+254 759 527900 info@greenwisetravels.com 4892 - Mamlaka Road, Nairobi, KE

Ethiopian History and Cultural Tour

Uncover cultural gems, savor culinary delights, and embark on adventures tailored to create unforgettable travel experiences.

9-Day Ethiopian History and Cultural Tour

Experience Ethiopia's rich history during this nine-day trip. Discover the magnificent Simien Mountains, the royal castles of Gondar, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the historic sights of Addis Ababa. Explore the monasteries of Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls in Bahir Dar before exploring the historic riches of Axum. There is an ideal fusion of culture, history, and stunning scenery.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Nairobi

You will be transferred to your hotel when you arrive in Addis Ababa. Start your journey to the National Museum, which houses the well-known fossil Lucy and Ethiopia's extensive history. Proceed to the Ethnological Museum, one of Africa's best museums, located in the royal palace of Haile Selassie. See the Holy Trinity Cathedral, which is renowned for its distinctive design. After a leisurely lunch, see Emperor Menelik II's historic palace and go to the Entoto Mountains for sweeping city views.

Fly by Ethiopian Airlines form Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, meet the driver and the guide at the Airport, and drive to the hotel after check in, you will have your breakfast drive to Blue Nile Falls {Tis Issat}, the power station and an easy hike to Portuguese bridge and in the Area. Return to Bahir Dar for lunch. In the afternoon you will explore Lake Tana and its monasteries hidden on the shores and islands of Lake Tana. This is boat trip. You will see different birds, hippos and also the source of Blue Nile.

Meals: LDBB

After breakfast drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar which is 110km. This road trip will blow your mind with stunning landscape. Lunch at the hotel, after lunch we will visit Gondar, the first capital city with the reign of Fasilides. In Gonder, there are a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. The city seems more of European than African origin. We visit Fasiladas' Palace, probably the most impressive of all the castles found in the area and the oldest one, we will continue going to the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity). The interior is decorated with beautiful frescos, cherubs and paintings. Debre Berhan Selassie is rumor to once having been the proposed final resting-place of the Ark of the Covenant of the Ethiopian Empire, which began in 1632 continue visiting the bath pool of Fassiledes.

Meals: LDBB

After breakfast, you will drive 3 hours one way to see the only natural world heritage site in Ethiopia, SMNP; this national park is located in the north Ethiopia round debark area, and it is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. We will see also wild endemic animals like Gelada Baboons and birds. Lunch Siemen Lodge. Return for dinner and overnight to Gondar.

Meals: BLD

Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines from Gondar to Lalibela, Lunch at the hotel. Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in the afternoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of ten monolithic and semi monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 900 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings. On this day we will see the first group of churches called Bete Medehanialem, Bete Maryam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagil and Debre Sina we Golegota and the third group which is only St’ George.

Optional Activities:Ethiopian Coffee ceremony

Meals: BLD

After breakfast we will see the second group of churches which includes, Bete Emanual, Bete Gabriel, Bete Merkorious and Aba Libanos. After finishing the second group churches we will return to the hotel for check out and drive to the Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.

Meals: BLD

Fly from Addis to Jinka by Ethiopian Airlines, after checking in to the hotel, visit Jinka’s museum or Ari Village in the afternoon and ready for the next day.

Jinka is a market town in southern Ethiopia. Located in the hills north of the Tama Plains, this town is the capital of the Ari Zone of the South Ethiopia Regional State. Currently Jinka is the center of Jinka town administration. Jinka has a latitude and longitude of 5°47′N 36°34′E and an elevation of 1490 meters above sea level. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country. It is also an important center for at least sixteen indigenous ethnic groups as well as others from the rest of the country.

Meals: BLD

After breakfast drive to Mago national park to visit the Mursi village, who are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates. Afterwards, we will continue driving to Tumi, home of the Hamer people. On the way, stop in Dimeka for the local market, which is on Tuesdays and Saturday. This is one of the most colorful markets in the South Omo and is visited by neighborhood Hammer, Benna, Karo, Tsemai and Ari tribes.

Meals: BLD

We wake up early morning and will drive from Turmi to Jinka; we will have breakfast at Jinka. After breakfast drive to Jinka Airport, then fly from Jinka to Addis Ababa. In the evening farewell party dinner with cultural dinner and traditional special buffet and local drinks to experience Ethiopia’s cultural meals and drinks. After farewell party transfer to Bole international airport for international departure

MAP

INCLUSIONS

  1. Pick-up and drop-off from the Airport.
  2. 4x4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide.
  3. Complimentary Authentic Branded Safari Hat and safari essentials pack
  4. Full board in camps or lodges.
  5. Unlimited game drives.
  6. All meals as per itinerary.
  7. Park Entry Fees
  8. Unlimited supply of drinking water while on safari
  9. Complimentary AMREF Flying Doctors Medical Evacuation cover while on safari

EXCLUSIONS

  1. Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, tips, laundry, etc.

  2. Any items not expressly specified in the itinerary

  3. Optional Activities: Hot air balloon safari, nature walks, etc.

  4. Travel insurance cover

  5. International flight, passport & visa fees

  6. Gratuities: For drivers/guides and lodge staff.

ACTIVITIES

  • Game Drives
  • Sundowners
  • Bird Watching
  • Bush Breakfast or Dinner
  • Hot-Air Balloon Safari
  • Cultural Engagement
  • River Excursions
  • Camel Riding
  • Flamingo Viewing
  • Fly Camping