Trekking with Axum and Lalibela

🗓️ Itinerary

• Day 1 Arrival – Sightseeing Addis Ababa (The New Flower)
  Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, begin exploring Ethiopia’s capital city. Drive up to Mount Entoto for sweeping views over Addis Ababa, then descend to visit the National Museum, home to the 3.2-million-year-old fossil “Lucy.” Continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important religious and historical landmark, before visiting the Ethnographic Museum, once Emperor Haile Selassie’s palace. End the day at Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market.
  Overnight Hotel
• Day 2: Flight to Gondar – Exploring the Imperial City
  After breakfast, take a flight to Gondar, the former capital of Ethiopia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gondar is famed for its 17th-century castles, with the largest and best-preserved being King Fasilidas’ Castle. The King also built the fascinating Fasilides’ Bath, known as the ‘Pavilion of Delight,’ where thousands gather for the annual Timkat festival. In the afternoon, visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its angelic ceiling and beautiful murals.
  Overnight Hotel
• Day 3 Drive to Simien Mountains National Park
  After breakfast, drive from Gondar to Debark, the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the escarpment, with breathtaking views of one of Africa’s highest mountain ranges. Watch for Lammergeyer vultures, Gelada Baboons, and bushbucks. After lunch, begin a short trek to Sankaber Campsite, passing through the scenic Buyit Ras area.
  Overnight: Camping at Sankaber (Bed, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
• Day 4: Trek from Sankaber to Geech
  After breakfast, meet your muleteers and begin the trek to Geech. The trail crosses the Jinnbar River and passes by the impressive Jinnbar Falls, especially stunning after the rainy season. Continue along the escarpment, descending into the Geech Abyss, with opportunities to observe herds of Gelada Baboons.
  Overnight: Camping at Geech Campsite (Bed, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
• Day 5: Trek to Imet Gogo and Return to Gondar
  Today’s trek takes you to Imet Gogo promontory, one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Simien Mountains. From this vantage point, the dramatic cliffs and gorges unfold beneath you. Watch for Lammergeier vultures soaring overhead. After taking in the views, trek back to Ambaras village and meet the vehicle for the return drive to Gondar.
  Overnight Hotel.
• Day 6: Flight to Axum – Exploring Ancient Civilization
  Fly to Axum, once one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world. Located at the crossroads of trade routes between the Mediterranean and India, Axum was a thriving center of commerce, politics, and technology. It is also the birthplace of Christianity in Ethiopia and believed to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Visit the monolithic stelae, including the tallest—standing over 21 meters—and the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace, said to be the birthplace of Menelik I.
  Overnight Hotel.
• Day 7: Full Day Exploration of Axum
  In the morning, if it’s Saturday, visit the colorful Basket Market held under the largest sycamore tree—Axum’s only basket market. Continue to the main market, where locals from surrounding villages gather to trade goods. After lunch, take a short trek to the Gobo Dura Lioness Statue, about 7 km from town, believed to be the quarry from which the famous Axum obelisks were sourced.
  Overnight Hotel.
• Day 8: Flight to Lalibela – Visit the First Cluster of Rock-Hewn Churches
  Take a short flight to Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its extraordinary rock-hewn churches carved from solid volcanic rock around 800 years ago by King Lalibela. Explore the first cluster of these remarkable structures, including the most iconic—Bet Giorgis—shaped like a Greek cross and exceptionally well-preserved.
  Overnight Hotel.
• Day 9: Full Day in Lalibela – Visit Yimrehane Kristos and Second Cluster of Churches
  In the morning, visit the Church of Yimrehane Kristos, an exquisite example of Axumite wood-and-stone architecture, admired for its intricate wooden ceiling and artistic decorations. In the afternoon, explore Lalibela’s second cluster of rock-hewn churches, including Bete Gabriel, Bete Rafael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Emanuel, and Abba Libanos. Among them, Bete Emanuel stands out for its intricate carvings and Axumite architectural design.
  Overnight Hotel.
• Day 10: Return Flight to Addis Ababa and Departure
  Fly back to Addis Ababa, where you’ll have free time in the afternoon for relaxation or shopping. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional cultural restaurant with live Ethiopian music and dances. Later, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international departure.