Quick Summary

10-Day Short Classic Tour to Ethiopia's Highlights is a 10 days tour in Ethiopia via the Ethiopia's Highlights route, starting from USD 2230. Below you'll find the latest itinerary, inclusions & exclusions, and how to book.

Duration
10 days

Route
Ethiopia's Highlights

From
USD 2230

Operator
Kitano Tours & Safaris

ABOUT 10-Day Short Classic Tour to Ethiopia's Highlights

This tour includes the monasteries of Lake Tana, former imperial city Gondar, Lalibela's unique rock-hewn churches, the stunning Simien Mountains, Langano, Abjatta and Shalla, and the Great Rift Valley. It is a photographer's paradise and a haven for many bird species. These group tours are carried out in different months and led by guides in different languages. We also offer discounted prices for low season. On the other side there is a supplement if the departure includes a special holiday.

Duration: 10 days
Route: Ethiopia's Highlights
Starts at: USD 2230

Overview

Itinerary

include & exclude

Highlights for 10-Day Short Classic Tour to Ethiopia's Highlights

Day 1: Discover the capital Addis Ababa
Day 2: Coffee forests and historic monasteries in the Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve
Day 3: The impressive waterfalls on the Blue Nile
Day 4-5: The Camelot of Ethiopia: The Castles of Gondar
Day 6-7: Domestic flight to Lalibela
Day 8-9: Flight back to Addis Ababa and transfer to Langano
Day 10: Return to Addis Ababa and departure

Itinerary Overview

Day	Title
Day 01	Discover the capital Addis Ababa
Day 02	Coffee forests and historic monasteries in the Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve
Day 03	The impressive waterfalls on the Blue Nile
Day 04-05	The Camelot of Ethiopia: The Castles of Gondar
Day 06-07	Domestic flight to Lalibela
Day 08-09	Flight back to Addis Ababa and transfer to Langano
Day 10	Return to Addis Ababa and departure

Day 01: Discover the capital Addis Ababa

>> Travel: 1 h, 30 km

After arrival, you will meet your guide at the airport and be transferred to your hotel for some refreshments. Depending on your arrival time, your guide will give you a city tour of Ethiopia's vibrant and bustling capital. In the National Museum you will discover the cradle of humanity where the skeleton of "Lucy" is preserved. Mount Entoto, with its eucalyptus forest, is a short escape from the city to visit Mariyam Church and Menelik's Palace, where emperors used to reside. Others may appreciate one of the city's weekly markets. You may choose your own itinerary with your guide.

Time: 8-10hrs
Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Accommodation: Sunspot Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Day 02: Coffee forests and historic monasteries in the Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve

>> Flight time: 1 h

Travel: 1 h, 30 km

Hike: 1 h, 2 km (difficulty: easy, altitude difference: ↑100m, ↓100m)

A domestic flight will take you to the lake town of Bahir Dar. Lake Tana is the largest lake in the country, and its tropical setting is the perfect escape to start your boat cruise, go bird watching, and finally reach the Zeghe Peninsula, where 700-year-old monasteries are hidden in the coffee groves. Discover the beauty of this natural and cultural heritage before boating back to town and your lodge.

Time: 8-10hrs
Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Accommodation: Abay Minch Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Bahir Dar (City)

Day 03: The impressive waterfalls on the Blue Nile

>> Travel: 2 h, 80 km

Hike: 2-3 h, 4-5 km (difficulty: moderate; altitude difference: ↑150m, ↓150m)

Today we reach Tis Issat, just outside Bahir Dar, where the Blue Nile Falls are located. A 2-3 hour hike directly to the falls allows you to see the falls from different perspectives, cross two bridges (one of which is the historic Portuguese bridge), then cross the Blue Nile by boat and see sugar cane plantations. In the afternoon, reach the viewpoint of the Blue Nile Falls, where former Emperor Haile Selassie built his summer residential palace.

Time: 8-10hrs
Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Accommodation: Abay Minch Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Bahir Dar (City)

Day 04-05: The Camelot of Ethiopia: The Castles of Gondar

>> The castles of Gondar, dating back to the 17th century, have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit the royal enclosure with its 5 palaces and then move on to the Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Church of the Holy Trinity), whose interior is beautifully decorated with 17th-century religious paintings. It is truly one of the most beautiful churches in Ethiopia.

Time: 8-10hrs
Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Accommodation: Herfazy Resort Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Day 06-07: Domestic flight to Lalibela

>> Flight duration: 30 minutes

Travel: 1 h, 30 km

Today you will take the domestic flight to the holy city of Lalibela (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Its 11 rock-cut churches, dating back to the 12th century, are truly mysterious because they were carved into the rock. Legends claim that this miracle is the work of angels. You will arrive in Lalibela in the late morning to check into your hotel. After lunch you will have time for an first tour of the holy city of Lalibela.

Time: 8-10hrs
Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Accommodation: Lalibela Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town)

Day 08-09: Flight back to Addis Ababa and transfer to Langano

>> Flight time: 1 h

Travel: 3-4 h, 210 km

After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, your driver will transfer you to Lalibela Airport in the late morning for your flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, our vehicle will transfer you to the south, in the so-called Great African Rift Valley, for 1-2 relaxing days at the end of the trip.

Time: 8-10hrs
Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Accommodation: Sabana Beach Resort Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano

Day 10: Return to Addis Ababa and departure

>> Travel: 3-4 h, 210 km

Today you will return to Addis Ababa. On the return trip, you will stop at Lake Ziway for a boat ride and to view various waterfowl. After a seafood lunch, you will return to the capital. If there is enough time before departure, you will visit a market or stores in Addis Ababa to buy souvenirs. Finally, a traditional Ethiopian dinner with music and dance performances is planned. Depending on the flight schedule, the trip will end and you will depart.