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Uncover the true ‘cradle of humanity’ in Ethiopia
Compared to what is found in Ethiopia, a more perfect combination of history, tradition, culture and nature couldn’t be created. Ethiopia is an incredible look back into history of the earth and humans. From 3 million-year-old fossilised hominid remains in Addis Ababa to incredible rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts and grottoes in Lalibela, this trip uncovers the 500-year-old monastery islands of Bahir Dar, the elegant castles and palatial complexes that stand guard over the city of Gondar, the majestic geological formations of the Simien mountains, the giant obelisks that rise of Axum, and even the rumoured home of the Ark of the Covenant. Concentrating primarily on the north of the country, take in views of the Blue Nile, trek to the peaks of the Simien Mountains (meeting red chested Gelada baboons), taste the famous coffee and delectable cuisine, and encounter the genuine and friendly people along the way. This is an adventure like no other.
- Start
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Finish
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Destination
- Ethiopia
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PFLN
- Physical rating
- Trip rating
- 4 reviews
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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Enjoy an afternoon tour of Addis Ababa, including the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the public square, plus a traditional Ethiopian dinner at a local project which helps local youth.
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Sitting at 2,500 metres above sea level, Ben Ababa restaurant is a jumble of walkways, viewing platforms and firepits overlooking historic Lalibela.
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Embark on a cruise around Lake Tana – Ethiopia's wonderland of islands and monasteries – and sip a sundowner on deck at the day's end.
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Walk through the Simien Mountains National Park and up to Sankaber before retiring to your feature stay for the trip – the architecturally designed Limalimo Lodge.
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Witness the amazing rock-hewn churches of Lalibela on a guided tour over two afternoons, and sit down to an open-air dinner with spectacular views over the town.
Is this trip right for you?
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With three included flights, this itinerary allows you to spend less time travelling and more time in your destinations. The drive from the Simien Mountains to Axum on Day 6, however, will take the majority of the day.
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Accommodation in Bahir Dar, Gondar and Axum are slightly below the usual Peregrine standard, but are among the best in their respective areas.
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Itinerary
Accommodation
- Jupiter hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Addis Ababa - Afternoon City Tour
Meals Included
- Dinner
Special Information
The 18 January departure will forego the afternoon city tour and instead partake in Timket festival. The festival is a three day festival that commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ. Today the priests remove the ‘Tabots' from each church and march to the nearest water source, where the communal baptism takes place. The procession is accompanied by thousands of locals dressed in dazzling white traditional dress that contrasts the colours of the ceremonial robes and sequined velvet umbrellas of the priests. Stay close to your leader and fellow group members as you follow the procession to Jan Meda.The 26 September departure will forego the afternoon city tour and instead will partake in Meskel Festival. Today the clergy from all the churches of the capital gather on Meskel square to perform religious ceremonies involving singing and drumming. Then in the late afternoon, bonfires and candles are lit by the bishop and crowd.
Accommodation
- Tana Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lake Tana - Boat Cruise
- Lake Tana- Sundowner Boat Drinks
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Tana Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Bahir Dar - Blue Nile Falls
Optional Activities
- Bahir Dar - Lake Tana Lookout - Free
- Bahir Dar - Market Visit - Free
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Goha Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Gondar - Church & Castles tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Limalimo Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Simien Mountains National Park - Walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Perched on the edge of the Ethiopia’s Simien Escarpment our feature stay; Limalimo Lodge is a beautiful place to experience Ethiopia's Simien Mountains National Park. The bar and restaurant are perched on top of the hill with views along the dramatic escarpment and onto the lowlands below. The 12 rooms are scattered around the site among the trees with views over wooded hillsides. Enjoy the spectacular views over Ethiopia's Simien Mountain landscape while staying warm around the fire pit or curling up in front of the log fire.Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Limalimo Lodge or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Yared Zema Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Yared Zema Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Axum - Full Day Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
The 13 April 2019 departure aligns with the festivities before Palm Sunday. Today we will witness a demonstration of the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.Accommodation
- Maribela Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lalibela - Afternoon Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Maribela Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lalibela - Afternoon Tour
- Lalibela - Sunset drinks
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Please do not book onward flights before 5pm this afternoon.Meals
10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinnersTransport
Private vehicle, Boat, PlaneAccommodation
Comfortable Hotel (3 nights), Feature Stay Lodge (2 night), Tourist Hotel (5 nights)Included Activities
- Addis Ababa - Afternoon City Tour
- Lake Tana - Boat Cruise
- Lake Tana- Sundowner Boat Drinks
- Bahir Dar - Blue Nile Falls
- Gondar - Church & Castles tour
- Simien Mountains National Park - Walk
- Axum - Full Day Tour
- Lalibela - Afternoon Tour
- Lalibela - Sunset drinks
Dates & availability
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There are currently no scheduled departures on our Highlights of Ethiopia trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
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Important notes
1. There is a city tour of Addis Ababa at approximately 1pm on Day 1. Please ensure flights arrive prior to midday.
2. Accommodation on this trip is twin share unless otherwise stated. An optional single supplement is available on all nights of this trip (subject to availability).
3. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Ethiopia before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

Essential trip information
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