Day 1
Addis Ababa introduction
Spend the first day in Addis Ababa with an introduction to the capital. Agree a programme that allows time to settle in after arrival.
Addis Ababa
Ten-Day Historic Cities and Simien Landscapes
Ten days connect Bahir Dar, Gondar, the Simiens, Axum and Lalibela in a northern circuit that combines city visits with a mountain day.
- Duration outline
- 10 days
- Start / finish
- Addis Ababa return
- Arrangements
- Awaiting operator confirmation
Overview
This outline starts and finishes in Addis Ababa over 10 days. Overnight locations, daily travel times and any walking demands are not yet confirmed; the day-by-day itinerary below shows the proposed sequence.
Day-by-day itinerary
A proposed sequence for discussion. Daily access, services and travel arrangements need confirmation.
Day 2
Bahir Dar and Zege
Reach Bahir Dar and Lake Tana, with Ura Kidane Mihret and the Blue Nile outflow as the day's interests. Confirm boat access and permission for the church visit.
Addis Ababa → Bahir Dar → Lake Tana → Zeghe Peninsula
Day 3
Blue Nile Falls to Gondar
Visit the falls area before travelling to Gondar. Awramba is a possible detour, subject to the community's agreement and the time available.
Bahir Dar → Blue Nile Falls → Gondar
Day 4
Gondar into the Simiens
The Royal Enclosure, Fasilides Bath and Debre Birhan Selassie Church anchor Gondar before the mountain approach through Woleka. Visits must respect local consent and actual access.
Gondar → Woleka → Simien Mountains National Park
Day 5
Simien landscape day
Spend a full day in the mountains. Select the walking and viewpoints with park guidance to suit conditions and the interests of the group.
Simien Mountains National Park
Day 6
Tekeze corridor to Axum
Leave the Simiens through the Limalimo and Tekeze corridor towards Axum. Choose scenic stops around the current route and a realistic travel schedule.
Simien Mountains National Park → Limalimo Road → Tekeze Gorge → Axum
Day 7
Axum sites
Give Axum's stelae and Maryam Tsion area their own day. Access restrictions and religious practices need local guidance, with traditions kept distinct from established archaeological evidence.
Axum
Day 8
Lalibela arrival and churches
The next stage connects to Lalibela and its first church cluster. Any air connection and the achievable afternoon visit require confirmation before a dated itinerary is offered.
Axum → Lalibela
Day 9
Lalibela and highland alternatives
Explore the second church cluster, then choose between Yemrehane Kristos and an Asheton Maryam hike. These are alternatives whose access and physical requirements should be discussed before deciding.
Lalibela → Yemrehane Kristos
Day 10
Back to Addis Ababa
Return to Addis Ababa for the final connection. Agree transfers, any additional city time and onward departure arrangements together.
Lalibela → Addis Ababa
Route at a glance
Follow the journey
Your route through Ethiopia
- Start
- Stop, numbered in order
- End
- Direction of travel
Select a numbered pin or a stop name to highlight it on the map.
Day 1 stops
Arrangements to confirm
Confirm current access, route feasibility and the services available for your dates before arranging this trip.
Ask for a written proposal confirming prices, currency, accommodation, meals, transport and departure availability.
Inclusions & exclusions
Request a written breakdown covering guiding, permits, transport, meals, drinking water, equipment and costs you arrange separately. No services are confirmed here.
Stays & transport
Overnight locations, accommodation standards, vehicles and onward connections require a confirmed proposal. The route outline does not guarantee facilities or return times.
Planning questions
This is an editorial route proposal. The operator must confirm current access, feasibility and arrangements for your dates before a trip can be agreed.
No inclusion list or price has been approved. Ask for an itemised written proposal and clarify what you will need to arrange separately.
No. The inquiry form prepares a draft for you to review and download. It does not send messages, confirm availability or make a reservation.
Bring your questions
Preferred dates, your group size and onward plans are a useful place to start.