Addis Ababa: 12-Day Ethiopia Highlights Tour

Discover Ethiopia on a 12-day tour from Addis Ababa. Explore the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the ancient city of Axum, and the Simien Mountains National Park.
and several other buildings. Visit Fasilidas’s Pool, s

Day 5: Simien Mountains National Park

Early in the morning, depart for the stunning Simien Mountains National Park. The jagged mountains and deep valleys offer spectacular views and are home to many of Ethiopia’s endemic animal species, including the gelada baboon (guaranteed to be seen), the rare Walia ibex, and the Ethiopian wolf. Spend the afternoon hiking in the area surrounding the lodge. Overnight in the Simien Mountains.

Day 6: Simien Mountains to Axum

After breakfast, continue to Axum, enjoying the final views of the Simien Mountains. Stop for lunch in Adarky, then proceed through the Tekeze Valley to Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight in Axum.

Day 7: Axum

Spend a full day visiting the sites in Axum, including the famous obelisks, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. Visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept, according to local Ethiopian tradition. Note that only men are allowed to enter the old church, and no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Overnight in Axum.

Day 8: Axum, Yeha, and Debre Damo

After breakfast, drive to visit the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC, and thought to be the capital of Ethiopian civilization before Axum. Afterwards, visit the Debre Damo monastery, where men climb up a 15-meter rope to enter the uphill-situated monastery. Return to Axum for overnight.

Day 9: Axum to Lalibela

Fly from Axum to Lalibela, the most famous of all Ethiopian historical sites. After lunch, begin to explore the 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable King Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 10: Lalibela

In the morning, visit the Southeastern Cluster of churches: Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most famous of all the churches, Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolith in the shape of a cross, constructed in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia. After lunch, take an afternoon trip to visit the church of Yimrehanne Kristos, built in the late-Axumite style with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern. Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 11: Lalibela to Dire Dawa

Fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa, then from Addis to Dire Dawa. Upon arrival, drive to Harar. At night, visit the Hyena Men who feed the hyenas every night just outside the city walls. You can even try feeding the hyenas yourself—with your mouth! Overnight in Harar.

Day 12: Harar

Spend a full day exploring the walled city of Harar, with its colorful markets, countless mosques and shrines, and unique Harari people and houses. Overnight in Harar.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.