Quick Summary
9-Day Tour to Northern Ethiopia is a 9 days tour in Ethiopia via the Northern Ethiopia route, starting from USD 3194. Below you'll find the latest itinerary, inclusions & exclusions, and how to book.
9 days
Northern Ethiopia
USD 3194
Kitano Tours & Safaris
ABOUT 9-Day Tour to Northern Ethiopia
Explore Addis Ababa and its vibrant cultural scene Discover the awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches of Lalibela Hike to Asheton St. Maryam Monastery for stunning views Cruise Lake Tana to visit Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery Marvel at the breathtaking Blue Nile Falls Journey through the historical wonders of Gondar and Simien National Park.
- Duration: 9 days
- Route: Northern Ethiopia
- Starts at: USD 3194
Highlights for 9-Day Tour to Northern Ethiopia
Day 1: Arrive to Addis Ababa
Day 2: Addis Ababa - Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
Day 3: Lalibela - Yemrehana Krestos
Day 4: Visit Lalibela and trek to Asheton Maryam Monastery
Day 5: Fly Lalibela to Gondar
Day 6: Visit Gondar – Castles and Debre birhan Selassie
Day 7: Simien Mountains National Park
Day 8: Drive Gondar to Bahir Dar
Day 9: Explore Bahir Dar and Fly to Addis Ababa
Itinerary Overview
| Day | Title |
|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrive to Addis Ababa |
| Day 02 | Addis Ababa - Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela |
| Day 03 | Lalibela - Yemrehana Krestos |
| Day 04 | Visit Lalibela and trek to Asheton Maryam Monastery |
| Day 05 | Fly Lalibela to Gondar |
| Day 06 | Visit Gondar – Castles and Debre birhan Selassie |
| Day 07 | Simien Mountains National Park |
| Day 08 | Drive Gondar to Bahir Dar |
| Day 09 | Explore Bahir Dar and Fly to Addis Ababa |
Day 01: Arrive to Addis Ababa
>> Addis Ababa
Upon landing at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, our guide and driver's we will be waiting at Bole international airport to give you a warm welcome to the beautiful country before heading to the Addis Ababa hotel for our first night.
N:B:- "To ensure a seamless travel experience to and within Ethiopia, I highly recommend Ethiopian Airlines for both your international and domestic flights. Renowned for its reliability, convenience, and affordable services, Ethiopian Airlines ensures a smooth and comfortable journey.
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable trip as you explore the captivating landscapes and rich culture of Ethiopia. Welcome to an unforgettable adventure with Essence Ethiopia Tours!"
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Hotel Lobelia Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)
Day 02: Addis Ababa - Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
>> Addis Ababa - Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
We will begin the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to the airport to catch our flight to Lalibela.
During our visit, you will have a Game drives and explore several sacred churches such as Biete Medhane Alem, Biete Maryam, and Biete Meskel.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 03: Lalibela - Yemrehana Krestos
>> Lalibela - Yemrehana Krestos - Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
We will start the day with the most important meal before heading towards Yemrehana Krestos. We will visit Biete Gabriel-Rufael, Biete Merkorios, Biete Amanual, and Biete Abba Libanos.
Finally, we will visit the most well-known of all the churches, Biete Giyorgis. This enormous monolith temple was shaped like a cross to honour the country's patron saint, St. George.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 04: Visit Lalibela and trek to Asheton Maryam Monastery
>> Lalibela - Asheton St. Maryam Monastery - Lalibela
After breakfast, we will begin heading on foot with a 2-hour to reach the Asheton St. Maryam Monastery. Then, we will continue the hike for another 1.5 hours to reach the Hudad Lalibela Eco-Lodge, where you can enjoy a breathtaking 360º panoramic view.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 05: Fly Lalibela to Gondar
>> Morning:
Take an early flight from Lalibela to Gondar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon:
Relax and explore Gondar at your leisure. You may visit local markets or enjoy a short walk to acclimate to the city's charming environment.
Evening:
Overnight at a hotel in Gondar.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: AG Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)
Day 06: Visit Gondar – Castles and Debre birhan Selassie
>> Morning:
Tour the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring 17th-century castles, including Emperor Fasilides’ castle.
Visit the Bath of Fasilides, used for Epiphany (Timkat) celebrations.
Afternoon:
Explore Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its stunning Ethiopian Orthodox murals, particularly the angelic faces adorning the ceiling.
Evening:
Overnight in Gondar.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: AG Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)
Day 07: Simien Mountains National Park
>> Morning:
Drive to Simien Mountains National Park (approx. 2 hours).
Enjoy breathtaking landscapes with dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and expansive views.
Activities:
Heading to the mountains spotting wildlife such as the endemic Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and various bird species.
Visit key viewpoints like Chenek and Buyit Ras.
Afternoon:
Have a picnic lunch amidst the natural scenery before returning to Gondar in the late afternoon.
Evening:
Overnight in Gondar.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: AG Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)
Day 08: Drive Gondar to Bahir Dar
>> Morning:
Begin your drive to Bahir Dar (approx. 3–4 hours). Enjoy scenic stops along the way.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Bahir Dar, visit the town or walk along the shores of Lake Tana for a relaxing break.
Optional Activity:
Take a sunset boat ride on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake.
Evening:
Overnight in Bahir Dar.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Lake Avenue Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)
Day 09: Explore Bahir Dar and Fly to Addis Ababa
>> Morning:
Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient island monasteries, such as Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Maryam. These monasteries are renowned for their beautiful frescoes and manuscripts.
Visit the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay), about 30 km from Bahir Dar. Though seasonal, these falls are a picturesque and historical highlight.
Afternoon:
After lunch, transfer to Bahir Dar Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.
Evening:
End your journey with a cultural dinner in Addis Ababa (optional) or connect to your international departure.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Inclusions
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All flights during the tour
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (On all days)
Exclusions
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)