Northern Ethiopia Fly-In Safari

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).

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.

Lalibela Churches Northern Cluster

We explore the "Northern Cluster" of Lalibela's rock hewn churches on this page, by Northern Cluster, we mean the grouping of Churches north of the River Jordan. These Northern churches are from what we were told, are older than the southern cluster and the workmanship shows that to be true (ish).

Bet Giyorgis Church

Bet Giyorgis is the most famous of Lalibela's rock hewn churches and gets its name from the patron saint of Ethiopia, St George. The church lies uncovered unlike all the other churches and is accessible by a short walk from either of the clusters (often described as the "8th Wonder of the World").

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.

Fasil Ghebbi

Positioned right in the heart of the modern city of Gondar ones comes across Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure), with over 70 000 square metres of castle ruins. Now to say that this is a fascinating place to explore is probably the understatement of the year, a photographers paradise, to be honest.