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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 the fascinating and colourful Timket festival 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 Aksum, and even the rumoured home of the Ark of the Covenant. This 14 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.

Start
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Finish
Lalibela, Ethiopia
Destination
Ethiopia
Style
Original
Theme
Festivals and Events
Code
YOZES
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Be part of the procession of locals marching to Jan Meda in preparations for Timket Festival in Addis Ababa

  • 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.

  • 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

Is this trip right for you?

  • The crowds at Timket Festival can be daunting as we march in the procession towards Jan Meda, however this is a truly unique experience that will be a highlight of the trip.

  • In Lalibela and Simien Mountains National Park we include day hikes to experience the beauty of the regions on foot.

  • Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude.

  • There will be some long drives on days on rough roads during this trip.

Map of Incredible Ethiopia: Timket Festival including Ethiopia
Celebrations at the Timket Festival in Ethiopia
Watch the Gelada monkeys on the Simien mountains in Ethiopia
The amazing Church of Saint George in Laibela, Ehtiopia
Timket Festival celebrations in Ethiopia

Itinerary
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Begin this Ethiopian adventure in the capital of Addis Ababa. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. Please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for this, please arrive a day early so you are able to attend. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting. If you arrive early perhaps take a tour of this bustling city, dotted with Italian architecture, interesting churches and friendly inhabitants. This relatively new city, established by the Emperor Menelik II in 1887, is one of contrasts – the Addis Sheraton, with its ‘singing fountain’, is one of the most luxurious in all of Africa, yet you only need to travel a few streets away to find yourself among busy markets, dirt roads and the odd goat or two wandering the street.

Timket festival is a three day festival that commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the river Jordan by John the Baptist. Today the priests remove the ‘Tabots' (replicas of the Ark of Covenant) from each church and march to the nearest water source, where the communal baptism takes place. The procession is accompanied by thousands of locals dressed in dazzling white traditional dress that contrasts the colours of the ceremonial robes and sequined velvet umbrellas of the priests. Stay close to your leader and fellow group members as you'll be in the thick of the crowd as you join the march to Jan Meda. In the evening you'll have dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Addis Ababa - March to Jan Meda
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
If you have booked an arrival transfer from Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport to the joining point hotel, please note your transfer driver cannot enter the arrivals hall due to strict safety restrictions (only international and government organisations and some wealthy hotels with a permit can enter). Please proceed outside the terminal building to the entrance of the carpark and look for your transfer representative. If you cannot locate them, please call our local operator, Journeys Ethiopia on +251 (911) 457 196.

Wake up early today to enjoy the main celebration day of Timket. This morning there will be mass and sermons happening all over Ethiopia in preparation for the blessing of the water. We will head back to Jan Meda to be part of this fascinating event. Here the patriarch will bless the water and baptise the crowd with the Holy water. The event and day then turns into a celebration with the churches singing hymns and providing musical performances to the crowd. This afternoon is free to enjoy the festive atmosphere at a local restaurant and taste injera, coffee and locally brewed beer.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Addis Ababa - Timket Festival
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today we will take a spectacular flight to Bahir Dar. From the air we can gaze across the extraordinary nature of the Ethiopian Plateau, repeatedly cut by immensely deep gorges. Bahir Dar is a small but fast growing town on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. It has long attracted religious men and the area contains numerous churches and monasteries, many of them on the thirty or so islands of Lake Tana.
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 Pagan 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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lake Tana - Boat Cruise
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Head out to the Blue Nile Falls today. Located 32 kilometers south of Bahir Dar, the Blue Nile Falls measure over 400 metres wide and crash down 48 metres in full flood. These falls are known locally as Tis Isat (Smoking Water) and are a spectacular sight when the water’s high. New hydro-electrical plants and dams have somewhat impacted on their magnificence, but the sight is still a memorable one. You can take a longer scenic walk past the main viewpoint (1.5 kilometers) or a shorter walk to reach the foot of the falls. You will then cross the Nile River by boat to reach your vehicle. After a leisurely lunch back in Bahir Dar, perhaps visit the open air market to take a tuk tuk up to the town viewpoint.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bahir Dar - Blue Nile Falls
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel north around the edge of Lake Tana this morning and head for the regal city of Gondar. This drive will take approximately 4.5 hours, including stops for photos along the way. Gondar was the 17th and 18th century capital of Ethiopia, and is famed for its medieval castles and churches.
This afternoon, there is the option to visit Gondar’s most significant churches and castles, either as part of a tour or unaccompanied. The city's unique Royal Enclosure is a World Heritage site, home to dramatic Emperor-built castles unlike any other in Africa. The architecture shows the richness of Axumite traditions as well as the prosperity of Ethiopia in the 17th and 18th centuries. Spend the afternoon visiting these medieval castles – like the two-storied palace of Emperor Fasilades – and stop by the famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie. The church is one of the finest in Ethiopia, with walls and ceilings covered stunning in ancient murals of angels.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Gondar - Church & Castles tour - USD30
  • Gondar - Fasil Gimb Castles Compound - ETB200
  • Gondar - Church of Debre Berhan Selassie - ETB100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
The optional church & castles tour requires a minimum of 2 travellers.

