Ethiopia is one of Africa’s least explored countries and a great place to get off the beaten track and discover wonderful ancient sites and go in search of some rare animals. Explore the Simien Mountains in search of the Ethiopian wolf and walia ibex and discover some of the African goshawk, Rufous-chested sparrowhawk and white-cheeked Turaco in Goba National Park. Go scrambling through a labyrinth of tunnels at the ancient site of Lalibela and discover the 17th century castles of Gondar. This 14 day itinerary is a great mix of scenery, wildlife, historic sites and traditional cultures.
Enriching tailormade journeys – for you This bespoke journey features some of our favourite spots in Ethiopia. You can choose to take our destination experts’ recommendations and travel just as you see the itinerary here, or contact us to add your own special touches; add a trip to the "Water that Smokes" in Bahar Dar or enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant... call us for details: We’re here to design your perfect holiday. Call us on 0844 875 1890.
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Arrive into Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon have a tour of the city, including a visit to the National museum and Mount Entoto, the site for the first palace of Emperor Menelik-II and affords great views over the city.
Overnight Comfort Level Hotel
in Jupiter Hotel
Jupiter Hotel
The Jupiter Hotel is located east of the city centre. The hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms and facilities include a restaurant, bar, gym and sauna.
3
Fly to Gondar and drive to the Simien Mountains
Departing the capital, fly to Gondar, where you transfer by car to the Simien Mountains. This afternoon you can take an easy walk in search of the endemic gelada baboon.
Overnight Comfort Level Hotel
in Simien Park Hotel Included meals: Breakfast
Simien Park Hotel
Simien Park Hotel is a family-run hotel with a good restaurant and nice rooms. The hotel is also actively involved in the local community, helping to build schools and nurseries.
4
Simien Mountains National Park
Today you head out on foot to explore the pinnacles, valleys and deep gorges of this beautiful national park and try to spot some of the local wildlife such as walia ibex, the Ethiopian wolf, rock hyraxes, jackals, bushbuck and klipspringers.
Overnight Comfort Level Hotel
in Simien Park Hotel Included meals: Breakfast
5
Drive to Gondar
This morning you may choose to take a short hike to enjoy the surroundings one last time or relax by your lodge. After transferring back to Gondar you visit the town’s many palaces and castles, with their 17th century Spanish and Portuguese influences. Visit the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, one of Ethiopia’s most important churches, with its 80 Ethiopian cherubs.
Overnight Comfort Level Hotel
in Goha Hotel Included meals: Breakfast
Goha Hotel
The Goha Hotel enjoys commanding views across Gondar town and its castles and has a pleasant garden terrace, making it one of the best accommodation options here. The rooms are simple yet comfortable with en-suite facilities. The hotel has a small restaurant.
6 to 7
Fly to Lalibela
This morning you have a scenic flight to Lalibela, situated high in the Lasta Mountains it is arguably one of the most important religious and historical sites in all of Africa. The next two days are spent exploring the amazing rock-hewn churches, some carved from a single piece of granite so that their roofs are level with the ground, and others are hidden deep within caves. There are no less than 200 churches in the area and you have plenty of time to explore the early frescoes and elaborately carved walls and pillars.
Overnight Comfort Level Hotel
in Jerusalem Hotel Included meals: Breakfast
Jerusalem Hotel
The Jerusalem Hotel is set in pleasant surrounds with thatched buildings. Rooms are en-suite and each has a veranda with views of the Simien Mountains or Ashetun Mariam. There’s also a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
8
Fly to Addis Ababa and Lake Langano
Today you fly back to Addis Ababa and transfer south to the Rift Valley region. You will visit some of the Rift Valley Lakes of Ziway, Langano, Abiyatta and Shalla to spot various birds and enjoy a swim at Lake Langano.
Overnight Comfort Level Hotel
in Sabana Lodge Included meals: Breakfast
Sabana Lodge
Sabana Lodge has a dramatic setting with cliff-top bungalows offering wonderful views over the lake below. Accommodation is traditionally styled and very comfortable. By day or at sunset, take a stroll along the lake-front or around the resort’s vast grounds. Enjoy a relaxing stay in a fantastic location.
9
Drive to Bale Mountains National Park
This morning you transfer to Goba visiting the Wondogenet Forest. In the afternoon drive on to the Bale Mountains National Park.
Overnight Comfort Level Hotel
in Wabishebele Included meals: Breakfast
Wabishebele
Wabishebele offers a simple style of accommodation and is one of only a few options in the area. The property enjoys a lake side location in Goba.
10
Sanetti Plateau
Today you ascend the Bale massif onto the Sanetti Plateau, with an abundance of birdlife you may be able to see Abyssinian woodpecker, African hill babbler, broad-ringed white-eye and yellow-bellied waxbill. The plateau also has a huge population of rodents which attracts a good number of eagles, harriers and buzzards, in addition to the European timber wolf and of course the rare Ethiopian wolf. Descending from the plateau takes you through the beautiful moss-draped Afro-alpine forest.
Overnight Comfort Level Hotel
in Wabishebele Included meals: Breakfast
11
Bale Mountains National Park, drive to Awassa
This morning we visit the park headquarters in Dinsho to see mammals including mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck and Warthog before driving onto Awassa to enjoy sunset views over the lake.
Overnight Comfort Level Hotel
in Taddesse Enjori Included meals: Breakfast
Taddesse Enjori
Taddesse Enjori is a centrally located property offering spacious and comfortable rooms. The hotel has WiFi, a fitness centre and spa facility including sauna.
12
Drive to Addis Ababa
After breakfast you have the opportunity to visit the fish market in Lake Awassa before continuing your journey to Addis Ababa.
Overnight Comfort Level Hotel
in Jupiter Hotel Included meals: Breakfast
13
Afternoon city tour, fly to UK
This morning has been left free for you to relax or do some last minute souvenir shopping. This afternoon you have a city tour taking in Ethnological Museum which gives a good overview of the history, culture and traditions of Ethiopian tribal groups, and a visit to Merkato a huge open-air market where people from all over th country sell their goods. This evening you have an included meal a traditional Ethiopian restaurant before departing Addis Ababa on your flight to the UK
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