- 1km from Bole airport, Addis Ababa
- +251-930-034920
Trip Code
ZET 043
Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Any date departure
Group Size
1- 20 Participants
Mode of Transportation
Surface (4WD)
Discount
10% OFF
For the real African adventurer, we offer an exciting tour to welcoming Ethiopia. Visit unique tribes, wander through colourful markets and take a walk through the panoramic Simien Mountains. The lovely monasteries on the islands of Lake Tana are waiting to be discovered so jump aboard a boat and go! Between imposing mountain scenery flows the Blue Nile and the ”smoking water” falls. The fascinating history of this friendly African country is reflected in the unusual rock churches of Lalibela and the palaces of Gondar. Taste for yourself the best kept secret in Africa with Shoestring. Tigray region is home to some of the most remote, hard-to- reach churches, often situated in incredible locations. Sheer cliffs, surreal rock formations and vertical spires dominate this stunning region. It is a region that makes us wonder whether Christianity was something about being an adrenaline junky! (In fact these cliff top churches were intended to bring devotees closer to heaven and more practically to be out of sight of raiding armies passing through the valleys below!) The churches are certainly not very accessible to raiding armies or tourists, and some of the churches involve visitors literally free climbing sheer sandstone walls, hiking razor canyons and skirting cliff edges!
Welcome to Ethiopia!
On arrival in Addis Ababa, you are met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Please note this is an arrival day, so you may arrive at any time. If you arrive early, an optional visit to the National Museum can be arranged. Addis Ababa is a bustling city, dotted with Italian architecture, interesting churches and friendly inhabitants. It is also a city of immense contrasts — the Addis Sheraton, with its ‘singing fountain’ is one of the most luxurious in all of Africa, yet you only need to travel a few streets away to find yourself among busy markets. The city is relatively new— established by the Emperor Menelik II in 1887, and at 2,500m has the distinction of being the third highest capital in the world. A visit to Entoto hills offer a beautiful view over the city. Take a walk through the area covered with Eucalyptus or visit the Entoto Maryam church.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Hotel
After breakfast drive to Debre Markos via Dejen which is the famous Teff growing region in the country. Teff is staple food of Ethiopians. After 103 kms drive, visit the 13th C monastery of Debre Libanos and the 17th C Portuguese Bridge.Inside the monastery of Debre Libanos (optional visit), you will taste the very devout atmosphere of the country for the first time. In this monastery, dating from the 13th century, a number of beautiful murals and stained-glass windows can be seen. The monastery is located at the beginning of a huge gorge 700 meters high. There is a peaceful atmosphere here. There is some time in this pleasant setting to stretch the legs.
You follow the road until it reaches a large gap where the Blue Nile winds through. The car slowly makes its way through the impressive landscape, reminiscent of the Grand Canyon in the United States.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Hotel
You will pass through typical villages on the way to Bahir Dar, situated on the vast Lake Tana. You can see the lake long before you reach it, situated at an altitude of 1830 meters. Bahir Dar is a fairly big city by Ethiopian standards. The palm-lined avenues and charming cottages on the lake make the city very attractive.
In the afternoon you can take an optional cruise on the lake where there are several islands which have beautiful monasteries. You can visit Kebrane Gabriel (not accessible for women) and Kidane Mihiret. You will find many bird species including spoonbills and pelicans and if you are lucky you might even see crocodiles. Another option is to visit Tana Kirkos, where the Ark is claimed to have been kept hidden for 800 years. It is also nice to rent a bike and take a trip to the peninsula of Victory, where some other monasteries can be visited.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Hotel
After breakfast drive to the small town of Tiss Abay to visit to the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or ‘Smoke of Fire’. The falls throws up a continuous spray of water droplets which drench onlookers up to a kilometer away. Much of the water is diverted to for Hydro electric Generation but it is worth visiting for the walk around and sees the country side. The area around the river is extremely fertile and the Amhara people who live here farm wheat, sorghum and Teff (from which injera, the national bread, is made.
