6-Day Thrilling Northern Ethiopia Tour

Q: 11. Frequently Asked Question about Ethiopia

Is Ethiopia safe for tourists? Yes, Ethiopia is generally safe for tourists, particularly in well-traveled destinations such as Lalibela, Simien Mountains National Park, and Axum. As with any destination, travelers should take standard precautions, avoid isolated areas at night, and follow advice from local guides and authorities. What is the best time to visit Ethiopia? The ideal time to visit Ethiopia is during the dry season, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and cultural tours. This period also coincides with vibrant festivals such as Timkat, offering unique cultural experiences. Is Ethiopia good for family travel? Absolutely! Ethiopia is a wonderful destination for families, offering rich history, diverse landscapes, and engaging cultural experiences. Many tours are family-friendly, with opportunities to explore ancient sites, enjoy nature, and learn about local traditions in an interactive and memorable way.

No Fixed Departure Available!

Embark on a journey through time with our 6-Day Thrilling Northern Ethiopia Tour, where the ancient kingdoms of Ethiopia come alive in Bahir Dar’s lakefront charm, Gondar’s royal castles, and Lalibela’s rock-hewn wonders! Imagine cruising Lake Tana’s serene waters, exploring Gondar’s Fasil Ghebbi palace complex, and descending into Lalibela’s mystical rock churches – a journey through Ethiopia’s rich history, cultural treasures, and architectural marvels. With expert guides, comfy stays, and immersive adventures, get ready to uncover the secrets of Ethiopia’s ancient empires, where history whispers in the rocks and culture breathes in every stone!

Bahir Dar, set on the shores of Lake Tana, charms visitors with its relaxed atmosphere, scenic beauty, and ancient island monasteries rich in religious art. Gondar, known as the “Camelot of Africa,” showcases Ethiopia’s imperial past through its impressive castles and historic churches. Lalibela stands as a spiritual masterpiece, famed for its remarkable rock-hewn churches carved from solid stone, symbolizing deep faith, architectural brilliance, and centuries-old Christian devotion that continues to attract pilgrims and travelers from around the world.

Step into a journey like no other and discover the timeless wonders of Bahir Dar, Gondar, and Lalibela on this unforgettable Northern Ethiopia tour, where breathtaking landscapes, ancient castles, sacred churches, and vibrant local traditions come together to create a truly enriching experience—book your adventure today and immerse yourself in history, culture, and spirituality while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Cost per person:

Starting from: $4350 (Mid-Range Accommodation) per person based on two travelers sharing

	1 Person	2 People	3 People	4 People	5 People	6 People
Jan-April	$4950	$4350	$4150	$4050	$3950	$3850
May- August	$5150	$4550	$4350	$4250	$4150	$4050
Sept- Dec	$5050	$4450	$4250	$4150	$4050	$3950

Cost Per Child (Discount)

Age	0-2 years old	3-6 years old	7-10 years old	11-13 years old	14+ years old
Discount Rate	100%	65%	50%	15%	0%

Cost Included/Exclude

Inclusions

Services of an expert guide
Airport transfer (Airport pick up and drop off)
Flight tickets from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to Bahir Dar and from Gondar Airport to Lalibela Airport and back to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Ground transportation (4×4 safari Land Cruiser / minivan with pop-up tops)
Full board accommodation and en route meals as indicated in the itinerary
Park fees and relevant government taxes.

Exclusions

Airfares
Visa fees
Personal insurance
Expenses of personal nature, such as drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, and cigarettes
Accommodation and meals not indicated in the itinerary

Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accomodation
Mid-Range Lodges
Language
English, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Italian, and Chinese speaking guides
Transportation
Safari Van/ 4X4 Landcruiser
Group Size
1-100 people
Availability
January - December
Arrival at
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Departure from
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Destinations
East Africa Safaris, Ethiopia

Overview

Itinerary

Include

Lodges

Flight Info

Map

FAQs

Review

Overview

Itinerary

Include

Lodges

Flight Info

Map

FAQs

Review

Why This Tour?

