- Overview
- Info & Inclusions
- Itinerary
- Map & Hotels
- Photos
- Dates & Prices
- Vibrant Addis Ababa
- Churches of Lalibela
- Colourful Timkat festival
- Spectacular Simien Mountain scenery
- Christian churches, gilded monasteries
- Singles friendly (view options for single travellers)
Our adventure quickly takes flight to Bahir Dar on Lake Tana, where we explore ancient island monasteries adorned with centuries-old frescoes. We then travel to Gondar, Ethiopia's 'City of Castles,' immersing ourselves in its imperial precinct and historic churches. A highlight leads us into the majestic Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site of dramatic peaks and unique wildlife, offering breathtaking vistas. The spiritual pinnacle awaits in Lalibela, where we discover eleven monolithic churches carved from living rock. For those whose journey coincides, Lalibela truly transforms for the vibrant Timkat Festival celebrations, offering an unforgettable immersion in sacred processions and communal traditions.
- Full-time Tour Leader services plus local guide support at several locations.
- Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and restaurants).
- All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters.
- Airport transfers for travellers who are arriving/departing on tour dates and book their air through us
- Any early arriving/late departing travellers who book both their air and extra nights through us.
- International airfare to/from the tour.
- Tour Leader gratuity, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, domestic and international air taxes (if applicable), visa fees.
- Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
- Optional trip cancellation insurance.
- Seasonality and Weather:
Northern Ethiopia in January is characterized by pleasant weather with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to explore the region. The temperatures are generally mild, with comfortable daytime highs and cooler nights. This dry season allows for optimal exploration of historical sites, trekking, and outdoor activities without the hindrance of rain.
Overall, January is a great time to immerse yourself in Northern Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, enjoying pleasant temperatures and minimal disruptions from rain. The region's vibrant festivals, such as the Timkat Festival in Lalibela, add to the experience, showcasing the deep-rooted traditions and spirituality of the Ethiopian people - Transport and Travel Conditions:
THIS IS A TRIP FOR THE HARDY!
The itinerary has been designed to be as comfortable as possible, but this part of the world is still undeveloped. Many road journeys are long, rough, hot, and dusty. While every precaution is taken to ensure the quality and hygiene of the accommodations and food provided, those with weak "constitutions" or reduced immunity should not travel to this destination. Medical facilities are limited and located only in major centres; even a minor injury or illness can become very serious in these isolated locales.
Long walks may be required to reach some areas, including walks over steep gradients and poorly-maintained paths in extreme heat. If you have difficulty walking, even over short distances, or require the assistance of a cane, we regret that this tour is not suitable for you.
Our default vehicle style is a 22-seater "Coaster" bus with a separate trailer for luggage. Occasionally we use 4WD Land Cruisers or 4WD mini buses if we are informed that the variable state of the roads require a change of vehicle type. All vehicles are air-conditioned.
Many roads are rough and some days are long; a dust mask may enhance comfort. All efforts are made to ensure that our vehicle/s are in excellent condition, though punctures and weather may cause delays and require patience.
Overall, past travellers on this tour have referred to it as "challenging," "exhilarating," fascinating," and "exhausting." As mentioned above, many roads are in poor condition and many road journeys seem to go on much longer than they should. Food is well-prepared and served with pride, but it can get repetitive with a lack of the variety to which you may be accustomed. Our tour is busy and moves around a lot, which can be fatiguing over time. Ethiopia is a place of great beauty and a fascinating place to visit, but it is also a place of "rough edges" and things that don't always work out as planned. One must definitely approach this trip with an open mind and spirit of adventure. If you do so, you will be rewarded by one of the world's most enriching travel experiences.
Related to the above, please see our entry under "accommodation."
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form - Accommodation:
While we recognize that hotel infrastructure across Ethiopia is continuously improving, and comfort levels have advanced, the standards of accommodation and amenities will naturally vary as our tour progresses outside the main cities. Properties in the vibrant northern centers like Bahir Dar, Gondar, Simien Mountains, and Lalibela, are carefully chosen for their essential comforts, welcoming atmosphere, and strategic locations.
