HISTORIC ROUTE & SEMIEN MOUNTAIN
OVERVIEW
This Ethiopian adventure begins and concludes in Addis Ababa, visit Bahar Dar, the picturesque town set on the shores of Lake Tana. You will visit the island monasteries and the Blue Nile Falls.The Amhara, Tigray people way of life and their village. In Gondar you will visit the ancient churches and castles, remnants of a bygone Ethiopian Empire.
Proceed to Semien mountain, the region includes many summits above 4,000m. (13,000feet) ,and the highest point in Ethiopia. Ras-Dashen is also the fourth highest mountain in Africa. The park is 179 km2 (111square miles). It is in Afro Alpine zone and the temperature falls below freezing at night. The park hosts many mammals and birds including the endemic mammals —Walia Ibex, chelada baboon & Simien fox and endemic plant species. This scenically beautiful national park is registered by UNESCO as world heritage.
Continuing on the historic route, to Lalibela, a world-heritage-listed town set high in craggy mountains. Lalibela is renowned for its 12th- and 13th-century churches hewn out of solid rock and connected with subterranean passages. Your adventure concludes in Addis Ababa where you enjoy a night of traditional Ethiopian food, live music and dancing.
Culture 
Adventure & Nature 
Day 1 : Arrival and Addis Ababa City tour
Arrival at Bole International airport, meet our representative and transfer to hotel. After some rest we will have Addis Ababa city tour including a drive to Mount Entoto for panoramic view of the city, national Museum which is the resting place of our ancestor LUCY, Trinity Cathedral, Merkato which is the biggest market, some monuments etc. Rest free time and relax.
Overnight at Nexus hotel 4*
Meal : Own
Day 2 : Flight to Bahirdar
Morning flight to Bahirdar, transfer to hotel and we will start boat trip over Lake Tana to the Zeghie peninsula to visit the beautifully painted churches that are found hidden in the small forest: Azwa Mariam Monastery . Our second stop will be at the Betre Maryam Monastery located on the Zege Penisula not far from Bahir Dar.
We chose to stop at Betre Maryam which means “the House of Mary” first since it is one of the oldest and most spectacular monasteries on the peninsula and is also a short walk from the boat landing. The monastery is a round wooden structure with mud and straw walls. There is an outer room, middle circular room and the central room for priests only. The outer ring has little decoration but the inner ring has floor to ceiling paintings depicting the bible stories.
Back to Bahirdar for lunch. P.M drive 70KM round trip to visit Tississat named after the water falls of the Blue Nile River (the life blood for the Sudanese and Egyptians). Be informed that clients will walk about an 30 minutes to arrive near to the water falls on Blue Nile.
Back to the city and Overnight at Unison hotel
Meal : Breakfast
Day 3 : Drive to Gonder
Morning drive to Gonder. On the way visit the Guzara castle, admire the wonderful landscape and view. Transfer to hotel and have lunch. Afternoon you will be taken to visit the castle compound where you can see the medieval castle of king Fasilidas, King Yohannes, King Eyasu, King Dawit, King Bakafa and Queen Mentewab. We will also visit the churches of Debre Birhan Selassie with awesome wall paintings and the bath of King Fasilidas.
Overnight at Gonder Hills
Meal : Breakfast
Day 4 : Excursion to Semien Mountain
Morning we drive to Semien Mountain to visit the marvelous scenery of the Semien Mountain , the endemic animals of Walya Ibex, Chilada Baboon and birds. Five Kms from Gonder you will see the old village of the black Jewish.
The full day you are in the Semien mountain around Sankaber campsite, hiking to Jimbar water falls, trekking and time with Chilada Baboon. Afternoon drive back to Gonder.
Overnight at Gonder Hills
Meal : Breakfast
Day 5 : Flight to Lalibela and visit
Morning flight to Lalibela and afternoon visit the 1st group churches which are included Bieta Medhanialem (Chapel of Holy Savior) which is the biggest and Bieta Mariam (Chapel of Mary): three aisled with mural paintings and a covered pillar containing inscriptions about the end of the world according to the gadl (act)of saintly king.
Further visit of Bieta Denagel (Chapel of the Virgins), Bieta Meskel (Chapel of the cross) and finally, the “double – church” of Debre Sina and Bieta Golghotha (women are not allowed in the latter since it’s where the remains of King Lalibela are and also because it contains the tabernacle of the Holy Trinity).
Overnight at Panoramic View
Meal : Breakfast
Day 6 : Another day in Lalibela
Morning we will have trip to Asheton Mariam with hiking. This is the best place to explore the surrounding attractions. Afternoon visit of the second group of rock-hewn churches that are namely: Bieta Gabriel and Raphael, Bieta Merquorios, Bieta Emmanuel with unprecedented Axumite style and the Bieta Abaa Libanos (said to have been built by King Lalibela’s consort Meskal Kebra and visit the Bieta Ghiorghis which is the cruciform chapel of St. George.
Overnight at Panoramic hotel
Meal : Breakfast
Day 7 : Flight back to Addis
Morning take rest and around 10:00 Proceed to Lalibela airport for the flight back to Addis. Up on arrival a visit of Ethnological museum that is found in the university, have lunch and souvenir shopping ,evening fare well dinner at one of the city’s best traditional restaurants to enjoy a variety of Ethiopian cuisines and watch traditional dancing transfer.
Then transfer to Bole international airport for the night flight back home.
Meal : Breakfast and farewell dinner
End of our services.
Our services include :
- Six nights room accommodation on a twin bed bases as per the above details.
- Meal as per the above details.