In the afternoon drive to Gondar . you’ll travel through beautiful countryside with lovely views across the plains, the lake and the islands to Gondar.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Hotel
Gondar was built in 1635 and for 250 years the power center of the then Ethiopian empire. During the early 17th century, King Fasil and several kings after him had a series of very impressive castles built that can still be visited. The royal city wall is located in the heart of Gondar and together with the 44 churches makes this city a prime centre of the Ethiopian Orthodox church.
Full day visit the palaces, the library of Fasilidas’ son and the church of Debre Berhan Selassie, which is located at the summit of a hill and surrounded by fortified walls. Finally, explore the ruins of Kuskuam Church and a nearby palace.
There are many small bars in Gondar, some with live music and the exciting dance Azmari. Make sure that by early evening you are already present in a bar.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Hotel
Buckle up for a stunning drive towards the Simien Mountains, easily one of Ethiopia’s most awe-inspiring mountain ranges. The National Park which shares its name has been UNESCO listed due to its wonderful combination of epic scenery and endemic wildlife. Cross the high plateau with its precipitous cliffs and deep, canyon-style gorges and gaze over the verdant terraces and gentle highland ridges which fall from its sides;every pictures is a photographers dream framed by the imposing mountain range winking down over the beautiful scene.
From your park lodge enjoy a gentle trek around the area and get your binoculars out for there is some marvellous wildlife spotting to be had. The lucky few may spot ibex jousting on rock ledges alongside the playful gelada baboons. The also rare Simien fox and Ethiopian wolf are also hiding out here alongside the klippspringer, bush buck and many stunning birds of prey.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Hotel/Lodge /Camping
Drive out through dramatic landscape to Chenek;the park’s striking scenery is the result of massive seismic activity in the area about 40 million years ago. Here you can take a gentle hike along narrow paths circling through grasslands and around the mountain ridges on the hunt for the sadly endangered walia ibex, a wild mountain goat.
Soak in the thrilling panorama over a pleasant picnic lunch whilst spotting some of the parks many brilliant birds;the park is rich in raptors and vultures and the threatened species of pallid harrier, lammergeier and augur buzzard are actually quite common throughout the park. Keep your eyes peeled on the way back to your lodge for a pack of playful and inquisitive baboons.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Hotel/Lodge /Camping
Early Morning drive to Axum . enjoying very beautiful and spectacular landscape along the Semien Mountains and Tekeze Gorge. The road descends from 3100 meters through hairpin bends down the mountain side to 1400 meters in just 40kms! Then drive down and back up to Adi Arkay showcases not only the immensely beautiful Simien Mountain massifs but also the people who eke out an existence in this unforgiving countryside. The drive continues through the Tekeze valley, crossing the Tekeze River, and onto Axum in the far north.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Hotel
According to local legend, Axum was home to Queen Sheba and the current resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.
As we explore Axum, and its ancient relics, a sense of adventure and imagination guides us through this mysterious and historic place.
On arrival, you will get your first glimpse of the history of this area with a city tour that includes the Archeological museum of Axum and the Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion. The original church was built by Emperor Fasilides, founder of Gonder, in 1665. It’s thought that this church is build on the original foundations of a temple built by King Ezana or King Kaleb in the 4th or 6th centuries, making this the oldest Christian site in Africa. Keep your eye out for the guarded chapel, which is said to be the home of the Ark of the Covenant. The modern St. Mary’s of Zion cathedral dates from the 1960s when Emperor Haile Selassie had it build. The architectural style is painfully out of place within the ancient city, but the contrast between the buildings on the site is fascinating. We also spend time exploring the on-site museum under the church, which houses many of Ethiopia’s priceless relics.
In the afternoon, we will visit the famous ‘Stele field’ (4th Century AD and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruin palace and tomb of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel (5th and 6th Century AD) and the residence of the legendary Queen of Sheba (9th century BC). The North Stellae Park contains over 120 Stellae, some are upright, some are buried and others have been removed. The Rome Stellae, the tallest at 25m high, was shipped to Italy in 1937 under orders from Mussolini, but has since been returned and re-erected.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Hotel
Early morning drive to Hawzien ,Today’s journey is long one, driving from Axum to Hawzien and the Gheralta Cluster. This Tigray region is home to some of the most remote, hard-to-reach churches, often situated in incredible locations. Some churches involve precipitous climbs and some are unfortunately forbidden to females. Your guide will discuss the options with you and you will stop and explore some en-route.
