Day 1: Arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Air port
Meet and greet you Zelalem Tours representative at exit of luggage claim and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay Bole Ambassador hotel Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Addis Ababa City Tour
you will have an early breakfast and your first visit in Addis Ababa will be the National Museum (pre
Historic, cultural, archaeological attractions), Ethnographic Museum of Addis Ababa University (culture, dressing style, traditional practices of Over 80 ethnic groups and collection of traditional musical instruments). Lunch at Lucy Restaurant.
Your visit also comprises tourist attraction sites like Emperor Minelik’s Palace, St. Raguel’s Church (after a drive to Entoto Mountain - 3000 meter above sea level), Merkato, (the largest open market in Africa).In the evening, we will host you at one of the best traditional restaurants of Addis where you can see the folk dances of the Ethiopian people and taste Ethiopian variety of meals. Overnight stay Bole Ambassador hotel Addis Ababa.
Day 3: Drive to Yiregalem
In the morning after breakfast, you will drive to Yiregalem (350 Km from Addis). En route, you will make a stop on Awash River and Lake Ziway to visit aquatic birds. Lunch in Awassa (Hawassa) continue drive to Aregash Lodge. You will have dinner and spend the night at the Aregash lodge. Overnight stay in Aregash Lodge.
Day 4: Day trip to Aleta Wondo and Yirga Cheffe Coffee Cooperatives
In the morning after breakfast, you will drive to Alet Wondo (25 Km from Aregash Lodge) to visit the Wottona Boltuma Coffee Co
operative. And the stela park around Aleta Wondo. You will have lunch in Aleta Wondo. Late in the afternoon drive back to Yiregalem. Overnight stay in Aregash Lodge.
Day 5: Day trip to Yirga Cheffe Coffee Cooperatives
After breakfast you will be driven to Yirega Chiefe (142 Km from Yiregalem), visiting an interesting village on the way. In Yirega Chief (Yirga Cheffe) & visit the coffee cooperatives. You will have lunch in Dilla.
Then in the afternoon you will visit also the stelae sites Tutu Fela (Tutu Fela is probably one of the most impressive sites contain about 80 ancient stelae which are variously carved with facial feature, phalluses etc. indicating the brave or sex of the person buried underneath), Tututi (lies on the hill 2.3km from the village of Chelba. It consists of some very large, tapering, generally un-carved standing stones with marking grave) and Socoro Sodo stelae field. Overnight stay in Aregash lodge.
Day 6: Drive back to Addis Ababa
after breakfast, you will be driving to Addis Ababa (325 Km from Yiregalem). You will stop for lunch at Lake Langano, Sabana Beach Resort.
You will arrive in Addis Ababa late afternoon where you will do some shopping for souvenirs. Finally you will be taken to a farewell dinner depending on your scheduled flight; you will be transferred out to Bole International Airport for return flight back home.
Combination (historical, culture and nature)
Duration: 20 Nights / 21 Days
By Surface / Air
• Day 01: Arrival in Addis Ababa (at midnight), transfer to hotel. If we have time, we will have a half day city tour. Overnight hotel
• Day 02: Drive to Bahir Dar, en route visit Debre Libanos Monastery. Overnight hotel
• Day 03: Morning visit to the Blue Nile Falls and take an afternoon boat trip on Lake Tana to visit Island monasteries. Overnight hotel
• Day 04: Drive to Gonder and take an afternoon visit to Fassiledes Castle and Debre Birhan Sellasie Church. Overnight hotel
• Day 05: Drive to the Semien Mountain National Park in the morning to visit panoramic view, flora and fauna. Overnight camping
• Day 06: Continue trekking in the National Park. Overnight camping at Gich
• Day 07: On our third day at the park, continue viewing scenery and return back to Debark. Overnight local hotel
• Day 08: Drive Debark to Axum, through marvelous scenery of mountains .Overnight hotel
• Day 09: Visit the mysterious monolithic stelea and the city museum. Overnight hotel
• Day 10: Drive to Mekele en route visit Yeha and Debre Damo monastery. Overnight hotel
• Day 11: Drive to Lalibela through the dramatic highland scenery. Overnight hotel
• Day 12: Full day visit at the rock- hewn churches of Lalibela. Overnight hotel
• Day 13: Fly back to Addis, take a rest or city tour. Overnight hotel
• Day 14: Drive to Arbaminch, admiring the Wolayta people. Overnight hotel
• Day 15: Drive Arbaminch to Jnka, en route see the Konso, Derase, Ari, Benna and Tsemay people. Overnight hotel
• Day 16: Move from Jinka to Mago National Park for wild animals and birds. Overnight Mago Park camping