For more information, please click on the "Map & Hotels" tab elsewhere on your screen. - Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page. - Staff and Support:
Tour Leader, drivers, local guides. - Group Size:
Maximum 15 plus Tour Leader
- Day 1:Arrival in EthiopiaArrive in Addis Ababa, (2450 m/8,038 ft) Ethiopia's capital city.
THIS IS A TRIP FOR THE ADVENTUROUS. The itinerary has been designed to be as comfortable as possible, but this part of the world is still undeveloped. Accommodation is basic in some places and some road journeys are long, dusty, and rough. This trip is suitable for hardy travellers who do not expect "creature comforts" or things to work smoothly everywhere. Despite the often-rustic conditions, delays, and bumpy roads, this will be a fascinating journey, full of epic moments for the experienced traveller who possesses a sense of humour, flexibility, and a true spirit of adventure.
Overnight in Addis Ababa. 
Included Meal(s): Dinner - Day 2:Addis Ababa: City TourThis morning we tour Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, which translates as "New Flower" in the Amharic language. The city shows little sign of losing its youthful, lusty edge and is the pulsing heart of this eclectic nation's resurgence as one of the world's fastest-growing economies. "Addis," as it's often simply known, is the world's third-highest capital city at 2400 meters (7,880 ft), and has worn its heart on its sleeve since it was founded by Ethiopian Emperor Menelik about 1892.
Although not well-known outside the country, the Ethiopian National Museum is a world-class museum; truly a hidden gem! The most famous exhibit is the replica of Lucy, an early hominid, but the museum offers much more. With Ethiopian civilization being one of the oldest in the world, the artifacts within the museum span thousands of years, including some from its earliest days. During our visit, we'll see a wide variety of artifacts, from sculptures to clothing to artwork, both traditional and modern.
Next is the Ethnological Museum, a fascinating place with exhibits relating to the history and culture of Ethiopia. There are many displays of the various ethnic groups with information about each of their lifestyles. A large amount of ethnic outfits, instruments, tools, and other artifacts accompany each ethnic exhibit, making it one of the most interesting museums in the city.
We also visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the second most-important place of worship in Ethiopia and the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
At some point today we should be able to sample Ethiopia's 'Black Gold'. It's impossible to separate Ethiopian culture -- that unparalleled Ethiopian-ness -- from coffee, and this is the land of the finest Arabica coffee. As legend would have it, it was discovered by an Ethiopian shepherd boy and his goats sometime around the sixth century.
Overnight in Addis Ababa. 
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 3:Addis Ababa - Fly to Bahir Dar: Tis Abay (Blue Nile Falls)This morning our journey through Northern Ethiopia begins with a flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar.
Bahir Dar, a small town nestled on the southeastern shore of Lake Tana—Ethiopia's largest lake, where local fishermen still navigate papyrus boats—welcomes us to a region renowned for its picturesque scenery and profound history.
This afternoon we have an excursion to Tis Abay (Blue Nile Falls), a cascade 45m (150 feet) high. The locals call it Tisissat, which means "Water that Smokes". The area is also home to a great variety of birds and plants. We'll also have a comprehensive city tour of Bahir Dar, allowing us to explore and immerse ourselves in the city's vibrant local culture.
Overnight in Bahir Dar. 
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 4:Bahir Dar Area TouringToday we have a boat excursion on Lake Tana and the Zege Peninsula, home to seven ancient monasteries.
It has been said that the inside of the Ura Kidane Mehret monastery is the most impressive and beautiful in the whole region. Just a 25 minute walk from the boat landing point takes us to the monastery, winding through coffee plantations under tall shady trees. The monastery is highly decorated with beautifully painted, colourful and vibrant frescoes depicting Ethiopian saints and the history of the Ethiopian-Orthodox Church. Both men and women are permitted to enter and there is also a small museum, the Zege Satekela Museum, for visitors to learn about hand-crafted objects and musical instruments that are still used be the local communities today.
Another enchanting stop is the Azuwa Maryam Monastery, a distinctive round church with a thatched roof, whose vibrant paintings truly come alive upon stepping inside.
