Northern Ethiopia Historical Safari

Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Bahir Dar

Early in the morning, depart north to Bahir Dar via Debre Markos.
On the way visit the Portuguese bridge said to have been the first bridge in Ethiopia.
Afterwards, you will pass through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge.
The gorge extends nearly 400km and reaches depths up to 1500m.
Overnight in Bahir Dar at Kuriftu Resort & Spa/Abay Minch Lodge/Summerland Hotel/EthioStar Hotel.

Day 2: Bahir Dar

In the morning, 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 Penninsula 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 & Spa/Abay Minch Lodge/Summerland Hotel/EthioStar Hotel.

Day 3: 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 4: Simien Mountains

Today is an early morning departure to Sankober in the Simien Mountains.
From here you will go for an easy hike to the Geech Abyss, where you will see a large waterfall where the Jinbar River plunges into the abyss.
This area is also a great place for viewing the endemic gelada baboon, also known as the ‘bleeding heart baboon’ due to the red patch of skin on its chest.
Overnight in the Simien Mountains (Simien Lodge) or in Debark (Giant Lobelia Hotel).

Day 5: Axum

After breakfast, depart north for Axum, enjoying spectacular views of the Simien Mountains.
After stopping for lunch in Adi Arkay, proceed driving through the dramatic Tekeze Valley, offering some of the best landscapes in the country.
Proceed to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant.
Overnight in Axum at Sabean International Hotel/Remhai Hotel/Africa Hotel.

Day 6: Axum

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 7: Hawsein

After breakfast, drive to visit the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum.
Afterwards, visit the Debre Damo monastery, where the men (sorry! No women allowed.) must climb up a 15-m rope to enter.
Proceed through the state of Tigray, stopping en-route for a visit to the rock-hewn church of Medhane Alem Adi Kesho.
Overnight in Hawsein at Gheralta Lodge/Tourist Hotel.

Day 8: Mekele

In the morning, visit either Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor.
Both churches involve an approximate one-hour hike but offer commanding views of the surrounding area.
After lunch, continue your visit with the more easily-accessible churches of Abreha we Atsbeha and Chirkos.
Afterwards, proceed driving to Mekele for overnight at Axum Hotel/Hilltop Hotel.

Day 9: Lalibela

Early in the morning, embark on a full day of driving to Lalibela.
Here you will pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people.
Proceed through this rural area for the stunning approach to the home of Ethiopia’s most prized destination – Lalibela.
Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.

Day 10: Lalibela

In the morning, 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 & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women).
After lunch, continue with 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 honour of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George.
Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel/Lal Hotel/Alief Paradise Hotel.

Day 11: Kombolcha

After breakfast, visit the nearby monastery of Na’akuto La’ab, set on the side of a cliff.
After the visit, proceed driving to Kombolcha via Woldia.
On the way, you will stop for a rest in Hayk where you can enjoy the views of this stunning lake, visit the local monastery (open for men only) and enjoy the birdlife.
Overnight in Kombolcha at Sunnyside Hotel/Tekle Hotel.

Day 12: Addis Ababa - Safari Ends

Return driving to Addis via Debre Birhan.
On the way, you pass the Mezezo Escarpment, with a good chance to see the endemic gelada baboons.
If today is a Sunday, you can stop in the town of Senbete to visit the lively market including the interesting camel market.

Palace Of Haile Selassie

Haile Selassie, King of Kings, Lion of Judah, by the grace of God, Emperor of Ethiopia. Quite a mouthful of a title for a single man or, as the Rastafarians would have it, the son of God. So awe-inspiring are the adjectives that you would have expected him to live in a magnificent palace made of the finest Carrara marble or a granite stone castle in the tradition of Gondar.
Palace Of Haile Selassie
Visiting The Lalibela Rock Churches

Your correspondent has been travelling in Africa for over three decades. I feel that I know sub-Saharan Africa; its smells, its peoples, its geography and its wildlife. Ethiopia is different, as different as snow is to sand. So different that you could get a very sharp knife and detach it somewhere in the Red Sea because it is not similar to any of its Arab world neighbours either.
Visiting The Lalibela Rock Churches
Where To Travel In Ethiopia

New on Uyaphi.com is our Travel in Ethiopia portfolio featuring safaris and tours to this somewhat new African safari destination; we are very excited about Ethiopia and all that she has to offer. Think of Ethiopia as a more cultural safari destination than what one is used to in Africa.
Where To Travel In Ethiopia