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.
Language
Amharic
Time Zone
GMT +3
Currency
Ethiopian Birr (ETB)
Average Temp
67°
Ethiopia Expedition
The Cradle of Humankind
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.
We took three trips arranged by NEI to Peru, Ecuador and Tanzania. Our private tours, with just the driver/guide, my wife and me, were planned with great attention to detail and helped us enjoy ourselves without having to worry about the logistics. All vacations were spectacular, done very well by the NEI staff and their local contacts. Highly recommend.
Lou D.
Lakewood Ranch, FL
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
