Images of Ethiopia

Day 1-

This evening depart London Heathrow on your overnight Ethiopian Airlines flight to Addis Ababa (6 hours 50 minutes).

Day 2-

This morning arrive in Addis Ababa where you will be met on arrival by your guide and taken direct to the Hilton Addis Hotel (standard room). The remainder of your morning has been left at leisure giving you the opportunity to freshen up after your journey. After lunch your guide will take you on a tour of Addis Ababa, visit the National Museum which comprises of many archaeological and historical finding including the famous complete hominid fossil remain of ‘Lucy’ locally know as ‘Dinknesh’ meaning wonderful. This visit to the museum offers a firm foundation for your journey ahead. Continue to Mount Entoto which is the highest peak in Addis with an altitude of 3200 meters and was the site of the first palace of Emperor Menelik-II, the founder of Addis Ababa. Mount Entoto is home to St.Mary church where Emperor Menelik-II was crowned. From here you will also get staggering view of Addis Ababa and the surrounding volcanic plains. Return to the Hilton Addis Hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 3-

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your Ethiopian Airline flight to Bahir Dar. Upon your arrival you will be taken directly to Kuriftu Resort and Spa, where you will stay in a standard room. After check-in we head straight out for an excursion to the Blue Nile Falls. Along the banks of the Blue Nile it is also possibility that you may see hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun or wallowing in the waters. After lunch there is a private boat awaiting us for a cruise on Lake Tana with our end destination being the Zege Peninsula which is home to the famous monasteries. Whilst on board keep an eye out for a variety of bird species and the traditional tankwa (reed boats) crossing the lake. After a short hike through local villages and hilly surrounds we reach the monastery of Ura Kidane which houses an important collection of crosses and crowns dating back to the 16th Century. From the exterior the monasteries look like traditional round mud houses however upon entering you are met by an array beautiful and vivid paintings. The painted maqdas, colourful and well-preserved tell stories of the Ethiopian saints. Whilst on the island we will visit the small and pleasant monastery of Azwa Maryam which is surrounded by gardens and offers a different perspective. This afternoon we cruise leisurely back across Lake Tana to our hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 4-

After breakfast we depart for the three hour drive north to Gondar. We pass rural villages, cross mountain passes with stunning vistas and get our first glimpse of the impressive castles of Gondar. Often called Africa’s Camelot, Gondar isn’t far off the mark. With the castles of the Royal Enclosure, ornate churches and resplendent bathing pools, it’s easy to imagine Gondar in all of its glory as the capital of Ethiopia in the mid 1600s. King Fasiledes named Gondar capital in 1636 and by his death in 1667, Gondar’s population had reached 65,000 and its wealth and beauty was well known throughout the land. Spend the day exploring the Royal Enclosure and its buildings, the nearby bath of King Fasiledes (where modern-day Timkat ceremonies are performed) and the Debre Birhan Silasse Church with its 80 Ethiopian cherubs. After touring Gondar, return to the Goha Hotel in time to watch sunset from their amazing viewpoint.

Day 5-

Depart Gondar early this morning for the Simien Mountains. The Simien Mountains not only offer amazing scenery, but the area is also home to several of Ethiopia’s endemic species—the walia ibex, the common gelada baboon (bleeding heart baboon), and the rare Ethiopian wolf. Other mammals include rock hyraxes, jackals, bushbuck and klipspringers. Along with the wildlife of the Simien Mountains the scenery is also staggering, Ras Dashen is the fourth highest peak in Africa and spikes high into the sky reaching above 4000 metres. Upon arrival check in to Africa’s highest hotel the Simien Eco-Lodge before enjoying a late afternoon walk around the lodge to spot the endemic Gelada baboon.

Day 6-

After breakfast head out on a day hike with picnic lunch. Depart the lodge for Chenek where it’s possible to spot the endemic Walia Ibex. The landscape in the area is remarkably picturesque with panoramic vistas overlooking the deep gorges of the Escarpment. The excursion today will allow us to explore the pinnacles, valleys and wildlife of this stunning region. The beauty of the ranges can be discovered by following century old footpaths, and don't forget to look out for the Gelada Baboons who reside here amidst the local pasture lands.

Day 7-

After a short hike or relaxed morning enjoying the views, we return to Gondar visiting the Falasha village. The Falasha are a Jewish community who can trace their ancestry back to 5th Centry BC to the days of biblical King Soloman. The community open their doors to you and give you an insight of how they live in such harsh conditions and demonstrate how to make their traditional Injara (local leaven flat bread). Reach Gondar this afternoon were the remainder of your day is at leisure. Overnight at Goha Hotel in a standard room.

Day 8-

After breakfast transfer to the airport for our flight to Axum. This simple frontier town is in fact a city of great importance as the ancient capital of Ethiopia. According to local legend, Axum was home to the Queen of Sheba and the current resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. As we explore Axum, and its ancient relics, our sense of adventure and imagination guides us through this mysterious and historic place. On arrival, we get our first glimpse of the history of this area with a city tour that includes the Archaeological museum of Axum and the Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion. The original church was built by Emperor Fasiladas, founder of Gondor, in 1665. It’s thought that this church is build on the original foundations of a temple build by King Ezana or King Kaleb in the 4th or 6th centuries, making this the oldest Christian site in Africa. Keep your eye out for the guarded chapel, which is said to be the home of the Ark of the Covenant. The modern St. Mary’s of Zion cathedral dates from the 1960s when Emperor Haile Selassie had it built. In the afternoon, visit the famous ‘Stele field’ (4th Century AD) and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruined palace and tomb of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel (5th and 6th Century AD) and the residence of the legendary Queen of Sheba (9th century BC). Evening at leisure at Yeha Hotel (standard room) which overlooks the Stele field and churches below.

