NORTH OF ETHIOPIA. OLD ABYSSINIA
Tour duration: 8 days and 9 nigths
Introdution
Ethiopia is endowed with some of the most unique sites on the African continent. Today, Ethiopia boasts of more UNESCO world heritage Sites than any other country in Africa. Ethiopia conserves the past in the form of Exotic and beautiful monuments and ruin ones that are built centuries ago. Ethiopia’s magnificent landscape ranges from desert areas that is 117 meters below sea level (Danakil depression) one of the hottest places in the world; to the forested highlands of Siemen Mountain National Park which has an elevation of 4,620 meter above sea level at the famous mountain summit, called Ras Dejen. Mount Ras Dejen is Ethiopia highest mountain peak and the fourth in Africa. Ethiopia is sometimes called The Roof of Africa, because there many Mountains that have an elevation above 4,000 meter above sea level. Most rivers; that are originated from Ethiopia flows down to other African countries and so that Ethiopia is named as the water tower of East Africa. Some of the river that flows out from the territory of Ethiopia is the gigantic Blue Nile, Tekeze and Wabe Shebele Rivers.
Itinarary
Day 1
Arrive in Addis Abeba & Meet your guide at the airport then transfer to the hotel, after refreshment visit Addis, that includes: Museums, Monuments, Churches, Market and Mount Entoto for the panoramic view of the city.
O/N Addis Abeba.
Day 2
After breakfast transfer to the airport and fly to Bahir Dar, has an elevation of 1830 m. Above sea level, is located on the southern shores of Lake Tana from where excursions by boat can be made to the Lakes islands and peninsulas, the Blue Nile water falls are situated 32Km. south- east of Bahir Dar. After lunch drive 30 Km south of Bahir Dar to visit the Blue Nile Fall.
O/N Bahir Dar.
Day 3
Breakfast and Boat excursion on Lake Tana to visit the Island monasteries 4 hours including boat riding. The Lake Tana includes more than 30 islands and peninsulas, most of which shield ancient monasteries decorated with wonderful wall paintings that date back from 12th to 20th century. After lunch sightseeing Bahir Dar market and the Blue Nile River view.
O/N Bahir Dar.
Day 4
Bahir Dar- Gondar: Drive to Gondarar 182 km. Gondar, surrounded by lower hills of the southern Semien Mountains, lies at 2,200m above sea level. The city of castles is one of Ethiopia’s most fascinating cities, founded by emperor Fasiledas in 1632. Gondar become the capital city of the country in subsequent years, several were built each unique in size and architecture. For many centuries it was the center of fine arts, music, Science, religion, commerce and administration. The most interesting church of Gondar is Debre-Berhan Selassie; this Trinity church is built in a rectangular shape, its ceilings decorated with beautiful winged Angels, and its walls with impressive scenes depicting biblical events. Visit the Castle compound, Bath of King Fasilades, Debre Berhan Silassie church.
O/N Gondar.
Day 5
Gondar- Semien Mountains-Gondar: Drive to Simien Mountains, debark town (100 Kms), where the head quarter of Semien Mountains National Park is found. Drive to Semien Mountains National Park (World Heritage Site by UNESCO) to visit its exceptional natural beauty which includes su-perb scenery, endemic fauna and flora. Among other endemics it is here that the Gelada Baboon (bleeding heart Baboon) is found. (3260 m). After picnic lunch drive back to Gondar.
O/N Gondar.
Day 6
Gondar- Lalibela: Fly to Lalibela & and transfer to Lalibela(26km.), Is the main destination for tourists and the most exciting attraction of the country. From here the Zagwe dynasty ruled the country for several centuries. Formerly known as Roha. The town of Lalibela bears the name of its most famous king, Lalibela 1181-1221 Ac. He was the one who gave orders to carve the churches out of solid rock. There are in total 11 amazing churches, some which are monolithic, architecturally unique buildings, finely carved, some decorated with beautiful paintings. The churches of Lalibela are considered to be the eighth wonder of the world and the world heritage site that was recorded by UNESCO. Visit the first and third groups of rock churches.
O/N Lalibela.
Day 7
Early in the Morning optional excursion to Ne’akutoLe’ab Cave church or to Semi-hewn church of Asheten Mariam, after lunch visit the remaining second group of rock churches.
O/N Lalibela.
Day 8
Return (Fly) to Addis. Time for leisure and Shopping. Before departure, you will be guest of KARIBU Ethiopia Tours at one of the best traditional restaurants to taste the variety of Ethiopian meals and to see their folkloric dances. Then, be transferred to the airport for your departure.
