Day 1 — Addis Ababa
City tour. Overnight at Ramada Addis.
A shorter version of the northern historic circuit — Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar, and Lalibela — using the same real hotels and content style as Best of Ethiopia's first week.
City tour. Overnight at Ramada Addis.
Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls. Overnight at Avanti Blu Nile Resorts.
Royal Enclosure. Overnight at Haile Resort Gondar.
Return to Gondar. Overnight at Haile Resort Gondar.
First church cluster. Overnight at Mezena Lodge.
Second church cluster. Overnight at Mezena Lodge.
Onward departure.
Ramada Addis
Avanti Blu Nile Resorts
Haile Resort Gondar
Mezena Lodge
Accommodation can be adjusted based on your budget and preferences. Premium and budget alternatives are available on request.
All Absolute Ethiopia tours use well-maintained 4WD vehicles - Toyota Land Cruisers or similar - driven by experienced, professional drivers. For larger groups we use minibuses or coaster buses. Your comfort and safety on the road is our priority throughout every journey.
Ethiopia is generally safe for visitors, and our group tours are planned around established tourist routes and destinations. Conditions can vary by region, so our local guides monitor the situation and adjust the itinerary when necessary to keep the group safe and comfortable.
Most nationalities can apply for an Ethiopian e-Visa online before travel. Visa requirements vary by nationality, so we recommend checking the current requirements before your trip and arranging your visa in advance where possible.
The Ethiopian birr (ETB) is the local currency. US dollars, euros, and other major currencies can generally be exchanged in Ethiopia, although exchange rates vary. We recommend carrying some cash for smaller purchases and places where card payments may not be available.
ATMs are available in Addis Ababa and many of the larger towns and cities, although availability can be more limited in remote areas. It’s a good idea to withdraw or exchange enough cash before travelling into areas where ATM access may be limited.
Ethiopia can be visited throughout much of the year, but the best period depends on the region and the experience you want. Many northern and historic-route tours are particularly pleasant during the drier months. Festival departures follow specific dates, so the timing of those tours is determined by the festival calendar.
Ethiopia is safe for tourists across all the destinations we operate. Our team monitors conditions on an ongoing basis and will always communicate any updates that affect your itinerary. We have been operating tours safely for many years and your wellbeing is our first priority.
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Ethiopia. The Ethiopian e-Visa is available online before travel and is the most straightforward option. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Contact us if you need guidance on the visa process for your specific nationality.
The inclusions and exclusions on this page show what the tour price covers. If anything is unclear, ask us before booking and we will confirm it for this itinerary.
Send an enquiry with your preferred travel dates and the number of travellers. We will confirm availability and the next steps before you book.
Private itineraries can often be adapted to your interests and pace. Group departures follow a planned route and schedule; contact us to discuss what is possible for this tour.
Packing depends on the destinations, season, and activities in the day-by-day plan. Ask us for guidance tailored to your departure before travelling.
Every detail can be adapted to suit you - dates, duration, accommodation tier, pace, and group size. Use this as your starting point and let us design your perfect journey.
Tell us a bit about your trip and we'll get back to you with everything you need.
Our team in Addis Ababa is ready to help. Tell us what you're dreaming of and we'll take it from there.