Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa, Airport Pick-up
Welcome to join this 11-day Ethiopia safari tour! When you arrive at Bole International Airport, our representative will hold a name board and pick you up from the airport to the hotel. Accommodation: Azzeman Hotel (4 stars)
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Day 2: Addis Ababa Full-Day Tour with National Museum
Today, we will have a full-day trip in Addis Ababa. In the morning, the driver and the guide will take you to visit the National Museum, where you can see the precious fossil remains of Lucy, a 3.2-million-year-old human ancestor. In the afternoon, we will visit the Holy Trinity Church first, and then go to the Entoto Maryam Church and its pavilion on the top of Entoto Mountain. Standing at the halfway of the hill, we could overlook the whole city. In the evening, we will travel around Merkcato, the largest open-air market in Africa, to experience the unique local customs and culture. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Azzeman Hotel (4 stars)
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Day 3: Fly 1.5h to Axum, Half Day Tour with many Archaeological Sites
In the morning, the driver will send you and the escorted guide (tour leader) to catch a flight to Axum. You will arrive there in 1.5 hours. Then the first stop is Axum Stelae or obelisks. Next, you will be accompanied to visit the Palace and Bath of the Queen Sheba, and St. Mary of Zion Churches, which said to store the Ark of the Covenant. It represents the beginning of the spread of Christianity in Ethiopia. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Atranos Fantacy Hotel (4 stars)
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Day 4: Drive to the Debark Base of Simien Mountains National Park (7h-8h, 280km)
Today's arrangement is driving for 7-8 hours (280 km) to the Debark base of Simien Mountains National Park, passing by beautiful Lima Limo Valley. You can have a good rest after checking into the lodge for the upcoming hiking tour. Tip: It is suggested to have a full breakfast since it is a long drive today. We will have a picnic lunch at noon. Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Accommodation: Simien Lodge
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Day 5: Enjoy a full day excursion in Simien Mountains
Today, we will have a game drive in the Simien Mountains National Park. The park was listed as one of UNESCO World Nature Heritage Sites in 1996 because of its unique landscape and animal groups. First, we'll drive to Sankaber Campsite, and walk for about 2 hours to Jinbar Waterfalls accompanied by the local guide and scout. Then we plan to go to Chenek camp place for a picnic lunch and a short safari. We can spot the endemic mammals during the game drive, such as Gelada Baboon, Walia Ibex and the Simien fox. You can also experience close interaction with friendly Gelada Baboons. If you're lucky, you might see Ethiopian wolves. Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Accommodation: Simien Lodge
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Day 6: Transfer to Gonder (3h-4h, 130km), Half Day Tour with Debre Berhan Selassie Church
We are going to head to Gonder by car in the morning. On halfway, we will get off at Amhara community villages to admire the Amhara culture. In the afternoon, the guide will lead you to visit the royal enclosures of Fasil Ghebbi and all the castles of the Gonderian emperors. Next, it will take us 40 minutes to travel around Debre Berhan Selassie Church, one of the most magnificent churches in Ethiopia. The last attraction of today is Fasiladas's Bath. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Goha Hotel (3 stars)
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Day 7: Transfer to Bahir Dar (3h-4h 180km), Relaxing Half Day Tour on Scenic Lake Tana
Today, we will drive for 4 hours from Gonder to Bahir Dar and have a self-paid lunch at noon. In the afternoon, we will take a boat to travel around the scenic Lake Tana. There are many legendary monasteries and churches on the lake, while we mainly visit Ura Kidane Meret and Azuwa Maryam. On our way back, you can watch the wild hippopotamus at the entrance of the Blue Nile River in the southeast of the lake, and appreciate the breathtaking lake view. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kuriftu Resort (4 stars)
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Day 8: Short visit to the Blue Nile Falls, Transfer back to Bahir Dar
In this morning, we plan to take a car to Blue Nile Falls, 35 km (22 mi) southeast of Bahir Dar, which will take 1.5 hours on the way. Then the local guide will show you around the waterfalls and you can take beautiful pictures. In the afternoon, we will drive back to Bahir Dar. For the rest of time, you can explore the local market and buy some delicate crafts. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kuriftu Resort (4 stars)
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Day 9: Private Transfer to Lalibela, Enjoy the Night Show (6h-7h, 315km)
Today we will transfer to Lalibela, a famous tourism town. And stop at Awramba Village to travel around this place on the way. After arriving at Mezena Lodge in the afternoon, we will go to Torpedo restaurant to taste special drinking, local honey wine, and admire the traditional dancing show. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mezena Lodge
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Day 10: Full Day to exploring the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Today the local tour guide will guide you to visit 11 rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, hailed as one of the "Eight Wonders of the World". In terms of scale, craftsmanship and concept, these towering rock church buildings are amazing. Early in the morning, we plan to visit six churches first, among them, Bet Medhanealem is the largest rock church in the world. In the afternoon, we will continue to the churches south of the Jordan River. The appearance of the Bet Emanuel Church was highly praised by the international art historians. The most popular place for tourists to take photos is St. George's Church. After the visit, you can have dinner (at your own expense) at the special Ben Abeba Restaurant and enjoy the sunset and mountains in the evening. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mezena Lodge
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Day 11: Morning Flight back to Addis Ababa, Airport See-off
After having breakfast, we will send you to Lalibela Airport on time to take a 1 hour flight to Addis Ababa. Your Ethiopia safari is over today. May you have had a good time with us! Meals: Breakfast
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