Classic Northern Ethiopia
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
One of Africa's most beautiful countries, Ethiopia truly is one of the continent's undiscovered gems. Taking you from the bustling streets of its capital to the source of the Blue Nile, this comprehensive journey through its northern highlands reveals the country's staggeringly rich cultural pedigree, from the Queen of Sheba to Haile Salassie.
After journeying through the breathtaking vistas of the Simien Mountains, you then head for the old imperial city of Gonder, the 17th century ...
One of Africa's most beautiful countries, Ethiopia truly is one of the continent's undiscovered gems. Taking you from the bustling streets of its capital to the source of the Blue Nile, this comprehensive journey through its northern highlands reveals the country's staggeringly rich cultural pedigree, from the Queen of Sheba to Haile Salassie.
After journeying through the breathtaking vistas of the Simien Mountains, you then head for the old imperial city of Gonder, the 17th century capital of the emperor Fasiladas, before the last leg of the journey sees you standing before the expansive waters of Lake Tana. The source of the Blue Nile, the lake is also home to the smoking waters of Tis Isat Falls and a number of fascinating island monasteries.
From here you travel north to the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, one of Africa's most remarkable historical settings. Finish this staggering adventure back in Addis where you will have a chance to visit one of the most important sub-Saharan museums in Africa and the largest open-air market in the world, before listening to some of the best jazz in the world.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE ADDIS ABABA
Day 1 ARRIVE ADDIS ABABA
On arrival at Addis Ababa airport you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to your hotel. Take some time this afternoon to visit the National Museum National Museum - one of the most important Sub-Saharan museums in Africa, and drive through the Merkato - the largest open-air market in Africa.
Day 2 ADDIS ABABA – GONDER - SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
Day 2 ADDIS ABABA – GONDER - SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
Early this morning fly to Gonder, and begin your 3-hour journey by road into the stunning Simien Mountains National Park. First reaching the dusty town of Debark, here you will pass through the park headquarters where you will be allocated a local guide and ranger, before continuing on to the park. Limalimo Lodge is located just outside the park, but still offers some fabulous views of the surrounding area. Time dependent you can then set off into the park for some exploring this afternoon.
Day 3 SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
Day 3 SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
Spend the day exploring with your local guide in the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park. The length of the trek is flexible dependent on your fitness and your guide will discuss this with you upon arrival. You may decide on a 2-3 hour walk around the Sankaber region of the National Park, or take a longer full day walk with a picnic lunch - the choice is yours! Tracing the edge of the escarpment the views are simply breathtaking and with any luck you will get to see the Gelada monkeys or Walia Ibex which are endemic to the region.
Day 4 SIMIEN MOUNTAINS - WOMEN'S PLOUGHSHARE SCHEME - GONDER
Day 4 SIMIEN MOUNTAINS - WOMEN'S PLOUGHSHARE SCHEME - GONDER
After a relaxed morning free, continue to Gonder. En route you'll have the opportunity to visit the Women's Ploughshare Scheme, a good place to pick up traditional black pottery, weavings and other small handicrafts. The scheme supports disadvantaged women by providing them with lodgings and a new skill which they can pass on to their villages. For over twenty years the scheme has helped 1200 women with disabilities and who are affected by HIV. Arrive in Gonder, freshen up at your hotel and then enjoy a delicious dinner at Four Sisters Restaurant.
Day 5 GONDER - BAHIR DAR
Day 5 GONDER - BAHIR DAR
This morning will be spent exploring the historic sights of Gonder, famous for the excellent preservation of its 17th century castles. If there is time you can travel 2km out of town to Fasilida's Pool, a 2,800 sqm pond, reputedly used by the Emperor for bathing, and also visit the Debre Birhan Selassie Church with its wonderful interior paintings. The angels' faces on the ceiling have become a common motif in Ethiopian design. Mid-afternoon, from Gonder you will be driven south around the east edge of Lake Tana to the town of Bahir Dar, en route stopping to look around the lesser-known Guzara Castle, located just south of the small town of Emfraz.
Day 6 LAKE TANA AND BLUE NILE FALLS
Day 6 LAKE TANA AND BLUE NILE FALLS
This morning you can enjoy a private boat trip on Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. The islands and peninsulas of Lake Tana host more than 20 monastic churches which you can explore. This afternoon enjoy a visit to the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tis Abay (Smoke of the Nile) or Tis Isat (Water that Smokes), located not far from Lake Tana.
