Northern Ethiopia Tour Package
20 Days Northern & Eastern Ethiopia
5 Days Short Trip Ethiopia
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa and complete your entry formalities before getting settled at your hotel. Take a tour of the city's highlights, and if interested, visit a humanitarian project supported by our local tour operator. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner and rest up for the days ahead.
Day 2: Fly from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, Visit Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana
In the morning you'll fly to Bahir Dar, a town located on the shores of Lake Tana – the origin of the Blue Nile. In the town, situated at 1,800 meters above sea level, you will find a pleasant climate, fresh fish, and excellent freshly pressed fruit juices. In the morning we undertake a boat tour on the big lake and visit one of the island monasteries. There are plenty of interesting fauna in the lake, including hippos and pelicans. In the afternoon we visit the Blue Nile waterfalls, eventually crossing the Blue Nile by boat to pay a visit to some sugar-cane plantations.
Day 3: Bahir Dar, Awra Amba, Lalibela
Today we drive to Lalibela, a pilgrimage site and holy city for the Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. On the way, we visit Awra Amba – a self-governed Ethiopian village in the province of Amhara, in which exists equal rights of women and men and in which all inhabitants work together for the common welfare. Profits are divided among the residents. The village was founded in 1980 by Zumra Nuru which before had attempted to spread his ideas as a wandering preacher.
Day 4: Rock Churches of Lalibela
Today you'll visit the world-famous rock churches, built in the 12th and 13th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site took 23 years and thousands of people to excavate. In the late afternoon, there is the possibility to walk through the city center and experience a traditional Ethiopian market.
Day 5: Flight from Lalibela to Addis Ababa, Market, and Departure
On your last day, you'll catch a morning flight back to Addis Ababa. If time allows, you can see a bit more of Addis Ababa via a traditional market or visit some shops to buy souvenirs. Finally, you'll enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with music and a lively dance performance. Say farewell to Ethiopia and depart on your scheduled flight the next day.
8 Days Northern Ethiopia
Day 1: Arrive in Ethiopia — Addis Abeba
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can settle into your accommodation and get some rest and enjoy a first Ethiopian meal.
Day 2: Addis Ababa Tour
After breakfast at your accommodation, set out for the day to discover Addis Abeba. Visit the National Museum, which exhibits antiquities, historical relics, and archaeological and paleontological objects from Ethiopia, including the 3.5 million-year-old skeleton of Lucy, one of the earliest humans. Later, you can also visit one of the city's many fine Ethiopian Orthodox churches, St. George's Cathedral, which contains interesting modern paintings and mosaics. Also visit the Mercato, the biggest open market of its kind in Africa, and get a commanding panoramic view from atop Mt. Entoto.
For lunch, choose one of the many eateries that dish out traditional Ethiopian food. Try pancake-like injera heaped with a spiced selection of vegan or meat dishes, washed down with honey-derived tej.
Later, depending on your interests and the weather, you have a choice of activities. Follow the coffee route into the rainforests that swathe Ethiopia's western highlands. Here you'll find the Mother Coffee Tree, the oldest living plant of its type anywhere in the world. Alternatively, spend some time exploring the markets and craft stalls of Addis Ababa. You can shop for high-quality crosses, handwoven fabrics, and other uniquely Ethiopian handicrafts.
For dinner, settle back into your accommodation or find out if there is some local entertainment going on. This will depend on the day of the week. Be sure to take in the breathtaking sunset over the city skyline.
Day 3: Bahir Dar: Boat Cruise & Blue Nile Falls
After breakfast, travel to the airport and take a short flight to Bahir Dar (or travel overland to keep costs down, a trip of around three hours). The pleasant city of Bahir Dar is located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. After checking into your hotel, explore Lake Tana and its islands by boat. There are 37 islands on Lake Tana, and 30 of them have churches and monasteries of considerable historical and cultural interest.
Visit the monastery churches of Ura Kidane Mihiret and Azwa Mariam. Ura Kidane Mihiret is the best known of the monasteries and has an important collection of religious icons from the 16th to 18th centuries. Azwa Mariam is known for its paintings, and there will be time to visit the small museum here.
Take an afternoon drive to the Blue Nile Falls (Tissisat), which plunges for 148 feet (45 m.), giving rise to steam clouds and rainbows. Climb down to the base of the falls for an up-close look, then ascend the other side. The round-trip walk will take about one hour. Then, cross the Blue Nile by boat.