• Day 17: Drive to Turmi to admire the Karo people with their genuine culture and tradition. Overnight lodge or camping
• Day 18: Full day in Turmi, admiring the Hamer people with their unique hairstyle and ornaments. Overnight camping or Turmi lodge
• Day 19: Drive toward Konso and visit the Konso village with their amazing culture. Overnight hotel in Arbaminch
• Day 20: Morning drive to Chencha to visit the Dorze tribe and village, afternoon boat trip on Lake Chamo. Overnight hotel
• Day 21: Drive back to Addis, evening dinner in a traditional restaurant with music and dance. Departure
Ethiopian Epiphany at Gondar
Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
By Surface
• January 16: Arrive in Addis Ababa, and half day city tour. Overnight hotel
• January 17: Drive to Bahir Dar, en route visit the Debre Libanos Monastery. Overnight hotel
• January 18: Morning visit to the Island monasteries of Lake Tana, afternoon visit to Blue Nile Falls. Overnight hotel
• January 19: Morning Drive to Gondar, and visit the Fasil Castle, after lunch attend the colorful ceremony of Epiphany, Overnight hotel
• January 20: Morning visit Deber Birhan Sellassie Church with huge crowd of Christian people. Overnight hotel
• January 21: Drive to Axum. Overnight hotel
• January 22: Visit the mysterious monolithic Stelea and city’s museum. Overnight hotel
• January 23: Drive to Mekele, en route visit Yeha and Debre Damo Monastery. Overnight hotel
• January 24: Drive to Lalibela. Overnight hotel
• January 25: Full day visit at the rock hewn churches of Lalibela. Overnight hotel
• January 26: Fly back to Addis, city tour, shopping, dinner with traditional music and dance. Departure
Bird watching tours
Duration: 10 days/9nights
Transportation: Surface
• Day 01: Arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Air port.Meet and greet you Zelalem Tours representative at exit of luggage claim and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay in the Jupiter hotel.
• Day 02: City tour in Addis Ababa.Addis Ababa is the third highest capital of the world on an altitude of 2300-2500 m. with a pleasant climate and a background of green with eucalyptus trees covered mountains. The city is founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II and Queen Taitu. Visit Entoto Mountains, with very nice view over the capital, the National/Ethnographic museum, St George church and the Merkato, biggest open air market in Africa. Overnight stay in the Jupiter hotel.
• Day 03:Excursion to Menegesha Suba forest.Menagesha National forest was the first known subject of an official conservation policy in Africa. Since the 16th century this forest is protected by the government. It is found near to Addis Ababa in the dense forested mountains. This forest is a paradise for birds and different endemic species such as the globally threatened White-winged fluff tail, Yellow-fronted parrot, Abyssinian Woodpecker and Abyssinian catbird. Wildlife is abundant - gureza monkey, the endemic Menelik's bushbuck, baboon, common duiker, and serval. Late in afternoon drive back to Addis Ababa. Overnight stay in the Jupiter hotel.
• Day 04: Drive to Jemma valley and drive back to Ethio-Gremany lodge.Jemma Valley escarpment (upper Nile valley) is to spot the endemic and range restricted Harwood’s Francolin and many other birds; Egyptian Vulture, White-billed Starling, White-winged cliff chat, Tacazze sunbird, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Banded Barbet and so much. Overnight stay in Ethio-German Lodge nearby the so called Portuguese Bridge.
• Day 05: Drive to Debre Brehan – Ankober.Today you drive to Debre Brehan while en route make birding you have spot Pectoral-patch Cisticola, Eralanger’s Lark. On arrival in Ankober you will spot the rarest and endemic Ankober serin feeding in the highland grass fields and you can spot other birds such as Yellow-crowned Canary, Alpin Swifts, Lammergeyer and Augur Buzzard. Overnight stay in Ankober Palace Lodge.
• Day 06: Stay on more day in Ankober looking for endemic Ankober serin. Walk the around Ankober escarpment and road to rift valley looking for specially endemic and range restricted to this area are the Ankober Serin and other interesting species of birds of prey. Overnight stay in Ankober Palace Lodge.
• Day 07: Drive to Awash National Park via Aliu Amba.The Park and its surrounding area are very important for birds; the total number of species recorded now exceeds 460; there is a population of two globally threatened and restricted range species. Overnight stay in Awash Falls Lodge.
