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

Take an early morning breakfast and prepare yourself for a boat ride to one of the religious islands in Bahr Dar. Some entrance fees might be charged at the island or may be included depending on the package. Inside the monasteries, you will be introduced to the historical background and see some relics dating few hundred years back. After you enjoy the boat ride, you can taste the city cuisine for lunch and have a small nap at your hotel. In the afternoon, 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.

Day 3: Bahr Dar – Gondar 180km

After you take your breakfast at the hotel, 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 one historic Palace on 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 4: Gondar – Semien Mountains 170km

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 maybe accommodation fee. You can choose the accommodation either public dorms of the park, or you can camp, or you can lodge at Semien Lodge. It’s better to efficiently use the local guide for that day because you have a long drive the next day to Lalibela. 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, 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 5: 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. 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 6: 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 7: Lalibela – Addis Abeba (Flight) 701 Km

This is the end of you travel journey. 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.

END OF YOUR TOUR “Ethiopia – the best place to be…” explore it with ETHIODER TOUR AND TRAVEL.