6-Day Thrilling Northern Ethiopia Tour

Embark on our 6-Day Thrilling Northern Ethiopia Tour, a truly unforgettable journey and let the wonders of Northern Ethiopia captivate your spirit as you explore the timeless beauty of Bahir Dar, the historic grandeur of Gondar, and the sacred marvels of Lalibela, where each destination reveals a unique chapter of Ethiopia’s rich story, from the tranquil shores of Lake Tana and its ancient island monasteries, to the magnificent royal castles that echo the glory of a powerful empire, and finally to the awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches carved deep into stone, still alive with centuries-old faith and devotion.

This carefully crafted tour invites you to step beyond the ordinary, connect with authentic cultures, witness extraordinary heritage, and experience the warmth of Ethiopian hospitality, making it the perfect adventure for travelers seeking depth, inspiration, and memories that will last a lifetime. Now is the time to discover it for yourself!

Ethiopian Tours

You will visit Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar and Lalibela.

This 6-Day Historical Northern Ethiopia Tour offers a rich and immersive journey through Ethiopia’s most iconic cultural and historical destinations, blending ancient heritage, spirituality, and vibrant living traditions while taking you deep into the heart of one of Africa’s oldest civilizations. Your adventure begins in Addis Ababa, where a visit to the renowned National Museum of Ethiopia provides a fascinating introduction to the country’s past, showcasing remarkable archaeological discoveries and cultural treasures that set the stage for the experiences ahead.

From the capital, you journey north to Bahir Dar, a charming lakeside town set along the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Here, you’ll explore ancient island monasteries adorned with beautiful religious murals and enjoy the tranquil scenery that makes this region one of Ethiopia’s most scenic highlights. The journey continues to the historic city of Gondar, often referred to as the “Camelot of Africa,” where you’ll discover the impressive Royal Enclosure, a collection of medieval castles and palaces that reflect the grandeur of Ethiopia’s imperial era, along with centuries-old churches rich in art and history.

Your adventure then leads to the sacred town of Lalibela, home to one of the world’s most extraordinary religious heritage sites and a place of deep spiritual significance. Over immersive explorations, you will visit the iconic rock-hewn churches, masterfully carved from solid volcanic rock and connected by a network of tunnels and trenches. These UNESCO World Heritage sites stand as a testament to remarkable engineering skill, profound religious symbolism, and enduring Christian devotion that continues to thrive through daily worship and pilgrimage.

Adding a warm cultural dimension to the journey, you will also take part in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, an intimate and meaningful ritual that reflects the country’s deep-rooted hospitality and social traditions. As you watch the coffee beans being roasted and brewed, you’ll enjoy the rich aromas and flavors while gaining insight into one of Ethiopia’s most cherished cultural practices.

Carefully designed to balance exploration, culture, and relaxation, this 6-day tour offers a deeper and more rewarding experience, making it ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive and unforgettable discovery of Northern Ethiopia’s timeless history, spiritual legacy, and captivating landscapes. Book now and enjoy an adventure of a life-time!

As you wrap up this 6-Day Historical Northern Ethiopia Tour, the memories of Bahir Dar’s lakefront sunsets, Gondar’s castle walls, and Lalibela’s mystical rocks will linger big – the whispers of Ethiopia’s ancient history, the grandeur of its castles, and the magic of rock-hewn churches stay with you. The journey ends, the call of Ethiopia’s history remains, beckoning you to return to the lands of ancient kings, rock-hewn wonders, and unforgettable memories, where history whispers in every stone.