Overnight in Bahir Dar. 
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 5:Bahir Dar - GondarToday marks a significant transition as our journey leads by road to Gondar (aka Gonder), the former imperial capital of Ethiopia, situated approximately 1818 meters (6,000 feet) above sea level. This 'City of Castles' is acclaimed as one of Ethiopia's most intriguing historical destinations, set beautifully at the base of the Simien Mountains. Its unique imperial precinct contains a remarkable collection of a dozen castles, each constructed by various emperors over a span of 236 years, reflecting centuries of imperial grandeur. Upon our arrival, the afternoon is dedicated to free time in Gondar, allowing for personal exploration and relaxation within this historically rich city before our deeper immersion.
Overnight in Gondar. 
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 6:Gondar TouringThe historical depth of Gondar is fully explored on today with a comprehensive city tour.
Our day is dedicated to a thorough acquaintance with the historical wonders of Gondar, beginning with the impressive castle of Emperor Fasiledes, the esteemed founder of the former capital, a two-story structure with distinct domed towers that was once described as 'one of the most marvelous of buildings' by a visiting Yemeni envoy. We also visit the Bathing Palace, a site once surrounded by a moat of water, which today is ceremonially filled only during Epiphany for an annual baptism celebration. Further enhancing our historical immersion are visits to the monasteries of Qusquam and Debre Berhan Selassie. The latter is renowned not only for its numerous detailed 16th-century frescoes but also for possessing one of Ethiopia's most photographed ceilings, exquisitely painted with angels' faces.
Overnight in Gondar. 
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 7:Gondar - Simien MountainsToday we travel into the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains. A scenic drive leads us into this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, a place of extraordinary natural beauty and geological significance. This magnificent range is dominated by Ras Dashen, soaring to 4620 meters (15,246 feet) above sea level, proudly ranking as Africa's fourth highest peak. Numerous large rivers, including the mighty Blue Nile, drain these highlands from east to west towards the Nile Basin, while from north to south, the Omo River flows into Lake Turkana. Our overnight location in the Simiens approaches 2800 meters (9,000 feet), marking the highest point on our tour; while not excessively high, the thinness of the air and the cold at night will be noticeable. The Simien Mountains stretch for over 40 kilometres, offering breathtaking panoramas with an almost two-mile drop into the valley below, providing a profound sense of scale and natural grandeur.
Overnight in the Simien Mountains (3260 meters/10,700 feet). 
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 8:Simien Mountains Touring - Return to GondarToday is entirely dedicated to exploring the majestic Simien Mountains, allowing for full immersion in their stunning scenery and unique ecosystem. This period offers us opportunities for gentle walks to appreciate the vast landscapes and perhaps spot some of the endemic wildlife that calls this rugged terrain home. In the afternoon, our journey continues with a scenic drive back to Gondar, allowing for reflection on the day's profound experiences in the high Ethiopian highlands.
Later we return to Gondar where we spend the night.
Overnight in Gondar. 
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 9:Gondar - Fly to LalibelaToday we fly to Lalibela, a rural town of +/- 15,000 people in a stunning setting at an elevation of 2600 m (8,500 ft) in the midst of the Lasta mountains in the eastern highlands of Northern Ethiopia. Its unique and remarkable monolithic churches hewn from living rock, most built more than 900 years ago, are one of Ethiopia's leading attractions and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. Lalibela's relative isolation and small size means you will get to understand more intimately and thoroughly the innate piety and hard lives of the rural poor.
Depending on our flight schedule, sightseeing may commence upon arrival, with the afternoon dedicated to visiting the Northwestern group of churches. This cluster is considered the more architecturally cohesive of the two main groups, and was most likely conceived as a whole, possibly by Emperor Lalibela himself. While it is the 'easiest' of the two groups in terms of navigating the site, we must still exercise great caution due to uneven surfaces, potentially slippery and steep stairs, drops without hand-railings, inclines, loose gravel, low tunnels, and the heat.
