Discover Ethiopia

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Our Discover Ethiopia itinerary explores the north of the country, taking in Ethiopia’s fascinating historical and religious sites. We start with the monasteries of Lake Tana and the spectacular Blue Nile Falls, before heading to the UNESCO recognised palaces and castles of Gondar. We travel onward throughthe breath-takinglandscapes in the Simien Mountain with the chance to spot some of the country’s endemic wildlife, such as the Gelada Baboon and the Walia Ibex.

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All about the Discover Ethiopia.

Next we visit the ancient city of Axum and legendarily home of the Queen of Sheba and final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant

Finally, we visit the unique12th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, arguably the highlight of the trip and something not to be missed. Feast your eyes on the incredible views over the surrounding valleys and hills as you watch the sunset from the magical Ben Abeba restaurant.

Highlights
• 12th century Rock hewn churches of Lalibela
• Ancient castles& Palaces of Gondar
• Dramatic Simien Mountains
• Spectacular Blue Nile Falls

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

Airport transfer

Arrival and departure transfers are included, whether you book flights yourself, or we book them for you.

Accommodation

Accommodation as listed in the itinerary. Should we need to change hotels, but we will endeavour to keep the same standard. However hotel standards may not be the same as you’re used to elsewhere.

Guides

You will be escorted throughout by an English speaking guide. You will also have local English speaking guides.

Meals

As listed within the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner).

Entrance Fees

All entrance fees

Water

A bottle of mineral water every day

 

What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.

Visa’s

Guests are responsible for arranging their own visa. We would recommend that you obtain your visa in advance of your trip using the evisa service.

International flights

We don’t include international flights in the cost of our tours

Insurance

It is important that you have insurance in place prior to arriving in country.

Tips

 

Guide and porterage tips, also local payments for photography

 

  1. Day 1 - Addis Ababa L/D On arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After lunch a city tour will take you to the National Archaeological Museum, to view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, discovered in 1974, Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Drive to the top of Mount Entoto, which rises to an altitude of 10,500 feet for a panoramic view of the metropolis before making your way back to your hotel. Overnight at Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel or similar.

    Addis Ababa
    The Ethiopian capital is situated on the southern slopes of central Ethiopia’s Entoto Hills and is the world’s fourth highest capital city with altitudes of 2,350m to more than 2,600m. The city was founded in the 19th century by Emperor Menelik II.
    Addis Ababa ”new flower”) or Addis Abeba, also known as Finfinne (”natural spring”), is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia.
    As a chartered city, Addis Ababa also serves as the capital city of Oromia. It is where the African Union is headquartered and where its predecessor the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was based. It also hosts the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as well as various other continental and international organizations. Addis Ababa is therefore often referred to as ”the political capital of Africa” for its historical, diplomatic and political significance for the continent. The city lies a few miles west of the East African Rift which splits Ethiopia into two, through the Nubian Plate and the Somali Plate. The city is populated by people from different regions of Ethiopia.

  2. Day 2 - Bahir Dar B/L/D After breakfast transfer to the airport for your early flight to Bahir Dar. On arrival continue to TissAbay to visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls. After lunch board a boat for a cruise across Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake, and source of the Blue Nile, to visit two of the most accessible monasteries Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam. Keep an eye open for white pelicans. Visit the market in Bahir Dar, where you can see colourful woven clothing, basketry, cereals, spices and other local goods. Climb up to Bezawit, the palace of Haile Selassie which lies on a hill 5km outside of Bahir Dar. The panoramic views of the Blue Nile River, Lake Tana and the town are beautiful. Check into your hotel on the shores of the lake. Overnight at Blue Nile Avanti or similar.

    Bahir Dar
    The town of Bahir Dar is located in the north of Ethiopia, 180km south of Gondar on the shores of Lake Tana. It came into prominence in the 18th century as a commercial destination for trade caravans to and from Gondar and the surrounding area. Today, it is one of the most attractive towns in Ethiopia and serves as a celebrated tourist destination. It hosts the fabled Blue Nile falls, the beautiful highland Lake Tana and 14th-century island monastic churches.
    The Blue Nile flows generally south from Lake Tana and then west across Ethiopia and northwest into Sudan. Within 30 km (18.6 mi) of its source at Lake Tana, the river enters a canyon about 400 km long. This gorge is a tremendous obstacle for travel and communication from the north half of Ethiopia to the southern half. The power of the Blue Nile may best be appreciated at Tis Issat Falls, which are 45 m (148 ft) high, located about 40 km (25 miles) downstream of Lake Tana.