Day 4: Gondar — African Architecture Adventure
After breakfast, take a short flight through to Gondar (or a three-hour drive). Gondar was the first capital city of the Ethiopian Empire, which began in 1632 with the reign of Fasilidas. In Gondar, there are a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. Visit Fasilidas' Palace, the Bath of Fasilides and Quskuam Church. In the afternoon, visit the Church of Debre Berham Selassie (Light of the Trinity) with its famous frescoes. Also, pay a visit to the colorful market in Gondar.
Day 5: Simien Mountains
After breakfast, drive for about 1.5 hours to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO-listed area. The highlands support a remarkable diversity of habitats and include peaks such as Ras Dashen. You will likely encounter endemic gelada baboons and enjoy dramatic scenery.
Day 6: Axum — Oldest African Empire
After breakfast, drive to Gondar airport and take a short flight to Axum (or drive ~5.5 hours). Visit the steles (granite monoliths), the church of Santa Maria of Zion, and other ancient sites linked with the Axumite Empire and the Queen of Sheba.
Day 7: Churches of Lalibela
Fly from Axum to Lalibela in the morning (approx. 40 minutes). Lalibela contains 11 monolithic churches carved from pink granite in the 12th century — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, Bet Golgotha, Bet Giyorgis, and the Eastern Rock Churches like Bet Amanuel and Bet Merkorios.
Day 8: Goodbye Ethiopia
Pack up and transfer to Lalibela Airport for a flight to Addis Ababa, then connect to your international flight home. Farewell Ethiopia!
10 Days Northern Ethiopia
Day 1: Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos.
On the way visit the Portuguese bridge, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. The gorge extends nearly 400 km and reaches depths up to 1500 m.
Day 2: Boat trip on Lake Tana
Visit island monasteries such as those on the Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gabriel (not allowed for women), and the source of the Blue Nile River. In the afternoon, drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake.
Day 3: Continue north to Gondar
The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages and offer insight into Amhara culture. Explore the Royal Enclosure, visit Fasilidas's Pool and Debre Birhan Selassie church.
Day 4: Depart north for Axum
Enjoy spectacular views of the Simien Mountains, stop for lunch in Adi Arkay, and drive through the dramatic Tekeze Valley to Axum.
Day 5: Axum sites
Visit famous obelisks, Queen of Sheba's Bath, King Bazen's tomb, Queen of Sheba's Palace, and St. Mary of Zion Church (note: access rules apply at some sites).
Day 6: Ruins of Yeha & Debre Damo
Visit the ruins of Yeha (8th–5th centuries BC) and Debre Damo monastery (men only — requires a rope climb). Stop en route at Wukro to visit the rock-hewn church of Chirkos.
Day 7: Drive to Lalibela
Early morning drive through small villages toward Lalibela for a stunning approach to the rock-hewn churches.
Day 8: Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
Visit the Northwestern Cluster (Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, Bet Golgotha — entry restrictions may apply) and the Southeastern Cluster (Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, Bet Abba Libanos). Finish at Bet Giyorgis.
Day 9: Drive to Kombolcha via Woldia
Visit Hayk Lake and its monastery, enjoy birdlife. Overnight in Kombolcha (hotel).
Day 10: Return to Addis via Debre Birhan
Drive past the Mezezo Escarpment with chances to see gelada baboons. If it is Sunday, stop at Senbete market to see the camel market.
*This itinerary is flexible and may change according to local events and conditions.*
12 Days Northern Ethiopia
Day 1: Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos
Visit the Portuguese bridge and pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).
Day 2: Boat trip on Lake Tana
Visit island monasteries including Zege Peninsula, Azuwa Maryam, Ura Kidane Mehret, and Debre Maryam. Afternoon visit to Blue Nile Falls. Sunset over the lake.
Day 3: Continue north to Gondar
Drive through rural villages. Explore the Royal Enclosure, Fasilidas Pool, Ras Gimb Palace Museum, and Debre Birhan Selassie church.
Day 4: Sankober, Simien Mountains
Easy hike to the Geech Abyss and view the endemic gelada baboon. Overnight in Simien Mountains or Debark.
Day 5: Depart north for Axum
Scenic drive through Tekeze Valley. Explore Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, Queen of Sheba, and Ark of the Covenant.
Day 6: Axum city tour
Visit obelisks, archaeological museum, Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Ezana’s inscription, King Kaleb & King Bazen tombs, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, and St. Mary of Zion Church.
Day 7: Ruins of Yeha & Debre Damo monastery
Explore ancient capital ruins and climb Debre Damo monastery (men only). Visit rock-hewn church of Medhane Alem Adi Kesho.
Day 8: Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor
Hike to the churches and visit Abreha we Atsbeha and Chirkos churches. Drive to Mekele for overnight.
