6-Day Northern Ethiopia Tour of Bahir Dar, Gondar, Simien Mountains, Lalibela and Addis Ababa

Bahir Dar- Gondar-Simien

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Highlights

Explore Lake Tana monasteries and witness the powerful Blue Nile Falls in Bahir Dar

Discover Gondar’s royal castles and the beautifully painted Debre Berhan Selassie Church

Experience the dramatic landscapes and wildlife of Simien Mountains National Park

Visit Lalibela’s UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches, the spiritual heart of Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Simien Mountains National Park, Lalibela

nature, photography, sightseeing

Private Tour

6 Days

Medium

Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish

Description

Discover Northern Ethiopia on a 6-day journey through its most iconic cultural, historical, and natural landmarks. Explore Bahir Dar’s Lake Tana monasteries and the powerful Blue Nile Falls, then continue to Gondar’s royal castles and churches. Experience the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains and its unique wildlife before uncovering the sacred rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Conclude in Addis Ababa with a cultural dinner, blending history, heritage, and breathtaking scenery into one unforgettable travel experience across Ethiopia.

Itinerary

Day 1: Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar
- Morning flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar.
- Visit Lake Tana monasteries, including Ashetan Maryam, accessible via boat trip.
- Explore ancient island churches surrounded by serene waters.
- Visit Blue Nile Falls, known as “Tis Abay” or the “Smoking Nile”.
- Witness the dramatic waterfall and surrounding rainbow mist.
Overnight stay in Bahir Dar.
Day 2: Bahir Dar to Gondar
- Drive to Gondar (3-4 hours).
- Visit Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Castles), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore 17th-century imperial architecture and royal history.
- Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its angelic ceiling paintings.
Overnight stay in Gondar.
Day 3: Simien Mountains National Park
- Drive to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and scenic highland landscapes.
- Spot Gelada baboons and Walia ibex in their natural habitat.
- Enjoy trekking and panoramic viewpoints.
- Return to Gondar or stay at Simien Lodge.
Day 4: Gondar to Lalibela
- Flight from Gondar to Lalibela.
- Visit the first group of rock-hewn churches carved in the 12th century.
- Explore UNESCO-listed Lalibela churches, known as the “New Jerusalem”.
- Discover spiritual and architectural marvels of Ethiopia.
Overnight stay in Lalibela.
Day 5: Lalibela Full Day Exploration
- Visit the second group of rock-hewn churches.
- Explore more of Lalibela’s sacred religious complex.
- Optional visit to Yemrehanna Kristos cave monastery.
- Experience ancient Axumite-style architecture and murals.
Overnight stay in Lalibela.
Day 6: Lalibela to Addis Ababa
- Flight back to Addis Ababa.
- Optional city tour including National Museum (home of Lucy).
- Enjoy traditional Ethiopian dinner with live music and dance at Yod Abyssinia.
- End of tour.

What's Included

Accommodation is provided as per the itinerary on a per-night basis.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included throughout the tour.

Well-maintained 4WD touring vehicles are provided in excellent condition.

Professional and experienced drivers are included.

All entrance fees to tourist sites are covered.

Photography fees at attractions are included.

Experienced local tour guides are provided at each destination.

A professional tour guide accompanies the entire journey.

What's Excluded

Domestic flight tickets

Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages

Laundry services and other personal items.

Know Before You Go

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.

Most travellers can obtain an Ethiopian e-visa online before arrival.

This program includes multiple domestic flights.

Baggage allowance is usually limited (commonly around 20 kg checked plus hand luggage).

Soft bags are recommended for easier handling.

Consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations (for example Yellow Fever if required).

Bring personal medications, sunscreen, and a basic first-aid kit.

Drink only bottled or filtered water.

Destinations such as Lalibela and the Simien Mountains are at high altitude.

Take it easy on arrival, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy exertion on the first day.

Weather varies from warm in Bahir Dar to cooler highlands in Gondar, Simien, and Lalibela.

Pack layered clothing, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunglasses.

Ethiopia is deeply religious, so dress modestly, especially at churches (shoulders and knees covered).

Shoes must be removed before entering churches.

Always ask permission before photographing people.

The tour includes walking on uneven terrain, steps, and light hiking (especially in Lalibela and the Simien Mountains).

A moderate level of fitness is recommended.

Local currency is Ethiopian Birr.

Carry some cash, as cards are mainly accepted in major hotels.

ATMs are available in cities but may be limited in remote areas.

Internet and Wi-Fi are available in hotels but may be slow or unreliable in remote regions such as Simien and Lalibela.

What To Bring

Valid passport and copies.

Flight tickets or itinerary.

Some cash (USD or Ethiopian Birr) for personal expenses.

Light, breathable clothes for daytime.

Warm jacket or fleece (especially for Simien Mountains and evenings).

Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking shoes.

Hat and sunglasses for sun protection.

Modest clothing for church visits (shoulders and knees covered).

Personal medications.

Basic first-aid kit.

High SPF sunscreen.

Insect repellent.

Hand sanitiser and wet wipes.

Camera or smartphone for photos.

Power bank.

Travel adapter (Ethiopia uses Type C and F plugs, 220V).

Small backpack for daily excursions.

Binoculars (for wildlife in Simien Mountains).

Snacks for long drives.

Light rain jacket (depending on season).

Meeting Point

Addis Abeba, Ethiopia

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 5	/person
6 to 10	/person
11 to 20	/person
Child
1 to 5	/person
6 to 10	/person
11 to 20	/person
This is a private tour

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6-Day Northern Ethiopia Tour of Bahir Dar, Gondar, Simien Mountains, Lalibela and Addis Ababa

Highlights

Locations Covered

Languages

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

Day 2: Bahir Dar to Gondar

Day 3: Simien Mountains National Park

Day 4: Gondar to Lalibela

Day 5: Lalibela Full Day Exploration

Day 6: Lalibela to Addis Ababa

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

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6-Day Northern Ethiopia Tour of Bahir Dar, Gondar, Simien Mountains, Lalibela and Addis Ababa

Highlights

Locations Covered

Languages

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

Day 2: Bahir Dar to Gondar

Day 3: Simien Mountains National Park

Day 4: Gondar to Lalibela

Day 5: Lalibela Full Day Exploration

Day 6: Lalibela to Addis Ababa

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

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