Wonderful walking-focused Ethiopia tour
A superb individual tour combining walking opportunities with some historical attractions
If you enjoy walking in magnificent surroundings, combined with getting to know the culture of permanently resident communities and you'd like to explore some of Ethiopia's incredible historical sites, then this is the itinerary to consider.
Explore magnificent Afro-alpine surrounds at Simien Mountains National Park and amble around the castles of Gondar; be awestruck by the rock-cut churches of Lalibela and experience a TESFA Community Village Home Stays stay in the Tigray region (nearest airport Mekelle), before and after which you stay in the very comfortable. Gerhalta Lodge.
In all an exceptional blend of walking or hiking, sightseeing, historically significant site, superbly varied landscapes and welcoming hosts with truly interesting culture.
Images by Fikreselassie Admassu and ETO
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The itinerary…
Day 1: Fly to Ethiopia
Take an overnight flight to Addis Ababa
Day 2: Welcome!

Addis Ababa Museum
On arrival in Addis Ababa you'll be met and taken to Golden Tulip where you can relax and refresh after your long haul flight.
In the afternoon, your guide will take you to see some of the capital's sites of interest. These include the national museum.
Day 3: Head for the Simiens

Geladas in the Simiens
Fly to Gondar where you visit the Royal Enclosure and then head to the Simien Mountains National Park for two nights in Africa's highest-lying hotel, Simien Lodgeall meals included. Take an introductory stroll - you might if lucky, have the Geladas on the Roof of Africa experience near the lodge today!
Day 4: Mountain Wonderland

Walia Ibex
You'll be driven deep into the national park to explore Chennek, where there's an unusual wildlife community including rare Walia ibexes and plenty of Gelada monkeys, in Afro-alpine surrounds.
Enjoy a walkabout in the mountains - this can be planned the night before with your guide.
Day 5: Back to Gondar

Gondar
A two hour drive will have you back in Gondar where you stay overnight in the hill-top Goha Hotel with all meals included.
Day 6: Flight to Lalibela

Lalibela Rock Church
Take a flight over to Ethiopia's awe inspiring number one must see site, Lalibela. Visit its first cluster of rock-hewn churches with your guide, Superlatives simply can't cut it when trying to describe these monolithic constructions. Stay 2 nights in Lalibela Lodge with all meals included.
Day 7: Be amazed: Lalibela

Priest at Yemrehane Kristos, Lalibela
Visit amazing Yemrehane Kristos about 40km from town. Stop by at the second cluster on the way back to Lalibela Lodge.
Day 8: Travel to Tigray

Characteristic, finger-like rocky outcrop, Gerhalta region
Fly to Mekelle (usually via Addis Ababa) from where you are driven to the very comfortable Gerhalta Lodge for an overnight stay, Take a walk in the spacious grounds where there is plenty to see.
Days 9 - 10: TESFA Community Village walking experience

Tigray region
Very often regarded as the stand-out trip highlight by even the most discerning of travellers, the TESFA circuits in the Lalibela and Tigray regions offer visitors a wonderful opportunity to get to know something of the everyday life of permanently resident host communities.
Let us know while planning your trip, how far you prefer to walk daily, so we can arrange for the most suitable route for you. For two nights you will be accommodated in the rustic, traditional, well run TESFA Community Village Home Stays with all meals included.
Day 11: Return to Gerhalta

Traditional Tigrayan dish
Walk to a collection point, where your driver awaits and transfers you back to Gerhalta Lodge for a last night in the Tigray.
Day 12: Flight back to Addis Ababa

Golden Tulip Hotel
After breakfast and some sightseeing, transfer back to Mekelle airport for the flight to Addis Ababa, where you'll be met and taken to Golden Tulip. Here you either have a day/evening room or stay overnight, depending on your flight out.
Day 13: Fly home, with many good memories
Transfer to Bole airport to check in for your international flight home.
Duration: 12 nights
Location: Ethiopia Holidays, Africa
Price: £4615pp
Price per person sharing in twin or double room accommodation is based on two people travelling together and includes internal Ethiopian Airlines flights, air taxes; all private transfers and transportation; services of dedicated, professional English-speaking Ethiopian guides and of drivers throughout; services of local guides and of scouts; all excursions, activities and entrance fees; park permits; bottled mineral water in vehicles; accommodation as outlined with meals as listed.
Tailor this trip around your preferred dates, your budget and your ideas.
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