  3. Day 3 - Gondar B/L/D After breakfast board a cruise vessel on Lake Tana to visit the ancient monasteries. Visit three monasteries on Lake Tana. Both men and women can visit the first monastery, Ura Kidane Mihret. Near Ura Kidane Mihret is a traditional house museum that we will visit, along with two island monasteries, Kibran Gabriel and EntosEyesus. Kibran Gabriel can only be visited by men, so while the men are visiting that one, the women will visit the neighboring EntosEyesus. Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient Imperial city, traveling through a fertile landscape of wide-open fields; a perfect African tableau punctuated by undulating hillsides and valleys. Overnight Hotel Goha or similar

    Lake Tana
    Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia Covering more than 3,600 square kilometers, with an average depth of 15m. In the lake there are 37, 31 of them have monasteries and churches are believed to have been built over earlier religious sites. They include the fourteenth-century Debre Maryam, and the eighteenth-century Narga Selassie, Tana Qirqos (said to have housed the Ark of the Covenant before it was moved to Axum), and Ura Kidane Mehret, known for its regalia.
    Some Lake Tana monasteries are only accessible to men; very disappointing to women. However, not to despair, some beautiful ones are open to all. Daily excursions are organized out of Bahir Dar to two churches (Betre Maryam on the Zege peninsula and one on Dek Island) where both sexes are welcome to the inner and outer ambulatories and the treasure rooms. In those treasuries are many ancient manuscripts and precious pieces of religious art as well as royal jewelry and other representative objects.
    The Lake was formed about 5 million years ago when lava blocked the about 60 streams and rivers of which ,Megech, Gumara, Rib Rivers and GilgelAbbay (Little Nile River)are the main tributaries. The latter, is attributed to be the source of the Blue Nile (Abbay River), the longest of the lake’s tributaries, as it drains Mount Amedamit, south of the lake. Over the last few centuries the lake’s water level has fallen about 2m but is now regulated with a control dam where it discharges into the Blue Nile and falls over the Blue Nile Falls, some 40km down stream.
    Since there are no upstream waters that link the lake to other waterways, the lake became ecologically isolated when it was obstructed, causing the evolution of the fish fauna of the lake and its tributaries to go its own independent way. As a result. 19 species of endemic fish, live in the lake, the larger of which (Barbs) are offered in restaurants in Bahir Dar. As fish stocks are still more or less ok, there is no conservation objection eating those fishes. According to the Ethiopian Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, 1,454 tonnes of fish are landed each year at Bahir Dar.
    Among the mammals, the Hippo is the most eye-catching species, often seen in the wetlands of the discharge into the Blue Nile River. Obviously, numerous wetland birds, such as the great white pelican and African darter, reside at Lake Tana. It is also an important wintering ground for many Palearctic migrant waterbirds. There are no crocodiles, but the African softshell turtle has been recorded near the Blue Nile outflow from the lake. There are fifteen species of molluscs, including one endemic as well as an endemic freshwater sponge.
    Ruins of the cathedral of Emperor Susneyos stand on a precipice overlooking Lake Tana. Intricate murals adorn the walls of many of Lake Tana’s ancient Churches and monasteries.

  4. Day 4 - Gondar B/L/D Gondar is the former imperial capital, founded in the 17th century by Emperor Fassiledes. Fassiledes and the five emperors after him each built their own respective palaces and churches, giving rise to Gondar’s nickname; “Camelot of Africa”. Visit the royal enclosure containing six castles, a complex network of connecting tunnels and raised walkways. Proceed to the fascinating Debre Berhan Selassie Church, whose walls and ceiling are decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history. Overnight Goha Hotel or similar.

