Ethiopia

Africa’s oldest country will captivate you in every way. Its friendly people, beautiful landscapes, abundant wildlife and ancient religious sites are hidden treasures. Your visit will include seeing Lucy, a Fossil that’s 3.2 Million years old, the Blue Nile Falls, one of Africa’s most spectacular waterfalls, monasteries on Lake Tana, Simien Mountains National Park, Axum, the ancient capital and purported site of the Ark of the Covenant and Lalibela, one of Africa’s most important religious sites.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Language

Amharic

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Time Zone

GMT +3

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Currency

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Average Temp

67°

Ethiopia Expedition

The Cradle of Humankind

Church of Saint George of Lalibela, Ehtiophia - Bete Giyorgis

Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Arrive in Addis Ababa

Private transfer to hotel

Private afternoon tour:

  • National Museum
  • Trinity Cathedral

Accommodations: Golden Tulip Hotel

Day 2 – ADDIS ABABA / BAHIR DAR

Private airport transfer

Fly to Bahir Dar

Private afternoon tour

  • Blue Nile Falls

Accommodations: Avanti Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – BAHIR DAR

Private morning tour:

  • Lake Tana boat ride
  • Zege Peninsula monasteries
  • Bird watching
  • Hike through local villages and coffee farms
  • Monastery of Ura Kidane Meret
  • Azwa Maryam Monastery

Private afternoon tour:

  • Bahir Dar City & Market tour
  • Bezawit Palace

Accommodations: Avanti Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – BAHIR DAR / SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Transfer to Sankabar 

Simien Mountains National Park

Afternoon nature walk

Accommodations: Simien Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Day hike with picnic lunch

  • Walia ibex & Gelada baboons

Accommodations: Simien Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – SIMIEN MOUNTAINS / GONDAR

Private transfer to Gondar

Visit village of Felasha (African Jews)

Explore Royal Enclosure and buildings

Accommodations: Mayleko Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – GONDAR / AXUM

Private transfer to Lalibela airport

Fly to Axum, ancient capital of Ethiopia

Private morning tour:

  • Archaeological Museum of Axum 
  • Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, alleged home of the Ark of the Covenant

Private afternoon tour:

  • “Stele Field” Palace
  • North Stelae Park

Accommodations: Sabean Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – AXUM / LALIBELA

Private airport transfer

Fly to Lalibela

Private hotel transfer

Private afternoon tour of churches representing earthly Jerusalem:

  • Bete Medhanialem (Saviour Church)
  • Bete Maryam
  • Bete Golgotha

Accommodations: Maribela Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – LALIBELA

Private morning tour of churches representing heavenly Jerusalem:

  • Bete Gabriel, Bete Raphael, Bete Merquorios, Bete Emmanuel, Bete Abba Libanos 
  • Bete Giorgis (St. George)

Accommodations: Maribela Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – LALIBELA / ADDIS ABABA

Private transfer to airport 

Fly to Addis Ababa

Private afternoon tour:

  • Merkato market

Farewell dinner and traditional show

Accommodations: Golden Tulip Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – ADDIS ABABA / HOMEWARD BOUND

Private transfer to airport for flight home

Meals: Breakfast

Starting at $5,400.00 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)

Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.

Everything was perfect! I’ve traveled before with NEI and plan to again. We really appreciate the ability to customize our trips and the variety of soft adventures. Next to marrying my husband, traveling with NEI was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life!

Linda M.
Los Angeles , CA

When to go:

Year-round (July to September is rainy)

What to eat:

Tibs (sauteed meat), Injera (fermented flatbread), Kitfo (raw minced beef)

What to pack:

Light-weight conservative clothing, light jacket or sweater; shawl or scarf; swimwear, comfortable walking shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment; universal adapter

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