Northern Historical Route – 12 Days

Drive Bahir Dar

Drive north of Addis Ababa going over the Entoto Mountains and the Sululta plain. On the shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, lies Bahir Dar, is a beautiful city very convenient for relaxing and business conferences. Being the seat for the Amhara regional state Bahir Dar is also a center for the Amhara culture.

Morning drive, of approximately 35km, to the small town of Tis Abay where you will be welcomed by the sound of the waterfalsl. This is the location where the famous Blue Nile falls down into the rocks of the Nile Gorge which is about 45 km long. After lunch you will take a boat trip to visit the most amazing monasteries of Lake Tana including the sites of Betre Mariam and Ura Kidanemihret.

After an early breakfast, we drive north of Gondar through the Simien Mountains National Park, and after crossing the Tekeze River to the ancient town of Axum.

A city with more than 3000 years of history, Axum was once the center of a great empire and ancient civilization. The sites of this ancient city includes St. Mary’s Church, the sanctuary Chapel which is the repository for the ‘Ark of the covenant’, the coronation yard, the Stelae Park, the Tombs of Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel, Ezana’s inscriptions and ruins of Queen of Sheba’s palace.

After breakfast drive to Mekele. En route, you will visit the 5th century BC Temple of Yeha with its Sabean inscription. We will stop at Debre Damo monastery and the Al Negash Mosque before reaching Mekele, the capital of Tigray, for the night .

After breakfast leave Mekele and drive via the Ambalage Mountains. On the way you will admire the landscape and the small towns of Amhara tribes. We will reach the, 12th century BC, legendary and holy town of Lalibela by evening.

City Tour of Lalibela

The small town of Lalibela in Ethiopia is home to one of the world’s most astounding sacred sites: eleven rock-hewn churches, each carved entirely out of a single block of granite with its roof at ground level. This day you will visit these famous rock hewn churches including the legendary St. George Church, the river Jordan and the tomb of Adam.

Drive to Kombolcha

Morning Drive to Kombolcha for an overnight stay.

Drive to Addis Ababa

Depart Kombolcha and drive back to Addis Ababa. On your way visit the Afar shepherds, a semi-nomadic people who live mainly in the deserts of the Danakil Depression; you will surely encounter them on the road with their camel caravans. On Sundays, Senbete village has an interesting market where the Afar, Oromo and Amhara people congregate for marketing.

Shopping in Addis Ababa & Departure Home

This day is planned as free time for you and the possibility of accompanied shopping is offered. A farewell dinner at one of the traditional folkloric restaurant will be organized before your departure to the Airport