5 days Exploring North Ethiopia's Rich History and Culture

Transfer to Bole airport and fly to Bahir Dar. In the morning take a boat trip on Lake Tana to explore the monasteries hidden on the shores and islands of Lake Tana. In the afternoon depart out of town to the Blue Nile Falls for an easy hike in the area. Finish the day with a lovely sunset over the lake. Accommodation: Jacaranda Hotel

Lake Tana is the biggest lake in Ethiopia, accounting for a staggering 50% of all inland water in the country. The flora and fauna found within its murky depths have led to Lake Tana's nomination as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Surrounding the lake lies one of the largest networks of wetlands in Africa. These wetlands see huge annual bird migrations, and the lake itself has large populations of Great White Pelicans. There are dozens of islands found on Lake Tana, and many are home to 14th Century monasteries complete with ancient ornaments, frescoes, and fascinating wall paintings.

After breakfast, drive north to Gondar. Explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings

Additionally, visit Fasiladas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling frescoes in Ethiopia and Kuskuam, a former palace in a partial state of ruin overlooking the ancient city of Gondar.

Depart to Debark town (100 Km from Gondar), where the head quarter of Simien Mountains National Park is found. Here we pay the entrance fees and a scout and a local guide will accompany us. Then we continue driving to Sankaber (31 Km), the first campsite of the National Park. On this drive, you will gain your first impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region, the extraordinary scenery, enjoying the endemic Gelada Baboons and the bone breaker giant bird Lammergeyer roaring around, visit and drive back to Gonder for Overnight stay.

In the morning, you will fly to Lalibela, the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. Begin to explore the 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable King Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha.

After lunch, continue to visit the Southeastern Cluster of Lalibela churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolithic in the shape of a cross, and constructed in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia after visit you will transfer to Lalibela airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. in the evening there will be farewell dinner with cultural food, traditional special buffet and local drinks to experience Ethiopia’s cultural meals and drinks. After farewell dinner, you will be transferred to the airport after a memorable experience in Ethiopia.