Day 9: Drive to Lalibela
Pass through small villages and rural areas for a stunning approach to Lalibela.
Day 10: Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
Visit Northwestern Cluster (Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, Bet Golgotha) and Southeastern Cluster (Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, Bet Abba Libanos). Visit Bet Giyorgis.
Day 11: Monastery of Na’akuto La’ab
Visit cliff-side monastery, then drive to Kombolcha via Woldia, stopping at Hayk monastery (men only).
Day 12: Return to Addis Ababa
Pass Mezezo Escarpment, stop at Senbete market if Sunday. End of tour.
13 Days Northern Ethiopia
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrival at Bole International Airport, meet & transfer to hotel.
Day 2: City Tour in Addis Ababa
Visit National Museum, Ethnological Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Mercato.
Day 3: Drive to Bahir Dar
Visit Debre Libanos Monastery, Portuguese Bridge, Blue Nile Gorge. Stop at Debre Markos for lunch.
Day 4: Tour in Bahir Dar
Boat trip on Lake Tana to island monasteries. Afternoon visit to Blue Nile Falls.
Day 5: Drive to Gondar
Enjoy the Amhara highlands en route. Visit Fasilidas Castle compound and Debre Birhan Selassie Church.
Day 6: Drive to Simien Mountains National Park
Depart Gondar, pay park fees, hike from Buyit Ras to Sankober. View Gelada Baboons and Walia Ibex.
Day 7: Drive to Axum
Scenic drive through Simien Mountains and Tekeze Valley to Axum. Overnight in hotel.
Day 8: Axum City Tour
Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit stele, St. Mary of Zion Church, and ancient palaces.
Day 9: Gheralta Mountains & Drive to Mekelle
Visit rock-hewn churches of Tigray (Abreha Atsbeha, Abuna Yemata Guh), then drive to Mekelle.
Day 10: Drive to Lalibela
Visit 11 monolithic churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Day 11: Visit Lalibela churches
Explore the three groups of rock-hewn churches. Overnight in hotel.
Day 12: Drive to Kombolcha
Visit Hayk Lake, local monastery Estafanos, enjoy scenic surroundings.
Day 13: Drive to Addis Ababa & Departure
Spend afternoon shopping or resting. Farewell dinner, transfer to airport for departure.
15 Days Northern Ethiopia
Day 1: Arrival at Addis Ababa
Meet & transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Addis Ababa City Tour
Visit National Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Entoto Mountain, St. Raguel’s Church, Merkato, traditional dinner and folk dance.
Day 3: Drive to Bahir Dar
Visit Debre Libanos Monastery, Blue Nile Gorge, Debre Markos for lunch, overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 4: Boat Ride on Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls
Visit medieval island monasteries, then Blue Nile Falls.
Day 5: Drive to Gondar & Visit Fassiladas Castles
Royal Castles, Debre Birhan Selassie Church, Empress Mentewab’s Kuskwam Complex, evening music house visit.
Day 6: Excursion to Debarq & Simien Mountains
Drive to Debark, visit Simien Mountains National Park.
Day 7: Drive to Axum
Scenic drive through Simien Mountains & Tekeze Valley. Overnight in Axum.
Day 8: Axum City Tour
Visit stele, Queen Sheba’s Palace, St. Mary of Zion, tombs of Kings Kaleb & Gebre Meskel.
Day 9: Drive to Hawizen via Adigrat
Visit Yeha, Debre Damo Monastery (men only). Overnight in Hawizen.
Day 10: Rock-hewn Churches of Tigray & drive to Mekelle
Visit Abuna Yemata Guh, Debre Maryam Korkor, Abreha WeAtsheba churches, drive to Mekelle.
Day 11: Drive to Lalibela
Arrival in Lalibela late afternoon.
Day 12: Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Visit 11 churches, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 13: Explore Lalibela Churches
Visit Asheton Mariam, Yimerhane Kirsotos, Nakute LeAb, Genete Maryam.
Day 14: Drive to Kombolcha
Visit Hayk Estifanos Monastery, overnight in Kombolcha.
Day 15: Drive to Addis Ababa & Flight Home
Arrive Addis Ababa late afternoon, farewell dinner, transfer to airport.
16 Days Northern Ethiopia
Day 1: Arrival
Meet on arrival and transfer to hotel in Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Sightseeing Addis Ababa
Visit Mount Entoto, National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Ethnographic Museum, Merkato.
Day 3: Fly Addis – Bahir Dar
Transfer to airport, flight to Bahir Dar. Boat cruise on Lake Tana to Ura Kidane Mihret monastery. Afternoon visit to Blue Nile Falls.