• Day 08: One more birding in Awash National Park In the thick acacia forest you will spot Red-winged Lark, Helmeted Guinea fowl, Blue-napped Mouse bird, Kori Bustard, Red-winged Lark, Yellow-billed kite, Yellow-necked Francolin and Grey Hornbill. Overnight stay in Awash Falls Lodge.
• Day 09: Drive to Sodore.The hot springs resort of Sodore, situated at an altitude of 1,700m, stretches for about 1km on the banks of the Awash River about 25km south of Nazret. The riverine forest on the banks the river offers an excellent spot for birding. Walks in the surrounding countryside afford views of the vervet monkey and baboon, as well as crocodile, hippo, and a wealth of bird life. Overnight stay in Wabe Shebel hotel.
• Day 10: Drive back to Addis Ababa Drive back to Addis Ababa 50km before Addis Ababa visit the Crater Lakes of Bishoftu, and visit aquatic birds. Birds expected to see include Little Bee-eaer, Black-billed barbet, African Paradise flycatcher, Masked weaver, Little Grebe, and large numbers of Weavers, Seed-eaters, Thrushes, Doves and Sunbirds. You will make a last day shopping in Merkato or in the numerous souvenir shops near Churchill road, to visit art galleries. Late in afternoon have a fare-well dinner then check in for flight back home.
Omo Valley Cultural Tour
Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
By Surface
• Day 01: Arrive Addis Ababa, transfer to hotel from air port at midnight. The following afternoon, visit museums, Entoto, and historical places in Addis Ababa. Overnight hotel
• Day 02: Drive to Arbamich, visit Gurage people and Villages. Overnight hotel
• Day 03: Drive Arbaminch to Jinka, admiring the Konso, Derase, Tsemay, Ari and Benna People. Overnight hotel or camping
• Day 04: Drive in to the Mago National Park, to see different mammals and birds on the way and the Mursi people. Overnight hotel or camping
• Day 05: Drive to Turmi, admiring the colorful key Afer market of the Tsemay and Erbore people. Overnight Turmi lodge or camping
• Day 06: Drive to visit the Karo people for their body painting and Hamer People. Overnight in Turmi
• Day 07: Drive Turmi to Arbaminch, on the way admire the colorful Hamer, Karo and Dassanech people, see the market at Dimeka village. Overnight hotel
• Day 08: Morning drive to Chencha, visit the Dorze people and their unique culture, houses and traditions. Overnight hotel
• Day 09: Drive Arbaminch to Langano Lake, en route admiring Wolayat people, Rift Valley lakes of Shala and Abyata for birds. Overnight in Langano
• Day 10: Drive Langano to Addis Ababa, enjoy a late afternoon traditional dinner with folkloristic dances. Evening or next day departure
• Day 11: Departure
South Omo Valley Cultural Tour
Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
By Surface
• Day 01: Arrive and visit Entoto mountains, National museum, St. George Church. Overnight hotel
• Day 02: Drive to Arbaminch, admiring green views, the Gurage people and villages. Overnight hotel
• Day 03: Morning drive to Chencha, for the Dorze people and boat trip on Chamo lake. Overnight hotel
• Day 04: Drive to Jinka, admiring the Konso, Derase, Tsemay, Ari and Benna people. Overnight Jinka in hotel or camping
• Day 05: Drive to the Mago National Park, admiring different mammals and birds on the way. Overnight hotel or camping
• Day 06: Drive to Turmi, to see the colorful Hamer, Karo, and Dasenech people Market at Dimeka village. Overnight Turmi lodge or camping.
• Day 07: Drive to visit the Karo people for their body painting and the Omo River. Overnight in Turmi
• Day 08: Morning excursion to Dasenech people, villages at Omorate, colorful Hamer, Karo and Dasenech village. Overnight in Turmi
• Day 09: Proceed to Konso, en route admiring the Erbore and Konso people. Overnight hotel in Konso
• Day 10: Drive to see Borena people and visit the singing wells at Dublock, the Elsod crater and Borena Village. Overnight hotel
• Day 11: Drive to Langano. En route see very nice views and Guji people. Overnight lodge
• Day 12: Relax at Langano, possibility of trekking, bird watching, horse riding, boat excursion and cycling. Overnight lodge
• Day 13: Drive back to Addis and visit the Mercato and evening dinner with folkloristic dances. Departure
South Omo Valley Cultural Tour and Safari
Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Transportation: By Surface
• Day 01: Drive via Butajira & Hosaina towns to Arbaminch (450km). En-route visit Dorze village. O/n hotel
• Day 02: Leave for Turmi (280km) visiting Konso and Arbore tribes. Stay 2 nights Turmi lodge
• Day 03: AM excursion to Omorate (150km) to visit the Geleb (Dasanech) tribe. PM visit in Turmi the villages of the archetypal South Omo residents the Hammer people.
