North 11 DAYS TRIP TO NORTH

Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your reserved hotel. After time to refresh, take a guided city tour of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital and the third highest capital in the world. You will start the tour with a visit to the National Museum, home to one of the world’s most important paleontological exhibits in the world; ‘Lucy’. Next, you will visit Entoto Mountain, which overlooks the whole of Addis Ababa. Marvel at the panoramic views of the capital amidst the fresh breeze of the eucalyptus forests. Then visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral Church. As the final resting place of much-loved Emperor Haile Selassie, Holy Trinity Cathedral is one of the country’s most sacred places of worship. The city tour will end with an exploration of the colorful Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market.

This morning after breakfast, depart north towards Debre Markos. The first part of the drive will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. This famous gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m. On the way, you will visit the 13th century Orthodox Monastery of Debre Libanos to visit one of the holiest sites in the country. Then short walk to visit the Old Portuguese Bridge. Arrive at Debre Markos in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel.

Depart to the famous lakeside city of Bahir Dar, located on the southern shore of Lake Tana. Bahir Dar is famous for its Blue Nile Fall and ancient island monasteries on Lake Tana.  Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your reserved Hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a short excursion to the Blue Nile Falls or ‘Tis Isat’ in the local language Amharic, considered one of the most spectacular falls in Africa. Tis Isat, meaning ‘Water that smokes’, is an amazing sight, kicking up a thunderous wall of spray as it crashes over a 45-meter high cliff before being channeled into a frothing gorge. From the small village of Tis Abay, an impressive series of full-frontal viewpoints can be reached along a 1.5km footpath across the 17th century Alata Bridge. Finally, return back to Bahir Dar and transfer to your Accommodation

Set off towards Gondar, passing through picturesque farmlands and highland mountains. Gondar was Ethiopia’s capital during medieval times and is often referred to as the ‘Camelot of Africa’. This city is famed for its medieval castles and churches. After a lunch break, start exploring the sites of Gondar. First, you will discover the complex of medieval castles and ruins in the Royal Enclosure, a testament to the majesty of the Ethiopian Empire. Afterward, visit the peaceful Bathing Pool of Emperor Fasilidas. Then explore the famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie, one of the finest in Ethiopia with walls and ceilings covered with stunning murals of angels. Overnight in Gondar.

After breakfast, travel by road to the famous Simen Mountains via Debark town, the gateway to Simen Mountains National Park. The Simiens are Africa’s highest mountain range, with a dozen peaks exceeding 4,267 meters in height. This National Park is a World Heritage Site and contains some of the most dramatic scenery and is best known for its endemic Ethiopian Wildlife. This afternoon you will have easy walks (2-3 hours) and your guide take you to some awe-inspiring viewpoints. You will mostly walk on Afro-Alpine moorland which is the favored habitat of endemic Gelada Baboons. These friendly Baboons are known for their golden manes, bright pink breasts, and comical facial expressions. Overnight inside the Park or Hotel in Debark town.

After breakfast, start hiking towards the Jinbar Waterfall. The trek takes you along the ridge with stunning views over the foothills 800m below. The trail passes through the low bush of Giant Heather, Soda Apple, Abyssinian Rose, St John’s Wort, and Globe Thistle. On the way, keep your eyes open to spot the elusive and elegant Klipspringer (a small antelope). The highlight of today’s hike is Jinbar waterfall, an incredible 500m sheer drop and a favorite location for the abundant Lammergeyer. After some time at the waterfall, you will hike to the main road to meet the car. Then you will be transferred back to Gondar.

Start a full-day scenic journey from Gondar to Lalibela – the home of Ethiopia’s top sight and one of the world’s greatest historical and religious sites. On the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery, the countryside and meet the local people. On the way, stop at Awramba Community Village and learn their way of life. This is a self-sufficient community and follows four principles: respecting equality of women, respecting children’s rights, caring for the elderly, and avoiding bad deeds. They also add “Accepting all humans as brothers and sisters” on their list of principles. Arrive at Lalibela, home of Ethiopia’s most prized destination, late in the afternoon and transfer to your Accommodation.

You will spend the day exploring Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. Lalibela is the most famous of all of Ethiopia’s historic cities and contains the most stunning Christian architecture in Africa. Often referred to as ‘New Jerusalem’ and ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’, the town’s eleven beautiful rock-cut churches draw pilgrims from all over the world. Built during the 12th and 13th centuries, these religious monoliths are carved from the red volcanic rock. The 11 rock churches of Lalibela are grouped into two parts and each church has a unique architectural style and all are superbly carved. In the morning you will discover the Northwestern group of churches, Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha. In the afternoon proceed to visit the second group of the rock-hewn churches, you will visit Bete Amanuel, Bete Merkorios, Bete Abba Libanos, and Bete Gabriel-Rafael (possibly a former royal palace). Finally discover Bete Giyorgis, often regarded as Lalibela’s most beautiful church.

Another full day in Lalibela. Today’s visit takes you to the churches located outside of Lalibela town. After morning breakfast, set off by car to the cave church of Yemrhane Kristos, built by the king of the same name before the reign of King Lalibela. This fascinating church is constructed inside a cave and Aksumite Kingdom architectural techniques are visible. It is similar to the 7th-century monastery at Debre Damo in Tigray, with alternating levels of wood and stone. Back to the town of Lalibela for lunch. Afterward, short drive or hike up to the rock church of Asheten Mariam, a monastery that houses ancient parchments and crosses. It sits on the 3,150-metre-high Abune Yosef Mountain that overlooks the town of Lalibela. You will pass through small villages on the way up and there are wonderful views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the mountain where the church is located. Return to the town and you will have dinner with a beautiful sunset.