15 Days Northern Ethiopia Tour

Tour Highlights

• Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Lalibela, Axum, Gondar, Simien Mountains
• Explore the origins of civilization at Yeha and Axumite Kingdom sites
• Experience the beauty of Lake Tana monasteries & Blue Nile Falls
• Walk among gelada baboons in the dramatic Simien Highlands
• Marvel at the stunning Tigray rock-hewn cliff churches
• Enjoy cultural immersion, traditional cuisine, and local markets

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

• Meet and greet by Papyrus Tours representative at Bole International Airport
• Transfer to hotel & tour briefing

Overnight: Addis Ababa

Day 2: Addis Ababa City Tour

• National Museum – home of Lucy & key artifacts
• Ethnographic Museum – cultural insight into 80+ ethnic groups
• Scenic drive to Entoto Mountain & visit St. Mary Church
• Explore Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market
• Cultural dinner with traditional dance performances

Overnight: Addis Ababa

Day 3: Drive to Bahir Dar

• Visit Debre Libanos Monastery & museum
• Spectacular views of the Blue Nile Gorge
• Arrive in Bahir Dar late afternoon

Overnight: Bahir Dar

Day 4: Lake Tana Boat Excursion & Blue Nile Falls

• Boat trip to historic island monasteries
• Ura Kidane Mehret, Azuwa Mariam, etc.
• Afternoon visit to the Blue Nile Falls (“Tis Issat”)

Overnight: Bahir Dar

Day 5: Drive to Gondar & Castles Tour

• Royal Enclosure of Fasilides Castles
• Fasil Bath (Timkat festival site)
• Debre Berhan Selassie – the Angel Ceiling
• Evening traditional music house (Azmari Bet)

Overnight: Gondar (Goha Hotel or similar)

Day 6: Simien Mountains National Park

• Drive to Debark, park registration
• Short trek with chance to see gelada baboons & dramatic escarpments
• Return to Debark or overnight inside park

Overnight: Debark / Simien Lodge

Day 7: Drive to Axum

• Scenic drive via Limalimo Road & Tekeze River Valley
• Arrive Axum late afternoon & relax

Overnight: Axum

Day 8: Axum – Ancient Civilization Tour

• Axum Obelisks & Stelae Park (UNESCO)
• Queen of Sheba’s Palace
• St. Mary of Zion Church – Ark of the Covenant tradition
• Tombs of Kings Kaleb & Gebre Meskel

Overnight: Axum

Day 9: Drive to Hawzien via Yeha & Adigrat

• Temple of Yeha – 5th century BC
• Optional: Debre Damo Monastery (men only, rope ascent)
• Continue to Gheralta region

Overnight: Hawzien (Gheralta Lodge or similar)

Day 10: Tigray Rock-Hewn Churches - Mekelle

• Visit one or two of the dramatic cliff churches:
• Abuna Yemata Guh (challenging climb) OR
• Maryam Korkor & Daniel Korkor OR
• Abreha we Atsbeha (easier access)
• Afternoon drive to Mekelle

Overnight: Mekelle