Ehiopia. Tribes and Rich Culture

Addis Ababa Arrive in Addis Ababa – the third highest capital in the world. Afternoon city tour including the Ethnographic Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Mercato. Overnight at Hilton Hotel (BB)

Hawzien Transfer to Bole Airport, Morning flight to Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region and its tribes. Short tour of Mekelle, including BeteYohannes. Drive to Hawzien. En route, visit the rock-hewn churches of WukroCherkos and AbrahaAtsbeha. Overnight at Gheralta Lodge (FB)

Axum Morning drive to Axum, the centre of early civilisation in Ethiopia and reputed home to the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant. Interacting with local tribes. Overnight at the Yeha Hotel (FB)

Axum Morning excursion to the tombs of King Kelab and GebraMeskel, the Queen of Sheba’s swimming pool and palace, King Ezana’s Stone and the magnificent obelisks. Visit the Cathedral of St Mary of Zion, the Ark of the Covenant and Axum Museum. Overnight at the Yeha Hotel (FB)

Lalibela Fly to the world heritage site of Lalibela, via Gondar. Created as the ‘new Jerusalem’ by King Lalibela in the 12th century, Lalibela is still home to 11 rock-hewn churches, most of which are still used for worship today. Afternoon visit to the north-west cluster of churches, including the Church of St George. Overnight at the Mountain View Hotel (FB)

Lalibela Morning walk up to Asheton Maryam (weather permitting). Alternatively, visit Nakutelab Cave Church which is accessible by car. Afternoon visit to the south-east cluster of churches. Overnight at the Mountain View Hotel (FB)

Simien mountains Transfer to airport, fly to Gondar, Ethiopia’s first capital, located at the foot of the Simien mountains. Afternoon visit to the church of DebreBerhan Selassie and see its murals. Drive to the Simien Mountain Lodge, the highest hotel in Africa at 3,260 metres. Evening introductory talk on gelada monkeys, endemic to this area. Overnight at Simien Mountain Lodge (FB)

Simien mountains Morning scenic drive to Chennek – home to the endemic Walia ibex as well as klipspringers and bushbucks. En route pass some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Ethiopia; stop to view gelada monkeys and take a short walk to a waterfall. A picnic will be arranged in a scenic spot. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Simien Mountain Lodge (FB)

Gondar Drive to Gondar. Afternoon tour of the castles of Emperor Fasiladas and the Palace of the Queen Mentuab. Overnight at Goha Hotel (FB)

Bahar Dar Today we drive to Gorgora and visit the monastery of DebreSina Mariam. Cross Lake Tana by boat and stop off at various island monasteries, including DagaIstafanos.Continue to the Zeghe peninsula and visit UraKidhaneMihret and Azuwa Mariam. Overnight at the Kuriftu Resort & Spa (FB)

Bahar Dar Visit the Blue Nile Falls at Tissisat. Afternoon visit to the Bezawit Palace and the market in Bahir Dar. Optional spa treatments available. Overnight at Kuriftu Resort & Spa (FB)

Addis Ababa Morning flight to Addis Ababa. Day room at the Hilton hotel. Dinner at a Tribal Cultural restaurant and transfer to the airport. Fly out