Whether you have an extended stopover or simply want to add some sightseeing to your business trip in Addis Ababa, this is the ideal tour if your time in Ethiopia is limited. This itinerary includes Bahir Dar and Lalibela, two of the main destinations on the country's classic northern route. On your day of driving and domestic flights between the historic cities, you'll be able to admire the dramatic landscape of Ethiopia's highlands.

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Addis Ababa: Arrival & City Tour Addis Ababa
Day 2 Flight to Bahir Dar; Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana Bahir Dar
Day 3 Drive to Lalibela via Awra Amba Lalibela
Day 4 Rock Churches of Lalibela Lalibela
Day 5 Back to Addis Ababa: Market & departure  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour

Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis Ababa and complete your entry formalities before getting settled at your hotel. Take a tour of the city's highlights, and if interested, visit a humanitarian project supported by our local tour operator. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner and rest up for the days ahead.

Day 2: Fly from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, Visit Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana

Blue Nile Falls

In the morning you'll fly to Bahir Dar, a town located on the shores of Lake Tana - the origin of the Blue Nile. In the town, situated at 1,800 meters above sea level, you will find a pleasant climate, fresh fish, and excellent freshly pressed fruit juices. In the morning we undertake a boat tour on the big lake and visit one of the island monasteries. There are plenty of interesting fauna in the lake, including hippos and pelicans. In the afternoon we visit the Blue Nile waterfalls, eventually crossing the Blue Nile by boat to pay a visit to some sugar-cane plantations.

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Day 3: Bahir Dar, Awra Amba, Lalibela

Today we drive to Lalibela, a pilgrimage site and holy city for the Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. On the way, we visit Awra Amba - a self-governed Ethiopian village in the province of Amhara, in which exists equal rights of women and men and in which all inhabitants work together for the common welfare. Profits are divided among the residents. The village was founded in 1980 by Zumra Nuru which before had attempted to spread his ideas as a wandering preacher. 

Day 4: Rock Churches of Lalibela 

Today you'll visit the world-famous rock churches, built in the 12th  and 13th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site took 23 years and thousands of people to excavate. In the late afternoon, there is the possibility to walk through the city center and experience a traditional Ethiopian market. 

Day 5: Flight from Lalibela to Addis Ababa, Market, and Departure

On your last day, you'll catch a morning flight back to Addis Ababa. If time allows, you can see a bit more of Addis Ababa via a traditional market or visit some shops to buy souvenirs. Finally, you'll enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with music and a lively dance performance. Say farewell to Ethiopia and depart on your scheduled flight the next day.

Map

Map of Short Trip to Ethiopia's North: 5-Day Itinerary
Map of Short Trip to Ethiopia's North: 5-Day Itinerary