15-Day Itinerary to Northern Ethiopia

Day 1: Addis Ababa
Start your journey in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. Visit the National Museum, where you can see the famous fossilized remains of Lucy, a hominin species that lived over 3 million years ago. Explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral and enjoy panoramic views of the city from Mount Entoto A traditional lunch of Ethiopian food will be our mid day lunch at Addis Ababa restaurant. In the afternoon we will visit Mercato the biggest open air market in Africa, the Ethinographic museum in addis ababa university and coffee in Tommocca
Day 2: Bahir Dar
Fly to Bahir Dar, a city located on the southern shore of Lake Tana. Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit some of its ancient monasteries, such as Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam. In the afternoon, visit the Blue Nile Falls, also known as "Tis Issat" or "Smoking Water."
Day 3: Gondar
Travel to Gondar, known as the "Camelot of Africa." Explore the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses several castles and palaces from the 17th century. Visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its beautiful ceiling artwork.
Day 4: Simien Mountains National Park
Embark on a day trip to the Simien Mountains National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy breathtaking views of jagged cliffs, deep valleys, and endemic wildlife such as Ethiopian wolves and Gelada baboons. Take a short hike to appreciate the natural beauty of this mountain range.
Day 5: Axum
Fly to Axum, an ancient city with a rich history. Explore the archaeological sites of Axum, including the Stelae Field, where enormous granite obelisks stand tall. Visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Day 6: Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela, home to one of Ethiopia's most iconic attractions – the rock-hewn churches. Spend the day exploring the 11 monolithic churches carved out of solid rock, including the famous Church of St. George.
Day 7: Lalibela
Continue your exploration of Lalibela by visiting more rock-hewn churches, such as the Church of St. Mary and the Church of Emmanuel. Take some time to interact with the local community and learn about their traditions and way of life.
Day 8: Mekele
Fly to Mekele, a city located in the northern part of Ethiopia. Visit the Mekele Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Tigray region. Explore the bustling markets and taste traditional Ethiopian cuisine.
Day 9: Danakil Depression
Embark on a multi-day excursion to the otherworldly Danakil Depression, one of the hottest places on Earth. Witness stunning landscapes, including colorful sulfur springs, salt flats, and active volcanoes. Spend the night camping under the stars in this unique environment.
Day 10: Danakil Depression
Continue your exploration of the Danakil Depression, visiting sites like Dallol, known for its vibrant mineral deposits and geothermal activity. Experience the surreal beauty of this remote region.
Day 11: Aksum
Return to Aksum and spend some more time exploring this ancient city. Visit other historical sites, such as the Tomb of King Kaleb and Queen Gebre Meskel, as well as the ruins of ancient palaces.
Day 12: Gheralta Mountains
Travel to the Gheralta Mountains, known for their dramatic landscapes and rock-hewn churches. Embark on a hike to visit some of these hidden treasures, including Abuna Yemata Guh and Maryam Korkor.
Day 13: Gheralta Mountains
Continue your exploration of the Gheralta Mountains by visiting more rock-hewn churches, such as Abreha we Atsbeha and Wukro Chirkos. Enjoy the stunning views and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere.
Day 14: Addis Ababa
Fly back to Addis Ababa and spend your last day exploring the city further. Visit the Ethnological Museum, which showcases Ethiopia's diverse cultural heritage. Shop for souvenirs at the bustling Merkato, one of Africa's largest open-air markets.
Day 15: Departure
Bid farewell to Ethiopia as you depart from Addis Ababa, taking with you unforgettable memories of the country's rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.