    Gondar, once the Ethiopian capital, was home to a number of emperors and warlords, courtiers and kings. The graceful city of Gonder, founded by Emperor Fasilidas, become the capital of the Ethiopian empire around 1635. This settlement, which became Fasilidas principal headquarters, grew into an important town, and remained Ethiopia’s capital, and most popular city, for over two centuries.
    The oldest of Gondar’s many imperial structures is the impressive 17th century palace of Emperor Fasilidas. Many other fascinating historical buildings and relics can be seen in the area. Gaze down from the balconies of the many castles and palaces to imagine the intrigue and pageantry that took place back in the 17th and 18th centuries of this great city.
    Fasilidas endowed his capital with a sizeable palace, known as the Fasil Gemb, or Fasil building. It was larger and more impressive than any structure in Ethiopia up to that time. Fasilidas, who reputedly constructed many other buildings and bridges in the city, was succeeded by his son, Emperor Yohannes (1667-1682), and later by his grandson, Iyasu1 (1682-1706), both of whom built more palaces in the vicinity of Fasil Gemb. Iyasu’s most lasting achievement was the church of Debre Berhan Selassie, the light of the Trinity, which stands, surrounded by a high wall. The interior is marvelously painted with great scenes from religious history.
    Apart from the famous castle in the royal compound, visitors should visit the so-called bathing palace of the Emperor. This two storey crenellated stone structure has a flat roof and two wooden balconies. It is set the middle of a large rectangular bath, reminiscent of a modern swimming-pool, which was traditionally filled with water brought by pipe from the nearby Qaha River. It was intended for the Timket Celebrations which commemorated the Baptism of Christ-a use to which the bath is put to this day.
    The reigns of the first three Gondarie rulers thus witnessed a steady expansion of the city, in the course of which an imperial quarter came into existence.
    Gondar is a town of fairy-tale medieval castles and is noted for the design and decoration of its churches, masterpieces, which were constructed from stone in the form of crenellated castles, are of a significant distinctive design.
    Flanked by twin mountain streams Gondar retains an atmosphere of antique charm mingled with an aura of mystery. The city was once a vigorous and vital centre of religious learning and art. Painting and music, dance and poetry, together with skilled instructions in these and many other disciplines, thrived for more than two hundred years. Fasilidas and his successors saw their elegant capital as a renaissance of Ethiopian culture and so patronized the arts.
    It is also worth visiting the ruins of the palace and abbey of the redoubtable 18th century Empress Mentewab at Quesquam overlooking Gondar. The royal compound, like that at Gondar proper, contains a number of buildings. The largest was apparently used for receptions and served as headquarters of the garrison.
    The palace compound was surrounded by a ’high outer-wall;’ which was about a mile in circumference, with outer precincts all occupied by soldiers, labourers and out-doors servants. Quesquam is wonderful and historic place.
    Outside the palace compound, a second important building constructed during Iyasu’s reign is the church of Debre Birhan Selassie (or light of Trinity), which stands on raised ground to the north west of the city. This is the finest of the Gondarine churches, with its ceiling decorated with many winged angels.
    In the old days it was surmounted by a gold cross, which is now gone. However, original walls painted from top to bottom with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history is well preserved. Because of its extensive population, and the considerable patronage offered by both state and church, Gondar emerged as a major handicraft centre. Many of the city’s principal artisans come from minority groups. Falasha (Jewish) craftsmen include blacksmiths, weavers and masons, and their womenfolk are potters. Muslim craftsmen are mainly weavers and tent¬makers, some of whom also served as tent carriers and carpenters.

  5. Day 5 - Simien Mountains B/L/D Travel 60 miles to the principal mountain massifs of Africa, the Simien Mountains. On arrival at the headquarters of Simien Mountains National Park, meet our trekking scout and guide and transfer to the Simien Lodge. This afternoon enjoy a three to four hour relaxing trek to explore the beauty of this mountain range, which includes several plateaus separated by broad river valleys and a number of peaks that rise above 13,000 feet. The sights are impressive and an excellent chance to see herds of Ethiopian Baboons. Overnight Simien Lodge or similar.