• Day 04: AM excursion to Murulle (150km) to visit the Karo people who are considered the masters of body painting. PM drive via Dimeka to Jinka (110km). Stay 2 nights Jinka hotel
• Day 05: AM excursion to visit the Mursi tribe whose women wear circular clay plate on their lower lip as well ear lobes. PM visit Jinka town’s daily open market and Ethnographic Museum.
• Day 06: Drive to Arbaminch (256km) visiting en-route Ari, Benna and Tsemai tribes. O/n hotel
• Day 07: Drive back to Addis (500km) visiting the Rift Valley lakes that are teemed with different bird species
Omo National Park and Surma
Duration: 8 days/7 nights
Transportation: By Surface
• Day 01: Drive to Jimma (352km). O/n hotel
• Day 02: Drive to Mizan Tefari (250km) visiting the villages of the Kaffa – Sheka people. O/n hotel
• Day 03: Drive to Tum (175km) via Dima where you visit Nuer tribe. O/n camping
• Day 04: AM excursion to Maji to visit Dizi tribe and then drive to
• Kibish (55km) – the very heart of Surma tribe whose women are famous for wearing lip plates. Stay 2 nights Kibish camping
• Day 05: Full day visit Surma tribe’s villages
• Day 06: Drive via Mizan Tefari to Bonga (315km). O/n hotel
• Day 07: Drive via Jimma for Weliso (352km). O/n hotel
• Day 08: AM relaxing swimming in the hot-spring-fed warm outdoor pool. PM easy drive back to Addis Ababa (100km)
Omo ValleyDuration: 5days/4nights
Transportation:By Surface and Air
•Day 01 Wed: PM fly to Arbaminch and on arrival boat cruise on Lake Chamo. O/n hotel
•Day 02 Thu: Drive to Jinka visiting Tsemai village + Ari & Benna weekly market in Key Afer. O/n hotel
•Day 03 Fri: AM excursion to Mursi village. PM drive to Turmi and on arrival visit Hammer villages. O/n hotel
•Day 04 Sat: AM excursion to Murulle. PM drive to Konso (195km). O/n hotel
•Day 05 Sun: AM visit Konso village and then drive to Arbaminch (85km). PM fly back to Addis
Trekking to Semien Mountains
Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
By Surface / Air
• Day 01: Arrive Addis Ababa, make a city tour. Overnight hotel
• Day 02: Fly Addis to Gondar, visit castles and churches of Gondar. Overnight hotel
• Day 03: Drive Gondar to Debark, after coffee break; trek to our first camping site. Overnight camping
• Day 04: Trek from Sankaber to Geech with spectacular view of the Semien mountains and nature. Overnight camping
• Day 05: Continue trekking from Geech to Mount Imetgogo, Kedadit and the back to Geech. Overnight camping
• Day 06: Trek from Geech to Chenek. Overnight camping
• Day 07: Trek from Chenek to Ambico to see the endemic wild animals, Walia Ibex and Red fox. Overnight camping in Ambico
• Day 08: Trek from Ambico to the highest mountain in Ethiopia, the Ras Dashen, and return to Ambico. Overnight camping
• Day 09: Trek from Ambico to Arequaziye. Overnight camping
• Day 10: Trek from Arquaziye to Abergina, admiring flora and fauna. Overnight camping
• Day 11: Trek from Abergina to Michibi. Overnight camping
• Day 12: Trek back from Michibi to Debark, meet vehicles at Debark and drive back to Gondar. Overnight hotel
• Day 13: Fly Gondar to Lalibela over the dramatic highland scenery. Overnight hotel
• Day 14: Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Overnight hotel
• Day 15: Fly back to Addis Ababa and city tour. Tonight, enjoy an Ethiopian traditional restaurant. Departure
Trekking to Semien Mountains
Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
By Surface
• Day 01:Arrive Addis Ababa at Bole International Airport and meet us for transfer to hotel. Overnight hotel.