Our Ethiopia tours that occur in January coincide with the Timkat Festival in Lalibela, the biggest celebration of the year in Ethiopia, marking the Epiphany every year on the 19th of January. Timkat is celebrated all over Ethiopia, but nowhere is it quite as spectacular as in Lalibela. The festival begins with Timkat Eve and dramatic processions through a night of fasting. Crowds of revelers, all dressed in white, sing and dance in the streets to the beating of drums. Priests, decked out in jewel encrusted velvet and satin robes, carry a replica of Arc of the Covenant known as a talbot in a grand procession through the streets.
Your Tour Leader will advise in greater detail how the following described program will be organized in order to achieve our sightseeing of both church groups and the festivities. Due to the fluid nature of festival activities, our actual itinerary may vary from the next two days' descriptions, which should be regarded as a guide only.
Overnight in Lalibela. 
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 10:Lalibela Sightseeing & TimkatOur morning in Lalibela is dedicated to visiting the rest of the churches, including the more disparate Southeastern cluster, which is regarded by experts as being closer in architectural style to the ancient temples and churches of the Aksumite Empire. Several of its churches surprisingly began their existence as secular excavations centuries before Lalibela's time. While the churches belonging to this group are generally smaller, they are often more finely sculpted compared to those of the Northwestern group. This cluster is also the more challenging to visit, requiring sure footing and preparedness for some scrambling, and your Tour Leader will be well-placed to advise regarding our suitability for this visit. As our overall visit will be governed by group ability and interest, our time duration will be a little more free-form than that of the Northwestern cluster.
In the afternoon, our focus shifts to attending the eve of the Timkat festival. This is the biggest celebration of the year in Ethiopia, marking the Epiphany every year on the 19th of January, and nowhere is it quite as spectacular as in Lalibela. The festival begins with dramatic processions through a night of fasting, with crowds of revelers, all dressed in white, singing and dancing in the streets to the rhythmic beating of drums. Priests, decked out in jewel-encrusted velvet and satin robes, carry a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, known as a 'tabot,' in a grand procession through the streets.
During festival time, our late afternoon/evening will be spent observing the colourful prosessions and, a rarity in Ethiopia, large crowds!
Overnight in Lalibela. 
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 11:Lalibela Touring ContinuedToay is entirely dedicated to immersing ourselves in the grandeur of the Timkat festival in Lalibela. Our morning is spent attending the main Timkat festival, truly immersing ourselves in the vibrant ceremonies and rituals that spectacularly reenact the baptism of Jesus Christ. Timkat is celebrated throughout Ethiopia, but it is in Lalibela that it achieves its most spectacular expression, drawing tens of thousands of people from all over the country, making it one of the most joyous annual pilgrimages.
Following the profound spiritual experience of the festival, our afternoon offers a unique opportunity to join a local family for an Ethiopian Timkat holiday celebration, complete with a traditional culinary experience. This provides us with an intimate and authentic way to experience the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia during this significant holiday.
Overnight in Lalibela. 
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 12:Lalibela - Fly to Addis AbabaThe final day in the north begins with attendance at the St. Michael day festival, celebrating the revered saint with traditional music, dance, and prayer, offering another glimpse into Ethiopia's vibrant religious culture.
In the afternoon, our journey concludes with a flight from Lalibela back to Addis Ababa.
Overnight in Addis Ababa. 
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 13:DepartureDeparture from Addis Ababa, or continue to our longer Southern Ethiopia itinerary.
BON VOYAGE! 
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Countries Visited: Ethiopia
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.














Book this tour
- Final payment: Due 90 days prior to departure.
- Deposit: A non-refundable $500 USD Deposit is required at booking, covering the 'Land Only' cost, including all internal flights (taxes listed separately)
- Optional Single Supplement: $1160 USD (number of singles limited).
(View options forsingle travellers) - Transfering Tour or Date: Transferring to another tour or tour date is only permissible outside of 120 days prior to departure and is subject to a $100 USD change fee.
(Read our cancellation policy)
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 90-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
- Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
- How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone.
A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 90 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s).
Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time.
Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. - What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
- I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location.
This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement.
The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible.
On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available.
Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed. - Do you have a shared accommodation program?Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").