Arrival to Addis Ababa and City Tour
Welcome to Addis Ababa! Upon your arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be greeted by the staff of Absolute Ethiopia Tours after you clear immigration and customs. You will then be transported to your hotel. Addis Ababa, the capital and largest city of Ethiopia, is located centrally at an elevation of 2100 to 2300 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest capital cities in the world. The name "Addis Ababa" translates to "new flower" in Amharic. This vibrant city boasts noteworthy museums and is home to "Mercato," one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. Additionally, Addis Ababa serves as the diplomatic hub of Africa, hosting the headquarters for the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Depending on your flight schedule, a sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa can be arranged. This tour will begin with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, which is regarded as one of the most significant museums in sub-Saharan Africa. The museum is home to the 3.5 million-year-old remains of "Lucy," believed to be a common ancestor of humanity. Inside, you will find numerous ancient artifacts that highlight Ethiopia’s status as the "Cradle of Mankind." The historic section of the museum showcases royal attire, weapons, and portraits of wartime heroes and kings.
Next, you will visit the Ethnographic Museum, which consists of two main sections dedicated to local crafts and the diverse regions and peoples of Ethiopia. This museum is an excellent starting point for understanding the country's rich ethnic variety. The impressive collection includes religious crosses, triptychs, murals, and even the bedroom and bathroom of Haile Selassie, Ethiopia’s last Emperor.
The tour will continue to St. George’s Cathedral (Giorgis Cathedral), located at the northern end of Churchill Road. Designed in the traditional octagonal architecture, this cathedral was constructed in 1896 to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over Italy at the Battle of Adwa. It features works by Afewerk Tekle, a distinguished Ethiopian artist famous for the stained glass windows of the Africa Hall, as well as a small museum within the compound.
After completing your sightseeing, you will return to your hotel for the night. Overnight accommodation will be at Ramada Addis. [Website: https://www.ramadaaddis.com/]
Fly to Bahir Dar | Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Falls
This morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar. Known as "by the side of the sea," Bahir Dar is one of Ethiopia's most well-planned cities and ranks as the third largest, often regarded as the most picturesque city in the country. Serving as the capital of the Amhara region, the city features historic monasteries, charming lodges, vibrant fish markets, and stunning lakes, including the renowned Blue Nile Falls.
Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia with an area of 3,600 km² (2,282 mi²), is also the origin of the Blue Nile. The lake is dotted with 37 islands, 20 of which are home to monasteries thought to date back to the 14th century. These islands are rich in ancient Ethiopian history and house artifacts from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, as well as burial sites for some former emperors of the Ethiopian Empire.
Upon arrival and after checking into your hotel, your first destination will be Lake Tana. One of the islands you will visit is the esteemed "Ura Kidane Mehert" monastery. If time permits, you may also visit the "Azwa Mariam" monastery, both renowned for their ancient manuscripts, artistic paintings, crosses, and artifacts.
Later in the afternoon, after enjoying lunch, you will be taken to the "Tis Isat" waterfalls, also known as the Blue Nile Falls (please note that due to the construction of a new dam in the vicinity, water levels may be quite low). If time allows, the city tour will include a visit to the "Bezawit Palace" and its viewpoint, followed by a return drive to the hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Avanti Blu Nile Resorts (http://www.bluenileresorthotels.com)
Journey from Bahir Dar to Gondar
Following breakfast, the journey to Gondar will commence, covering a distance of 185 kilometers (approximately 3 hours). This city once served as the royal capital of the Ethiopian Empire, established in 1636 by Emperor Fassiledes. Gondar is rich in medieval architecture, showcasing castles and churches built by the Emperor and his descendants. Highlights of the visit include the Fassiledes Castle and the Fassiledes Bath, which was once believed to be the Emperor's grand swimming pool. Now referred to as Fassiledes Bath, this site is used for baptisms and symbolizes the sacred waters of the Jordan River in Israel, where Jesus Christ was baptized. Every year on January 19th during Timket (Epiphany), numerous people immerse themselves in these waters for christening. Unfortunately, your visit will not coincide with this celebration.
