Description
This is a great itinerary which gives a real insight into some of Northern Ethiopia’s highlights whilst also offering a few additional hidden treasures. This expedition also focuses on the arid northeast of the country and the unforgiving Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on earth!!!
Duration: 16 Nights /17Days
Accommodation: Standard Hotel, Lodge and camping
Tour Starts: Addis Ababa
Tour Ends: Addis AbabaHIGHLIGHTS
- Addis Ababa city sightseeing
- Explore the Blue Nile falls and Lake Tanna Monasteries
- Visiting Gondar and trecking in Semien mountains
- Immerse yourself in the Lalibela- Rock-Hewn Churches
- Be amazed by the attractive of the Danakil Depression
- Spend a day in the Centre of Iniciatives Solidaries in Wukro, Tigray
- Visiting the Tigray churches and enjoy the Rocky Landscapes
- Discovering the ancient city of Axum
OVERVIEW
An expedition that will take us to one of the many beautiful countries in Africa, Ethiopia truly is one of the continent’s undiscovered gems. This expedition will take us from the busy streets of Addis Ababa to the source of the blue Nile, this will be a comprehensive journey through its northern highlands discloses Ethiopia’s enormous rich cultural ancestry from the Queen of Sheba, King Menelik to King Haile Selassie.
The first leg of the expedition will see us standing before the smoking waters of Tis Isat Falls and then in the expansive waters of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, is also home of a number of fascinating islands and monasteries. We then head to the old imperial city of Gonder, the 17th century capital of the emperor Fasilidas, and we will then be journeying through the breathtaking vistas of the Semien Mountains.
From here we will travel to the extraordinary rock – hewn churches of Lalibela, one of Africa’s’s most remarkable historical settings.
From Lalibela we will head to Semera where we will join a group of like-minded explorers and drive into the Danakil Depression in convoy. One of the most geologically fascinating destinations on the planet, the Danakil Depression is renowned as the hottest place on Earth. Discover the kaleidoscopic landscape of the Dallol cinder cone volcano, float in the hyper-saline Lake Afrera, and walk with the camel caravans and Afar people in this remote corner of Ethiopia.
On the way back we will stop at Afrera where we will be transferred to the new 4×4 which will take us to the land of Tigray.
We will spend time with Aba Melaku ‘ the guardian angel’ of the orphans of Wukro – Tigray, in the Centre D’Iniciatives Solidaries, Angel Olaran. We will stay at the project for one day and we will be able to spend time with the orphans including those from the most recent Tigray war, we will be hearing many testimonies that had experienced the horrors of the war. We will be getting involved with different activities and go through the many projects including the Agricultural school that was also set by Angel Olaran ‘Aba Melaku’ since he arrived in Tigray in 1991.
On our departure from the Center we will visit the Al Nejashi mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Africa and the oldest in Ethiopia before heading to explore the famed ancient rock-cut churches of Tigray and reach into the mysteries and holiness of these sacred places. Rock hewn churches are scattered across the Tigray Region, housing ancient history in stunning locations.
Once we explore some of the many Rock churches and monasteries we will stop at Adwa for a morning of trekking to explore the Mountains from where the Ethiopians defeated the Italians and won the famous battle of Adwa during the Italian invasion. From here we will proceed to the original capital city, and the epicenter of the Axumite empire, a once formidable global power. The relics that remain from that era rest in Axum, and visiting the city is to journey through time, and gain an insight into a long-lost civilization.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Addis Ababa city tour.
We will be meeting very early in the morning in our hotel from where we will drive straight to the mountains of Entoto and try to get a glimpse of some of the Olympic and world champions long-distance runners in their morning training session and possibly meet some of them. We will then visit Menelik II palace, the first settlement in the capital, and the Entoto Maryam church, the first church built in Addis Ababa. We will go to Entoto Park, where we can enjoy the stunning and best panoramic views of the capital city and enjoy breakfast. We will drive back to the city where we will visit several places of interest and do a city tour, including the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, the National Museum (which exhibits the 3.5million-year-old bones of Lucy), George Cathedral (we can see the painting of the famous Ethiopian artist Afework Tekele and other ecclesiastical wealth and cultural heritage)Trinity Cathedral (burial place of members of the imperial family and noted patriots), Merkato (the largest open market in Africa).
Accommodation: Hotel, Addis Ababa
DAY 2 – Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar (Flight)
We will be transferred early in the morning from the hotel to Bole Airport to take our flight to Bahir Dar.
We will visit the magnificent Blue Nile Falls. The water plunges here for 45m (148ft). It is about a 35km/1-hour drive from town. In the latter afternoon, we drive back to Bahir Dar and discover the market, where you may purchase handicrafts like jewelry, woven and embroidered garments, ox-horn cups, or grass baskets (Agelgil), for which Bahir Dar is well known, or simply watch the indigenous culture of the local community.