If you take the option of visiting the Fasil Gimb Castles Compound & Church of Debre Berhan Selassie yourself, rather than as part of the organised tour, please note that local guides are required for all groups. Rates are from 400 ETB for a group of 1-2, and up to 600 ETB for a group of 12.

Today you'll have free time to explore the quiet streets of Gondar for yourself. Take a stroll to the markets, or otherwise perch up at the hotel by the pool. You'll be heading into the mountains tomorrow so there's nothing wrong with enjoying a little bit of luxury while you have it. In the afternoon enjoy a cooking class in a private house in Gondar. Learn how to make traditional Ethiopian cuisine, such a wot, the national dish, and injera, the staple bread of Ethiopians.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gondar - Cooking Class
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Depart Gondar early in the morning and head towards Debark and the Simien Mountain National Park. The remainder of the day will be to explore the spectacular mountain scenery including viewing Ethiopia's highest point – Ras Dejen (4550 metres). Once you pass the entrance to the park you'll hike and drive along the escarpment up to Sankaber Camp.This area is home to much of Ethiopia's wildlife, including the Gelada baboon, which are only found in Ethiopia and have a shaggy coat with a red patch on their chest, hence being known as the 'bleeding heart baboon'. Return to Debark for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Simien Mountains National Park - Entrance fees
  • Simien Mountains National Park - Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
There will be a support vehicle for the hike to day, so you can hike as little or as much as you would like.

Strap in for a long travel day up the winding road to Aksum. Though the journey will take approximately eight hours, you'll cross the lowlands of the Simien Mountains and the Tekeze River gorge and the views will be absolutely spectacular. Along the way stop at one of the farming villages to visit a farming family and learn of their traditional farming techniques. Aksum was once the capital of the Kingdom of Aksum, Africa's oldest empire, which exsisted from around AD100 to AD900. It was at the centre of a trading route that stretched from Egypt all the way to India and grew to be one of the most powerful kingdoms in the ancient world. 
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is a free day with the option to tour the incredible historical sites of Aksum. Visit the stele fields, several tombs, the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace and an archaeological museum. The field is home to over 100 stele – the largest one measuring 33 metres and weighing an incredible 517 tones. Stele (or monoliths) are carved from a single piece of granite, and are often elaborately decorated to resemble a multi-story house complete with windows, doors, locks and structural beams. Their scale reflects how important Axum once was, and they were probably transported by elephants from a nearby quarry. The mausoleums in this area include the tomb of the false door and also the tombs of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, while the archaeological museum houses fascinating displays. An unimposing building with a green picket fence is the St Mary of Zion Church, the first built in sub-Saharan Africa. This holds the crowns of various former Ethiopian emperors and is even said to house the most fabled biblical relic in history – the Ark of the Covenant. The afternoon is free for you to keep exploring – you might like to see some of the handcraft shops or take a walk out of Aksum for an hour or so to see Gobodera, the quarry place for the stele and rock lioness relief. End the day with a traditional coffee ceremony in a family home. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is an important part of Ethiopian culture and considered to be the most important social occasion among Ethiopians. It is a sign of respect and friendship to be invited.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Aksum - Historical Site Tour - USD30
  • Aksum - St Mary Zion church, castle church (men only) & museum - ETB200
  • Aksum – Stele field & Archaeological museum - ETB100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The optional historical site tour requires a minimum of 2 travellers.

