Northern Ethiopia Fly-In Safari

Northern Ethiopia Fly-In Safari
Northern Ethiopia Fly-In Safari
Northern Ethiopia Fly-In Safari
Northern Ethiopia Fly-In Safari
Northern Ethiopia Fly-In Safari
Northern Ethiopia Fly-In Safari
Safari Information
  • Departure; Scheduled and tailor-made departure dates
  • Duration; 6 Days / 5 Nights
  • Lodging; Lodges
  • Group Size; Minimum 1
  • Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris
Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Bahir Dar

  • Early in the morning, depart on a flight for Bahir Dar (07:00).
  • After arrival, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit a selection of the monasteries hidden on the islands and shores of this sacred lake.
  • Visit the Zege Peninsula and the monasteries of Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret and the island monastery of Debre Maryam near the outlet of the Blue Nile River.
  • In the afternoon, drive out to the Blue Nile Falls for a short hike in the area.
  • Finish the day with the sunset over the lake.
  • Overnight in Bahir Dar at Kuriftu Resort and Spa/Abay Minch Lodge/Summerland Hotel/EthioStar Hotel.

Day 2: Gondar

  • After breakfast, continue north to Gondar.
  • The four-hour drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture.
  • After briefly settling in your hotel, explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings.
  • Additionally, visit Fasilidas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, Ras Gimb Palace Museum and the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia.
  • Overnight in Gondar at Taye Hotel/Fasil Lodge/Queen Taitu Pension.

Day 3: Axum

  • Early morning flight to Axum (07:45).
  • Upon arrival to Axum, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
  • Today will be a full day visiting the sites of Axum, including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archaeological museum, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), Ezana’s inscription, King Kaleb’s tomb, King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace.
  • You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept (Men only are allowed to enter the old church).
  • Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept.
  • Overnight in Axum at Sabean International Hotel/Remhai Hotel/Africa Hotel.

Day 4: Lalibela

  • Depart on a morning flight to Lalibela (11:00), the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites.
  • After lunch, start your tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael and Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women).
  • Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.

Day 5: Lalibela

  • In the morning, take a trip to visit the church of Yimrehanne Kristos.
  • The most popular of the churches outside of Lalibela, this church is built with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern.
  • After the visit, return to Lalibela for lunch and, in the afternoon, visit the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos.
  • Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George.
  • Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.

Day 6: Addis Ababa - Safari Ends

  • In the morning, visit the nearby monastery of Na’akuto La’ab, set on the side of a cliff.
  • After the visit, proceed to the airport for the return flight back to Addis Ababa (11:50).
Rates From

From US$ 574.00 pp sharing

Rates Information

The Above Rates should be used as a guideline only.

  • Rates are based on four people per safari
  • Domestic flights: From US$ 615.00 per person
  • All rates are subject to availability
  • Rates may vary according to season
  • Lodging may change depending on your budget
  • All rates may change without notice
  • Single supplement may apply
Rates Include
  • Domestic airfare as listed above (quoted separately below)
  • Private ground transportation (including all airport transfers), inclusive of fuel and insurance
  • Hotel accommodation as listed above (or similar quality, based on availability), double or twin share including breakfast
  • Entrance fees to all locations including local guide service and boat trip on Lake Tana
  • All applicable taxes
Rates Exclude
  • Accommodation and activities in Addis Ababa (quoted separately)
  • Lunch, dinner and beverages, including all alcoholic beverages
  • Camera and/or photo fees
  • Tips for driver, guides, etc (at your discretion)
  • Items of a personal nature
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General Information
Popular Ethiopia Destinations
Lalibela Churches Southern Cluster
The town of Lalibela hosts some of the Worlds most amazing Rock hewn churches dating back to around the 13 century. On this page, we get to explore the "Southern Cluster" of these churches, by Southern Cluster we mean the grouping of Churches south of the River Jordan.
Yemrehanna Kristos
About a 90-minute drive from the town of Lalibela and driving through totally magnificent scenery one finds a church that is built inside a cave. Yemrehanna Kristos dates back to 1100 to 1200 AD period in Ethiopia's history; some say this church predates even the rock hewn churches of Lalibela itself.
Entos Eyesu Monastery
The boat ride from the main land to the monastery island is maybe 20 to 25 minutes in duration but a scenic boat ride over Lake Tana all the same. The walk through the Entos Eyesu Monastery and up to the church is all through thick tropical forest stopping along the way to see a small museum and crafts stall.
Blue Nile Falls
The height of the falls is around the 40-metre mark and in full flood, they can span almost 700 metres. In full flood, I reckon these falls could compete with many of the more famous water falls in Africa. For those interested in birding, bring your big lenses with. The birdlife is simply amazing along the banks of this river.
Debre Birhan Selassie Church
Located in the heart of Gondar, is one of Ethiopia most beautiful churches, the famed Debre Birhan Selassie. As one enters the compound one first notices the stone wall surrounding the church grounds, again it is a good idea to walk the wall and take in those 12 amazing rock towers.
Axum Stelae Field
This amazing Stelae field is around 1700 years old and is found on the opposite side of the road from the St. Mary of Zion Church and around 2 minutes drive from the centre of town. These Stelae are believed to be the grave stones of past Aksumite Kings.
Lake Tana
Lake Tana is Ethiopia's largest lake and covers some 3673 square kilometres whilst being 85 Km long and 66 km at its widest but is rather shallow at a maximum depth of only 15 metres. The lake is also reported to be the source of the Blue Nile River which drains out of the lake near Bahir Dar.