Accommodation: Hotel/Resort, Bahir Dar
DAY 3 – Bahir Dar
Early in the morning we will depart on our boat trip on Lake Tana to explore the nearby monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret on the Zege peninsula, known for its 14th century, round, grass-roofed churches and their magnificent murals, the Azoa Mariam and Ura Kidane Mihret churches. Its architectural styles with mud-plastered round walls and a conical thatched roof are typical examples of ancient Ethiopian orthodox churches. The monastery is found hidden in the forest of the Zege peninsula. Ura is especially well known for its fine frescoes, manuscripts, and ecclesial objects, such as the crowns of various emperors dating from the 14th century, gold and silver processional crosses, silver drums, and royal vestments. On our walk through the densely forested area, we hope to encounter monkeys and abundant bird life. On the lake, you will also have a chance to see hippos and more wildlife.
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge, Bahir Dar
DAY 4 – Bahir Dar – Gondar (169km)
After breakfast, we drive to Gondar, a 17th-century royal city in Ethiopia. Visit the royal enclosures of Fassil Ghibe and all the castles of the Gonderian emperors as well as the famous Debre Berhan Selassie Church, which is completely covered in murals, with the angels’ faces on the wooden ceiling that have become a trademark of Ethiopian art and design.
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge, Gondar
DAY 5 – Gondar – Debark – Sankaber (137km)
Early in the morning, we will continue our journey to the Simien Mountains National Park. We will reach the Simien Lodge, the highest lodge in Africa, around noon. After lunch, we will start exploring the Simien Mountains National Park. Due to its unique landscape and its endemic fauna, the park was declared a UNESCO world nature heritage site in 1996. In the park, you may experience very close interaction with the friendly Gelada Baboons. We will drive up to Sankaber (3’220m) and admire the impressive scenery with its deep gorges and valleys and the highest waterfall in Ethiopia. Here a gentle walk would take us about 2 hours. We hope to encounter further endemic animals, such as the Walia Ibex and the Simien fox. In the late afternoon, we will drive back to Gondar stoping on the way by the Falasha Village, once home to a thriving population of Ethiopian Jews, we can enjoy the many crafts stalls in the area.
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge, Gondar
DAY 6 – Gondar – Lalibela (353km)
We will depart early in the morning from Gondar to make our way by road to Lalibela driving through amazing landscapes, with plenty of stops to enjoy the many scenic views. Arrival in Lalibela late in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge, Lalibela
DAY 7 – Lalibela
Morning:
Today we will visit the 11renowned rock hewn churches of Lalibela, also known as the “8th wonder of the world”. The Lalibela rock- hewn churches are physically carved from the rock on which they stand. These towering edifices seem to be a superhuman creation in scale, workmanship and concept. Some are sculptured out of solid volcanic rock, others are connected by long underground tunnels and mazes. Some are quarried enlargements of caves. The first group of six churches lies in rock cradles, one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Mikeal, Bet Mariam, Bet Maskel, Bet Dangal and Bet Medhanealem. Bet Medhanealem, the largest rock-hewn church in the world.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will visit the second group of churches located to the south of the river Jordan. The second group comprises Bet Giyorgis, possibly the most elegant of all the Lalibela churches. Bet Giyorgis lies somewhat isolated in the southwestern part of the village on a slopping rock terrace and can only be reached through a tunnel. The group of four churches, south of the Jordan river, comprises Bet Emanuel, Bet Mercurios, Bet Aba Libanos and Bet Gabriel and Rufeal. Bet Emanuel’s elaborated exterior has been much praised by international art historians.
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge, Lalibela
DAY 8 – Lalibela
After breakfast, trek to visit the monastery church of Asheton Mary (3200m). The monastery is located 2hr walk from Lalibela, still active after a short break, trek 1.5 hr to Lalibela Hudad Eco Lodge (3400m) positioned to take in 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside, lunch at the lodge and spend the remaining of the afternoon watching black ghelada baboons, mountain gyrax, different endemic birds. We will go back to Lalibela, and we will stop in the local village to learn about the life of the local people.
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge, Lalibela
DAY 9 – Lalibela – Semera (Flight)
In the morning, we will make our way to the airport to take our flight to Semera, via Addis Ababa. We will arrive in Semera in the afternoon, check in to our hotel and have a relaxing evening in order to get ready for our Danakil/Erta Ale expedition on the next day.
Accommodation: Hotel, Semera
DAY 10 – Danalik Depression
This morning we will take a short drive to Alalobed to experience the hydrothermal activity of the geysers, steam vents and hot mud pools before making our way further into the barren landscape of the Danakil Desert. All the while, we will be slowly losing altitude and by the time we reach Lake Afrera we will be 100m below sea level. At this point, we leave the tarmac behind and head out over the sand towards Erta Ale Volcano. After several hours, we will reach Kuswarad, an Afar village, where we will pick up our local Afa/Ertaler guides. We then continue through the desert where we reach the basalt rock formed by old lava flows. After getting out of our vehicle, we will trek to the rim of the volcano at around sunset, to avoid walking during the heat of the day. The trek will take about 45–60 minutes, with the latter part of the walk taking part in the dark. The path is not that steep, but it is important everyone has a torch and sticks together. We camp on the crater rim, a safe distance away from the lava.