• Day 02: Meet the driver in Gonder air port continue driving to the extraordinary and majestic Semien Mountain National Park. On this drive you will gain your first impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region. After a steep ascent onto the escarpment, a straight forward drive takes you to the first camp site called Sankaber. O/n Camping at Sankaber camp site. 135 km’s to the first camp site, 1 hour’s flight to Gonder and 3 hours driving to the national park. Moderate to physical type hiking. 30 minutes – 2 hrs. Walking shoes is needed.
• Day 03: Trek to Geech; Following the edge of the escarpment, which narrows to form a ridge at Sankaber, we now have awesome views on both sides. Descend into the Koba River valley and up the other steep side to Michotis with its view of the large waterfall where the Jin Bahir River cascades into the Geech Abyss. Continue for another half hour before descending to the river in the Abyss and ascending steeply on the other side through Geech Village to Geech camp for an overnight A.M. Overnight Camping at Geech.5-7 hours Moderate to physical type hiking. 5-7hrs. walking shoes is needed
• Day 04: We trek 6-7 h to Chenek through giant Lobelia trees, where a lot of wildlife can be seen. After picnic lunch walk on the edge of the Enatye escarpment (4000m), which offers an other breathtaking view. Finally we descend to Chenek, the best place to see the endemic Walia Ibex and more Gelada Baboons. Overnight camping at Chenek (3600m). Moderate to physical type hiking 6-7hrs. Walking shoes is needed.
• Day 05: We walk 7?8 h to Ambiquo climbing the Buhit (4430m) peak, the 2nd highest next to Ras Dashen. After refresment at the summit we descend towards Chero Laba and cross the Mesheha River. We spend the night in Ambiquo, before the big day on Ras Dashen. Camping at Ambiquo (3200m). Moderate to physical type hiking 7-8hrs. Walking shoes is needed.
• Day 06: Pre dawn start towards mount Ras Dashen (4543m), the most challenging day of the trek. We head up the valley to the small village of Mizma, from where we climb steeply upwards, eventually reaching an impressive amphitheatre made up of three major buttresses of expanded rock. One of them is our goal, Ras Dashen. It is then an easy scramble to the summit of Ras Dashen, which is Africa’s fourth highest peak. After taking in the impressive view descend back to Ambiquo for camping. The whole round trek takes about 8?10 hours. Walking shoes is needed.
• Day 07: You walk back to Chenek passing through the side of the Bohit Mountain. Overnight is camping at Chenek campsite. (3600m) This day takes about 6 ?7 hours walk. Walking shoes is needed
• Day 08: After breakfast drive back to Gonder. After lunch visit the Complex palace of Gonder, The King Fasilida’s bath, The Debre Birhan Sellassie church, which is famous for its age old mural paintings, and the Fellasha ( Ethiopian Jews) village. Overnight hotel 160 km’s 4 hour’s drive.
• Day 09: Fly back to Addis Ababa. You have a half day city tour. Evening after the dinner program in one of the traditional restaurant transfer to air port for departure. End of the tour. Simple day. Sandal Shoes and Shorts are good.
Trekking to Bale Mountains
Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
By Surface
• Day 01: Arrive Addis Ababa, make a city tour. Overnight hotel
• Day 02: Drive to Bale. Overnight camping at the park head quarters (Dinsho)
• Day 03: Start trekking from Dinsho to Fencha Abera 18kms, Weib river and the waterfalls. Overnight camping at Fench Abera
• Day 04: Trek from Fench Abera to Wassama 3900mts above sea level, 24kms. Overnight camping
• Day 05: Trek from Wassama to Gebre Guracha. Overnight camping at the foot of Mount Batu, (4317m)
• Day 06: Continue Trekking from Gebre Guracha to Konte, admiring the very green land of the park with wild life. Overnight camping
• Day 07: Drive to Wondogenet resort area, enjoy walking in the forest, hot water and swimming pool. Overnight hotel Day 08: Visit the rift valley lakes of Shalla, Abyata and Langano. Overnight in Langano
• Day 09: Drive back to Addis Ababa. Evening shopping in Merkato. Tonight, enjoy traditional Club with live music. Departure
Trekking to Bale Mountains
Duration:6days/5nights
By surface
•Day 01 Arrival.Arrive at Bole International Airport. An Awaze Tours representative will meet you and take you to your hotel. Overnight Hotel - Addis Ababa
•Day 02 Addis Ababa - Bale Mountains.Drive from Addis to the Bale Mountains National Park. Arrive at the park headquarters in the afternoon, in time for a leisurely afternoon hike, possibly spotting two endemic mammals that frequent the area: Menelik's Bushbuck and the Mountain Nyala. Birds in this area include the Blue-Winged Goose, the Spot-Breasted Lapwing, the Abyssinian Long Claw, the Wattled Ibis, the Black-Headed Siskin, Rouget’s Rail, and numerous other species. Overnight camping near park entrance.
