11 Days Tour to the Historic Route with Simien Trekking

If you’re eager to explore one of Africa’s most glorious ancient civilizations intertwined with nature’s beauty, this tour is tailor-made just for you. As you journey through Ethiopia, you might find yourself questioning how such incredible civilizations failed to be preserved across generations. Could there be a supernatural force at play, influencing the rise and fall of these ancient cultures?

Join us on this immersive adventure and form your own theories as we uncover the mysteries of Ethiopia’s remarkable past. With the guidance of knowledgeable experts, you’ll have ample time to delve deeper into the history and significance of these incredible sites.

Program in Detail

Day 01: Arrival – Sightseeing Addis Ababa (The New Flower)

You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. After refreshing, begin your sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa:

• Drive up to Mount Entoto for a panoramic view of the city.
• Visit the National Museum to see the famous fossil of ‘Lucy,’ one of the oldest hominids ever discovered.
• Continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, built during WWII.
• Explore the Ethnographic Museum, once the palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. Overnight in Hotel Addis (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 02: Fly to Bahir Dar – Blue Nile Falls & Lake Tana

Take a morning flight to Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara region and one of Ethiopia’s most picturesque cities, located on the shores of Lake Tana.

• Morning: Boat trip on Lake Tana to explore island monasteries and churches. Visit Ura Kidane Mihret Church on the Zeghie Peninsula, known for its vivid religious paintings and illuminated Ge’ez Bibles.
• Afternoon: Visit Tississat Falls (meaning ‘Water that Smokes’), located 32 km south of the city. Though the hydroelectric power plant has impacted the full flow, the falls remain an awe-inspiring sight. Overnight in Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 03: Drive to Gondar

Drive north (approx. 3 hours / 185 km) to Gondar, the former capital of Ethiopia.

• Explore the Royal Enclosure with its well-preserved 17th-century castles, especially the grand castle of King Fasilidas.
• Visit the famed ‘Pavilion of Delight,’ where Timkat (Epiphany) celebrations are held.
• Afternoon visit to Debre Birhan Selassie Church, known for its spectacular angelic ceiling and murals.

Overnight in Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 04: Drive to Simien Mountains (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Depart from Gondar and drive to Debark, the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park.

• Stop for a picnic lunch on the escarpment with scenic views of Africa’s highest mountain ranges.
• Begin a short trek to Sankaber Camp via Buyit Ras, witnessing dramatic landscapes and wildlife such as Lammergeyers, Gelada Baboons, and bushbuck.

Overnight in Camp at Sankaber (Full Board)

Day 05: Trek to Geech

Pack up at Sankaber and begin the trek to Geech:

• Cross the Jinnbar River and see the impressive falls (especially after the rainy season).
• Walk along the escarpment with views of Geech Abyss.
• Spot endemic Gelada Baboons and enjoy breathtaking scenery.

Overnight in Camp at Geech (Full Board)

Day 06: Trek to Imet Gogo

Enjoy a day of spectacular trekking:

• Hike to Imet Gogo (3,926m) for expansive views over the lowlands and mountains.
• Continue to Seha and Quedadit viewpoints.
• Keep watch for wildlife such as the Simien wolf, Walia Ibex, Klipspringers, and grey duikers.

Return and Overnight in Camp at Geech (Full Board)

Day 07: Drive Back to Gondar

After breakfast, drive back to Gondar. Check into your hotel and relax for the evening. Overnight in Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 08: Fly and Visit Axum

Fly to Axum, one of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world.

• Visit the monolithic stelae, including the tallest still standing (21 meters) and the fallen 34-meter obelisk—the largest human-erected monolith.
• Explore the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
• Visit the archaeological museum, ancient tombs, and inscriptions.
• Explore the ruins of the Palace of the Queen of Sheba, mother of Menelik I and founder of Ethiopia’s royal dynasty.

Overnight in Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 09: Fly and Visit Lalibela

Fly to Lalibela, known as the ‘New Jerusalem.’

• Afternoon visit to the first cluster of rock-hewn churches carved from solid granite. These remarkable 800-year-old structures are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Bet Giorgis (St. George), shaped like a Greek cross, is the most famous and best preserved. Overnight in Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 10: Full Day Visiting Lalibela

• Morning: Visit Yimrhane Kristos Church, an Axumite masterpiece made of wood and stone with a coffered ceiling decorated in geometric and figurative designs.
• Afternoon: Explore the remaining rock-hewn churches—Bete Gabriel and Rafael, Merkorous, Emanuel, and Abba Libanos. Bete Emanuel stands out for its intricate Axumite-style architecture. Overnight in Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 11: Fly Back to Addis Ababa – Departure

Fly back to Addis Ababa.

• Enjoy free time in the afternoon for personal exploration or shopping.
• In the evening, celebrate with a Farewell Dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring live cultural dance performances.
• After dinner, transfer to the airport for your departure.