My trip [to Ethiopia] was very good, but it was hard as any trip to Africa can be. I was with a group of 12 (2 NZ, 9 UK and me) with an Ethiopian guide and had my own room. Saw and did lots. Climbed mountains, rode mules, drove over very long rough roads, saw monasteries that were 1000 years old, and ancient sites that were 2000 years old. One day we were on the road (or semi-road) for 14 hours. It was a killer. Overall the itinerary was very good but pretty intense. Much of the trip was at altitude and in the Simien Mountains I felt it. Addis is a huge city with no plan and no real centre. A bit of a hassle to get around and unpicturesque, so not much point to walk around. Much of the country is very poor. Every inch is planted on terraced hills, so food is abundant and wildflowers are blooming.
Chris - Toronto, ON
Ethiopia Explored
Small Group Holiday
13
CA$
days from
5225
Ethiopia is home to one of the oldest Christian cultures in the world - witness the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the churches of Tigray province and the monasteries of Lake Tana. In addition, Axum was once one of the foremost civilizations of the ancient world, while Gondar has castles rivaling those of medieval Europe. Then there are the stunning Simien Mountains and the Blue Nile Falls. This is a tour for people who want to travel to a country in Africa which despite its rapid development still feels like you are stepping back into history.
Activity / Theme
Country
Culture
Ethiopia
Comfort Level
Physical Rating
Basic / Moderate
Leisurely / Moderate
Transportation
Accommodation
Private bus, internal flights
Simply furnished hotels, most with en-suite facilities. Water can be cold or even absent
Months of Operation
January, April, September, October, November, December
Adventure Coordinators Insider Tip:
On my visit to Ethiopia I got up early one morning to join the crowds going to church. It was dark, the people were dressed in white and the scene lit by lanterns. It was a magical experience.
Itinerary
DAY 1 Tour Addis Ababa
DAY 2 Fly Bahar Dar, free time
DAY 3 Lake Tana monestaries
DAY 4 Travel to Gondar, tour castles
DAY 5 To Simien Mountains, hike
DAY 6 Travel to Axum
DAY 7 Visit ancient Axum
DAY 8 Yeha Temple, through Tigray to Wukro.
DAY 9 Wukro's rock-hewn churches, to Mekele
DAY 10 Through mountains to Lalibela
DAY 11 Lalibela's monolythic churches
DAY 12 Mule trek St Mary's church
DAY 13 Fly Addis Ababa, tour ends
Inclusions
All breakfasts
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Sample tour. Itinerary, accommodation, transportation, inclusions and prices are correct at the time of publication but may change without prior notice. Please inquire.
© Adventure Coordinators