Destinations: Addis Ababa- Bahir Dar- Gondar- Simien- Axum- Gerealta-Lalibela

Tour Code: TT-1022

Duration: 13 Days and 12 Nights

Tour Title: Northern Circuit

Transportation: All surfaces

Ethiopia’s history encompasses legend and tradition, mystery and fact, from a powerful and religious ancient civilization. Legend has it that Emperor Menelik, son of the queen of Sheba and King Solomon, brought the Ark of the Covenant from Jerusalem to Axum where he established one of the world’s longest known, uninterrupted monarchical dynasties. Therefore, the following days, fascinating historic route tour covers the rock-hewn churches, ancient obelisks and the forbidden medieval town of Harar; it also covers many of the country’s astonishing natural wonders, from the dramatic Tis Isat Falls (the source of the Blue Nile) to the rugged Simien mountain range which will make us pass through a magnificent scenic world of fairy-tale names such as Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Simien, Axum, Gerealta,Lalibela And Harar which every destination contributes in highlighting the country in the form of strange landscapes, beautiful churches, unbelievable castles and stone writings.

Day 1. Arrive in Addis Ababa, and transfer to Hotel.

Day 2. Morning drive to Debre Libanos Monastery, first built and named after Aba Libanos who lived in the 6th century A.D, it is a quiet, peaceful and breathtaking monastery secluded and surrounded by mountains with a beautiful land escape. Then after 5-10 minutes drive from Debre Libanos junction to visit a bridge called “Portuguese bridge” believed to have been built in the 17th century, then drive to Bahir Dar the capital city of Amhara regional state, enroute sightseeing visit magnificent views of Abay Gorge. Overnight hotel

Day 3. Early morning drive about 30kms-graveled road and visit Blue Nile falls, the extension of Blue Nile River, which travels about 800kms till Khartoum where it meets the White Nile. On the way back to the hotel, visit Bahir Dar colorful market. Afternoon, make boat trip on Lake Tana to Zege peninsula and visit one of the antique churches of Ethiopia, Ura Kidanemihiret or Azwa Mariam churches famous for its 17th century wall paintings. Overnight hotel

Day 4. Morning drive about 175 kms to Gondar founded in 1632 by Atse Fasilidas, one of the strongest rulers of Ethiopia at its time. On the way observe and identify some birds /like crowned crane and other beautiful bird species/. Afternoon, visit Fasil Gimb built and constructed in the 17th century A.D. with the coming of Fasilidas as an emperor of Ethiopia, visit Debre Birhan Sellassie church, famous for its angel head frescoes, and at last but not least, visit the bath of Fasilidas which will surprise you the sewerage system of Gondarain Period. Overnight hotel

Day 5. Early morning drive to Axum, the starting point for the Ethiopians to explain their pre history and history, which witnesses from the legendary queen of Sheba in the 10th century B.C. to 4th century A.D. Along the road experience the land escapes, like rivers, mountains, and valleys/vegetation, and bird species. Overnight hotel

Day 6. Morning visit the ancient city of Axum archaeological museum to see archaeological findings like coins, potteries, and altars/, the stelae which dates back to the 4th century A.D. and the church of Axum Tsion Mariam: – (the treasury house , the 17th cen. Church , the modern church ). Afternoon, visit the tomb of two well known kings of their time Atse Kaleb And Gebre Meskel at last but not least visit Dinguer palace which is believed to be queen of Sheba’s palace. Overnight hotel

Day 7. Morning drive to Adigrat through the pre- historic city of Yeha 58kms from Axum and on the way visit the Yeha temple which is believed to be built for one of the Greece gods called Almuqah, meaning the moon god dates back to 450 B.C. Afternoon, continue driving and make a stop to the junction and see the Amba of Debre Damo monastery founded by the 6th cen. A.D. Saint, who came to Ethiopia with the other eight saints, Abune Aregawi. Overnight hotel

Day 8. Morning drive through the small cities of Tigrai to Mekele, the capital city of Tigrai regional states, and on the way visit the house of the local people called Hidmo, which is the typical architecture of Tigrian people and proceed to the rock hewn churches of Tigrai. Afternoon visit the rock hewn churches of Tigrai like Wukro Cherkos, a 15 minutes’ walk from our lunch base and Abreha Wo’atsbeha 35kms drive from our lunch base, Wukro which is a stepping ground city for more than 120 rock hewn churches of Tigrai. Overnight hotel