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.

Leave Axum for Mekele, looking across to see the spectacular Adwa Mountains and the battlefield of Adwa, where the Ethiopians defeated the Italians in 1896. Stop to visit the Pre-Christian Pagan Temple of Yeha before breaking for lunch at Adigrat. Yeha is thought to have been Ethiopia’s first capital and the temple has been dated to around the 6th century BC. After lunch, drive to Mekele (approximately 7 hours total for the day) where you have free time to enjoy the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Aksum - Yeha Temple
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Start the long journey to Lalibela early in the morning on a smooth paved road and, after a couple of hours, reach the spectacular mountain range of Amba Alaje. Continue through green valleys and flat plains before turning west towards Lalibela at Woldia (approximately 5 hours). The road after Woldia offers one of the most scenic routes in the country. It involves climbing on winding roads along steep hills and evergreen lush valleys up to the Delanta Plateau (3,500 metres), then contouring around the valley for a couple of hours, before arriving at Lalibela in the late afternoon (approximately 6 hours). Despite the town of Lalibela being isolated in the Lasta Mountains at 2,630 metres above sea level, it is still the home of Ethiopia’s top sight, and one of the world's greatest historical and religious sites.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you’ll use the morning and afternoon to visit Lalibela’s amazing churches, which look like they've been dropped down from the sky. Between 1137 and 1270, several astounding rock-hewn churches were constructed in Lalibela; astonishing because most are not built from carved freestanding rocks, but instead created from huge single blocks of stone unearthed by the digging of enormous pits. The Northern Group contains seven churches, a tomb, a chapel and a sunken chapel. At the centre of the group is Bet Medhane Alem, measuring 33.5 metres by 23.5 metres and said to be the largest rock-hewn church in the world. A tunnel connects three of the churches in a courtyard to the east, whilst another tunnel connects two other churches to the west of Bet Medhane Alem. However it is Bet Giyorgis (St George's), carved in the form of a Greek cross and lying slightly apart from the main northern cluster, which is the most famous and frequently photographed. This church is exceptionally well-preserved and is probably the most visually perfect. The Eastern group of five churches includes the only hypogeous church, where only the roof remains attached to the overhead rock.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lalibela - Morning & Afternoon Churches Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning we trek to the rock church of Asheten Mariam, which sits on the 3,150-metre-high Abune Josef mountain that overlooks Lalibela. You will climb for 2.5 hours to the summit, where the church is carved out of a cleft into the cliff face. The monastery houses ancient parchments and crosses, but the real treasure is the setting and the view. Descend the mountain and return to the hotel for lunch. This afternoon is free to relax or continue exporing this fascinating town. This evening you will enjoy a special dinner at Ben Ababa open air restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lalibela - Asheten Mariam Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This trip comes to an end today after breakfast. There are no activities planned and you are free to leave at any time.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights), Basic Hotel (1 night)

Included activities

  • Addis Ababa - March to Jan Meda
  • Addis Ababa - Timket Festival
  • Lake Tana - Boat Cruise
  • Bahir Dar - Blue Nile Falls
  • Gondar - Cooking Class
  • Simien Mountains National Park - Entrance fees
  • Simien Mountains National Park - Hike
  • Aksum - Yeha Temple
  • Lalibela - Morning & Afternoon Churches Tour
  • Lalibela - Asheten Mariam Hike

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. This trip begins at 1pm with a Welcome Meeting prior to the Timket festival
2. Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude.
3. A single supplement is available on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. We require a scanned passport to secure tourist access passes for Timket festival.
4. If there is no availability you may wish to consider the Incredible Ethiopia (YOZE) trip that has departures in line with Timket Festival in Gondar & Aksum.

We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Ethiopia before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

Essential trip information

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