Day 4: Drive Bahir Dar – Gondar
Drive to Gondar, visit castles, Debre Birhan Selassie Church, Qusquam Church. Overnight in Gondar.
Day 5: Excursion to Semien Mountains
Drive to Buyit Ras, explore Semien Mountains National Park. Overnight in Gondar.
Day 6: Fly Gondar – Lalibela
Flight to Lalibela, visit rock-hewn cathedrals. Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 7: Excursion to Asheton Mariam
Visit Asheton Mariam Monastery and remaining Lalibela churches. Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 8: Fly Lalibela – Axum
Flight to Axum, city tour including St. Mary’s Church, coronation yard, Stelae Park, Kaleb tombs, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, Axum Museum.
Day 9: Fly Axum – Addis – Drive Langano
Flight to Addis, drive to Langano via Lake Ziway. Overnight at Langano.
Day 10: Drive Langano – Chencha – Arba Minch
Visit Dorze village, observe weaving traditions, overnight in Arba Minch.
Day 11: Drive Arba Minch – Konso – Jinka
Boat cruise on Lake Chamo, visit Konso village, Bana village, Ari people. Overnight in Jinka.
Day 12: Drive Jinka – Mago – Jinka – Turmi
Day excursion to Mago National Park, visit Mursi village. Drive to Turmi for overnight.
Day 13: Excursion to Murulle and Nyangatom
Visit Karo and Nyangatom villages. Attend colorful Dimeka market. Overnight in Turmi.
Day 14: Drive Turmi – Yabello
Visit Arebore and Tsemay villages, meet Borena people. Overnight in Turmi.
Day 15: Drive Yabello – Yirgalem
Drive through coffee plantations. Overnight in Yirgalem.
Day 16: Drive Yirgalem – Addis – Departure
Visit Awassa fish market, drive back to Addis, folkloric dinner, transfer to airport for departure.
20 Days Northern & Eastern Ethiopia
Day 1: Addis Ababa
Meet at airport, transfer to hotel, optional city tour of Ethnographic Museum, National Museum, Trinity Cathedral, Mercato, Entoto Hills.
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Debre Markos
Drive north, stop at Debre Libanos and Ras Darge’s bridge. Continue to Debre Markos.
Day 3: Debre Markos – Bahir Dar
Drive to Bahir Dar, visit vibrant town market, sunset from Bezawit Hill.
Day 4: Bahir Dar
Full day boat trip on Lake Tana, visit Zege Peninsula and Kibran Gabriel Island (men only).
Day 5: Bahir Dar – Gondar
Walk in Tissisat village, cross Portuguese Bridge, visit Blue Nile Falls. Drive to Gondar.
Day 6: Gondar – Simien Mountains
Visit Royal Enclosure, Fasilidas Bath, Debre Birhan Selassie. Afternoon drive to Simien Lodge or Debark.
Day 7: Simien Mountains
Full day in Simien Mountains National Park. Observe Gelada baboons, Walia Ibex, and Ethiopian wolf.
Day 8: Simien Mountains – Axum
Drive through Lima Limo Road and Tekeze River gorge to Axum. Overnight in Axum.
Day 9: Axum
Visit Axum stelae, Maryam of Tsion churches (men only), and other historical sites.
Day 10: Axum – Tigray
Visit Yeha Temple in the morning, Debre Damo Monastery (men only) in afternoon, Teka Tesfai cluster. Overnight at Gheralta Lodge near Hawzien.
Day 11: Tigray – Mekele
Explore rock-hewn churches in Tigray. Overnight in Mekele.
Day 12: Mekele – Lalibela
Drive to Lalibela, optional visit to Yemrehane Kristos en route.
Day 13/14: Lalibela
Visit 12th century rock-hewn churches, UNESCO World Heritage Site, optional hike to Asheton Maryam, visit weekly market.
Day 15: Lalibela – Kombolcha
Full day drive to Kombolcha through mountains. Optional visit to Bati market on Monday if arriving on Sunday.
Day 16: Kombolcha – Awash NP
Drive through Afar region, meet local people, optional wildlife sightings in Yangudi Rassa NP.
Day 17: Awash NP
Game drives and walks. Observe wildlife like oryx, kudu, gazelle, warthog, baboon, and birds.
Day 18: Awash NP – Harar
Drive to Harar through coffee and qat regions.
Day 19: Harar
Explore walled city, visit mosques and shrines, see Hyena man feeding hyenas.
Day 20: Harar – Addis Ababa
Drive back to Addis Ababa, day-use hotel, farewell dinner, transfer to airport for departure.
“Journey through the cradle of history — where ancient castles, rock-hewn churches, and timeless landscapes await.”