Discover Ethiopia

14 Days - from $2270

Superb scenery and rich heritage; Africa's most fascinating and varied country

Ethiopia is a unique and secluded country. It has never been colonised by a European power, and as a result the people have retained a strong cultural identity and are renowned for their warmth and hospitality. It possesses some of the most impressive architecture found anywhere, particularly at Lalibela, where the rock-hewn churches have been described as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The landscape is equally memorable and Ethiopia is home to some of the finest mountain scenery in Africa. The Simien Mountains, famed for their volcanic pinnacles, are particularly beautiful. This World Heritage Site is home to the Walia Ibex, Gelada Baboons and the rare Ethiopian Wolf. Festivals in Ethiopia are colourful events with plenty of pageantry, music and dancing. We run three trips to coincide with these festivals. In January we attend Timkat, the most important festival in the calendar, which celebrates Epiphany. In September we attend the Meskal festival which has been celebrated for over 1600 years.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Addis Ababa, tour of city including the Church of the Holy Trinity and National Museum. 2 Fly to Bahar Dar; afternoon optional boat trip on Lake Tana. 3 Visit Tississat Falls, source of Blue Nile; afternoon tour of Bahar Dar. 4 Drive to Gondar, former capital of Ethiopia; visit castles and famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie. 5 Drive to Debark; first view of spectacular Simien Mountains; afternoon walk in N.P. 6 Continue to Axum via Tekeze River valley. 7 Full day visit to Axum; Stele Park, tombs of ancient Axumite kings, Archaeological Museum, church of St Mary of Tsion and ruined palace of Queen of Sheba. 8 Fly to Lalibela; explore rock-hewn churches. 9 Mule trek to church of Ashatan Maryam. 10 Fly to Addis Ababa. 11 Drive to Wendogenet in Rift Valley; visit Lake Abiata-Shala N.P. to see flamingos, pelicans, geese and possibly gazelles and bushbuck. 12 Walking excursion through lush tropical forest and villages of Sidama people. 13 Drive to Awassa; visit early morning fish market; return to Addis Ababa. 14 End Adidis Ababa.

Mode of travel: Travel by mini or coaster bus depending on group size; 3 internal flights.
Group size: Min. 7, max. 18, plus leader and local staff.
Accommodation: 13 nights hotels.
Food: All breakfasts and 10 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $349.65
Trip Reference: AYE
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.