- All ground transport including the airport transfer in/out
- Half day boat trip on lake Tana in Bahirdar
- Complementary Water during the whole trip.
- English speaking local guide fee in all destinations
- All entrance fee as per the itinerary in villages, parks etc.
- Scout at the Simien mountain
- All road taxes
Our services do not include :
- Lunch and dinner
- Domestic flight cost (Addis – Bahirdar// Gonder- Lalibela- Addis ) USD 220/Person. The airline gives discounted rate for those who use Ethiopian airlines internationally. In that case price is USD 370/person. The ticket price might increase unless ticketed.
- Any alcoholic drinks,
- Personal gratitude to driver, guide
- Video/camera shooting fee,
- What is not included in the inclusive part
Accomodation :
Addis Ababa : Nexus hotel 4*
Bahir Dar : Unison hotel
Gonder : Gonder Hills
Lalibela : Panoramic hotel
Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the cradle of humanity, Ethiopia boasts diverse landscapes ranging from arid deserts to lush highlands, ancient historical sites, and vibrant cities.
Key Cities :
Addis Ababa :
Overview : The capital city and the political, cultural, and economic hub of Ethiopia.
Attractions : National Museum of Ethiopia (home to the famous fossil Lucy), Holy Trinity Cathedral, Entoto Hills, Merkato (one of Africa's largest open-air markets), and Addis Ababa Museum.
Activities : Enjoy traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, explore the nightlife, and visit local restaurants to taste authentic Ethiopian cuisine.
Lalibela :
Overview : Known for its rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Attractions : Eleven medieval monolithic cave churches carved into the rock, including the famous Church of St. George.
Activities : Explore the churches, attend religious ceremonies, and hike the surrounding areas.
Gondar :
Overview : Often referred to as the "Camelot of Africa," known for its castles and churches.
Attractions : Fasil Ghebbi (the Royal Enclosure), Debre Berhan Selassie Church, and the bath of Fasilides.
Activities : Explore the historical sites, and attend the Timkat festival if visiting in January.
Axum :
Overview : An ancient city known for its obelisks and as the reputed home of the Ark of the Covenant.
Attractions : The Obelisk of Axum, Church of St. Mary of Zion, and archaeological sites.
Activities : Explore the ruins, visit the museum, and learn about Ethiopia's ancient history.
Harar :
Overview : A historic city known for its old city walls and as a center of Islamic culture in Ethiopia.
Attractions : Harar Jugol (the old walled city), Rimbaud House, and the Hyena Man (nightly feeding of hyenas).
Activities : Wander through the old city, visit local markets, and experience the unique tradition of feeding hyenas.
Natural Attractions :
Simien Mountains National Park :
Overview : A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife.
Activities : Trekking, wildlife viewing (Gelada baboons, Walia ibex), and bird watching.
Danakil Depression :
Overview : One of the hottest and lowest places on earth, known for its volcanic activity and salt flats.
Activities : Visit the Erta Ale volcano, explore the salt flats, and witness the colorful Dallol hydrothermal fields.
Omo Valley :
Overview : Known for its diverse indigenous tribes and cultures.
Activities : Cultural tours to visit tribes like the Hamer, Mursi, and Dassanech, and participate in traditional ceremonies and markets.
Lake Tana :
Overview : The largest lake in Ethiopia, source of the Blue Nile.
Activities : Boat trips to visit the island monasteries, explore the Blue Nile Falls, and bird watching.
Culture and Cuisine :
Cuisine : Ethiopian cuisine is characterized by its use of injera (a sourdough flatbread) served with various stews (wot) and vegetables. Popular dishes include Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew), Tibs (sautéed meat), and Kitfo (minced raw beef).
Coffee : Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and the traditional coffee ceremony is an integral part of Ethiopian culture. Participating in or observing a coffee ceremony is a must-do activity.
Festivals : Major festivals include Timkat (Epiphany), Meskel (Finding of the True Cross), and Fasika (Ethiopian Orthodox Easter).
Travel Tips :
Best Time to Visit : The best time to visit Ethiopia is from October to April, during the dry season.
Language : Amharic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in urban areas.
Currency : Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants in Addis Ababa, but cash is preferred in rural areas.
Health and Safety : Malaria is prevalent in some areas, so take necessary precautions. It's advisable to drink bottled or boiled water.
Ethiopia offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers.
Ethiopia
HISTORIC ROUTE & SEMIEN MOUNTAIN
Reference #: WTP0650
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This Ethiopian adventure begins and concludes in Addis Ababa, visit Bahar Dar, the picturesque town set on the shores of Lake Tana. You will visit the island monasteries and the Blue Nile Falls.The Amhara, Tigray people way of life and their village. In Gondar you will visit the ancient churches and castles, remnants of a bygone Ethiopian Empire.
Proceed to Semien mountain, the region includes many summits above 4,000m. (13,000feet) ,and the highest point in Ethiopia. Ras-Dashen is also the fourth highest mountain in Africa. The park is 179 km2 (111square miles). It is in Afro Alpine zone and the temperature falls below freezing at night. The park hosts many mammals and birds including the endemic mammals —Walia Ibex, chelada baboon & Simien fox and endemic plant species. This scenically beautiful national park is registered by UNESCO as world heritage.
Continuing on the historic route, to Lalibela, a world-heritage-listed town set high in craggy mountains. Lalibela is renowned for its 12th- and 13th-century churches hewn out of solid rock and connected with subterranean passages. Your adventure concludes in Addis Ababa where you enjoy a night of traditional Ethiopian food, live music and dancing.