Accommodation: Camping
DAY 11 – Danakil Depression
This morning will be an early start as we leave camp before the heat of the day. On arriving at our vehicles we will freshen up before driving to Dallol. The driving is all off-road, through the desert. We stop at a palm grove for lunch and should have a chance to try some of the local palm wine. In the evening we will arrive at Ahmedela, a small settlement where the salt caravans meet before their long walk to Mekele.
Accommodation: Camping
DAY 12 – Danakil Depresion – Afrera – Mekele (230km)
Dallol is like nowhere else; a bizarre landscape of colorful mineral deposits, sulfur pools and geysers, where we’ll have the morning to explore this seemingly alien terrain. We will also visit the bizarre landscape of the salt canyons before making our way towards the town of Mekele, where en route we may get the chance to see the arduous work of salt being extracted by hand and loaded onto the camels. After the first chance in several days for a proper shower, we’ll then have our final dinner and the opportunity to reflect on the remarkable adventure we’ve taken.
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge, Mekele
DAY 13 – Mekele – Wukro (46km)
Early in the morning we will depart towards Wukro by road where we will spend our day in the Centre de Iniciatives Solidaries of Angel Olaran, known in Tigray by Aba Melaku, he arrived there in 1991 and since then has run a massive number of projects: a hospital, a school and many more. We will be spending the day assisting and visiting the different projects, including the agricultural school. We will also meet with the many orphans he looks after, including some from the recent Tigray war. We will have dinner together and spend the night with them in the Center.
Accomodation: Center de Initiatives Solidaries. Volunteers and guests accomodation.
DAY 14 – Wukro – Hawzen (56km)
After having an early breakfast with the new family we made at the center, we will drive towards Hawzen. On the way we will stop to visit the Al Nejash mosque, the oldest mosque in Ethiopia and one of the oldest in Africa. We will make another stop in Wukro to visit Wukro Cherkos monolithic church. We will then visit Abraha Atsbeha and Mariam Korkor. We will then be driving to the Mountains of Gheralta to climb and visit the Rock Carved church Abuna Yemata Guh in Gheralta. We will spend the day discovering some of these ancient churches in the region and driving through the amazing rocky landscapes of Tigray.
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge, Hawzen
DAY 15 – Hawzen – Adwa – Axum (132km)
We will make our way towards Adwa early in the morning, and we will go for a trek in the mountains of Soloda, Adwa, the place where the Ethiopians defeated the Italian army in the famous battle of Adwa. We will visit the temple of Yeha, a pre-axumite settlement which is famous for its well-preserved stone temple with 12 m high walls estimated to be 2‘500 years old. In the evening we will drive to Axum.
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge, Axum
DAY 16 – Axum
Axum, at an altitude of 1637m, is considered a holy city in Ethiopia where Ethiopian Christianity is said to have begun, dating back over 2000 years. The Axumite kingdom is also considered the cradle of Ethiopian civilization. We will start the day with our city tour of Axum, which includes: Axum stelae or obelisks, the largest single piece of stone erected by human beings anywhere in the world, castles of former monarchs, Mariam Tsion Church which is built on the site of Ethiopia’s first church, the Palace of Queen Sheba, the inscriptions King Ezana and the tombs of the kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel. In the evening we will have dinner in a traditional restaurant where we will be enjoying some of the traditional music and dance.
Accommodation: Hotel, Axum
DAY 17 – Axum (Shire) – Addis Ababa (Flight)
We will use the morning to have some free time around Axum and do some shopping in the many arts and crafts shops in the city. After lunch we will drive towards Shire airport for our pm flight back to Addis Ababa. Transfer to Bole International airport for the return flight.
END OF THE EXPEDITION!!!
Note: an extension can be arranged to visit other parts of the country such the Omo Valley tribes or simply stay for an extra day in Addis Ababa before your return flight. Just let us know and we can arrange it for you.
PRICE AND DATES
DEPARTURE : May – June 2024
PRICE: USD 2.495
A 15% deposit of the tour price is required at time of booking.
Ethiopian airlines has a discounted rate for its national flights when those nationals without an Ethiopian passport fly into Ethiopia with Ethiopian Airlines. The price of the expedition is calculated with a discount. In the case if you don’t fly with Ethiopian airlines to Ethiopia, a supplement of USD300 will be paid extra, so I highly recommend using Ethiopian Airlines for your international flights.
MEALS
Breakfast is included everyday of the expedition.
Danakil Depression, Day 10 & Day 11, full board included
TRANSPORT
In this expedition we will use a combinations of Flights, minibus and 4WD vehicles
GROUP SIZE
Maximun: 7
EXPERT TEAM
Menelik Trails, Expedition Leader (English, Spanish and Amharic speaker) with local guides where appropriate
ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
FITNESS RATING:
Moderate