Day 9-

Rise early for the short Ethiopian Airlines flight over the amazing rust coloured canyons and high peaks to Lalibela.  The small town of Lalibela is situated high in the Lasta Mountains at over 2591 metres in elevation. Lalibela is arguably one of the most important religious and historical sites in all of Africa. The churches are said to have been constructed during King Lalibela’s reign during the 12th and 13th centuries when Lalibela (then known as Roha) was the capital of the Zagwe dynasty. Many different theories exist on how they were built and by whom, including angels and the Knights Templar’s.  After checking in to Mountain View Hotel where we stay for 2 nights, visit the first group of the churches which represent the earthly Jerusalem. This group includes Bete Medhanialem (Saviour church), Bete Miriam, Bete Denagel, Bete Meskal, Debra Sina, and Bete Golgotha. Standing 12 metres tall with seventy-two pillars, Medhane Alem is not only the largest in Lalibela, but it is the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world. The oldest of the churches, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Bet Maryam is the only Lalibela monolith with a porch. The remains of exquisite early frescoes can be seen on the ceiling and upper walls, and there are many elaborately carved details on the piers, capitals, and arches. Bet Golgotha houses remarkable reliefs of figures, early Christian art rarely seen in other parts of Ethiopia. Evening at leisure.

Day 10-

This morning rise early and enjoy an excursion out of town to Asheten Mariam. The church at Asheten Mariam is set high upon a mountain top overlooking Lalibela and is reached by mule or if preferred you can walk. The mountain views are impressive and it’s easy to understand why the priests at this church believe they are the “closest to God.” In the afternoon, visit the Second group of the churches in Lalibela centre representing the heavenly Jerusalem. In this group are the Bete Gabriel & Raphael, Bete Merquorios, Bete Emmanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos Finally, visit the most interesting cross-shaped church of Bete Giorgis (St. George), which is said to be the symbolisation of Noah’s ark. The cruciform-shape of Bete Giorgis is magnificent and its interior is dominated by depictions of Saint George killing the dragon. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 11-

In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for your Ethiopian Airlines flight to Addis. On arrival you will met and taken to the Merkato, which is the largest open air market in East Africa. Bales have booked a day room at a local hotel where there is an opportunity to relax and freshen up. This evening there is a farewell dinner at one of the best traditional restaurants of Addis to see the folkloric dancers of the Ethiopian people and to taste the variety of meals of the Ethiopian people. After dinner you will be transferred directly to Addis Ababa international airport for your Ethiopian Airlines flight to London Heathrow.

Day 12-

Arrive at London Heathrow this morning

Hilton Hotel Addis Ababa

The Hilton Hotel is centrally located with 390 rooms and is surrounded by 15 acres of landscaped gardens. Each guestroom features ensuite facilities, direct dial telephone, and cable television. The hotel has five restaurants, a bar, cocktail lounge plus an extensive range of leisure facilities including a swimming pool & health club.

Kuriftu Resort and Spa

This Lakeside resort boasts 28 guest rooms in individual bungalows facing either the expanse of Lake Tana or set among some of the loveliest tropical gardens.  All the en-suite rooms are furnished in traditional Ethiopian style and include flatscreen TV with 15 channels, telephone and minibar.  The main areas include a reception, bar / lounge area, swimming pool, restaurant, extensive outdoor seating and spa.

Goha Hotel

The Goha Hotel is located on a hill overlooking the city with excellent views. All 64 rooms are well appointed and comfortable. The hotel has a good restaurant and a pleasant terrace where drinks and sometimes meals can be taken.

Simien Ecolodge

You will find the Simien Ecolodge in a fabulous location amongst the crags and peaks of the high Simien Mountains.  The twenty main rooms are spread out along  a ridge with spectacular views, each with under floor solar heating and a private bathroom. The beds all have duvets and extra blankets are provided for the cold nights.The restaurant serving both Ethiopian and European food, is spacious with a log fire centre piece.

Yeha Hotel

The Yeha Hotel in Axum was opened in 1994 and has impressive views over looking the stelae and the Queen of Shebas bathing place. Accommodation is comfortable but basic and comprises of 3 suites and 60 twin bedded rooms all with bath and shower, satellite TV and telephone. There is a restaurant and bar with terrace.

Mountain View Hotel

Mountain View Hotel is situated just outside Lalibela at an altitude of 2,680 metres at the edge of the Lasta Mountain chain. It has wonderful panoramic views of the mountain range and is an excellent place from which to view the sunset. The hotel rooms are clean and modern with fabulous views but the most spectacular views are from the roof terrace where you can enjoy a drink and take in the wonderful surroundings.

Ethiopian Airlines - Business Class

Cost: from £ 955

Ethiopian Airlines Business Class