Historic Route, Awash, Semien Mountains and Bale Mountains NP-14 days

This morning you fly to Gondar to visit some of Ethiopia's most beautiful and well-preserved structures. The first stop is Fasil Ghebbi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has earned this city the moniker "The Camelot of Africa". This walled Royal enclosure, with its medieval castles and surrounding structures, is a fortress-city that once served as the residence of Ethiopian Emperor Fasilides and his successors. The remainder of the day will be spent touring other fascinating sights for which Gondar is famous, including King Fasil’s Bathe and the marvelously detailed Debre Birhan Sellassie church (Trinity of the Mount of Light), renown for its ceiling paintings of winged angel faces. The ceiling and wall paintings of this church depict the life, wit and humanity of Ethiopia and its inhabitants. Many of the drawings depict stories reported only to be found in the Book of Mary.

Meals–Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Overnight at Hotel

This morning head to Debark , gateway to the Simien Mountains, to pick up armed park rangers before continuing on to Buit Ras. Explore the cliff tops on the edge of the Rift Valley while looking for the endemic Gelada Baboons, the Bleeding Heart Baboon, and the famous and fabled Lammergeyer, or Bearded Vulture. Many other species of bird and mammal can be found in these mountains. The rest of the day is spent observing the area from near the lodge.  –Later that night, enjoy serene sunsets from your hilltop lodge.

Meals–Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast, drive to Chenek to look for the endemic Walia Ibex. The Simien Mountains are the only place on earth where this animal, similar to a mountain goat, is found. Hike around the escarpments to the extent your agility and comfort with steep trails allows. The scenery here is spectacular, and a lovely place to enjoy your picnic lunch.–Late in the afternoon return to Gondar for the night.

Meals–Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Hotel

After an early breakfast, head to the airport for the flight to Lalibela.  visiting the area's rock-hewn churches and enjoying the incredible views. The area is quite beautiful and is a lovely place to enjoy a walk.–Spend your afternoon touring the area's famous churches. At the end of the 12th and beginning of the 13th centuries, King Lalibela organized the construction of a series of churches hewn from pink granite, now classified as one of the ancient wonders of the world. Each church has a unique architectural style, all are superbly carved, and most of them are decorated with well-preserved paintings. The largest, Bete Medhani Alem, is 100 feet long, 70 feet wide, 35 feet high, and has walls that are up to six feet thick. –Elevation:  2,630 m

Meals–Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Hotel

Today is an early morning flight back to Addis Ababa and then onward drive to Kuriftu Debre Zeit Resort, to enjoy the local wildlife and culture at a more leisurely pace.  There are many birds found in this area of crater Rift Valley lakes.

Meals–Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Hotel

Head out early for Awash National Park.  There are over 350 species of birds found in this savannah grassland, including the Abyssinian Roller, Abyssinian Ground Horn Bill, Endemic White Tailed Swallow, Buff Created Bustard, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Pygmy Falcon, Honey Guide, Woodland Kingfisher, and many, many more!–Enjoy the vibrant and varied wildlife while exploring this gorgeous national treasure.  Even inexperienced birders will be impressed by the beauty, variety and abundance of spectacular species in this inviting habitat.  Be on the lookout for the Beisa Oryx and Swayne's hartebeest, among the 46 species of mammals recorded in the park.

Meals–Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Lodge

Today is a full-day safari looking for birds and game amidst the spectacular scenery of the Awash River Valley.–Animals such as the East African oryx, Soemmerring's gazelle, Dik-dik, the lesser and greater kudus, warthogs, Anubis baboons, Hamadryas baboons, and perhaps African wild dogs can be seen. Along the way, stop at Palm Springs to swim in the natural hot springs. Then after a long day of seeing magnificent animals and breathing crisp African air, turn in at the lodge for the night.

Meals–Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Lodge

Today head to Langano, where you will spot throngs of flamingos on the shores of Lake Ziway and Lake Abijata.  In addition to the flamingos, appreciate the hundreds of other birds that congregate around the lakes.  This is a prime bird-watching experience for the avid bird lover.