Day 9. Morning drive to Lalibela, the former Roha takes its name from Zagwe’s famous king called king Lalibela, meaning by the local language “even a bee knows his sovereignty”, founded in 1137 with the coming of Zagwe dynasty in to existence. Lunch at Woldiya. Afternoon, continue driving and enroute visit beautiful landscape. Overnight hotel
Day 10. In the morning, among the 11 well known churches of Roha Lalibela visit the first and third group of churches consisting of Bet Medhanealem, Bet Mariam, Bet Meskel, Bet Denagil, Bet Mikael/Golgotha, and Bet Ghiorgis. In the afternoon, visit the 2nd group of churches, which consists of Bet Rafael/Gebriel, Bet Merkorios, Bet Emanuel, and Bet Aba Libanos. Overnight hotel

Day 11. Morning drive to Kombolcha, the industrial city of Ethiopia consisting at least 13 industries from different sectors /like drinking, textile, and metal industries are exisit in this small city. Afternoon, continue driving and make a stop for visiting the monastery of Haik (lake) Estifanos founded by Aba Iyesus moa who plays a great role for the restoration of Solomonic dynasty in Ethiopia and for the Ethhiopian Orthodox Church, and it is open only for male visitors. Overnight hotel

Day 12. Morning, drive back to Addis Ababa, the capital city and seat of AU, UNECA and other International organizations. On the way make a stop to the city of Debre Birhan /medieval period permanent capital city of famous king Zereayacob/, founded in 1445.

Day 13. Explore remaining sites in Addis and Departure.

Included

Accommodations/ Hotels/Lodge/hostels/Camping/

Not Included

A great place to unwind…

A great place to unwind… Thanks.

Enrico Lavrov

I had an amazing time

I had an amazing time with your tour guides. Thank you so much.

Adams J.

This is my second time

This is my second time visiting and it was wonderful. Thank you guys.

Mark Anderson

Great memory

testimonial one

Jhon Doe

Liability and Responsibility

Only the laws of Ethiopia govern Tsega Ethiopia Tours liability to its clients and all claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the court of Ethiopia in which the cause of action arises. Although every possible care is taken to safeguard you and your property, Tsega Ethiopia Tours accepts no liability for loss or damage of any personal effects. Tsega Ethiopia Tours will dispose its best efforts to assist visitors when dealing with third parties such as hotels, airlines and other transport companies and travel agents. However, Tsega Ethiopia Tours cannot be held responsible for any loss or harm such as sickness, injury, death or additional costs incurred due to denied boarding, overbooking, cancellation or delay caused by the third party.

Program Reservations

Contracts and agreements will be valid consequent to Tsega Ethiopia Tours confirmation of the booking signing a contractual agreement/form. At the time of confirmation, a deposit of 50% of the total cost is requested. The remaining amount of the total cost shall be paid upon arrival before the tour commences. Unless prior arrangements have been made, Tsega Ethiopia Tours cannot be forced to conduct the tour if complete payment has not been received.

Quotations

Tsega Ethiopia Tours provides tour prices (quotations) on request. After the contractual agreement is concluded the final quoted price is non-negotiable. Tsega Ethiopia Tours offers prices with validity date & has a full right in revising the offered prices which are not confirmed within the time frame/validity date.

Cancellation

Cancellation of confirmed booking must be made in writing via email Cancellation received 30 days prior to departure will be subject to a penalty of 30% of the total rate of the tour. Cancellations received less than 15 days prior to departure will result in relinquishment of the entire advance payment.

Visa and Immigration requirements

Visas may be obtained from Ethiopian diplomatic mission overseas ,in addition nationals of 33 countries listed below are allowed to receive their visa on arrival to Ethiopia, the detail includes:- Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, and US.

Health Requirements

Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has visited or transited a cholera-infected area within six days prior to arrival in Ethiopia.

Religion

The main religions are Christianity and Islam, but some other traditional beliefs are also practiced.

Accommodations

Addis Ababa offers variety of hotels ranging from luxurious 5 star hotels to the tourist standard. Tourist accommodation facilities are also improving at destinations outside Addis, the offer ranges from 2-4 star hotels to camping facilities.