Visit Tigray churches, as Degum Selassie, Abreha We Atsbeha & Wikro Cherkos. Are very interesting rock-hewn churches, and from there you can have also very nice views over the Semien mountains and the Danakil. By choice the visits can also be changed and be the Daniel Korkor, Mariam Korkor and Degum Selassie churches (for these need good walkers and able also to climb).
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Hotel or Lodge
After breakfast you will explore a couple of the interesting churches from the Gheralta cluster recommended to you by your guide.
Late afternoon drive to Mekele.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Hotel
You will have the longest drive through the rough nature of road but nice to experience along with the magnificent scenery (gigantic, ups and downs landscape).
Proceed admiring very nice views, to the Yemerehenna Kristos church. Is the first church in Lalibela, with very nice views from it and interesting paintings.
Lunch on the way.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Hotel
Lalibela is also called the eighth wonder of the world and there are some nice monolithic churches you can visit here. King Lalibela lived in this area at the beginning of the 12th century. He was a very pious man. Pilgrimages to Jerusalem were already common but the road was long and dangerous. One night God appeared to Lalibela and told him his subjects should build a new Jerusalem. In the 25 years that followed, Lalibela built (of course with help) 11 churches from the rocks, partly connected by corridors, walkways and stairs.
There are three clusters of churches to see. They are actually more like ancient walled fortress towns. The priests will open the churches for us and show us the crosses that belong to their church. These churches are still used to this day. You’ll spend the next two nights in a hotel in Lalibela.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Hotel
In the morning we enjoy an optional adventurous mule journey to visit Ashetan Maryam (St Mary), built on a ridge with excellent views over the surrounding countryside. The trip takes approximately 4 hours (round trip) and will start early to avoid the heat. We will ride the mules up the mountain for approximately an hour, before hiking the rest of the way up the mountain to the church. After visiting the church we will walk back down to the village on slippery mountain paths. In the afternoon we visit another cluster of churches that include the churches of Bete Gabriel and Rafael, Merkorous, Emanuel and Abba Libanos. Bete Emanuel is the best in this group and exceptionally carved with unique Axumite building features, such as the indentations on the walls, symbols of the multi-storey building taken from the stelae of Axum, monkey heads and false windows. The rest of the day is spent absorbing the atmosphere of this extraordinary town with its Tukul or round houses. Made as two-storey buildings, they are unusual in Ethiopia.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Hotel
You drive through a wooded, hilly area with winding streets, hidden churches and spectacular descents towards Kombolcha. Traffic is rarely seen. The only people you encounter are shepherds with their flocks and the occasional priest. You will pass the towns of Dessie and Woldya where you stop for coffee or a stroll.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Hotel
Early morning drive back to Addis Ababa.En route visit to rural people of the Oromo ethnic tribes at and near Kemissie. Then drive to spectacular landscape of Debre Berhan area. Evening you will have a fare well dinner in one of the Ethiopian restaurants for cultural dinner and dances from the different ethnic groups. Transfer to the airport departure to home and the tour will be end.
Meals: B, L, D
This trip can be tailor made at a time to suit you and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary.
Date and Availability = All the year This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirement and itinerary can be adjusted according to your time, budget and interest. Price: , if you want quotation or any other tour information about this trip we are very happy to help. Request a quote
suit your requirement and itinerary can be adjusted
Trip Notes
Equipped with the best vehicles and driver Guide / upon request you will be escorted by expert guides /you are immersed in the ancient history, cultures, natural habitats and spiritually of this captivating country and its people. This itinerary can easily be modified as a custom trip and if your travel dates are flexible we recommend visiting Ethiopia in conjunction with the colorful Timkat( epiphany ) and Gena( x-mass) festivals January 19 and 7 respectively
Essential information
Plan your trip
Getting around Ethiopia
Road: The best way to experience the variety of scenery Ethiopia has to offer is travel by road. Ethiopia’s road network has improved substantially in the past decade or so thanks to an extensive road maintenance programme and many roads are become an asphalt.
