Northern Ethiopia Private 9-Day Tour

Embark on a comprehensive voyage through the stunning landscapes of Ethiopia, rich in culture, history, and breathtaking vistas over the course of a 9-day itinerary starting from Addis Ababa!

Private 9-Day Tour in Northern Ethiopia

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

Welcome to Ethiopia! After landing at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, our team will greet you with a warm welcome before taking you to your hotel in Addis Ababa, where you'll spend your first night. Take this time to rest and prepare for the adventures ahead!

Day 2: Addis Ababa - Lalibela & Rock-Hewn Churches

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the airport for a short flight to Lalibela. Upon your arrival in this northern city, we will meet you at the terminal and transfer you directly to the remarkable rock-hewn churches, constructed from reddish basalt. It's easy to see why this site earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1978!

We will pause for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing our exploration of significant sites such as Biete Medhane Alem, Biete Maryam, and Biete Meskel. As we marvel at these sacred temples, you’ll gain insights into their historical significance dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries.

The day concludes with your return to the hotel in Lalibela for a well-deserved rest.

Day 3: Lalibela - Yemrehana Krestos & More Churches

Good morning from Lalibela! We will start with breakfast before setting off to visit Yemrehana Krestos, a fascinating cave church that predates those found in Lalibela.

Upon arrival, you'll discover this architecturally stunning temple crafted from wood and enhanced with intricate details. As we venture deeper into the cave, we may even encounter mummified pilgrims from ages past.

Afterward, we’ll enjoy lunch and then visit Lalibela’s southeastern churches, including Biete Gabriel-Rufael, Biete Merkorios, Biete Amanual, and Biete Abba Libanos. To cap it off, we’ll see the iconic Biete Giyorgis, a magnificent monolithic structure, which honors the patron saint of Ethiopia, St. George.

Return to your hotel in Lalibela for a restful evening.

Day 4: Lalibela - Asheton St. Maryam Monastery

After an energizing breakfast, we will embark on a 2-hour hike leading up to the stunning Asheton St. Maryam Monastery, located at an elevation of 3,200 meters (10,500 feet).

Following another 1.5-hour hike, we will arrive at the Hudad Lalibela Eco-Lodge for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding natural beauty. You will have some free time to enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will take a closer look at the local wildlife, including Gelada black baboons, mountain hyraxes, and various endemic bird species. Finally, we will return to the hotel along a different route, stopping at a small village on the way.

Day 5: Lalibela to Bahir Dar

Immediately after breakfast, we’ll set out for Bahir Dar, embarking on a scenic 6-7 hour drive through the mesmerizing landscapes of northern Ethiopia, where the desert meets the mountains.

Upon reaching Bahir Dar, we will check into our hotel, leaving the rest of the afternoon for you to explore at your leisure. Until tomorrow!

Day 6: Bahir Dar - Lake Tana - Ura Kidane Mehret - Blue Nile Falls

Good morning in Bahir Dar! After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a boat trip across Lake Tana en route to the Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery, located on the Zege Peninsula. This site is renowned for its exquisite round churches from the 14th century, which feature traditional straw roofs and remarkable murals, demonstrating the legacy of ancient Orthodox churches in Ethiopia.

As we navigate through the nearby forest, we’ll be on the lookout for endemic animals such as monkeys and bird species, and might even catch a glimpse of hippos in Lake Tana!

After some free time for lunch, we will visit the splendid Blue Nile Falls, where waters cascade 45 meters (147 feet) creating a picturesque sight. Our day will conclude with a visit to the local market in Bahir Dar, offering a variety of handmade crafts including jewelry and embroidered textiles.

After an enriching day, we will return to our hotel.

Day 7: Bahir Dar to Gondar

After breakfast on the seventh day, we’ll travel to Gondar. Following a 3-hour drive, we will arrive in this charming northern city, ready to explore its historic significance.

Our first stop will be the Fasil Ghebi, the royal compound remains of a 17th-century city-state. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area features 6 castles and the notable basin used for the annual bathing blessing ceremony.

Here, you can admire the basalt stone palace of Emperor Fasilidas, the oldest within this historical complex, alongside other important structures like the Library of Emperor Yohannes I and the palace of Empress Mentewab, as well as Quskuam Mariam Church.

After an enlightening tour, we will visit the famed Debre Birhan Selassie Church, known for its stunning murals that hold significant historical narratives. Conclude the day with a comfortable evening at the hotel.

Day 8: Gondar - Simien National Park

Following breakfast, we’ll depart Gondar, making our way to the stunning highlands of northern Ethiopia. Our journey will take us to Debark, the gateway to Simien National Park.

After a brief stop, we’ll head south within the park to Sankaber, at an elevation of 3,100 meters (10,170 feet). Enjoy a 2-3 hour hike as we seek out breathtaking views of the majestic mountain range. Keep an eye out for local vegetation, such as heather and wild rose of Abyssinia. Should we have missed the Gelada black baboons earlier, we’ll likely spot them here, as this area is known for having the highest concentration of baboons in the region.

We’ll finish our day with a stay at the Simien Lodge located in Ughif.

Day 9: Simien National Park - Gondar - Return to Addis Ababa

On our final day, after breakfast, we will travel to Gondar Airport to catch a flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, we will take a panoramic tour of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, including Entoto Mountain, the Institute for Ethiopian Studies, and the National Museum.

As our comprehensive 9-day journey through northern Ethiopia comes to an end, we will drop you off at Bole International Airport in time for your departure flight. Until next time!

Accommodation Details

Your tour includes 8 nights of accommodation with breakfast at various 3 or 4-star hotels:

• Addis Ababa (1 night): Hotel Lobelia 4* or similar
• Lalibela (3 nights): Harbe Hotel 4* or similar
• Bahir Dar (2 nights): Jacaranda Hotel 4* or similar
• Gondar (1 night): Goha Hotel 3* or similar
• Ughif (1 night): Simien Lodge 4* or similar

Flight Information

Please note that this tour does not cover international flights to and from Addis Ababa.

To take part in this tour, ensure your international flights arrive and depart from Addis Ababa on the same day as the tour commencement. Additionally, your return flight from Addis Ababa must be scheduled for the 9th day of the tour after 9:30 PM.

All domestic flights between Addis Ababa, Lalibela, and Gondar are included in the package.