IDEAL LENGTH 11 nights
Price From £3,390 pp
When to Go Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec

Culture and Nature of Northern Ethiopia

As an up and coming destination, there is so much to be discovered in Ethiopia. This sample itinerary that focuses on Northern Ethiopia’s majestic churches can be adjusted based on your time, budget and interests.

Day 1
1 Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A boy stares at the Blue Nile Waterfalls.

Day 1
Arrival Addis Ababa

Upon arrival at the airport you’ll be met by a representative and privately escorted by car to your accommodation in the heart of the Ethiopian capital.

The remainder of your day will be spent at leisure. Explore the nearby National Museum, United Nations Conference Centre and UNECA headquarters, visit the Raguel Church, or climb Mount Entoto for superb views.

Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can help to suggest activities prior to departure.

Day 2
2 Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A boy stares at the Blue Nile Waterfalls.

Day 2
Bahir Dar

Today you’ll hop on a short flight to Bahir Dar, the lakeside capital of the Amhara region.

Spend two days exploring Lake Tana, the Blue Nile Falls, and the 14th century Coptic monasteries and churches that dot the shores and islands.  

Day 3
3 Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A boy stares at the Blue Nile Waterfalls.

Day 3
Bahir Dar

Continue to explore Lake Tana, the Blue Nile Falls, and the 14th century Coptic monasteries and churches that dot the shores and islands.  

Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can advise on activities prior to departure.

Day 4
4 Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A boy stares at the Blue Nile Waterfalls.

Day 4
Gondar

This morning you’ll be driven to Gondar, the ancient capital of Ethiopia.

Check into your hotel, then head out to explore the city on foot. Don’t miss the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, a building with a fascinating history and superb frescoes.

Day 5
5 Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A boy stares at the Blue Nile Waterfalls.

Day 5
Simien Mountains National Park

Today, you’ll discover the UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains National Park. You’ll have views of the dramatic landscape and local wildlife, including gelada monkeys and walia ibex.

Day 6
6 Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A boy stares at the Blue Nile Waterfalls.

Day 6
Aksum

Today begins with a lengthy journey to Aksum, one of the most important ancient sites in sub-Saharan Africa.

Here you’ll spend the next two days exploring the royal tombs, ruined palaces, giant stelae, and myriad churches and monasteries including the Ark of the Covenant Chapel.

Day 7
7 Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A boy stares at the Blue Nile Waterfalls.

Day 7
Aksum

Continue exploring the royal tombs, ruined palaces, giant stelae, and myriad churches and monasteries including the Ark of the Covenant Chapel.

Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can advise on activities prior to departure.

Day 8,9
8,9 Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A boy stares at the Blue Nile Waterfalls.

Day 8
Lalibela

This morning you’ll be transferred to Lalibela, one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Spend two days exploring the 11 magnificent, monolithic, rock-hewn churches, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Settle into your accommodation and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 10,11
10,11 Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A boy stares at the Blue Nile Waterfalls.

Day 9
Highlands

Round off your Ethiopian adventure in the ancient province of North Wollo, renowned for its spectacular trekking. Spend your days exploring the highlands and lowland plains, before retreating to your cosy thatched-roof hut for a taste of local life.

Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can advise on further activities prior to departure.

Day 12
12 Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A boy stares at the Blue Nile Waterfalls.

Day 10
Departure

Today you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey.

HOTELS IN Ethiopia

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itinerary highlights
  • Experience the chaos and colour of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

  • Visit the Blue Nile Falls and discover the Lake Tana monasteries

  • Spot walia ibex and gelada monkeys in the Simien Mountains

  • Explore royal tombs, ancient palaces and religious buildings of Aksum

  • Marvel at the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the Eighth Wonder of the World

destinations in the itinerary
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