20 Days Northern & Eastern Ethiopia Tour

Full-day boat excursion on Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia:

• Visit the source of the Blue Nile

• Birdwatching and possible hippo sightings

• Explore Zeghe Peninsula, including Ura Kidane Mehret Church

• Walk through lush forest with monkeys and birds

• Optional visit to Kibran Gabriel Island (men only)

Return to Bahir Dar late afternoon.

Overnight: Bahir Dar

Morning excursion to Tis Abay (Blue Nile Falls):

• Walk through scenic farmland and cross the river by historic Portuguese bridge

• Cross back by traditional papyrus boat

Return for lunch and continue to Gondar.

Overnight: Gondar

Morning exploration of Gondar:

• Royal Enclosure castles of the 17th century

• Fasilides Bath

• Debre Birhan Selassie Church – iconic ceiling of painted angels

After lunch, drive to the Simien Mountains for sunset views.

Overnight: Simien Lodge (or tourist-class hotel in Debark)

Full day to explore the dramatic scenery:

• Breathtaking cliffs & escarpments

• High chances to see endemic Gelada baboons

• Possible sightings of Walia Ibex or Ethiopian Wolf

Optional: extend stay for multi-day trekking.

Overnight: Simien Mountains

A long but unforgettable journey through rugged peaks:

• Descend the Italian-built Lima Limo road

• Cross the scenic Tekeze River Gorge

Arrive in Axum, land of ancient kingdoms.

Overnight: Axum

Explore the origins of Ethiopian civilization:

• Stele Park – towering granite monuments

• St. Mary of Zion – believed to house the Ark of the Covenant

• Queen of Sheba Palace ruins

• King Ezana’s inscriptions

Optional leisure break to relax and enjoy Axum.

Overnight: Axum

Drive through dramatic Tigrayan landscapes:

• Yeha Temple – oldest standing structure in Ethiopia

• Optional visit to Debre Damo Monastery (men only, rope climb)

• Explore Teka Tesfai rock-hewn churches

Arrive at the stunning Gheralta Lodge near Hawzien.

Overnight: Gheralta Lodge (or tourist-class hotel in Adigrat)

Visit some of the remarkable Tigrayan cliff churches. Options include:

• Abuna Yemata Guh (challenging climb)

• Maryam Korkor

• Daniel Korkor
  (Sites chosen based on interest & hiking ability)

Continue to Mekele.

Overnight: Mekele

Drive into the highlands toward Lalibela.
If time allows, visit Yemrehane Kristos Church en route.

Overnight: Lalibela

Explore Lalibela’s 11 magnificent rock-cut churches, carved from solid volcanic rock:

• Northern cluster: incl. Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam

• Southern cluster: Bet Gabriel-Rufael, etc.

• Isolated masterpiece: Bet Giyorgis

Options for the remaining time:

• Asheton Maryam hike with panoramic views

• Visit Yemrehane Kristos

• Explore Saturday market

• Enjoy cultural evenings with local cuisine

Overnights: Lalibela

Scenic mountain drive to Kombolcha.
Note: If arriving on Sunday, highly recommend adding one extra day to visit Bati Market on Monday.

Overnight: Kombolcha

Travel southeast into the Afar region:

• Encounter the proud Afar people

• Cross Yangudi Rassa National Park – home to rare African wild ass

Arrive at Awash National Park.

Overnight: Awash Lodge / similar

Explore the park with game drives & walks:

• Likely wildlife sightings: Oryx, Kudu, Waterbuck, Gazelles, Warthogs

• Rich birdlife

• Spectacular Awash Falls

Optional extra day for more wildlife viewing.

Overnight: Awash National Park

Drive east into fertile Hararghe region, known for:

• Coffee plantations

• Qat (khat) cultivation

Arrive in the ancient walled city of Harar.

Overnight: Harar

Guided discovery of UNESCO-listed Harar Jugol:

• Narrow alleyways & colorful houses

• Islamic shrines & old mosques

• Vibrant Harari Market

• Evening visit to the Hyena Man — feed hyenas by hand if you dare!

Overnight: Harar

Drive back to Addis Ababa.
A day-use hotel room will be arranged before your departure flight.

Farewell dinner at a traditional cultural restaurant, featuring:

• Live music & dances from various Ethiopian ethnic groups

• Delicious Ethiopian cuisine

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.