There are a several highways in Ethiopia, majority of the roads are in good condition:
The major roads leading out from Addis Ababa are tar-sealed, all-weather roads along all (or most of) their routes. Many minor roads are paved and traversing them can be comfortable.
By car: -A good way to tour Ethiopia is by car. They can take you off the beaten track so you can see the beauty and attractions of Ethiopia.
We use reliable and well maintained Toyota Landcruisers, Buses and minibuses throughout the entirety of this tour and our drivers are chosen by us for their skills, their safety, their experience and their good nature. The main roads in Ethiopia are often newly tarmaced and facilitate comfort and efficiency. But this tour frequently goes off-piste to explore much more unusual areas, making the comfort and quality of our vehicles of utmost importance.
Vehicles /Transport: During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. We will be using a 4WD Toyota land cruiser, mini buses or coater buses depending on the condition of the road and the size of the group.
These land cruisers can accommodate four to five participants. Travelling in Ethiopia is a great adventure and needs much patience and flexibility. The quality of the bus is not always comparable with the standards that you are used to in the West
Travel documents (Passport and Visa requirements)
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after having left Ethiopia. Also keep in mind that your passport needs at least 2 consecutive blank pages. A photocopy of your passport is a great idea (keep it somewhere separate in your luggage).
At present, a visa is required for entry as a tourist into Ethiopia. You should apply to your nearest Ethiopian embassy . For some nationalities it’s possible to obtain a tourist visa on arrival into Addis Ababa airport, visitors will need to bring two recent passport-sized photographs. Please check the visa requirements for your country well in advance of travel as they can of course change at any moment.
Upon request we arrange visas for our travellers, or if an invitation letter is necessary then we will arrange this for you.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements
When is best: The Ethiopian Tourist Board proudly promotes their slogan “13 months of sunshine” to anyone who will listen, but they are not far off the mark. The rainy season in the North is in July and August, but whilst that might stop you attempting a multi day trek in the Simien Mountains, it won’t really affect you if you are planning on touring the Northern Historical route. The best time to visit the North is in Autumn, after the rains when the mountains are full of lush green and the views are in impeded by haze.
When to go — All year round
Accommodation: Currently, Ethiopia is known for its fine and luxurious hotels and Lodges . Reliable hot showers are generally speaking still a luxury and places with genuine charm are available. All accommodation throughout this tour is 2 -4 star (comfortable hotels with en-suite facilities) accommodation is based on twin sharing but single supplements are not compulsory. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. Single rooms are available (at an extra cost) But these must be booked and paid in Advance.
Food :-A wide variety of western different dishes are available in Ethiopia. Eating out is very good value in Ethiopia and there are excellent restaurants to explore. On a tour like this we usually feel .
Private groups: The adventures featured in our itinerary are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organize custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. For group traveller pledge considerable discount.
Customized tours: On request, this tour can be customized for small groups.
Proceeding / additional days: It’s no problem to add days before or after the expedition and we’ll book these for you. If you bring more time, you could do day trips from Addiss or take an extension tour
Group booking discount: If at least 5 people together book this trip, 6% discount is given.
Please remember that all Zagwee Ethiopia tour prices mean NO hidden extras, NO local payments.
Please remember that all Zagwee Ethiopia tour prices mean NO hidden extras, NO local payments and NO compulsory single supplements
Responsible tourism:-This trip is a great opportunity to see Ethiopian endemic species of Gelada.
The trip also gives employment and a market opportunity for the local shop owners, markets, restaurants, guides, scouts, mule hires, and many more. Also all the accommodations throughout your trip are owned and run by the members of the local community. Your needs associated with your travel will be served by the members of the community.
