The capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, is the cultural and food heart of this beautiful country. It is also the home of ‘Lucy,’ the famous early hominid, as well as colourful Merkato Market- the largest open air market in Africa. We’ll meet you at the airport before taking you to the centrally located hotel. There is time to settle in and relax before our get-together this evening to talk about our exciting Ethiopian adventure!

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Nothing beats starting the day with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony! We will observe the rituals, and taste the delights, of this finely tuned custom. Next, we enjoy a guided walk through the bustling market of Shalo. We will learn about the spices that make Ethiopian food so unique, and enjoy the hustle as the locals do their shopping. In the afternoon we visit the Ethiopian National Museum and meet ‘Lucy’ – an early human ancestor dating back 3.2 million years. Finally, we drop into the Salem’s Women Co-operative to watch as traditional handicrafts are made. We will finish the day with a traditional Ethiopian meal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel 

Today we will catch a morning flight to Mekele, the heart of the Northern Tigray region.
Upon arrival we will take a guided City walk and visit the museum of Atse Yohannes the 4th.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast we will drive through the majestic mountains of the Gheralta region. After a delicious local lunch, we will visit a village and learn about the area. Gheralta is best known for its cluster of 35 rock-hewn churches, the largest such collection anywhere in the country. Many sit on rock outcroppings accessible only via narrow, treacherous-looking escarpments.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

The Tigray region consists of more than 120 rock hewn churches, mostly dating from the 12th century. Some of the churches are carved directly out of the cliff face while others are built into caves along rock ledges. One thing the churches all have in common is the stunning paintings and frescoes contained within.
Today we will visit some of the most charming churches, and also enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

After an early breakfast we set off on a journey through the stunning mountains of the Tigray region. Our destination is Aksum (or Axum)- one of the most important historical cities in Ethiopia.
Home to the Aksumite Empire which ruled the region from 40BC through to the 10th Century, Aksum is now a world heritage site.
This afternoon we will visit the Holy Trinity Church and learn about this incredible history of this town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Today we will explore the historical sites of Aksum. We’ll visit the incredible Stele field with its mysterious tomb markers and historical museum. The monumental stele, dating from around 2000BC, dominate the town and are thought to be “markers” for underground burial chambers.
We will also visit the original palace of the Queen of Sheba as well as the famous Kings tombs. After a day immersed in the ancient history of this region, we will have a lively night out with traditional dancing, music and wonderful Ethiopian food.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

This morning we set off early in the direction of the Simien Mountain National Park. At 220 km2, this is the largest national park in Ethiopia. Located in the North Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region, its territory covers the highest parts of the Simien Mountains and includes Ras Dashan, the highest point in Ethiopia. This is a Unesco World Heritage listed park because of its outstanding biodiversity and spectacular landscape.
After our adventurous day we’ll spend the evening under the African stars relaxing by the fire at our campsite, feasting on delicious food, surrounded by local villages and stunning views.

(option to upgrade to Simien Mountain Lodge for $150 AU pp/ per night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

The park is home to more than 50 species of bird that thrive throughout the mountainous ecoregion, as well as 21 large mammal species. The endemic Gelada (Old World Monkey) is just one of the remarkable creatures that inhabits these high mountain meadows. Tonight, you can camp again or upgrade to the Simien Mountain Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today we take in the breath-taking views of this World Heritage Site on a stunning trek to see the Gelada. As well as the Gelada baboons, the Simien Mountains are home to a range of extremely rare animals including the Simien Fox and the Wala Ibex. Later in the afternoon, we’ll make our way through the mesmerising mountains, featuring spectacular scenery formed as a result of massive erosion over many years, to the historical city of Gondar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guest House

This morning we will enjoy an early morning walk among the local people, goats, donkeys, sheep and market stalls as the church bells ring and the prayers are called. The City of Gondar was the seat of Ethiopian rulers from the 16th century. This gorgeous cobbled city holds the remains of several royal castles in a compound known as the Fasil Ghebbi.
We’ll spend the day exploring the compound and visiting the famous Fasilides Bath and the Dibre Birhan Selassie Church with its stunning murals and rows of painted angels.

This evening we will enjoy more local delicacies- including the regional Tej (honey) wine.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guest House

After an early breakfast we begin our drive to Lalibela, winding our way through the stunning valleys and mountains. You’ll be struck by the beautiful countryside in this fascinating country.
We will arrive at our welcoming Guest House in Lalibela in the afternoon, in time to get our first views of the famous city before the sun goes down.
Tonight, we will enjoy sundowners and a traditional meal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

When people picture Ethiopia, the image that generally comes to mind is the distinctive rock hewn churches of Lalibela. Dating back to the 12th century, the churches are a pilgrimage site for Coptic Christians from all over the world. Carved out of rock, the subterranean churches are joined by secret tunnels. We’ll spend the day exploring the rock churches, cobble-stone streets and the Christian faith in Ethiopia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast today we will fly from Lalibela back to Addis. The journey will take us far above the mighty plateau that dominates the north of the country.
After transferring to our central hotel in Addis, we have the afternoon free to relax and
get ready for our next journey to the south- a completely different, yet still intriguing, part of the country.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Heading south from Addis are the high mountain plains of the Bale Mountains. This ancient landscape is home to 17 endemic species of wildlife, including the Ethiopian Wolf.
We will arrive mid-afternoon to this beautiful park and will take a walk through the unique highland forest within metres of rare antelope and monkey species.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

The Ethiopian wolf is native to the Ethiopian highlands and is the world’s rarest canid and the most endangered carnivore in Africa. The wolf’s range is limited to altitudes above 3000m and with only 450 individuals left, sighting this incredible mammal is a rare event.
Today we will go in search of this incredible canine in the stunning highlands.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Today we will venture into the Harenna Forest, on the southern slopes of the Bale Mountains. This tropical evergreen forest is covered in dense moss and supports an array of unique wildlife under its thick canopy.
The Harenna Forest is known for its native plants, mammals, amphibians and birds, including many endemic species.
Tonight, we enjoy our final meal together after another inspiring day exploring the Bale Mountain National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast we will transfer to the local airport for a domestic flight back to Addis Ababa.
Please only book your International Departure flights from 4pm onwards.

If you have a late flight, you’re welcome to browse the many markets for souvenirs or wander through Unity Park. Alternatively, why not dive further into the many layers of Ethiopia and extend your RAW Africa Eco-Tours journey to include a visit to the Omo Valley or Harar.

+Accommodation upgrade: not sure if 2 nights camping is for you? There is an opportunity to upgrade to one of the lodges in Simien Mountain and other selected accommodation throughout your journey. Just ask us. (Subject to additional cost and availability.)