•Day 03 Trekking Bale Mountains National Park Walk through Dinsho and enter the National Park. Around Dinsho, the Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck should be visible. While trekking through the park, there will be a chance to see Ethiopian Wolves. Stop by Habera Waterfall for a nice break. Hiking will take 4-5 hours.Overnight Camping.
•Day 04 Trekking Bale Mountains National Park. Trek to Wasama through a beautiful landscape with stunning views. Pass through Mararo Valley where the Lammergeyer and Verraux Eagles keep nests. There will also be a chance a seeing the Ethiopian Wolf and other species of birds. Around 7-8 hours of trekking. Overnight Camping
•Day 05 Trekking Bale Mountains National Park. Start the day by hiking up Mt. Wasama (4200m) and then continue down into the Worgona Valley. Falcons, raptors, and possibly the Ethiopian wolf will be visible. End the day at Lake Gebre Gurracha, meaning “black lake” in the Oromic language. Trekking will take 7-8 hours. Overnight Camping.
•Day 06 Bale Mountains National Park - Addis Ababa.Take a short trek from Gebre Gurracha up to the Sennati Plateau to meet vehicles. Return to Addis Ababa. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure or additional hotel night booked upon request.
Historic Route
Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
By Surface
• Day 01: Arrival in Addis Ababa, and Half Day City tour
• Day 02: Drive Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, en route visit Deber Libanos monastery. Overnight hotel
• Day 03: Visit the Blue Nile Falls and afternoon boat trip on Lake Tana, visit Island monasteries. Overnight hotel
• Day 04: Drive Bahir Dar to Gondar, and visit Fassiledes castles and Debre Birhan Sellassie Church. Overnight hotel
• Day 05: Drive Gondar to Axum. Overnight hotel
• Day 06: Visit the mysterious monolithic stelea and the city’s museum. Overnight hotel
• Day 07: Drive Axum to Mekele, en route visiting Yeha and Debre-Damo Monastery. Overnight hotel
• Day 08: Drive Mekele to Lalibela through the dramatic highland scenery. Overnight hotel
• Day 09: Full day visit to the rock-hewn churches of Laibela. Overnight hotel
• Day 10: Drive Lalibela to Kombolcha.Overnight hotel
• Day 11: Drive Kombolcha to Addis, enjoy the night and then departure
Historic Route
Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
By Surface
• Day 01: Arrival in Addis Ababa and Half day city tour. Overnight hotel
• Day 02: Drive Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, en route visit Debre-Libanos Monastrery. Overnight hotel
• Day 03: Morning, visit the Blue Nile Falls and afternoon boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the Island Monasteries. Overnight hotel
• Day 04: Drive to Gondar, and in the afternoon, visit the Fassiledes castles and the marvelous Debre Birhan Sellassie Church. Overnight hotel
• Day 05: Drive to the Semien Mountain National Park, visit the dramatic scenery, fauna and flora. Overnight camping
• Day 06: continue trekking at the national park. Overnight camping.
• Day 07: Third day stay of the central part of the national park and return back to Debark. Overnight hotel
• Day 08: Drive Debark to Axum. Overnight hotel
• Day 09: Visit the mysterious monolithic stelea and the city’s museum. Overnight hotel
• Day 10: Drive to Mekele, en route visiting Yeha and Debre-Damo monastery. Overnight hotel
• Day 11: Drive Mekele to Lalibela through the dramatic highland scenery. Overnight hotel
• Day 12: Full day visit at the rock- hewn churches of Lalibela. Overnight hotel
• Day 13: Excursion with riding mule to visit the churches found out of Lalibela. Overnight hotel
• Day 14: Drive back to via kombolcha Over night hotel
• Day 15: Drive to Addis Ababa and Evening departure
Historic Route
Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
By Air
• Day 01: Arrive Addis Ababa and Half day city tour. Overnight hotel
• Day 02: Fly to Bahir Dar, Visit the city’s colorful Market and Bezait palace, and also the majestic Blue Nile Falls. Overnight hotel
• Day 03: Boat trip on Lake Tana to visit monasteries, afternoon drive to Gondar. Overnight hotel
• Day 04: Visit of Fasil castle, Debre Birhan Sellassie Church and the Falashia village. Overnight hotel
• Day 05: Fly to Axum and visit the stelea park, ruins of queen Sheba’s palace and St. Mary of Zion church. Overnight hotel
• Day 06: Fly to Lalibela and visit the first group of the rock-hewn churches. Overnight hotel
• Day 07: Visit the rest of the churches and make an excursion out of the city of Lalibela. Overnight hotel
• Day 08: Fly back to Addis Ababa, city tour and visit of Ethiopian traditional restaurants. Departure
Historic route
Duration: 16 days/15nights
By surface
•Day 1: Arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Air port Meet and greet you Zelalem Tours representative at exit of luggage claim and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay in the Jupiter hotel.