    GELADA BABOON
    The Gelada, unlike the exclusive Walia Ibex is not in fact peculiar to the Semyen, but they are more numerous here than in their other habitats Some live at Debre Sina not far from Addis Ababa and others at Debre Libanos on the way to the Blue Nile. There are also small populations in the Mulu and Bole Valley gorges, but in the Semyen there may be as many as 20,000, and troops of 400 together may be seen.
    They do not attack humans and, more surprisingly, the local people do not attack them. They are therefore very tame and will allow humans to approach quite close to the troop before moving nearer to the cliff edge. The Gelada was discovered in 1835 by the explorer Ruppell, who named them by the local name used by the inhabitants of Gonder region where he first observed them.
    They are not difficult to study as they are very tame, however, little interest was shown in them until recently, when Patsy and Robin Dunbar made an exhaustive study of their social behaviour. The social behaviour of the apes and monkeys is evidence of a very high degree of intelligence and studies of their rudimentary social structures are proving of considerable value in analysing the origins of human social behaviour.

  6. Day 6 - Simien Mountains B/L/D Enjoy a full day visit in the Simien Mountains National Park. In the morning we hike from Sankaber campsite to the Jinbar waterfalls before driving as far as Chenek campsite for a picnic lunch followed by a short excursion in search of the Walia Ibex and Ethiopian wolf. Return to your lodge for the evening. Overnight Simien Lodge or similar.

    WALIA IBEX
    High Semen, Ethiopia’s dramatic high mountain terrain is the habitat of the Walia Ibex . In the earth’s long history of violent geographical change, the most recent volcanic upheavals took place in eastern Africa. Followed by torrential rains that created the thousand gushing waterfalls which in turn eroded away the newly formed mountain massif, creating the great gorges and gulleys which are so typical of the region. South west of Axum the land descends gradually southwards toward the Takazze river. At the lip of the gorge at about 1,400 metres (4,600 ft.) one can look across the chasm to a similar plateau beyond. On top of this plateau, adorned with steep turrets and bastions rising in three distinct steps, is perched the north wall of the Semyen.
    The mountain massif is a broad plateau, cut off on the north and west by this enormous single crag over 60 kms. (40 miles) long and 1,000-1,500 metres (3000-5000 ft.) high. To the south the table and slopes gently down to 2,200 metres (7,000 ft.) divided by deep gorges 1,000 metres deep and taking two days to cross. Time has not yet been sufficient to soften the contours of the crags and buttresses of hardened basalt. As far as the eye can see looking north from the escarpment, the fused volcanic cores stand starkly defying the elements. Overhead stretches the vast dome of a sky of the deepest blue, which spreads downwards as clear as sapphire to the mauve of the horizon. In this scenic splendour, lives the Walia Ibex; here and nowhere else in the world. Forced by Man to retreat, and to retreat again, it has been driven in its extremity to inhabit the most inaccessible (except to a bird or a Walia), cliffs of the Semyen escarpment. The Walia once existed in significant numbers probably several thousands in the highland massif, feeding on the cliff faces and coming up to roam the plateau at rutting time. Large herds wandered unmolested on these chilly heights.

  7. Day 7 - Axum B/L/D Drive 175 miles through the mountain range offering extraordinary scenery of the Simiens as we descend towards the Tekeze Gorge. This scenic drive takes us from a height of 10,200 feet to 4,600 feet. Drive through small villages dotted between the mountain massifs, where people somehow eke out an existence in this unforgiving countryside. Drive through the Tekeze valley into Axum. Overnight AtranosFantansy or similar

    Tekeze Valley
    The Tekeze River originally meaning (”river”) also spelled Takkaze, is a major river of Ethiopia. For part of its course it forms a section the westernmost border of Ethiopia and Eritrea. The river is also known as the Setit in Eritrea, western Ethiopia, and eastern Sudan. According to materials published by the Ethiopian Central Statistical Agency, the Tekezé River is 608 kilometers (378 mi) long. The canyon which it has created is the deepest in Africa and one of the deepest in the world, at some points having a depth of over 2000 meters (6,562 feet).

  8. Day 8 - Axum B/L/D This is the heart of ancient Ethiopia, the capital of the Kingdom of Axum which was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include monolithic steles or obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and King GebreMeskal, the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of her ancient palace. Also visit the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Tsion (Zion) and the sanctuary that houses the original Arc of the Covenant. The older of the two cathedrals, built in the 16th century, is believed to be built on the ruins of an earlier 4th century church, and is the holiest site in Ethiopia. Overnight AtranosFantansy Hotel or similar.