Meals–Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Lodge

After breakfast, drive to Bale Mountains National Park, location of the richest afro-alpine vegetation in Africa. Drive through the Asela fertile land, cultivated by the Oromo people, on your way to the Dinsho park headquarters.–Within the park are many endemic mammals, including Menelik's Bushbuck and the Mountain Nyala. Notable bird species include the Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Abyssinian Longclaw, Wattled Ibis, Black-headed Siskin and Rouget's Rail. –Continue to Goba for your overnight.

Meals–Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Lodge or Camping

Spend most of your day exploring this unique Muslim pilgrimage site.––Today is a visit to Sof Omar caves, a vast series of underground limestone caves carved out by the River Web. The cave is almost nine miles long and is often touted as the longest cave in Africa. Entering through one of the portals, visitors follow a walking trail that criss-crosses the river multiple times as it passes through a series of chambers. The most impressive of these cavaties is the Chamber of Columns, named after the numerous tall pillars found in it. –Named after Sheikh Sof Omar, a 12th-century Muslim leader who used them as a refuge, the caves remain an important site of pilgrimage for Ethiopian Muslims as well as to the local Oromo People.–Explore this site at your leisure and then return to the lodge.

Meals–Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Lodge or Camping

Early in the morning, drive to the Afro-alpine Sanetti Plateau, home of the endemic Simien Fox and the beautiful and rare Spot-breasted Plover.   This area is also home to the rare and endangered Ethiopian Wolf.  With some patience, and a touch of luck, you might also see the rare wattled crane.–After a full day in the area, head back for your last evening at the lodge.

Meals–Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Lodge or Camping

Early in the morning you start the drive back to Addis via the Assela plains.

Meals–Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Hotel

Your last morning is free to explore Addis on your own, doing some last minute shopping or visiting before being transferred to the airport for your homebound flight.–A dayroom at the hotel can be booked at additional expense.

Tonight you enjoy a folkloric dinner in one of the best cultural restaurants, where you can enjoy traditional Ethiopian dishes, music and dances from different regions of the country

Meals–Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Please note: This tour may precede or follow any other Ethiopian tours offered by See Ethiopia Tour.
• This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirement.

Date and Availability = All the year This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirement and itinerary can be adjusted according to your time, budget and interest. Price: , if you want quotation or any other tour information about this trip we are very happy to help. Request a quote

suit your requirement and itinerary can be adjusted

• Theflight rate will only apply if arrival into Ethiopia was done with the Ethiopian Airlines.

Trip Notes:

January and September departures are scheduled to take advantage of local festivals, Timkat,Gena  ,and Meskel respectively.

Equipped with the best vehicles and driver Guide / upon request you will be escorted by expert guides /you are immersed in the ancient history, cultures, natural habitats and spiritually of this captivating country and its people. This itinerary can easily be modified as a custom trip and if your travel dates are flexible we recommend visiting Ethiopia in conjunction with the colorful Timkat( epiphany ) and Gena( x-mass)  festivalesJanauary 19 and 7 respectively .

Price Includes

• All accommodation is based on twin sharing.
• Drinking water, up to 4 liters per person per day for 4 days .
• Foam mats while camping
• All ground transportations with fuel/ Ground transportation by a newest model air conditioned 4WD, Minibus or coaster bus /
• Four domestic flights
• Private vehicles with driver (road tax, vehicle and driver insurance, accommodation of the driver and allowance)
• The services of escort guide qualified in English during the whole voyage
• Services of local guides during site visits.
• All breakfast
• Airport Transfers
• City transfer
• All entrance fees as per the program
• Boat trip on Lake Tana
• Mule riding
• Scouts
• Government T ax

Price Excludes

• International airfare
• Any alcoholic drinks
• Single accommodation (available on request)
• Personal expense like souvenirs, laundry, etc
• Meals (Lunch and Dinner)
• Tips
• Visa expenses.
• Video or photographing fees or tips at different sites. - Any alcoholic beverages
• And any personal item expense
• Any expense which is not stated in the ‘ Included List’ above

Essential Information

Plan your trip

Getting around Ethiopia: -Because of the state of the roads, the distances involved and the quality of the alternative (flying) most short term visitors use internal flights in Ethiopia. There are reliable daily flights between most of the stops on the Northern Circuit (Addis, Gondar, Lalibella, Axum, Bahir Dar).