Highlights

Cultural Tour
Coffee Ceremony
Visit Museum
Visit First Group Of Churches
Visit Second Group Of Churches
City Tour
Blue Nile Visit
Boat Ride
Local Market Tour
Sightseeing

Day 01 :

Arrive In Ethiopia | Addis Ababa City Tour | Visit the National Museum

On arrival in Ethiopia in the morning hours, you will be welcomed and picked by our Kubwa Five Safaris guide who will be holding an A4 paper with your name printed on it at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and be transferred to your hotel to check in and have lunch.

After lunch, you will go for an afternoon city tour of Addis Ababa that will cover the following; visiting Haile Selassie’s former palace which is the now home of the Ethnological museum.

Exhibits here represent the best of the arts and crafts of the country and give an in-depth insight into the various peoples of Ethiopia.

You will also visit the National Museum, known to be the best museum in Africa, where cultural and archaeological relics and hominid displayed.

Drive to Mountain Entoto for panoramic view of the city.

At the end of the day you will see the Mercato, eastern Africa’s largest market.

Meals and overnight at Jupiter International Hotel Bole/ Best Western plus Pearl Addis Ababa/ Heyday Hotel.

Day 02 :

Transfer To Airport | Fly To Bahir Dar In The Morning | Boat Trip | Local Market Tour

After an early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your scheduled flight to Bahir Dar.

On arrival, meet our Kubwa Five Safaris guide at Bahir Dar Dejazmach Belay Zeleke Airport and be transferred to the city center. During the dry season, we may not have a big water fall at the Blue Nile falls, hence doing the other tour.

Bahir Dar is an attractive port city with a memorable location where the Blue Nile exits Lake Tana to begin its journey to the Mediterranean. As the springboard for day trips to the spectacular Blue Nile Falls and boat excursions onto the lake, Bahir Dar is one of northern Ethiopia’s undisputed travel highlights.

An extended boat trip on the waters of Lake Tana allows us to explore some of its most remote monasteries. Best known is Ura Kidane Mihret, on the Zege Peninsula, but we also visit Tana Chirkos, with its mysterious trio of Judaic sacrificial pillars; Daga Istafanos, whose crypt holds the mummies of five 13thto 17th-century Ethiopian emperors; and beautifully painted Narga Selassie.

You will also visit the local market in Bahir Dar, which is worth visiting.

Meals and overnight at Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar/ Lake Avenue Hotel/Homeland Hotel Bahir Dar.

Day 03 :

Drive To Gondar | Tour Gondar | Transfer To Your Hotel

After breakfast, you will be driven to Gondar. The day will be spent touring the fascinating sights for which Gondar is famous; Gondor castle compound, Bath of King Fasil, Trinity cathedral for the mural
paintings.

We think Gondar thoroughly deserves its nickname ‘The Camelot of Africa’. This historic city was the imperial capital of Ethiopia from the 17th to 19th centuries, and it is studded with impressive buildings dating to this era.

Most striking is the magnificent three-story castle built in the 1630s by Gondar's founder Emperor Fasil. Protected as a Unesco World Heritage Site, these historic castles and churches are interweaved with timeworn buildings from the Italian occupation (1936–40) and some of Ethiopia's most enjoyable live music venues.

Meals and overnight at AG Hotel/ Goha Hotel/ Haile Resort Gondar.

Day 04 :

Transfer To The Airport | Fly To Lalibela | Hotel Transfer | Tour First Group Of Churches | Coffee Ceremony

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Gondar Airport for your scheduled flight to Lalibela.

On arrival, you will be welcomed by our Kubwa Five Safaris guide who will transfer you to your hotel in Lalibela for lunch.

After lunch, you will visit the first group of churches which are Bet Medehanialem, Bet Maryam, Bet Michael and Gologota and finish on the most famous cross shaped church Bet Giorgis.

In the evening, you will have a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony with a local family and have dinner in cultural restaurant while some live band music is playing.

Top 6 Eye Catching Cultural Tours In Ethiopia

At the end of the 12th and beginning of the 13th centuries, King Lalibela organized the construction of a series of rock hewn churches which are now One of the wonders of the world.

