Explore Lake Tana

Bahir Dar - Start your day with an early flight to Bahir-Dar. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat ride and take some free time to explore Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake. It serves as the main reservoir for the Blue Nile (Abbay) River, which exits near Bahir Dar. The islands and peninsulas of Lake Tana are best accessed by boat from Bahir Dar on the lake’s southern side.

Ura Kidane Mihret - Experience the scenic beauty of Lake Tana with a guided tour. Learn about its history while visiting selected sites, including Ura Kidane Mihirte, Azewa Maryam, and the Zegi Peninsula.

Blue Nile Falls - In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Nile Falls to see the longest river and the source of the Nile.

Sightseeing of Gondar

Gonder - After breakfast, drive from Bahir-Dar to Gondar to visit the impressive Royal compound. Explore Gondar’s sites, including the Royal Enclosure, which features six castles and several other buildings. Founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasiledes, it served as Ethiopia’s third permanent capital after Axum and Lalibela. Known as the “Camelot of Africa,” it houses numerous castles within one large compound.

Fasil Ghebbi - Spend the afternoon in Gondar visiting Fasiledes Castle and Fasiledes Swimming Pool, where the annual Timket (Epiphany) festival is held on January 19 each year.

Debre Berhan Selassie Church - Visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church to admire its stunning artwork on the ceiling.

Excursion to Simien Mountains National Park

Simien Mountains National Park - Embark on a full-day excursion to Simien Mountains National Park. Depart early in the morning to witness the breathtaking peaks and spectacular views. The park is home to many endemic animal species, including the gelada baboon (guaranteed sightings), the rare Walia ibex, and the Ethiopian wolf. Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch amidst the park’s dramatic scenery at Ginbar River Falls. After lunch, walk back to the car and return to Gondar for the night.

Fly to the ancient city of Axum

The Ruins of Aksum - After breakfast, take an early flight from Gondar to Axum. Axum is believed to house the Biblical Ark of the Covenant. Visit the remaining sites of Axum, including the graves of King Kaleb and King GebreMeskal in the town’s north.

Queen of Sheba Palace - Explore the center of Axum, where the everlasting Axumite kingdom symbol Stelae stands. See two standing and one fallen stelae, and continue exploring this ancient capital with its archaeological museums and the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace.

Excursion to Gheralta Mountain churches

Abuna Yemata Guh church - Escape into Ethiopia’s tours to visit amazing churches based on accessibility and group fitness. Churches you will visit include Mariam Korkor and Abuna Yemata, each featuring unique painting styles dating back to the 4th century.

Drive to Danakil Depression

Danakil Depression - Drive to the most challenging part of the trip. Explore the beginning of the Danakil Depression, the hottest place on the planet. Despite being one of the most inhospitable regions, it is spectacular, with vibrant colors in the Sulphur springs. Pass through the small town of Berhale, where you may see long caravans heading to the salt mines and others returning with salt-laden camels. Upon arrival at the campsite, take a short break before driving to the Salt Lake to watch the awe-inspiring sunset. Overnight at HammedAela campsite.

Excursion to Dalol

Erta Ale - Continue driving to the base campsite of Erta Ale, passing through changing landscapes of solidified lava and rock. After arriving at the base camp, have an early dinner and start trekking from Dodom to Erta Ale. Reach the top around midnight to witness the dramatic boiling lava. Erta Ale is one of Ethiopia’s most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions, containing the world’s only permanent lava lake. Spend an unforgettable night atop the mountain (camping).

Erta-Ale

Lake Afrera - Descend from Erta Ale to the base camp for breakfast. The Danakil is the hottest place on the planet, and Erta Ale is a continually active volcano with the world’s only permanent lava lake. After breakfast, drive to Lake Afdera to refresh in the salt lake, where you can swim and relax after the long treks in the Danakil Depression. After lunch, drive back to Mekele for an overnight stay at Atse Yohanis hotel or similar.

Drive to Lalibela via Sekota

Explore underground churches of Lalibela

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela - Explore the underground churches of King Lalibela, also known as the “Jerusalem of Africa” due to their resemblance to churches in Israel. These incredible churches were carved from solid volcanic rock in the early 12th century. Spend the day visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha.

Bete Giyorgis of Lalibela - After lunch, continue to the southeastern cluster, including Bete Gabriel & Rufael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Emanuel, and Bete Libanos. Finally, visit the elegant, cross-shaped church of Saint George. End the day by participating in a cultural music event and enjoying traditional Tej (pure honey wine).

Fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa - Take a morning flight to Addis Ababa, arriving midday. Enjoy free time for shopping or sightseeing, including a visit to Merkato, said to be Africa’s largest market of its kind. In the evening, have a farewell dinner at a famous cultural restaurant.
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• Scenic Boat Cruise on Lake Tuna at Bahir-dar and Blue Nile
• Professional Tour Leader Assistance
• Inclusive of All Domestic Flights for the Tour Route
• Accommodation in Selective Hotels
• Daily Bottle of Water Provided
• Breakfast Included Each Morning
• All Fees and Taxes Covered
• Military Escort in the Danakil Depression
• Scout Fees in Simen National Park Included

• Alcohol Beverage
• Lunch, and Dinner
• Tips
• Snacks

Take an 11-day tour along one of our northern routes, featuring the Danakil Depression, Simien Mountains, Lalibela churches, and the ancient city of Axum. Adefa Tours will guide you through Ethiopia’s most magnificent sites. Ethiopia is a land of extremes, boasting the Danakil Depression, cliff-top churches, extraordinary mountains, and underground rock-cut churches. Adefa Tours helps visitors explore all these extremes. Begin with the Danakil Depression, which is currently over 100 meters below sea level, making it one of the lowest points on Earth’s surface. The Simien Mountains, known as the ‘Roof of Africa,’ feature cloud-piercing peaks, hidden secrets of Eden, and cliff-tops teeming with life. The Simien Mountains are home to endemic mammals, including Gelada baboons. Axum was a political and religious capital around 3,000 years ago, with towering obelisks and tombs of the kings of Axum carved from granite, some standing over 33 meters tall. These monuments were once seen as stairways to heaven.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.