•Day 2: City tour in Addis Ababa. Addis Ababa is the third highest capital of the world on an altitude of 2300-2500 m. with a pleasant climate and a background of green with eucalyptus trees covered mountains. The city is founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II and Queen Taitu. Visit Entoto Mountains, with very nice view over the capital, the National/Ethnographic museum, St George church and the Merkato, biggest open air market in Africa. Overnight stay in the Jupitor hotel.
•Day 3: Drive to Debre Markos 325km asphalt road On this day you start your tour to North Ethiopia. En route you can visit one of Ethiopia’s most holy sites: the Debre Libanos monastery founded in the 13th century by priest Tekla Haimanot, today one of Ethiopia’s most renowned saints. Continuing on from Debre Libanos to the main route, the road dropping more than 1000m, gradually winds down to the bottom of the Blue Nile Gorge, which is comparable in scale to American’s Grand Canyon cited to be the largest canyon in Africa. Overnight stay in Tilq Hotel.
•Day 4: Drive to Bahir dar; to the Shores of Lake Tana 260km asphalt road. You drive through the plain landscape of Gojjam land, well-known for its Teff productivity. Upon arrival having a lunch drive to Tis Isat (smoking of Fire); Since a dam has been built upstream, the waterfall is reduced a little. Also the walk to the waterfall is nice and you can enjoy nature and watch birds. Overnight stay in Homeland Hotel.
•Day 5: Visit the Island monasteries of Lake Tana. Make a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the medieval period island monasteries such as; Kibran Gabriel (only for men), Entos and on the Zegien peninsula visit Ura Kidan Mehiret, Azuwa Mariam, Mahal Giorgis. In afternoon make free time. Overnight stay in Homeland Hotel.
•Day 6: City tour in Gondar. After having breakfast drive to Gondar, 180km asphalt road via a scenic route and marvelous landscape and Visit the Royal Enclosure that is surrounded by high stone walls containing the 17th century palaces of King Fassiladas, King Iyasu and Queen Mentewab and different other buildings. Visit also Fasiladas’ Bath, (that is filled with water for the important Timkat (epiphany) ceremony once a year). Having a lunch in afternoon visit the rectangular Debre Brehan Selassie (Trinity at the Mount of Light) has a ceilings decorated with beautiful winged Angels. Depending on the time you can visit also Kweskwam Complex which is a royal compound built by the Empress Mentewab. Inside the palace look out the figures of crosses and Ethiopian characters and animals, such as St Samuel riding his lion. Overnight stay in the Florida Hotel.
•Day 7: Drive to Debarq, 100km gravel road to visit the Simien Mountains National Park. Finish formalities at the Head Quarter of the park at Debarq and continue to drive another 20km then make a short walk/trek. O/n stay inside the park at Simen Lodge or drive back to Debarq.
•Day 8: Drive to Axum. Today you drive in a very scenic route, first take the zig-zag road of Lima Limu with many hairpins and crossing a rough mountain landscape. Later you descend in to the impressive Takezze River gorge. Overnight stay in Sabean Hotel.
•Day 9: City tour in Axum. Axum is a town with impressive monuments that testify of the rich and glorious past of the mighty Kingdom of Axum (1-700 A.D.). And the town also recorded in UNESCO lists as a World Heritage Site. Upon arrival check in hotel then start to make a visit to the famous Axumi’s stelae, St. Mary of Zion church (which supposed to house the Ark of Covenant) and archeological museum, the ruins palace of Queen Sheba so called Dungur & palace. Outside Axum you can visit also the tombs of Kings Kaleb & Gebre Meskel dating to 6th century. They are a great example of the sheer sophistication of Axumite architecture and building techniques. Overnight stay in Sabean Hotel.