Lalibela contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved out of the pink granite rock.

Meals and overnight at Panoramic View Hotel/ Mountain View Hotel/ Harbe Hotel - Lalibela.

Day 05 :

Visit The Second Group Of Churches | Relaxing

After having a delightful breakfast, you will visit the second group of churches. These are; Bete Gebriel, Bete Mercorios, Bete Amanuel, Bethlehem and Bete Aba Libanos.

After the visit you will spend the rest of the afternoon enjoy your free time or excursion to Ashten Mariam church.

Perched high above the sacred town of Lalibela, Asheten Mariam Church is one of the most remote and spiritually significant churches in the region, offering both a rewarding trek and a deeply enriching cultural experience. Reaching the church involves a scenic hike or mule ride up rugged mountain trails, where breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding highlands unfold with every step, creating a sense of anticipation and awe.

Meals and overnight at Panoramic View Hotel/ Mountain View Hotel/ Harbe Hotel - Lalibela.

Day 06 :

The Last Day With Us | Transfer To The Airport | Fly To Addis Ababa | Fly Back Home

After, having a delightful breakfast, you will be transferred to Lalibela Airport then you fly back to Addis Ababa and catch your scheduled flight back home.

Your safari will come to an end here and we hope that you will have fallen in love with Africa and with the whole safari experience. Enjoy your photos and wonderful memories until you can come back and travel with us again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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1. What is included in the safari package cost?

The cost covers all accommodations, meals as specified, park entrance fees, game drives, boat cruises, guide services, and ground transportation throughout the safari.

2. What should I pack for this 6-day safari?

Essentials include lightweight clothing, hiking boots, a jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera, a reusable water bottle, and personal medication. A full packing list will be shared upon booking.

3. Is this safari suitable for families with children?

Yes it is.

4. What type of accommodations are provided?

We use clean, safe, and comfortable lodges. All accommodations have private self-contained rooms; bathrooms are inside the rooms/tents.

5. Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes. We cater to most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others. Please let us know your preferences in advance.

6. How physically demanding is the safari?

Most of the tour involves vehicle-based drives and scenic travel hence it requires moderate physical fitness.

7. Is travel insurance required?

Yes. We strongly recommend that all participants have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

8. What is the group size?

Our private safari is tailored to provide an intimate and immersive experience for small groups. We accommodate groups of 4 to 24 travelers, ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and a unique safari experience.

9. Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes, we can tailor this safari to fit your schedule, interests, or accommodation preferences. Contact us for a personalized quote.

10. Why You Should Visit Ethiopia

Visiting Ethiopia offers a journey unlike any other, rich in history, culture, and dramatic landscapes. Explore ancient wonders like Lalibela and Axum, where centuries-old traditions still thrive. Trek through the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park, home to rare wildlife and stunning views. Experience vibrant festivals such as Timkat and savor unique cuisine and coffee culture. From the otherworldly Danakil Depression to welcoming communities, Ethiopia promises authentic, immersive adventures that blend nature, heritage, and unforgettable cultural encounters.

11. Frequently Asked Question about Ethiopia

Is Ethiopia safe for tourists?

Yes, Ethiopia is generally safe for tourists, particularly in well-traveled destinations such as Lalibela, Simien Mountains National Park, and Axum. As with any destination, travelers should take standard precautions, avoid isolated areas at night, and follow advice from local guides and authorities.

What is the best time to visit Ethiopia?

The ideal time to visit Ethiopia is during the dry season, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and cultural tours. This period also coincides with vibrant festivals such as Timkat, offering unique cultural experiences.

Is Ethiopia good for family travel?

Absolutely! Ethiopia is a wonderful destination for families, offering rich history, diverse landscapes, and engaging cultural experiences. Many tours are family-friendly, with opportunities to explore ancient sites, enjoy nature, and learn about local traditions in an interactive and memorable way.