WORLD FRONTIEREXPEDITIONSWORLD FRONTIEREXPEDITIONSWORLD FRONTIEREXPEDITIONS
WORLD FRONTIEREXPEDITIONS12 days · 11 nights
Ancient kingdoms, living traditions.
Photo: Ji-Elle · CC BY-SA 3.0
The experience
Experience the cultural depth and remarkable landscapes of Ethiopia - from the energy of Addis Ababa and the islands of Lake Tana to the royal castles of Gondar, the Rift Valley lakes of Arba Minch and the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
Over twelve carefully shaped days, discover centuries of heritage, vibrant living traditions, local cuisine, spectacular scenery and a sense of place found nowhere else.
Highlights
Historic island monasteries by boat, and the falls whose flow changes with the seasons.
The UNESCO-listed Fasil Ghebbi enclosure and the painted church of Debre Berhan Selassie.
Arba Minch's lakes and hills, a boat outing on Lake Chamo and a respectful community visit.
Churches carved directly into the rock, including the cross-shaped Bete Giyorgis, with an expert guide.
Day by day
A proposed sequence. Exact properties, routes and timings are confirmed when you book.
Day 01
Welcome to Ethiopia. Meet your local team, transfer to your hotel and begin your journey with an introduction to the capital and its vibrant atmosphere.
Day 02
Explore Addis Ababa's important landmarks, with a proposed visit to the National Museum, historic religious sites and viewpoints, plus an introduction to Ethiopian coffee traditions.
Day 03
Transfer to Bahir Dar, gateway to Lake Tana. Enjoy the lakeside setting and, subject to arrival timing, an introductory cruise or relaxed afternoon.
Day 04
Discover historic monasteries on Lake Tana by boat and experience the scenery around the Blue Nile Falls, whose water flow varies by season.
Day 05
Travel through Ethiopian highland scenery to Gondar and begin exploring the city's celebrated imperial heritage.
Day 06
Visit the UNESCO-listed Fasil Ghebbi royal enclosure and other cultural treasures, including the richly painted Debre Berhan Selassie Church, where access permits.
Day 07
Travel south to the Rift Valley region of Arba Minch. Domestic air connections or a combination of flights and transfers will be arranged around the final schedule.
Day 08
Explore the contrasting lakes and hills of Arba Minch. A Lake Chamo boat outing and a respectful local cultural visit are planned, subject to conditions and community arrangements.
Day 09
Continue to the mountain town of Lalibela, an extraordinary centre of Ethiopian Orthodox faith and pilgrimage. Transfer routing will follow available domestic connections.
Day 10
Discover selected churches carved directly into the rock, including the iconic cross-shaped Bete Giyorgis, with an expert guide and time to appreciate their living spiritual traditions.
Day 11
Return to the capital for a final night. Enjoy a relaxed evening, a closing meal and time to reflect on Ethiopia's exceptional cultures and landscapes.
Day 12
Transfer to the airport for your international departure, carrying memories of an extraordinary journey through Ethiopia.
Like the sound of this journey? We’ll shape it around you.
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Every expedition is shaped around the people travelling. Tell us when you’d like to go and what matters to you, and we’ll take it from there.