Historical Ethiopia

Day 1

Enat Tours will greet you at Bole International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a half- or full-day city tour of Addis Ababa. Highlights include the National Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Trinity Cathedral, the bustling Mercato (Africa’s largest open-air market), and scenic Entoto Hills for panoramic views of the capital.

Ethnographic Museum—an insightful overview of Ethiopia’s diverse cultures.

Day 2

After breakfast, depart north toward Debre Markos. En route, explore Debre Libanos Monastery and Ras Darge’s bridge. Continue through the scenic Blue Nile Gorge and arrive in Debre Markos in the late afternoon.

Day 3

Enjoy a half-day drive to Bahir Dar. In the afternoon, explore the lively local market and cap off your day with sunset views from Bezawit Hill overlooking Lake Tana and the Blue Nile.

Day 4

Take a full-day boat trip on Lake Tana. Visit Zeghe Peninsula’s Uhre Kidane Mehret Church and other forest-hidden monasteries. Along the way, spot endemic birds and perhaps hippos near the river source. Later, explore Kibran Gabriel Island (men only) before returning to Bahir Dar.

Day 5

Drive to Tissisat village and hike to the Blue Nile Falls, crossing the ancient Portuguese Bridge and returning by boat. After lunch in Bahir Dar, continue to Gondar for overnight.

Day 6

Visit Gondar’s Royal Enclosure, Fasilidas’ Bath, and Debre Birhan Selassie Church with its famous angel frescoes. In the afternoon, travel toward the Simien Mountains and enjoy sunset views on arrival.

Sunrise over Simien—breathtaking mountain scenery at day’s start.

Day 7

Spend a full day exploring Simien Mountains National Park. Choose your activity level: scenic drives or hikes to spot gelada baboons, walia ibex, and (rarely) the Ethiopian wolf. Tailor your trek based on fitness and interest.

Day 8

A long but rewarding drive takes you from Simien Mountains to Axum. Travel the dramatic Lima Limo Road, descending and climbing through mountains and river gorges, including the Tekeze River Valley.

Day 9

Explore the ancient capital of Axum—home to the Queen of Sheba and legends of the Ark of the Covenant. Visit the towering stelae fields, Ezana inscriptions, and Maryam Tsion Church (old church not open to women).

Day 10

Journey through the spectacular landscapes of Tigray. Stop at Yeha Temple—the oldest structure in Ethiopia—and optionally hike to Debre Damo Monastery (men only). Continue to Gheralta Lodge for overnight.

Day 11

En route to Mekele, visit one or more of Tigray’s rock-hewn churches. Some are easy to access, while others require challenging hikes. Choose based on your time and comfort level. Overnight in Mekele.

Day 12

Today’s long but scenic journey brings you to Lalibela—the crown jewel of Ethiopia’s historical circuit. En route, you may visit Yemrehane Kristos Church if time allows.

Day 13

Spend the day exploring the stunning 12th-century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, often called the “New Jerusalem.” Optional excursions include Asheton Maryam Church, hiking excursions, or the local Saturday market.

Day 14

Continue exploring Lalibela at your own pace. Options include hidden monasteries, cultural walks, local kitchen experiences, or a traditional coffee ceremony with a local family.

Day 15

Depart Lalibela and drive to Kombolcha, traveling through beautiful highlands and local communities. (If arriving on Sunday, consider staying for the Bati Market on Monday.)

Day 16

Drive southeast toward Awash National Park via the Afar lowlands and Yangudi Rassa National Park—home to one of Africa’s last populations of wild ass. Enjoy desert and savannah scenery along the way.

Day 17

Explore Awash National Park through game drives and walks. You may encounter oryx, gazelles, warthogs, baboons, and over 400 bird species. Visit the dramatic Awash Falls and hot springs if time allows.

Day 18

Leave the Rift Valley plains behind and head east toward the ancient walled city of Harar. Travel through fertile highlands famous for their coffee and qat. Arrive late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Day 19

Wander through Harar’s maze-like alleys and visit its shrines, mosques, and vibrant markets. In the evening, meet the Hyena Man and watch as he feeds wild hyenas just outside the city gates—a unique cultural encounter.

The Hyena Man—Harar’s wild and legendary feeding ritual.

Day 20

Drive back to Addis Ababa (510 km). Relax with a hotel day room and enjoy a farewell cultural dinner featuring traditional music and regional cuisine. After dinner, transfer to the airport for your onward flight or departure home.