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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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).
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.
Queen Of Sheba Palace
The Queen of Sheba who was an "exotic and mysterious woman of power" is one of the great religious figures who appear in the Old Testament, the Hebrew Bible and the Muslim Koran. And her Palace is found right here in Axum. Why would you not want to stop by here and take in the scenery and snap a few photographs?
Fasilides Bath
Now after our amazing visit to the Fasil Ghebbi Royal Enclosure we have driven a short distance away to the famous Fasilides Bath. The bath (swimming pool) is only filled once a year and plays a huge role in the spiritual lives of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians in the celebration of Epiphany on 19th January every year.
Lalibela
Lalibela is approximately 2500m above sea level which is rather high but most standards and as we found rather lacking in oxygen levels. So when walking between the churches do not be surprised that one's lungs take a bit of strain, just ask your guide for a minute or two's rest and you will start feeling good again.
St. Mary of Zion
Around 300AD the first St. Mary of Zion was built in the town of Axum by the first and largest Christian Kingdom outside of the Roman Empire. The church itself has been rebuilt several times over the past 1700 odd years, with the latest version (as you can see below) having been finished in 1964.