Day 7 BAHIR DAR - LALIBELA
Day 7 BAHIR DAR - LALIBELA
Travel the scenic journey from Bahir Dar to Lalibela today, to experience one of the highlights of your trip. The isolated town of Lalibela, situated high up in the Lasta Mountains, is famous throughout the world for its incredible rock-hewn churches. At 2,630 m and perched among wild mountains, the setting is fantastic, and this afternoon you have your first taste of these unusual and striking churches, including Bieta Medhane Alem, the largest rock-hewn church in the world.
Day 8 LALIBELA
Day 8 LALIBELA
Return today and explore the second cluster of rock-hewn churches, amongst these is the much photographed St George Church, or Bete Giyorgis. Carved out of the ground, and shaped from the inside out, it is one, unbroken piece of stone, and is connected to the other sunken stone churches through a series of elaborate tunnels. Late afternoon you will discover the traditional methods of producing Ethiopia's unique culinary delights. Your host will welcome you into their home and show you how to cook typical Ethiopian food, usually a spicy vegetable and lentil stews and slow-simmered meats. They will also show you an Ethiopian coffee ceremony before you sit down with your host family to feast on the meal you have helped prepare. End the evening with a visit to the lively Tej (honey wine) bar.
Day 9 LALIBELA - ADDIS ABABA - DEPART
Day 9 LALIBELA - ADDIS ABABA - DEPART
This morning fly to Addis, where you can relax, explore at leisure or enjoy some further sightseeing this afternoon. The Ethnological Museum - located in the former Emperor Haile Selassie's palace grounds, is an interesting visit. And what better way to then end your trip than by listening to some of Addis's famous modern jazz in a lively local jazz bar. From here you will be taken to the airport for your late evening flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Goha Hotel, Gonder
The Goha Hotel stands at the crest of a hill about one kilometre from the town centre, with a commanding view of Gonder and its enchanting and mysterious castles. The best hotel in the Ghion chain, this three star property offers 66 comfortable bedrooms which are simply decorated in traditional local style. There is a decent restaurant serving a mix of local and international food, a bar and terrace with lovely views and a shuttle that takes guest into and out of town. Whilst the bathrooms are tired (this is true of almost all hotels in Ethiopia), the views are wonderful and makes the Goha one of the best options in town.
Kuriftu Lodge & Spa, Bahir Dar
The Kuriftu Lodge & Spa offers a tranquil oasis on the banks of Lake Tana and is far and away the best option in Bahar Dar. The twenty-eight spacious en suite guestrooms are constructed of local materials and beautifully furnished with local artefacts, each with air-conditioning and flat screen TVs. Only four rooms have twin beds, the rest being king-size. With a large swimming pool and a spa offering a variety of treatments, this lodge ensures both comfort and relaxation and the lakeside restaurant serves good international and local cuisine. In Ethiopian terms it is a costly option, but in a country woefully short of good hotels, it is a rare treat.
Maribela Hotel, Lalibela
Maribela is Amharic for Lalibela and this hotel offers a great location on the escarpment with fabulous views. Guest rooms are simple yet comfortable with en suite facilities. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and there is a great local restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, whilst the bar terrace is a fantastic spot to sit back, relax and take in the stunning views. Definitely one of our favourite options in Lalibela.
Limalimo Lodge, Simien Mountains
The wonderful Limalimo Lodge is a luxurious yet sustainable and eco-friendly lodge located just on the edge of the Simien Mountain National Park. The lodge has been built across 10 acres of land using local materials and methods and boasts spectacular views across the surrounding mountains and valleys. The 14 well-appointed guest rooms have traditional Ethiopian touches and décor without compromising on comfort, and their scattered positioning across the grounds allows guests to appreciate the surroundings in a peaceful and private setting. The lodge has its own bar and restaurant at the top of the hill, and it makes as a great base for enjoying a variety of walks and bird watching. This is definitely one of our favourite properties in Ethiopia. Please note there is no WIFI access that the lodge.
Jupiter International Bole, Addis Ababa
The Jupiter International is a four star locally graded hotel located very close to Addis Ababa airport. The hotel offers over 40 guestrooms, which are clean, comfortable and well appointed, with mini-bars, satellite TVs and en suite bathrooms. Whilst the hotel is aimed primarily at the business travel market, it is an excellent option for a night or two in Addis Ababa, especially for those arriving on late flights or departing early in the morning. The restaurant offers a good mix of European and traditional Ethiopian cuisine, and for those looking for a bit of pampering, there are free shuttles to their sister property in the city centre which houses a small gym and spa.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the Expert, Clem
Clem is our Ethiopia expert, who has travelled extensively in the country.
Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258