Embark on a 5-day tour from Bahir Dar to Gonder and Simien Mountain. Explore historic monasteries, crumbling castles, and breathtaking landscapes in Ethiopia’s most beautiful cities and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5 Days Historical Sightseeing Tours
Lake Tana - Take a short flight north to Bahir Dar, a charming city on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. After checking into your hotel, explore Lake Tana and its islands by boat. Visit the monastery churches of Ura Kidane Mihiret and Azwa Mariam. Ura Kidane Mihiret is the most renowned of the monasteries and houses a significant collection of religious icons from the 16th to 18th centuries A.D.
Blue Nile Falls - In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tissisat (smoking water). The water plunges 45 meters (148 feet), creating steam clouds and rainbows. Descend to the base of the falls for an up-close view, then ascend the other side. The round trip takes about an hour of walking. Cross the Blue Nile by boat to return to the starting point.
Drive to Gonder - Visit Fasil Ghebbi and Debre Berhan Selassie Church
Fasil Ghebbi - Morning drive to Gonder: Gondar City Sightseeing. Gondar was the first capital of the Ethiopian Empire, beginning in 1632 with the reign of Fasilidas.
Debre Berhan Selassie Church - In Gondar, there are a dozen castles built by various emperors over 236 years. The city has a European feel with Islamic influences. In the morning, visit Fasilidas’ Palace, the most impressive and oldest of the castles in the area. Continue to the bath of Fasilidas and Quskuam Church. In the afternoon, visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity). The interior is adorned with beautiful frescos, cherubs, and paintings. Debre Berhan Selassie is rumored to have been the proposed final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Also, visit the colorful market of Gondar.
Drive to Simien Mountains, Sankabar to Geech
Simien Mountains National Park - Drive from Gondar to Debark. Obtain a permit from the Park headquarters and collect the obligatory scout before continuing to Sankabar (3250m ASL) for the first overnight camp. An early start is needed as the drive from Gondar takes 2-3 hours.
Simien Mountains National Park - The trek begins at Buytras (Simien Lodge), taking about 3-4 hours to walk to the Sankabar campsite. During the walk, there’s a good chance of seeing your first Gelada baboons.
Sankabar to Geech
Simien Mountains National Park - In the morning, walk to Geech via the spectacular Jimbaran waterfall. The trek takes approximately 5-7 hours. After descending to the Jinbar Wenz (which feeds the waterfall), a short ascent remains to Geech village. A short distance beyond Geech village is the campsite.
Simien Mountains National Park - The campsite offers great views of the mountains and is characterized by giant lobelia plants. The nearby Kedadit summit provides one of the best places to see the sunset. The campsite is situated at 3600m ASL.
Geech to Ambaras to Gondar
Simien Mountains National Park - Trek from Geech to the Imet Gogo promontory for one of the most spectacular views in the entire mountain range. This is a great day for spotting the magnificent Lammergeier vultures.
Simien Mountains National Park - From Imet Gogo, trek back to the road near a village called Ambaras and meet the car for the drive back to Gondar. The trek lasts approximately 4-5 hours. We will drop you at Gondar airport.
End of the Trip
- Accommodation
- Lunch
- Dinner
- English speaking guide & Scouts
- Breakfast
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and/or taxes
- Flight Ticket
- Alcohol drinks
Bahir Dar - Situated on the outskirts of the famous Lake Tana, 600km north of Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar is the third largest and arguably the most beautiful city in Ethiopia. As the capital of the regional state of Amhara, the city is home to historic monasteries, charming lodges, exotic fish markets, beautiful lakes, and of course the famous Blue Nile Falls.
Gonder- Known for its remarkable collection of crumbling castles, fortifications, and 17th-century churches. Gonder is often referred to as the “Camelot of Africa”. This small city in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia was the home to many emperors who ruled the country from the 12th century to the last decade of the 20th century.
Simien Mountain - Jaw-dropping plateaus, ridges, gorges, and gullies characterize this UNESCO World Heritage Site. With some of the world’s best trekking routes, endemic wildlife and luxurious lodges perched in hills, the Simien Mountains are Ethiopia’s most popular destination, and for good reason.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
