Ethiopia - The Historical Route

14 days from £4450 per person

Cross on top of church spire in Aksum, Ethiopia

A classic journey through northern Ethiopia covering all the major religious and historical sites in the country this tour takes you through breathtaking scenery and history into the very core of Ethiopian life. From modern Addis Ababa and the ancient cultured city of Axum – home of the Ark of the Covenant – to the atmospheric pilgrimage town of Lalibela, spectacular Blue Nile Falls near Bahir Dar and the Royal Palaces of Gondar, this is a truly memorable journey encompassing all that is synonymous with Ethiopia.

Route: Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar – Gondar - Simien Mountains – Axum – Hawzen – Mekele - Lalibela - Addis Ababa

Itinerary Highlights

Aksum is the original capital city of the Kingdom of Aksum and one of the oldest inhabited places in Africa. Numerous tall stelae or obelisks are over 1700 years old.

One of Ethiopia’s holiest cities, Lalibela is famous for its rock-cut churches. As the population is mostly Orthodox Christians, many of these churches are still in daily use.

Bahar Dar is a pleasant city with wide avenues lined with palm trees and colourful flowers. From here you can visit Lake Tana and the source of the Blue Nile.

Itinerary: Ethiopia - The Historical Route

Day 1 London to Addis Ababa

Fly to Addis Ababa from London Heathrow with Ethiopian Airlines. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Addis Ababa

Arrive into Addis Ababa in the morning where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Located in the heart of the country at an altitude of 2,300 metres, Addis Ababa has a relaxed feel. In the afternoon you will have a city tour, which will include the Archaeological Museum and Cathedral. (B)

Accommodation in Addis Ababa: Wassamar Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar – by air

This morning leave Addis Ababa and fly with your guide to Bahir Dar where you will be transferred to your lodge. One of Ethiopia’s most attractive towns, Bahar Dar is located on the southern shore of Lake Tana and is an excellent base from which to visit the Blue Nile Falls and the island monasteries that dot the lake. After lunch take a trip to the Blue Nile Falls, recognised as being one of Africa’s most spectacular waterfalls. That afternoon return to Bahir Dar and explore the local markets dotted with stalls selling jewellery, woven and embroidered garments and ox-horn cups. (B)

Accommodation in Bahir Dar: Kuriftu Lodge (or similar)

Day 4 Bahir Dar

After breakfast take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the many island monasteries. Stop off at Ura Kidane Mihret known for its 14th-century grass-roofed churches and their magnificent wall murals. During the walk to Ura Kidane Mihret through the dense forest, encounter monkeys and abundant birdlife. Later that afternoon enjoy the beautiful sunset over Lake Tana. (B)

Accommodation in Bahir Dar: Kuriftu Lodge (or similar)

Day 5 Bahir Dar to Gondar

Today drive to Gondar, a 17th-century royal city of Ethiopia. The city commands an important location at the crossroads of three ancient caravan routes and is home to both exceptionally well-preserved castles and churches that stand alongside modern Italian Art Deco architecture. After lunch visit the 17th-century Royal Enclosure, home to a number of fascinating buildings including the palace of the Emperor Fasiladas. Also visit the Debre Berhan Selassie Church – the most famous in Ethiopia. (B)
Accommodation in Gondar: Goha Hotel (or similar)

Days 6 Gondar to Simien Mountains

Drive outside of Gonder to visit Wolleka, a Falasha Village and the one-time home of a community of Falashas, Ethiopian Jews. Afterwards, continue towards the spectacular Simien Mountains. Declared a UNESCO World Nature Heritage site due to the parks unique landscape and endemic fauna, enjoy the gorges, valleys and waterfalls of the Simien Mountains. Encounter animals such as the Gelada baboons, Simien fox and Walia ibex. (B)
Accommodation in The Simien Mountains: Simien Lodge (or similar)

Day 7 Simien Mountains

Today drive up to Sankaber and admire the spectacular scenery of this mountainous region. Visit Jinber, Ethiopia’s highest waterfall after a gentle two-hour hike and enjoy the beautiful views over the valleys and gorges. Spend the rest of the day exploring the region and enjoying a stunning sunset just before dusk. (B)
Accommodation in The Simien Mountains: Simien Lodge (or similar)

Day 8 Simien Mountains to Axum

After breakfast continue your journey to Axum. Sitting at an altitude of 1637m, Axum is considered a holy city of Ethiopia where Ethiopian Christianity is said to have begun. This ancient city was also once the centre of a rich, powerful and highly civilised empire. On arrival to your hotel, relax and enjoy the facilities available. (B)

Accommodation in Axum: Yared Zema International Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Axum

Today you have a full day to explore this fascinating city with your guide. Start the day at the fascinating St Mary of Zion Churches. Within this enclosure is a small guarded chapel said to contain the Ark of the Covenant. Afterwards, continue the short distance to the Northern Stelae Field which is home to over one hundred finely carved monoliths. Also visit the Queen of Sheba’s bath and the local Royal Palaces. (B)

Accommodation in Axum: Yared Zema International Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Axum to Hawzen

This morning depart Axum and drive to the temple of Yeha, a well preserved stone temple estimated to be 2,500 years old. Also visit Adwa where the 1896 battle between the Ethiopians and Italians took place. Continue through the amazing rocky landscape of Tigray before arriving in Hawzen in the late afternoon. (B)