After lunch, you will explore the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed in the late 18th century by Iyasu I, and the grandson of Emperor Fassiledes. The church is renowned for its walls and ceilings adorned with numerous winged cherubs, symbolizing the omnipresence of God. After concluding your tour, you will transfer to the lodge. Following dinner, you will have the opportunity to witness the “Eskesta,” a traditional dance for which Gondar is famous.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included.
Accommodation: Haile Resort Gondar (https://hailehotelsandresorts.com/gondar-resort/
Excursion to Simien Mountains National Park
Following breakfast, you will embark on a two-hour drive to the Simien Mountains, covering a distance of 210 kilometers. The striking topography of the Simien Mountains is the result of volcanic activity, and it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its remarkable botanical diversity and rich wildlife, including the Walia Ibex, Red Fox, and the Chelada or Bleeding Heart Baboons.
The first stop on your excursion will be the “Kosoye” viewpoint, where you will have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking landscape. Next, you will head to “Debarq,” the main point of access to the park, where you will be assigned a scout to accompany you. Once your scout is designated, you will continue your journey to the “Buyit Ras” viewpoint. A picnic lunch is typically enjoyed at “Jimbar Falls.”
You will then visit Sankaber, the first campsite within the Simien Mountains, known for offering some of the most stunning mountain scenery in Ethiopia. This area is a perfect spot to observe Chelada Baboons and study their foraging behaviors. Additionally, you can take a short walk to a nearby waterfall, although be aware that the terrain may be uneven.
These mountains are often referred to as “The Roof of Africa” because of their elevation, sitting at an altitude of 3,260 meters (10,722 feet). It is advisable to dress warmly, as temperatures in this region can be quite low. After completing your tour, you will return to Gondar for an overnight stay. Meals provided include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included.
Accommodation: Haile Resort Gondar (https://hailehotelsandresorts.com/gondar-resort/)
Flight from Gondar to Lalibela
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, a short drive of approximately 40 minutes will take you to the city, where you can check in to your hotel before beginning your exploration of Lalibela. This quaint town is renowned for its remarkable sacred sites, which include eleven medieval rock-hewn churches, all intricately carved from a single block of stone.
Lalibela, often referred to as the “New Jerusalem,” was constructed in the 12th century by King Lalibela with divine assistance, and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The eleven churches are impressive in scale, with many reaching heights of over ten meters. These churches, carved below ground level, are surrounded by trenches and courtyards, adorned with stone graves and hermit cells, and interconnected by an intricate network of tunnels and passageways.
The eleven rock churches, believed to be at least 200 years old, are organized into two distinct groups and are accessible on foot. Please be advised that the steps can be uneven, requiring some agility to navigate. You will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Carved from solid rock between 800 and 1200 AD, these churches remain active sites of worship.
After lunch, you will head to the north-western cluster of churches, which includes Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Debre Sina, and Bet Golgotha. Also on the itinerary is the isolated monolithic church of Bet Giyorgis (the Church of St George). Bet Medhane Alem is noted as the largest of the rock-hewn churches.
In addition, you will experience a traditional coffee ceremony. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a vital aspect of social and cultural life, serving as an important ritual passed down through generations. Receiving an invitation to attend a coffee ceremony is a symbol of friendship and respect, exemplifying the warm hospitality of the Ethiopian people.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mezena Lodge (https://mezenalodge.com/)
Lalibela
Today, you will explore the cave church of Yimrehane Kirstos, located 40 kilometers from the city. This remarkable structure was built by the eponymous king prior to the reign of King Lalibela. The church, reminiscent of the one at Debre Damo, is designed in an Axumite style, featuring a unique combination of wood and stone at alternating levels. If circumstances allow, you may join the annual celebration of King and Saint Yimrehane Kirstos, which draws tens of thousands of pilgrims from across Ethiopia. This event is renowned for its vibrant and heartfelt observance, as congregants cloaked in white shawls sing joyfully alongside the priests. Amidst the moving choir, the priests chant, dance, and lead the congregation around the church, accompanied by the resonant beats of drums and the soaring harmonies of women's ululations. After the visit, you will return to town.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mezena Lodge (https://mezenalodge.com/)
Depart from Lalibela to Addis Ababa
You will be taken to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. After arriving, you will be escorted to your hotel where you can enjoy a day-use room. In the evening, savor a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine, complemented by live music and dance performances. Following dinner, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Thank you very much, and we wish you a safe journey.