•Day 10: Drive to Hawzen via Adigrat. On the way you can visit Ethiopia’s earliest known capital city of Yeha which is considered as the birthplace of the country’s earliest civilization. Its single most remarkable antiquity is the well-preserved walls of the 12m-high stone temple of the moon that is thought to be over 2500 years old. Another possible excursion is to Debre Damo monastery (only accessible for men). The Debre Damo Monastery is built on the flat- topped mountain of Debre Damo. The monastery is only accessible by climbing a rope which hangs down from a perpendicular rock, an adventure in itself! Overnight stay in Gheralta Lodge.
•Day 11: Visit the Rock-hewn Churches of Tigray and drive to Mekelle. You can visit 1 or 2 Churches some of the most beautiful medieval Churches on impressive viewpoints are Abuna Yemata Guh, Debre Maryam Korkor or Abreha we Atsheba church, which are all situated near to the road between Mekele and Hawzen. You have to climb rather steep to reach this Churches so take good walking shoes. In Mekelle visit the 17th century palace-museum of Emperor Yohannes IV. Overnight stay in Axum Hotel, Mekelle.
•Day 12: Drive to Lalibela. Lalibela and its rock-hewn church are thought, to date the 12th and 13th century during King Lalibela reign. The churches are remarkable since they are entirely freed from the rock, refined and concentrated in small land. Overnight stay in Mountain View hotel.
•Day 13: Visit the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, so called eighty wonder of the world. Start to visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela which are clustered in to three different places separated by River Jordan. Today visit the first and the third groups of churches. O/n stay in Lalibela. Overnight stay in Mountain View Hotel. Day 14: Continue sightseeing around and in Lalibela. Make excursion to visit Asheton Mariam by mule or drive to 45km gravel road North of Lalibela to visit Yemrehan Christos church. In afternoon continue to visit the second groups of churches. Overngight stay in Mountain View Hotel.
•Day 15: Drive to Kombolcha. On this day also will you enjoy the mountainous landscape and splendid views on your way to Kombolcha. En route near to Dessie you can visit lovely Lake Hayk and its 13th Century Istafanos monastery, which is only accessible for men. Overnight stay in Sunnyside Hotel.
•Day 16: Drive to Addis Ababa and flight back home.Today you will last minute shopping in Merkato or in the numerous souvenir shops near Churchill road, to visit art galleries. Late in afternoon have a fare-well dinner then check in for flight back home.
Duration: 11nights /12days
By Air
•Day 1: Arrival at Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel.
•Day 2: Flight to Axum and drive to the 5th century B.C. temple at Yeha. Overnight hotel in Adwa.
•Day 3: Explore the historic town of Axum. Overnight hotel.
•Day 4: Flight to Lalibela and visit the rock-hewn churches. Overnight hotel.
•Day 5: A.M. Mule excursion to one of the rock-hewn churches out of town. P.M. Explore the rest of the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela. Overnight hotel.
•Day 6: Flight to Gondar and explore the 17th century castles and monastery. Overnight hotel.
•Day 7: Drive to the Simien Mountains National Park. Overnight lodge or camping.
•Day 8: Drive back to Gondar. Overnight hotel.
•Day 9: Drive to Bahirdar and explore the lake-side town. Overnight hotel.
•Day 10: A.M. Excursion to the Blue Nile Falls and P.M. boat trip on Lake Tana to the island monasteries. Overnight hotel.
•Day 11: Flight back to Addis Ababa. Overnight hotel.
•Day 12: Departure back home.
Please specify the tour code when you made inquiry.
Half day sight seeing of Addis
By Surface
Visit the national museum where the remains of the famous Lucy (Australopithecus afrensis, 3.5 million years) are displayed, Merkato (the largest open-air market in Africa), see a panoramic view of the city, view various street statues, monuments, airport etc.
Full day sight seeing of Addis
In addition to the half-day sight seeing stops, visit the Saint George Cathedral (for wonderful art and mosaics), the Africa Hall, and the ethnological (ethnographic) museum, where Ethiopia's 80 nationalities and different cultures are displayed at the former palace of Emperor Haile Sellassie.
Day trip from Addis
• To Blue Nile George, Debere Libanos monastery and Portuguese bridge
• Debere Ziet
• Zikuala mountain and Gebre Menfes Kidus monastery
• Mt. Entoto and Sululta rolling plain
• Sodore resort center
• Addis Alem Debre Tsion Mariam church and Menagesha Suba forest
• Wonchi crater lake