Accommodation in Hawzen: Gheralta Lodge (or similar)

Day 11 Hawzen to Mekele

Today you have the option of a spectacular half-day trek in the Gheralta Mountains to explore the churches of Maryama dn Daniel Korkor built on top of soaring cliffs. The views from the cliffs are truly magical and are worth the hike. After lunch continue to Mekele where you will explore the rock-hewn churches of this city. (B)

Accommodation in Mekele: Axum Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Mekele to Lalibela

Depart Mekele and head towards the important town of Lalibela located in the isolated Lasta Mountains. Famous for its rock-cut churches this small and largely undeveloped town is one of the most important religious-historical sites of the Christian world. Relax at the hotel this evening. (B)
Accommodation in Lalibela: Panoramic View Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 Lalibela

Today explore Lalibela and the surrounding area. Visit the remarkable rock churches which have been literally cut into the bedrock. Orthodox Christianity is still central to this community, and the faithful still gather to hear priest clad in white and purple sing the liturgy in the early morning, and the church air is heavy with incense. (B)

Accommodation in Lalibela: Panoramic View Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Lalibela to Addis Ababa / Addis Ababa to the UK

Take a flight from Lalibela to Addis Ababa where you will be transferred for your international fligh back to the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Ethiopia Travel Guide

Getting there

Ethiopian Airlines fly direct from London Heathrow to Addis Ababa and is one of the best and largest airlines in Africa. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines all offer connecting flights via their respective hubs.

Visa requirements

British Citizens require a visa to visit Ethiopia and these are issued on arrival in Addis Ababa. You will need to show proof of a return air ticket and further details on the visa requirements will be sent at the time of booking.

Do’s and Don’ts

Ethiopians are very proud of their culture, country and identity so avoid criticising their lifestyle or religion.

Avoid eating with your left hand. Food in Ethiopia is generally eaten without the use of cutlery, and eating with your left hand is considered a sign of disrespect.

For men, avoiding eye-contact with a woman is considered a sign of respect.

If you are a foreign woman in public with a man, do not be surprised if Ethiopian men speak only to your partner – this isn’t meant to upset, but is a sign of respect for you. Equally, if you are a man, maintaining a respectful distance from women will be considered good manners.

Money

The currency of Ethiopia is the Birr (ETB) and it is issued in notes and coins of varying denominations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any commercial bank, including branches located at larger hotels and at the airports. Exchange of Birr back to foreign currency is only allowed for visitors holding an onward ticket from Ethiopia. It is hard to exchange any Birr outside of Ethiopia. There are ATMs in Addis Ababa – there are few reliable ATMs in rural areas and smaller towns – and outside of the capital credit cards are accepted on a limited basis.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected in Ethiopia but is considered polite if a tip is given in restaurants and bars. There is no fixed amount to leave, but you may find it appropriate to round up a bill for good service. A guideline for tipping your drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.

Food and drink

Ethiopian food is certainly unique and the cuisine is different from both the food found in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Traditional mealtimes are based around injera, a special bread which is pancake-thin and slightly sour. Food is placed on the injera in lieu of a plate and the bread is then also used in place of cutlery to eat. Wat, a spicy stew made from meat, chicken or vegetables is also a popular dish. Traditional Ethiopian food does not use pork because most Ethiopians are Muslim or Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. In most large towns you will also find restaurants offering Ethiopian versions of Italian food, and in Addis Ababa in particular there are many restaurants serving more international cuisine.

The Ethiopians drink plenty of coffee – the Ethiopian province of Kaffa is said to be the home of coffee and it is traditionally served thick and sweet. Locally produced Ethiopian beer and red and white wines are worth trying, or you could indulge in some Tej (a fermented honey drink), Talla (a barley beer) or even some Kaitaka (pure grain alcohol).

Time zone

Ethiopia is +3 hours ahead of GMT.

Flying times from UK

Direct flights to Addis Ababa take between 7 and 8 hours from the UK.

Holidays, festivals and celebrations

The Ethiopian calendar does not use the traditional Gregorian calendar and is eight years behind as there are 13 months to a year. Important holidays include Timket – the annual festival of Ethiopian epiphany on January 6th, Ethiopian Christmas which falls on January 7th, and Ethiopian New Year on September 11th. Dates for religious holidays tend to change as they are timed with the lunar calendar. It is also worth noting that every Wednesday and Friday (and during the 55 days of Orthodox Christian Lent), meat is not eaten by the majority of practising Orthodox Christians. Larger traditional restaurants in major towns and cities often have a 'fasting food' option seven days a week.

Shopping

Shopping in Ethiopia centres of the country’s numerous bustling marketplaces. Addis Ababa’s main market, the merkado, is one of the largest in Africa and an atmospheric place to explore. Most of the art and artefacts found in Addis Ababa reflect the country’s Christian Orthodox tradition with items such as silver crosses or icons commonly found. Aside from this, silver jewellery, basket work and carvings, woollen carpets, amber and coffee are available in most towns.

Health

Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) Web Site on www.masta.org. The NHS ‘Fit for Travel’ website (www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk) is also a useful resource.

Travel advice

For current information on Ethiopia the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (https://safertourism.org.uk/) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.