We customize all of our tours based on your interests, preferences and our own suggestions based on festivals, weather and the time of year. Scroll below for a gallery of options and a sample Itinerary. Contact us to begin planning a tour.
Lalibela
Lalibela is our home town, the most iconic place in Ethiopia and home to ancient churches and stunning views. Ask us about potential festivals during your trip. Lalibela hosts celebrations on days like Orthodox Easter (Fasika), Christmas (Genna) and Epiphany (Timket) and for holidays to honor saints like Saint George. Thousands of people will parade to the historic churches to pay their respects on these days.
The Rock Churches of Tigray
The mountaintop churches in the Tigray region are our current favorite location in Ethiopia. These steep cliffs are home to ancient monasteries where a singular priest will walk to them each morning to lead prayers. The hike, the frescoes, the views and the experience will make you feel as though you are traveling through time. There are also two beautiful lodges nearby for relaxing nights after adventurous days.
The Simien Mountains
Called the "Rooftop of Africa" The Simien Mountains National Park is the oldest park in Ethiopia. The Simien Mountains are the primary home to some of the most interesting animals in the world, the Gelada Baboons (actually a variety of monkey) live and sleep along the cliffs, the Ethiopian Red Wolf, the rarest canine species in the world, as well as the Waliya Ibex and Lammergeyer Hawk.
Arba Minch
Arba Minch is called the most perfectly situated city in East Africa. It lies at the base of a mountain range, nestled in between a temperate rainforest with natural spring and two giant lakes, one red in color and the other blue.
Here a boat safari can take you to see Hippopotamus and Crocodiles, as well as hornbill and fish eagles, and the chance to see Warthogs, Gazelles and Zebras.
The Hyena Man of Harar
Harar is one of our favorite cities in Ethiopia. Quite different than other regions, this ancient walled city is steeped in history and known as the fourth most holy site for Muslims. It's also the birthplace of Emperor Haile Selassie, the former home of French poet Arthur Rimbaud, and of course home to Hyenas that have their own gate into the city. One man feeds them at night by hand (and mouth). It's a remarkable display of humans and wildlife interacting together.
Bale Mountains
The Bale mountains in Southern Ethiopia are a remarkable landscape with ever-changing landscapes.
The Senetti Plateu is home to the rarest canid species on earth, the Ethiopian Red Wolf.
In the Harenna Forest, gorgeous valleys feature incredible vistas and waterfalls, with the chance to spot leopards, colobus monkeys and forest lions.
Highland Trekking
Ethiopia offers remarkable hiking and trekking options that truly take you off the beaten path. We can customize a trip based solely on trekking, or combine a 2-5 day trek as part of your itinerary. Options include the Simien Mountains, Bale Mountains or the Wolo mountains south of Lalibela.
Sample 9 Night Itinerary
This itinerary combines the Tigray Rock Churches with Axum, the Simien Mountains, Gondar, Lalibela, and Addis Ababa
Day 1: Addis Ababa:
Our City Tour features a more authentic approach to the city. In one day you can see the first human fossil Lucy, discover artisans at work at the famous Sabahar textile factory, take an Ethiopian cooking class, and watch remarkable cultural dancers at Fendeka cultural house while you drink honey wine.
Stay: The Sheraton Addis or the Golden Tulip Hotel
Day 2: Fly to Mekele and to the Korkor Mountains
A mid morning flight arrives in the beautiful town of Mekele where we will have a traditional Ethiopian lunch before driving 2 hours to the Korkor region. Resembling the Southwestern United States, this region is home to more than 120 hidden monasteries dating from the 4th century, many carved from rock surfaces high in the mountains. For us, it is one of the most spectacular places in all of Ethiopia. Time permitting, we can hike to one of the monasteries such as Abuna Yemata for the sunset.
Stay: Gheralta or Korkor Lodge
Day 3: Rock Churches of Tigray
Early morning hike to Maryam Korkor church, a difficult two hour hike that traverses up the escapement of a mountain to a church built around the 12th century. The stunning views look out over the Ethiopian highlands. After lunch a trip to a local home is possible, or another hike to a church such as Pepesita or Abuna Yemata, depending upon your preference.
Stay: Gheralta or Korkor Lodge
Day 4: Axum
We drive to Axum, the ancient Christian Kingdom with artifacts and obelisks dating from the 4th century. There is also a church rumored to hold the arc of the covenant.
Stay: Sabean International Hotel
Day 5: Simien Mountains
We fly to Gondar and see Fasilidas Castle and Bath House, medieval europeans style ruins built throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. After Lunch, we drive to the Simien Mountains. The Limalimo lodge is perched at around 3,300 meters (10,000 ft) and looks out over the beautiful Rift Valley. From the lodge, you can see troops of Gelada Baboons and amazing birdlife such as the Lammergeyer Hawk.
Stay: Limalimo Lodge
Day 6: Simien Mountains
A full day spent in the Simien Mountains National Park. We will hike to the Sankobar waterfall. Along the way, expect to spend close-up time with troops of Gelada Baboons. You also may see various species of antelope, ibex and bushbuck. A rare sighting of the Ethiopian red wolf is possible.
Stay: Limalimo Lodge
Day 7: Lalibela
We drive back to Gondar and Fly to Lalibela in the mid-morning. After Lunch, we explore the amazing churches of Lalibela, concentrating on the Northern cluster of churches. For Dinner you will enjoy the vistas and food at Ben Abeba restaurant built in the style of a Gaudi and perched along a stunning cliff.
Stay: Tukul Village Hotel or Old Abyssinia Lodge
Day 8: Lalibela
In the morning explore the southern churches, culminating in the miraculous church of St. George. After lunch, We venture to see Yemrehena Kristos, where the marble is said to have been transported from Jerusalem 100 years before the Lalibela churches were built in the 11th century.
Stay: Tukul Village Hotel or Old Abyssinia Lodge
Day 9: Addis Ababa
We fly back to Addis Ababa. We will visit the Mercato market - the largest outdoor market in Africa. After dinner, we will enjoy one last night of Ethiopian cultural dancing and honey wine.
Stay: Sheraton Addis or the Golden Tulip Hotel