The only African country that has never been colonised, Ethiopia is also unusual for its rich Orthodox Christian heritage, which was maintained even when all its neighbours embraced Islam in the seventh century. This journey travels through this enthralling and beautiful country, little explored by tourists, and discovers the layers of history that have shaped the land.
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Saving up to £300 on specific departures when booked by 30 Oct 18
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines. (N)
Arrive in the third highest capital in the world. Afternoon city tour, including the Ethnographic Museum and the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Overnight at the Golden Tulip Hotel (or similar). Pre-dinner welcome drink. (L, D)
Morning flight to Mekelle. Short tour of Mekelle, including Bete Yohannes. Drive to Hawzien. En route, visit the rock-hewn churches of Wukro Cherkos and Abraha Atsbeha. Stay overnight at the Gheralta Lodge (or similar). (B, L, D)
Morning drive to Axum. Stay 2 nights at Sabean Hotel (or similar). The next day visit the tombs of King Kaleb and Gebra Meskel, the Queen of Sheba’s swimming pool and palace, King Ezana’s Stone and the magnificent stele (obelisks). Afternoon visit to the Cathedral of St Mary of Zion and the Chapel of the Tablet, said to contain the Ark of the Covenant, as well as the Axum Museum. (B, L, D)
Fly to the world heritage site of Lalibela, via Gondar. The site features 11 rock-hewn churches. Afternoon visit to the north-west cluster of churches, including the Church of St George. Stay 2 nights at the Mountain View Hotel / Mezena Lodge. Morning walk the following day up to Asheton Maryam (weather permitting). Alternatively, visit the cave church Nakutelab, accessible by car. Afternoon visit to the south-east cluster of churches. (B, L, D)
Fly to Gondar, located at the foot of the Simien mountains. Visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie to see its murals. Drive to the Simien Mountain Lodge and stay for 2 nights. Evening talk on gelada monkeys, endemic to this area. Morning drive the following day to Chennek, home to the endemic walia ibex. Stop to view gelada monkeys and walk to a waterfall. Afternoon at leisure. (B, L, D)
Drive to Gondar and stay 1 night at the Mayleko Lodge (or similar). Afternoon tour of the castles of Emperor Fasiladas and the Palace of the Queen Mentuab. (B, L, D)
Drive to Gorgora and visit the monastery of Debre Sina Mariam. Cross Lake Tana by boat and visit Narga Selassie. Continue to URA Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam on the Zeghe peninsula. Stay 2 nights at the Kuriftu Resort & Spa (or similar). (B, L, D)
Visit the Blue Nile Falls at Tissisat. Afternoon visit to the Bezawit Palace and the market in Bahir Dar. Optional spa treatments available. (B, L, D)
Morning flight to Addis Ababa. Day room at the Golden Tulip Hotel. Short visit to the Mercato. Dinner at a cultural restaurant and transfer to the airport. Fly to London. Arrive the next day. (B, L, D) (N)
As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
This tour is best suited to the hardier traveller as it includes some rougher road journeys and some basic accommodation. Hotels, while sometimes not reaching western standards, are clean and comfortable and the country’s cultural wonders more than make up for occasional deficiencies (please note that some churches are not open to female travellers). Ethiopia is mountainous and altitude may be a problem for some visitors.
This tour is fully escorted throughout by a local tour manager from arrival in Addis Ababa.
Some of the departures have been scheduled to coincide with Ethiopia’s most celebrated festivals listed below.
Taking place in Bahir Dar on 19 January, Timkat is the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Epiphany. The 7 January 2019 departure leaves and returns on a Monday. The Timkat festival departure has an extra night duration of 15 days & 12 nights.
Celebrated in Addis Ababa on 27 September, Meskel commemorates the finding of the true cross by Queen Helena. The 15 September 2019 departure leaves on a Sunday and returns on a Saturday.
Celebrated in Axum on the 30 November, Hidar Tsion is associated with the presence of the Ark of the Covenant and is a joyous annual pilgrimage. The 27 November 2019 departure leaves on a Wednesday and returns on a Tuesday.
From £545pp.
This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements. Please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.
This tour can be booked / reserved online by clicking on one of the coloured links below.
ETH2019: 11 Nights
The scenery was amazing throughout the tour, but the two main sights for us were St. Georges cruciform rock church and the Blue Nile falls. Both truly amazing.Mr David Eyres
The entire Ethiopian experience, coffee making in a small hut, sitting with Gelada baboons in the Simian Mountains, the churches of Lalibela, and the exciting participation in Timkat was an experience not to be missed. Mrs Suzanne Vincent
Although the rock churches of Lalibela were particularly impressive, it was the overall balance of sights that impressed us: the stelae of Axum and the castles of Gondar plus the magnificence of the Simien Mountains and Lake Tana. Mr Roger Darlington
We are experienced travellers and always looking for something a little different. We thought Ethiopia Odyssey was beyond our expectations and to see so many different Unesco World Heritage Sites in one holiday was exceptional. The wildlife content was unexpected and to see so many different types during such a short holiday was surprising. Would recommend Cox & Kings to others and congratulate them for putting together our holiday - the literature and the tour manager were first class. Mr David King
Bahar Dar This large town is situated on the southern shore of Lake Tana and has...
Gondar Gondar, founded by Emperor Fasilidas around 1635, is famous for its many...
Lalibela Lalibela, the ‘New Jerusalem’ was built by King Lalibela ‘with the help of...
Simien Mountains National Park The Simien Mountains National Park is situated about...