Food

Enjera, the Ethiopian national dish is a flat, circular pancake of fermented made from an endemic grain seed called teff, served with different kinds of cooked meats, vegetables and different sauce. Though it is different from region to region, in generally Ethiopians used hot and spiced sauces that give Ethiopian food its characteristic taste. Vegetarians should try “Ethiopian fasting food”, a colorful spread of salads and vegetables devoid of all meat and animal products.

In Addis Ababa and major towns, it is possible to get traditional Ethiopian restaurants and others specialized in Italian, Far East and western dishes. In hotels found at tourist sites European style foods are always available. Those visitors who are travelling to the remote and adventure tourist sites such as deep in the Omo valley and Erta’le, Tankwa Tours & Travel Agency is provide professional cook and cooking materials. To read more about food in Ethiopia click here

Clothing

Visitors should take light, summer clothes for the day time and warm cotton made clothes for the evenings. The temperature drops quite rapidly towards sunset.  Mountains trekkers should bring warm clothes and water proofs for unexpected seasonal rains. Shoes must always be removed before entering churches and mosques.

Safety

Generally, Ethiopia is considered as safe destination, but one should still take normal precautions while visiting cities and tourist sites: avoiding unfamiliar areas at night and not carrying large sums of money in pockets.

Time and calendar

Ethiopia is found within GMT +3 hours’ time Zone, and follows the Julian calendar, which consists of twelve months of thirty days each thirteen months of five days (six days in a leap year). The calendar is seven years and eight months behind the Western Gregorian calendar

Currency

The Local currency is the Ethiopian Birr, made up of 100 Cents. Notes are used in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 birr. There is no limit to the amount foreign currency imported, but it must be declared to the customs authority upon arrival.

Custom

• Duty-free imports are permitted for up to:
• 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 1/2 lb of tobacco
• liters of alcoholic beverages
• Half-liter or two bottles of perfume.

Visitors may export souvenirs, although some Articles (such as animal skins and antiques) require an export permit.

Power

Ethiopia uses 220 volts and 50 HZ. It is good to bring your own round two prong adaptor and transformer if necessary.

Public holidays

The following are Ethiopian public holiday dates:-

• September 11, Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash)
• September 27, The finding of the True Cross (Meskal)
• January 7, Ethiopian Christmas (Genna)
• January 19, Ethiopian Epiphany (Timket)
• March 2 ,Victory of Adwa (commemorates the victory by Menelik II over Italy in 1896)
• Ethiopian Good Friday (variable)
• Ethiopian Easter (Fasika) (variable)
• May 1, International Labor Day
• Eid ul Fitr (Ramadhan) (variable)
• Eid ul Adha (variable)
• April 6, Ethiopian patriots victory day (celebrates end of Italian occupation in 1941)

Banking and Currency Exchange

Banking hours are usually from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday and from 8:00 am – 11:00 am on Saturdays. Closing times may be an hour longer in some private banks. Most banks work through lunchtime including foreign exchanges services

Courier and Money Transfer Services

Money transfers can be made through Western Union and Money Gram. Both have representative branches in Addis Ababa and in some other major towns and make their services available from private and national banks. For courier services, DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT, and EMS have offices in Addis Ababa.

Language

Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia although English, Italian and Arabic are also spoken in cities and towns.

Communication

Internet, Telephone, Tele fax, and postal services are available in the country. Numerous internet cafes are available in Addis Ababa and in other cities. They all give Internet, Fax and telephone calling service. The country Dialing Code is +251

Tipping

Though tipping is a frequent custom, amounts vary depending on the service quality offered and the interests of the visitors. In most hotels and restaurants, a 10 per cent service charge is added to the bill.

Points of Entry

Bole International Airport, Bahir Dar, Mekele and Dire Dawa Airports are entry ports. Dawale and Galafe for those crossing from Djibouti border, Moyale for those driving from Kenya, Humera and Metema from Sudan are surface entry points .All arrivals undergo full customs and immigration checks. These are only entry points and no visa services available.

Driving

In Ethiopia driving is on the right. Drivers require a valid international driving license which can be obtained by exchanging yours with local license. Visitor can recover their license prior to their departure

Vaccinations

These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.

TYPHOID

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.

HEPATITIS A 

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.

CHOLERA

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.

TUBERCULOSIS

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 3 months before travel.

HEPATITISB

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 2 months before travel.

RABIES

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 1 month before travel.

MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITI

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 3 weeks before travel

YELLOW FEVER

Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 10 days before travel.