Explore Ethiopia, the ‘cradle of humanity’.
Travel to Ethiopia and discover a beautiful country, barely touched by modern society. It’s an incredible combination of history, tradition, culture and nature. From 3 million-year-old fossilised hominid remains in Addis Ababa to the amazing rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts and grottoes in Lalibela, this trip take you deep into human history. The 500-year-old monastery islands of Bahir Dar, the elegant castles of Gondar, the majestic geological formations of the Simien mountains, the giant obelisks that rise out of Axum, and even the rumoured home of the Ark of the Covenant. This 13 day trip travels through the north of the country, taking in views of the Blue Nile and trekking to the peaks of the Simien Mountains (meeting red-chested Gelada baboons). You’ll be sure to taste the country’s famous coffee and delectable cuisine, and meet the genuine and friendly people along the way. This is an adventure like no other.
Why you’ll love this trip
- Search for the source of the Blue Nile on a boat cruise at Lake Tana, then discover the churches and unique castles of the regal city of Gondar.
- Trek the majestic series of undulating amethyst peaks that make up the Simien Mountains, looking out for the distinctive red-hearted gelada.
- After learning about its deep history, relax in the beautiful streets of Aksum and watch life go by, imagining when it was once at the centre of an important trade route that stretched from Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea
- Explore Lalibela’s unique churches – astonishing constructions sculpted from huge slabs of stone – that make up one of the world’s greatest historical and religious sites.
- Meet locals for a cooking class and traditional coffee ceremony
Itinerary
Day 2: Bahir Dar
This afternoon, board a sightseeing boat for a cruise around the lake. Covering over 3,500 square kilometres, this is Ethiopia’s largest lake and is home to 37 islands, 20 of which house some of Ethiopia’s most venerated monasteries. Many of these monasteries are believed to date back to the 13th and 14th centuries, and feature superb ecclesiastical art. Legend has it that the Ark of Covenant was hidden here for protection during the times when Muslim forces invaded the ancient capital Axum. Your boat trip will take you to the monastery of Ura-Kidane Mehret, which dates from between the 16th and 18th centuries. It is renowned for its collection of crosses and crowns, and its incredible painted walls that offer up a virtual ‘who’s who’ of Ethiopian saints. The boat returns to your hotel via the source of the ‘Blue’ section of the Nile.
Day 3: Bahir Dar
Day 4: Gondar
Day 5: Gondar
Day 6: Simien Mountains National Park / Debark
Day 7: Aksum
Day 8: Aksum
If you take the option of visiting the Stele field & Archaeological museum & St Mary Zion church, castle church (men only) & museum yourself, rather than as part of the organised Historical Site tour, please note local guides are required for all groups. Rates are from 410 ETB for a group of 1-5, and up to 650 ETB for a group of 12.
Day 9: Mekele
Day 10: Lalibela
Day 11: Lalibela
Day 12: Lalibela
Day 13: Lalibela
Images Courtesy of Intrepid Group
INT – YOZE