5-Day Northern Ethiopia Historical Tour with Lalibela and Simien

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore ancient island monasteries on Lake Tana and enjoy the sunset at Blue Nile Falls
• 02 Discover Gondar's Royal Enclosure, known as the Camelot of Africa, and its unique architecture
• 03 Hike in Simien Mountains National Park, home to Gelada monkeys and breathtaking mountain views
• 04 Visit Lalibela's 11 rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its underground tunnels

Embark on a 5-day journey through Ethiopia's timeless wonders, from serene boat rides on Lake Tana and the dramatic Blue Nile Falls to Gondar's regal castles and churches. Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Simien Mountains and encounter Gelada monkeys in their natural habitat. Continue to Lalibela to discover its mystical 11 rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with its underground tunnels and iconic architecture. The tour concludes with your return to Addis Ababa, with the option to enjoy a traditional dinner and cultural dance show.

Continue to Lalibela to discover its mystical 11 rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with its underground tunnels and iconic architecture.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

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

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Fly to Bahir Dar and Explore Lake Tana

• Fly to Bahir Dar.
• Visit Lake Tana and its ancient island monasteries.
• Enjoy a sunset view at Blue Nile Falls.
• Overnight at a hotel in Bahir Dar.

2

Day 02

Scenic Journey to Gondar's Royal Heritage

• Take a scenic drive to Gondar (3 hours).
• Explore the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), known as the Camelot of Africa.
• Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church with its famous ceiling art.
• Overnight in Gondar.

3

Day 03

Simien Mountains National Park Excursion

• Enjoy a day trip to Simien Mountains National Park.
• Hike or drive to see Gelada monkeys and breathtaking mountain views.
• Have a picnic lunch in the park.
• Return to Gondar for an overnight stay.

4

Day 04

Discover the Rock-Hewn Wonders of Lalibela

• Take a morning flight to Lalibela, the "New Jerusalem".
• Visit the 11 rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Explore underground tunnels and iconic architecture.
• Overnight in Lalibela.

5

Day 05

Return to Addis Ababa

• Optional morning hike to Asheten Maryam Monastery.
• Fly back to Addis Ababa.
• Optional traditional dinner and cultural dance show.
• End of tour.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Domestic flights and all ground transport
• Accommodation (3-star or better)
• Entrance fees to sites
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Bottled water during tours

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Bole, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tour start

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.