Festivals
To a large extent the Ethiopian Orthodox church determines life in the highlands. They celebrate festivals for the principal saints at appropriate times and the largest Christian events are annually commemorated. Religious festivals are associated with long hours of church service and attractive processions through the streets of towns and villages, preceded by priests in the most colourful robes. They have other attributes such as beautifully decorated silver crosses and effigies of saints. The most important festivals are:
TIMKAT FESTIVAL – LALIBELA
Each year in Ethiopia on 18th and 19th January in exuberant manner, the Timkat or ‘Ethiopian Baptism Party’ is celebrated in honour of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan.
Timkat is the most important festival in Ethiopia. In processions throughout the country, the Ark of the Covenant (replica) is carried for 2 days before being put away. The ceremonies are the largest and most important in the royal city of Gondar, whilst Lalibela is the beautiful place to see the most original displays. Throughout the year pilgrims visit Lalibela, but in the days before and during Timkat it is really overwhelmed by the faithful who wish to attend the procession.
Everywhere in this country are replicas of the tabot, the Ark of the Covenant containing the tablets of Moses. The priests wear gorgeous satin robes. The tour takes you past most churches, where priests join in, each with their own replica of the tabot and a brightly coloured parasol. The tour ends at the banks where there are night prayers, drumming and singing. At sunrise the baptism ritual is carried out . After replicas are soaked, adults and children are brought to the water to be baptized. In Gondar the multitudes jump en masse into the bath which once belonged to the 14th-century emperor Fascilida. After this ritual the procession begins to move on and you see the row of coloured parasols slowly creep up the mountainside.
MESKEL FESTIVAL – ADDIS ABABA
Meskel is celebrated in September, one of the country’s most colourful Christian festivals, where thousands of Ethiopians and tourists gather. Meskel is celebrated on the day on which St. Helena recovered Jesus’ cross and brought it back to Ethiopia. This festival is about 1600 years old. On the eve of Meskel, large bonfires are lit, decorated with pretty Meskel daisies in different shades of yellow. The flowers symbolize the end of the rainy season and the return of the sun. Priests are in full regalia and their followers, dressed in virginal white, are singing and dancing around the fire.
LEDDET FESTIVAL – LALIBELA
The Leddet Festival (Ethiopian Christmas) in Lalibela is a lavish celebration. Here you will find underground, eleven monolithic churches and a chapel, connected by a corridor. The churches are decorated with beautiful frescoes. In and around the churches you will find countless priests, devout Christians and pilgrims in white robes. A service in one of the churches is a special experience. The smell of incense, the chanting of the worshipers, candlelight, the music of drums, rattles and whistles that echo through the high arches give it a mystical, magical atmosphere.
Leddet falls on 29th December on the Ethiopian calendar (January 7 according to our Gregorian calendar). It is celebrated after a period of 43 days of fasting called Tsome Gahad (Advent), with a spectacular procession. It begins at 6 pm and continues until the next morning at 9 o’clock. After this marathon, people collectively go home to break the fast by eating chicken, lamb or beef. All this is accompanied by injera (sour pancakes) and traditional drinks like tea and tella (kind of beer). Traditionally, young men play a game called Genna, which is most similar to hockey. The game dates from the time of Jesus and was played mainly by shepherds.
If you are one of the lucky ones invited to celebrate with a family, take a goat as a Christmas gift or a bottle of tej (honey wine) it. It is advisable not to eat much beforehand. Indeed, it is expected of you that you only stop eating and drinking once everything is exhausted!
PLEASE NOTE: The itineraries can be modified during the festival departures.
1- 20 Participants
The Eighth wonder of the world HOME OF 11 REMARKABLE ROCK HEWN CHURCHES, LALIBELA- 4 DAYS TOUR.
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1- 20 Participants
Step back in time for a few days in ancient Lalibela. Explore the medieval rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts and
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1- 20 Participants
This is a great itinerary that visits the very best of the northern historical circuit whilst offering a few hidden
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1- 20 Participants
Step back in time for a few days in ancient Lalibela. Explore the medieval rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts and
View More