If you have more time, or delight in the joys of overland travel, we can provide you vehicles (4WD, minibus and coaster bus )

When to go –All year round.

Climate Ethiopia: Ethiopia is generally pleasant and warm, but varies with altitude. The long rains usually arrive mid- June to early September and the short rains between mid-February and April although this pattern has been completely erratic in recent times. After the rains, the highlands of northern Ethiopia are usually green and thus particularly scenic. The temperature all year round rarely falls below 18°C. Night-time temperatures in the mountains can be cold.The climate in Awash is referred to as a local steppe climate. There is not much rainfall in Awash all year long. The average temperature in Awash is 25.8 °C.

Accommodation details :All accommodation throughout this tour is 3-4 star  (comfortable hotels with en-suite facilities) All accommodation is based on twin sharing.

Visas: - All nationalities require a visa for Ethiopia which can be obtained before departure or on arrival (at a cost of USD50).

Upon request we arrange visas for our travellers, or if an invitation letter is necessary then we will arrange this for you.

Vaccination: -There are no mandatory vaccination requirement for this trip.

Transport: We will be using a Coaster buses , mini buses or 4WD Toyota land cruiser  depending on the condition of the road and the size of the group. The distancecovered are fairly large.

Holiday style :-This is a busy trip and requires a certain level of fitness and agility, especially due to the heat and altitude. There are several walks that are not difficult - Tississat Falls, in the Simien Mountains and Awash National park. The harder walk and mule ride in Lalibela is optional. When visiting the rock hewn churches in Lalibela clients have to walk on uneven ground and climb steps that can be slippery.

What tourism exists is quite well organized and in places you may be surprised at the standard of services and personnel. The maximum altitude reached on this trip is 3250m.

Foods :All breakfasts

Hotel meals are generally good and full of variety. Local dishes tend to be very good if you like hot, spicy food although milder versions can be requested. Local food is traditionally eaten with the hands. The sour bread known as injera is used as a scoop for the casserole dishes known as wat.

Private groups:The adventures featured in our itinerary are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organize custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. For group traveller pledge considerable discount.

Customized tours: On request, this tour can be customized for small groups.

Proceeding / additional days: It's no problem to add days before or after the expedition and we'll book these for you. If you bring more time, you could do day trips from Addis or take an extension tour

Group booking discount: If at least 5 people together book this trip, 6% discount is given.

Please remember that all See Ethiopia tour prices mean NO hidden extras, NO local payments.

arounActivity level: ★★★

You are reasonably fit, enjoy the outdoors and are looking for some exercise. Some previous experience is preferable for activity based trips.: This tour is not strenuous. Activities such as the mule ride to AshetonMaryan can be tough on the body, but visiting the church complexes, temples and sites is always done at a very easy and relaxed pace.

Budgeting: -

You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry.

Food :The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Lunch $: 8

Dinner $: 9

Drink: -The prices for drinks can vary greatly depending upon location and the prices detailed below are an average guide. In general you would expect that drinks purchased in a supermarket or local bar to be less expensive, whilst drinks in an upmarket bar or restaurant may be more expensive.

Bottle of Beer $: 1.50

Water $: 1.00

Tipping - Local Crew : Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in Ethiopia . Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your Guide may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Accordingly, you should allow US$50 for tipping of local drivers, guides, boat crew and for any miscellaneous tipping of hotel staff.

Essential equipment and Clothing

Clothing: Daytime temperatures are mainly warm and comfortable but evenings in the highlands can be cold. We recommend a thick jumper or warm fleece and lightweight wind/waterproof clothing. Take a sun hat.

Footwear: Comfortable, good walking shoes with ankle support are strongly recommended as well as comfortable sandals.

• Daypack
• Light jacket or fleece
• Good walking footwear/boots
• Walking if you normally use them
• Insect spray
• Sunhat
• Sun cream
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle
• Wet wipes
• Anti bacterial hand gel
• Torch and spare batteries

Luggage: On Tour One main piece of baggage and a daypack. Please note that there is a weight restriction of 7kg for hand luggage/daypack for international and internal flights.

Luggage allowance on tour: 20kg