    Axum
    The kingdom of Aksum, the first verifiable kingdom of great power to rise in Ethiopia, immerge during the first century AD. The Persian religious figure Mani listed Axum with Rome, Persia, and China as one of the four great powers of his time. It was in the early 4th century that a Syro-Greek castaway, Frumentius, was taken to the court and eventually converted king Ezana to Christianity, thereby making it an official religion. For this accomplishment, he received the title ”Abba Selama”. At various times, including a period in the 6th century, Axum controlled most of modern-day Yemen just across the Red Sea.
    The Aksumite Empire or Axumite Empire (sometimes called the Kingdom of Aksum or Axum), was an important trading nation in north eastern Africa, growing from the proto-Aksumite period ca. 4th century BC to achieve prominence by the 1st century AD. It was a major player in the commerce between the Roman Empire and Ancient India and the Aksumite rulers facilitated trade by minting their own currency. The state established its hegemony over the declining Kingdom of Kush and regularly entered the politics of the kingdoms on the Arabian Peninsula, and would eventually extend its rule over the region with the conquest of the Himyarite Kingdom.
    Under Ezana Aksum became the first major empire to convert to Christianity and was named by Mani as one of the four great powers of his time along with Persia, Rome, and China. In the 7th century the Muslims who originally converged in Mecca, sought refuge from Quraysh persecution by travelling to Aksum which is known in Islamic history as the First Hijra. Its ancient capital is found in northern Ethiopia. The Kingdom used the name ”Ethiopia” as early as the 4th century. It is also the alleged resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.

  9. Day 9 - Gheralta Range B/L/D Visit the historical town of Adwa in which a decisive 1896 battle the Ethiopian army commanded by Emperor Menelik II defeated the Italians, dashing any hope they had to colonise Ethiopia. Continue to Yeha, a small village to view ancient 5th century B.C. ruins of a large pre-Christian temple, believed to be the oldest standing building in Ethiopia. Also, on the temple grounds is the 6th century A.D church of Aba Aftse, dedicated to one of the nine saints who migrated from Syria and introduced Christianity to this area. Overnight Gheralta Lodge or similar.

    Gheralta
    The Gheralta Sacred Landscape, which consists of the Gheralta ridge and the twenty-eight rock-hewn monuments carved into the sandstone, represents the first phase of the serial nomination. The geology of the Gheralta area is characterized by Precambrian rocks, Permo-Carboniferous sedimentary rocks, Middle Jurassic–Triassic to Early Cretaceous sedimentary rocks. The churches in this locality area are all carved into Enticho Sandstone or into Adigrat Sandstone. Enticho and EdagaArbi are glacial in origin (shale and tillites). Adigratsandstone, which overlies these glacial origin rocks, is typically yellowish to pink, fine to medium grained, well sorted and cross-bedding and quartz rich. In places Adigratsandstone is calcareous especially toward the top and near contact with the overlying carbonate rich units. Gheralta is a long ridge, with sides which are near vertical. These steep pillars are the last remnants of a thick sandstone plateau, now mostly eroded away, which were deposited in the Paleozoic as sediments washing out from large Gondwanan glaciers and they are found directly on top of folded, metamorphosed Precambrian gneisses. In places, basalt lava has pushed through a crack in the sandstone, forming a narrow intrusion, or dyke, which has then eroded away more rapidly than the sandstone, resulting in narrow passageways which lead into the sandstone massifs and act as informal stairways to a number of the churches.
    The rock-hewn monuments of Gheralta, which are located at altitudes varying from approx. 2100 –2500 metres above sea level, have been carved into various levels of the sandstone, from the bottom to the top of the outcrop. The monuments were excavated at different dates over a period of 1,500 years, from the 5th – 14th centuries AD. Located in a spectacular landscape of great scenic beauty, access to many of them is extremely challenging and in some cases involves climbing vertical surfaces utilizing handholds and footholds cut into the rock, or by walking along a narrow ledge with a vertical drop below. Some of the earliest may originally have been tombs excavated during the period of the Axumite empire (ended c. 700 AD) and were converted to religious use at a later period. The structures hewn out of the rock to serve as churches from the firsts have plans with columns, arches, beams and domes which imitate conventional masonry and timber construction. Many of the churches contain wall-paintings, dating from 13th – 19th centuries. All churches remain in use, performing their original religious function, and many contain religious treasures in the form of manuscripts, portable paintings, crosses, crowns, sistra, drums and other religious artefacts.

