Ethiopia, an old country beyond all imaginations, has culture and traditions dating back over 3000 years. With over 80 different Ethnic groups with their own language, culture and traditions. The strong religious setting, celebrations and festivals play an important part in every ones daily life.
The natural beauty of Ethiopia amazes the first-time visitor. Ethiopia is a land of rugged mountains(25 of which are 12,000 feet high) broad savannah, lakes and rivers. The most famous volcano has been in a state of continuous eruption since 1967. Its small southerly crater is the only permanent lave lake on the planet.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Union church, an autonomous Christian Church headed by a patriarch and closely related to the Coptic Church of Egypt, was the state church of Ethiopia until 1974. About 40 percent of the people of Ethiopia are Christians, and Christianity is predominant in the north.
Ethiopia, an old country beyond all imaginations, has culture and traditions dating back over 3000 years. With over 80 different Ethnic groups with their own language, culture and traditions. The strong religious setting, celebrations and festivals play an important part in every ones daily life.
Driving to Kombolcha via Debre Birhan. On the way you pass the Mezezo Escarpment, with a good chance to see the endemic Gelada Baboons. The view down in to the low lands in magnificent. Lunch en route. Dinner and overnight in Kombolcah.
DAY 2 : Kombolcha - Lalibela
In the morning, drive to Lalibela via Woldia. On the way visiting the lake in the town of Hayk, where you can visit the monastery of St.Stifanos and enjoy the birdlife by the lake. Lunch en route and dinner in Lalibela.
DAY 3 : Lalibela
In the morning, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – St.George. Lunch, dinner and overnight in Lalibela.
DAY 4 : Lalibela - Mekele
The drive from Lalibela to Mekele is very fascinating. The view of the winding louds, chain of mountains and deep vallies. In a breath taking experience. Lunch en route. Dinner and overnight in Mekele.
DAY 5 : Mekele - Axum
Morning drive to Axum. lunch en route and over night Axum
DAY 6 : Axum
Today will be a full day visit the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy), the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Unfortunately, no one (except a specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept.
DAY 7 : Axum - Simen Mountain
In the morning, drive to Simen Mountains. After stopping for lunch in Adi Arkay, proceed driving through the Tekeze Valley to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight in the Simien Mountains at the Simien Lodge.
DAY 8 : Simen Mountain
Early in the morning depart for the Simien Mountains. You will have the day to enjoy the stunning beauty of this National Park, with expansive landscapes and bountiful wildlife. You will be sure to see the gelada baboon, a species endemic to Ethiopia. Overnight in the Simien Mountains at the Simien Lodge.
DAY 9 : Simen Mountain - Gonder
Morning after breakfast Drive for Gondar – the 17th century Ethiopian capital. On the way visiting Felasha Village. Lunch in Gonder. Afternoon, sight-seeing of Gondar town including the castles of King Fasilledas, his open-air bath, the monasteries of Qusquom and Debre Berhan Selassie church with its 16th century paintings and Frescoes. Return to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Gondar.
DAY 10 : Gonder - Bahar Dar
After breakfast drive to Bahar Dar capital city of Amhara region. On the way you will visit the Amhara land scape and Amharan tribes.Overnight in Baher Dar.
DAY 11 : Baher - Dar
After Breakfast 8:00AM drive 32kms South East of Bahirdar and walk up some distance and then proceed to visit the thundering “Tiss-Issat” fall which means Smoking Water in Amharic. Drive back to your hotel for lunch. Afternoon, four hour boat excursion on Lake Tana to visit
Ura Kidane Mihret and Zega Peninsual the most beautiful church anywhere in the Tana region. Set within bleak stone walls, the monastery was founded in the 14th century by a saint called Betre Maryam
Kibran Gabriel (allowed for men only) : it is founded in the 13th century by a hermit called Abuna Yohannis.
Dinner at your hotel. After dinner go to Cultural Night Club (Maskinko Bet) and overnight in Baher Dar.
DAY 12 : Baher Dar - Addis
Early in the morning, back to Addis Ababa. On the way visit the Debre Libanos Monastery and the Portuguese bridge, said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia. Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. lunch in erou
