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This historic tour traces the birth of the Axumite empire that ruled trade in northeast Africa for over seven centuries (100BC-700AD) and the first adoption of Christianity as a religion in the fourth century. Axum, also spelled Aksum, also hosted two Muslim faith migration episodes throughout its history, as well as being home to the Beta Israel community.
A cultural extravaganza
Highlights
Trace Ethiopia’s ancient legacy through Axum, Gondar and Lalibela’s iconic historic sites
Descend into Lalibela’s remarkable rock-hewn churches, still central to Orthodox life
Explore Axum’s towering obelisks and the remnants of a once-powerful empire
Discover Gondar’s royal castles and distinctive imperial architecture
Cruise Lake Tana to island monasteries and the source of the Blue Nile, with a cultural farewell in Addis Ababa
Locations
Axum – one of Ethiopia’s most ancient and sacred cities, linked to the legend of Queen Sheba and King Solomon. It is famed for its towering obelisks, royal tombs and the Ezana Stone, often called Ethiopia’s Rosetta Stone.
Gondar – once Ethiopia’s imperial capital, Gondar is known for the castle complex of Emperor Fasilides, often called the Camelot of Africa, and the beautifully painted Debre Berhan Selassie Church.
Lalibela – a remarkable complex of rock-hewn churches carved directly into the mountainside, linked by tunnels and passageways and still used as active places of worship.
Bahir Dar – a lakeside town on the shores of Lake Tana, known for its peaceful setting and island monasteries that house ancient Ethiopian Christian treasures.
Blue Nile – flowing from Lake Tana, the Blue Nile begins its journey north with the dramatic Tiss Isat Falls before continuing toward Sudan.
Hotels
2 nights at Jupiter Hotel: a modern, well-appointed city hotel with comfortable rooms, warm service, and a convenient central setting suited to a smooth arrival or departure stay.
1 night at Sabean Hotel: a simple, contemporary hotel offering clean lines, comfortable interiors and a central location within this historic town.
2 nights at Maribela Hotel: a thoughtfully designed hotel set into the surrounding rock, with stonework, timber finishes and a calm atmosphere that reflects Lalibela’s character.
1 night at Goha Hotel: an established hillside property with wide, open views, spacious gardens and a relaxed, traditional feel.
1 night at Avanti Resort: a lakeside resort with airy spaces, palm-lined grounds and a light, open atmosphere overlooking Lake Tana.
Timing
This tour is best experienced during Ethiopia’s drier months from October to March and June to September, when clear conditions and cooler highland climates make travel between regions comfortable and consistent.
This cultural journey visits several distinct topographical regions. The central plateau and highlands of (Addis, Gondar and Lalibela) have moderate climates with minimal seasonal temperature variations (6° C – 26° C). Temperature variations in Axum can be greater (15 C – 30 C). Heavy rainfall occurs in most of the country during June, July, and August. The High Plateau experiences a second, milder, rainy season between December and February. However, average annual precipitation on the central plateau remains a paltry 122 cm (48 in).
Price guideline
7 nights (8 days) | |
Flying into Addis with Ethiopian Airlines |
|
Per person sharing | from US$ 3,495 |
Per solo traveller | from US$ 5,125 |
Includes: Meet-and-greet in Addis Ababa and all transfers to and from Addis Ababa airport. All accommodation, all meals out of Addis and only breakfast in Addis Ababa, domestic flights (cost based on an international flight into Ethiopia with Ethiopian Airlines, cost supplement upon request). All ground transportation using a 4WD, driver and full costs. All entrance fees and access to reserves, markets, villages, homesteads and museums mentioned in the itinerary. Boat hire. Professional English-speaking guide. Portage and all local guides' fees, bottled mineral water (1lt pp per day other than the non-alcoholic beverage served during each meal), government taxes and levies. 24/7 logistical support.
Excludes: International flights, lunch and dinners in Addis Ababa, any alcoholic drinks, visas, items of personal nature, laundry, travel, cancellation and medical Insurance, tips, excess baggage charges, and any activities not specified in the itinerary.
Thank you!
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
Day 01 – Arrive in Addis Ababa, where you are met and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 02 – Fly to Axum and explore Ethiopia’s ancient capital, visiting the Archaeological Museum, St. Mary of Zion Cathedral and the famous UNESCO-listed Stelae Fields.
Day 03 – Fly to Lalibela and begin exploring the remarkable rock-hewn churches of this historic mountain town, including the monumental Bete Medhane Alem and other churches representing earthly Jerusalem.
Day 04 – Visit the mountaintop church of Asheton Mariam before exploring Lalibela’s second group of rock-hewn churches and the iconic cross-shaped Bete Giorgis.
Day 05 – Fly to Gondar and discover the castles of the Royal Enclosure, the historic bath of King Fasilides and the beautifully painted Debre Birhan Selassie Church.
Day 06 – Drive to the lakeside town of Bahir Dar and enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the ancient monasteries of the Zege Peninsula.
Day 07 – Fly back to Addis Ababa for a city tour including key cultural sites, followed by a farewell dinner with traditional Ethiopian cuisine, music and dance.
Day 08 – Transfer to Bole International Airport for your onward international departure.
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We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
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