Itinerary
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Bah Dar 500km
Early travel to Bahr Dar by public transport. On the road you will cross the Nile Gorge with an amazing scenery. In addition, starting at the exit of Addis Ababa, you can see the major Oromo ethnicity. The way they dress, how colorful they are, their village house structure … can be visible all the way. After around 150 km, the second major Amhara ethnic group takes over all the way till your final destination. Likewise, the difference with their hair-style, their dress, their house structure …
The bus will give have a lunch break and you can enjoy the local cuisine for a 30 minute. Its better to bring some snacks in case time is limited resource.
As a reminder, keep your belongings at eye-sight all cost. Do not take valuable stuff. In addition, it is recommended to prepare a snack, as always, for a long journey by car. Plus, no need to remind you about the expected toiletries won’t be 4 start when traveling for such journey.
Day 2: Bahr Dar – Gondar 180km
After you take your breakfast at the hotel, it’s better to drive the rough 25 km rough pista road to the Nile falls. Once reached there, entrance and local guide fee will be charged at the gate.
The local guide will take you for few hours hike which includes crossing the source of White Nile by a small local canoe. Normally, the river gives 75% of its water to an electric power source. Thus, making the waterfall not that much as it used to be. However, depending on the season your traveling, you can have a fascinating experience under it.
In the afternoon, driving to the historic city “Gondar” can be arranged either using local min-buses or in a private rented vehicle. On the roads don’t forget to distinguish the different Amhara ethnics based on their clothing and their dresses.
The road serpents for about 180 km. On your way, you can see a historic Palaceon a top of a hill at a distance, called Guzara Castle. For your appetite you can refer its history.
After you settle at your hotel, have your lunch break, take a small rest. Once fit and ready to visit the city, you can visit the famous castles of emperor Fasilides, his swimming pool, where epiphany is celebrated and known for its beauty, and one of the oldest churches known as “Debre Birhane Selassie”.
Day 3: Gondar – Semien Mountains 170km – Chenek Campsite
If you’re ready for a natural mystery, please be prepared at least pack some meals or so for the adventure world of the Semien mountains the night before your departure. Take early breakfast at your hotel and set off to one of the highest mountains of Ethiopia. Around 5 to 10 km, you will pass “The Falasha’s” village, once of the ethnic groups diminishing due to their travel to Israel.
At Debark, your entry point to the park, you will be charged for local guide, entrance and accommodation fee.
Day 4: Semien Mountains – Ambiko Campsite
It’s better to efficiently use the local guide for that day because you have a long trek the next day to the second roof-top of Africa, Mount Ras Dashen. Have a good rest this night, you really need it. Don’t forget to see the abundant endemic Baboons, and other wild animals if lucky. The water tower for Ethiopia and the chain of mountains have an exquisite and memorably scenery.
It is recommended to prepare a snack, sunscreen, as always, for a long journey at such high altitude. Plus, no need to remind you about the expected toiletries won’t be 4 start when traveling for such tented camping.
Day 5: Semien Mountains – Ambiko Campsite (Ras Dashen)
Trekking will start very early, 04:30 should be up for breakfast. Trekking to Ras Dashen is very challenging, especially the route. In addition, before signing for this package, please consult your physician for any high-altitude symptoms. For further details, please contact us in advance as well.
Camping at Ambiko site for a second night will depending on groups fitness level, and time arrived at site.
Day 6: Semien Mountain – Lalibela 330km
There is no direct connection from Semien Mountains to Lalibela. However, you can take the travel to Gondar airport, fly to Lalibela, then take the drive to city. Alternatively, you can drive for a day directly, having a experience of the scenery and adding on your visit list of another Amhara ethnic group called “The Lasta & Sekota” and “The Agaw”.
At your destination, take a relaxing day off because you will have the whole next day for visit one of the holiest city of Ethiopia with its fascinating rock-hewn churches.
Day 7: Lalibela
The sound of different church will wake you early morning. Lalibela, known for its monolithic churches will inspire you on how technology was advanced during the reign of “King Lalibela. For further details, please don’t hesitate to ask the local guide you will be forced to hire at one of the main entrances of the church. You can ask for an extra package to visit another church 1.5 hours’ drive away from the city, “Yemrehana Kirstos”. You can arrange with the local guide how to visit them as per your interest.
Day 8: Lalibela – Addis Abeba (Flight) 701 Km
Finally, you will have the longest drive that will take around 12 hours. However, from Lalibela to Addis Ababa takes 2 days trip, it’s better to save the day and have a city tour the next day before your flight back.
Or, the airport is located 25km away from the city, thus, you can plan ahead for shopping and or personal visits into the city until your flight time. This is the end of you travel journey.
When to Go
Travelling in the Semien Mountain is possible at any time of year, but each season will bring with it a different experience. Many tourists choose to go between September and November when the landscape is alive with green after the rainy season. December through April is also fine hiking weather, as the sun is often out and temperatures are higher, but views tend to be a little hazy, and the landscape turns from vivid green to yellow and dry. The least popular hiking months are June, July and August when rain falls daily.
Temperatures during the day tend to be comfortably warm in all seasons but can fall below zero at night, so pack warms clothes and a good sleeping bag.
Keep In Mind
To make sure that your environmental impact is minimal, whenever you travel, don’t forget to take the following steps:
- Do not collect or damage any vegetation and do not disturb or feed wild animals;
- Remember to take all of your litter with you;
- Camp only in designated areas;
- Always use latrines where provided, or bury waste at least 100 meters away from water;
- Do not use soaps in natural waterways.
Please read carefully general terms and conditions (GTC)
PAYMENT OF THE TOUR PRICE CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN.
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