti in Eastern Africa. Avanti Blue Nile Hotel is conveniently located 8 km from the Bahir Dar Airport. Bahir Dar is one of the leading tourist destinations in Ethiopia, with a variety of attractions such as the third largest lake in Africa Lake Tana and the Blue Nile River. The city is known for its wide avenues lined with palm trees and an array of colourful flowers. Blue Nile Resort Hotel is conveniently located 8KM from Bahir Dar Airport. The Hotel has a total of 135 rooms, all with modern amenities, more specifically, the hotel has 100 Classic rooms, 16 Superior rooms, 14 Duplex rooms, and five Junior Suites. All rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi access, Air-conditioning unit, bathroom, mini bar, safe box, desk and 32' flat screen television with 25 paid and free to air channels. The comfort of our modern rooms will more than satisfy you with refreshing views of Lake Tana.

Avanti Blue Nile Hotel

Today you'll drive to Simien Mountains National Park which will take approximately 5 hours. Upon arrival check in to Simien Lodge. The Simien Mountains are an area of highlands in the northern part of Ethiopia consisting of some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. It was added to the World Heritage Site list in 1978. With a total area of 190km2, the Simien Mountains boast 57 tree species, a wealth of herbaceous plants, 22 large and 13 small mammals and about 180 recorded bird species. Of these, the Walia ibex, Ethiopian wolf, Menelik's Bushbuck and the Gelada baboon are endemic. After lunch you'll drive to Sankaber. Here you can observe the beautiful landscape and animals like the Gelada Baboon (or the 'bleeding-heart' Baboon) and the lion monkey.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

 

Bahir Dar - Simien Mountain NP

 

Your Accommodation

Simien Lodge

Perched at 3,260 metres within Ethiopia’s UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains National Park, Simien Lodge is Africa’s highest hotel. Built in traditional circular tukul style using local stone and thatch, the lodge blends naturally into its dramatic mountain surroundings. Guests can enjoy sweeping escarpment views, solar-powered underfloor heating, and a warm, inviting atmosphere after a day exploring the highlands. The central restaurant and bar, the highest in Africa, provides a memorable setting for sunset drinks and hearty cuisine.

Simien Lodge

In the morning you'll drive to Gondar, which is 135km distant and will take around 2hrs. On arrival, you'll check in to Mayeleko Lodge before embarking on your exploration of Gondar, the imperial city of Fasilides. The city was the first capital of the Ethiopian empire, which began in 1632, with the reign of Fasilides; and the kings of Ethiopia based their power there for over two centuries. In Gondar, there are a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. Many picturesque ruins lie in the royal enclosure, like fairy-tale castles dating back to the 17th century. The castles reflect the glory of Gondarine kings and are characterized by their distinctive architectural style. The other place of interest is the Fasilides pool, in which pilgrims still take a plunge during the Timket (Epiphany) celebrations. You'll then proceed to Debre Birhan Trinity Church, rewarding for its magnificent murals adorning the roof and the walls.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

 

Simien Mountain National Park - Gondar

 

Your Accommodation

Goha Hotel

Goha Hotel stands on a hill with an enchanting view of the city. Equipped with the most up-to-date facilities and elegantly furnished rooms, the hotel offers a luxurious retreat for its visitors. You can enjoy a breathtaking view of the panorama stretching away towards the distant Lake Tana. All the rooms are elegantly designed and furnished with comfort in mind.

Goha Hotel

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela where you'll meet with our representative on arrival, and get transferred to Mountain View Hotel. Lalibela is rightly acknowledged as being one of the Wonders of the World.  At the end of the 12th and beginning of the 13th centuries King Lalibella of the Zaghwe dynasty built a series of rock hewn churches in this spot, calling it New Jerusalem. Crafted from the rock in which they stand, these towering edifices seems to be superhuman creation in scale, workman ship and concept. 11 churches in the town are named after the King. After checking in to your hotel, you'll begin your tour of the first group of six churches in town. This group of churches lie in rock cradles, one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Mikael, Bet Mariam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel and Bet Medhane Alem.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

 

Fly to Lalibela

 

Your Accommodation

Mountain View Hotel

Mountain View Hotel Lalibela was founded at an altitude of 2680 metres at the edge of the Lasta Lalibela mountain chains. Its panoramic mountain view is a source of admiration to nature. It is one of the best views to experience the lovely sunset. The architecture of the hotel is a piece of art and comparable to the rock-hewn churches. The town centre and Church of Saint George are within a 20 minute walk from the Mountain View Hotel.

Mountain View Hotel

In the morning you'll visit the second group of the rock churches. The south-east cluster of churches is more irregular in design than the north-western cluster. Several of the individual churches in this cluster are thought to have been secular in origin, and some predate the reign of King Lalibela by five centuries. The churches in the south-east cluster include Bet Gebriel-Rafael, Bet Abba Libanos, Bet Lehem, Bet Emanuel, and Bet Mercurios. According to legend, Bet Abba Libanos was built overnight by Lalibela's wife, Meskel Kebre, who was assisted by a group of angels. Finally you'll visit Bet Giyorgis, possibly the most elegant and majestic of all the Lalibela churches, which lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the village on a sloping rock terrace. It can only be reached through a tunnel. After lunch, you'll visit the monastery of Nakuto Laab, located six kilometers outside Lalibela and accessible by car. It is a simple, yet fascinating example of Lalibela's eastern group of rock hewn churches. In the late afternoon, you'll visit the open market of Lalibela, after which you will experience Ethiopian hospitality, at a traditional coffee ceremony.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

 

Lalibela

 

Your Accommodation

Mountain View Hotel

Mountain View Hotel Lalibela was founded at an altitude of 2680 metres at the edge of the Lasta Lalibela mountain chains. Its panoramic mountain view is a source of admiration to nature. It is one of the best views to experience the lovely sunset. The architecture of the hotel is a piece of art and comparable to the rock-hewn churches. The town centre and Church of Saint George are within a 20 minute walk from the Mountain View Hotel.

Mountain View Hotel

Today after breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. You'll have day use room. Your last night in Ethiopia will be a memorable farewell dinner at one of Addis Ababa's wonderful cultural or international restaurants.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

 

Fly to Addis/Departure

 

Your Accommodation

Best Western Plus Addis Ababa

The Best Western Plus Addis Ababa is ideally located in the heart of the commercial and entertainment district of Addis Ababa, the bustling capital city of Ethiopia. Nearby attractions such as business centers, religious centers, restaurants, bars, and Bole International Airport are all within walking distance of the hotel, making it a convenient choice for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can relax and unwind in any of our 160 rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed to offer a home away from home experience. The hotel also provides complimentary on-site parking for added convenience. Our fresh and trendy all-day dining restaurant, located on the mezzanine floor, offers an incredible selection of cultural and international delicacies. The Lobby Bar & Cafe serves authentic Ethiopian coffee, refreshing mocktails, and a variety of items from the fresh display. For those who prefer to dine in the privacy of their rooms, room service is available. The Best Western Plus Addis Ababa is also equipped to host a wide variety of private functions, including weddings, corporate events, meetings, conferences, and private parties, in one of our modern and spacious meeting rooms and halls. Located on the 10th floor, our modern and atmospheric sports bar provides guests with a stunning 360-degree view of the city, ensuring a memorable experience. The hotel also boasts a state-of-the-art gym with a wide range of equipment and a dedicated professional team on hand. Guests can feel relaxed and rejuvenated in our spa, which offers a variety of bespoke treatments.

Best Western Plus Addis Ababa

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Tour Map