Historic Ethiopia, Simien Mountains and Rift Valley Lakes

Tour Name: Historic Ethiopia, Simien Mountains and Rift Valley Lakes
Tour Code: IETT 002
Transport: Flight and surface
Accommodation: Hotels & lodges

Monasteries on Lake Tana, Castles of Gondar, breathtaking Simien Mountains, ancient Axum with the house of the Ark of the Covenant, rock-hewn churches of Tigray & Lalibela and birding with some mamals in the Rift Valley Lakes.

Day 01:     Arrival in Addis Ababa, city tour of the capital.

Day 02:     Morning flight to Bahirdar to visit the monasteries on Lake Tana and Blue Nile falls.

Day 03:     Drive north to Gondar to visit the 17th C capital with its Castles and monastery.

Day 04:     Scenic drive to the Simien Mountains National Park where you will see some endemic
animals and the breathtaking landscape.

Day 05:     Another scenic drive to Axum crossing the Tekeze valley.

Day 06:     Full day in Axum to explore the archeaological sites and church of St. Mary Tsion.

Day 07:     Scenic drive through the Adwa Mountains and 5th C B.C. Temple at Yeha to the
Gheralta Mountains.

Day 08:     Visit some of the rock-hewn churches of Tigray and drive to Mekele.

Day 09:     Drive south to Lalibela through the Alage Mountains.

Day 10:     Full day to visit the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.

Day 11:     Morning flight back to Addis and continue your drive south to the Rift Valley Lakes, home to so many birdlife and some animals. Overnight lodge in Langano.

Day 12:     Morning excursion to the nearby Abijata and Shalla National park to see the flamingoes and other birds. Afternoon free time to swim in the lake or relax.

Day 13:     Drive back to Addis through the 12th C Stelea field at Tiya. Late afternoon time for
shopping. Evening departure back home.