  10. Day10 - Mekelle B/L/D This morning trek for 45 minutes to the top of an escarpment to visit the church of Debretsion; its domes and the wall panels are abundantly decorated with fine paintings of saints and apostles. After lunch, we will visit the rock church of Abraha Atsbeha, dedicated to the twin kings of the Axumite dynasty, who converted to Christianity in the 4th century. Continue to Mekelle, visiting the town of Werkro to view the rock church of WekroCherkos. Overnight Axum Hotel or similar.

    Mekelle
    Mekelle or Mekele is the capital city of Tigray National Regional state. It is located around 780 kilometres (480 mi) north of the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, with an elevation of 2,254 metres (7,395 ft) above sea level. Administratively, Mekelle is considered a Special Zone, which is divided into seven sub-cities. Mekelle is the economic, cultural, and political hub of northern Ethiopia.

  11. Day 11 - Lalibela B/L/D Enjoy a relaxing scenic drive through the Tigray landscape and appreciate the abundant evidence of why Ethiopia is the most mountainous country in Africa. Visit Lake Ashenge a magnificent area to view the indigenous bird life of Ethiopia. Visit the exquisite church of YemrehaneKristos Arrive into historic Lalibela. Overnight at Cliff Edge Hotel or similar.

    Lalibela
    Located in the north-east of Ethiopia, Lalibela is another renowned historical destination. Placed third in historic sequence, its site hosts the “eighth wonder of the world”, the Lalibela rock-hewn churches. UNESCO has recorded this site as one of the world wonders. It is also holy land for Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christians.
    YemrehannaKristos is set at an altitude of 2,700m and is a particularly fine example of late Axumite architecture and different from the other churches in the town. Among the many interesting architectural features are the cruicified carved windows, an etched wood-panel roof, a coffered ceiling with inlaid hexagons and a large dome over the sanctuary

  12. Day 12 - Lalibela B/L/D Lalibela’s churches are collectively referred to as ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’. Legend has it that Emperor Lalibela had been instructed, in a vision from God, to build the new Jerusalem after returning from Jerusalem which was sacked by the Muslims. Visit the majestic, rock churches that are still used as places of worship by Lalibelans. Overnight at Cliff Edge Hotel or similar.

    Lalibela
    The town of Lalibela hosts eleven rock-hewn churches and all, apart from their historic significance, are renowned for their excellent and unique rock-carvings. The art displayed on the rocks dates from the twelfth century yet is still intact and in great shape. An active pilgrim site, the town is extensively visited and a source of admiration for architects and tourists alike.
    Founded at the centre of the Lasta mountain chain, Lalibela was originally called Roha and was a site of the Zagwe dynasty, of the Agew people. The decline of the Axumite dynasty gave rise to the Zagwe dynasty and, as a result, power shifted southward from Axum. After an interruption of the Solomonic line for almost 12 years, King Lalibela III, from the last of the Zagwe dynasty, managed to have these rock-hewn churches carved.
    It took King Lalibela his entire reign and more than 60,000 men to finish the work. According to local accounts, the work was assisted by angels. Other erected and cave churches built during this period are found at a short distance from the town.

     

  13. Day 13 - Lalibela B/L/D Enjoy a morning excursion by drive or aboard a mule to Asheton Mariam, a mountaintop church with a panoramic view of the Lasta Region. This afternoon, we will finish the expedition to the remaining of the 11 rock churches before heading to Ben Abeba to watch the sunset and unique dining experience. Overnight Cliff Edge Hotel or similar

    Asheton Mariam
    The monastery of Asheton Mariam was probably founded by King AbuneYoseph, who may be buried in the chapel. It is carved out of a cleft in the cliff face, and has interesting wall paintings, several ancient crosses, manuscripts and other treasures.

  14. Day 14 - Addis Ababa B/L/D Morning flight to Ethiopia’s capital. On arrival visit the ‘Merkato’, cited as the largest open-air market Africa and explore the maze of stalls.

    Late afternoon farewell dinner, music and coffee ceremony at a famous traditional Ethiopian restaurant. After dinner, transfer to the airport for you flight home.