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Ethiopia has a uniquely fascinating culture, and on this trip we'll begin to explore it in the ancient capital of Gondar. This is overlanding at its finest - a pioneering expedition through rugged country, taking in magnificent sites such as the churches of Lalibela, hewn out of rock, or beautiful monasteries on Lake Tana which house the mummified remains of ancient emperors. We'll visit the Blue Nile Falls, second largest in Africa, where the Nile cascades through dramatic gorges before continuing its course all the way across Sudan and Egypt, go trekking in the rugged Simien Mountains - home to the extraordinary gelada baboon, and end our trip in the thriving capital Addis Ababa.

what's included?

Nights 1 - 4: Ethiopian Highlands

• 2 night stay and guided tour of Gondar, ancient capital of historic Ethiopia
• 2 days for organised guided trek through the Simien Mountains National Park

Nights 5 - 9: Northern Ethiopia

• 2 nights in Axum to experience this historic town with guided tour of its palaces and temples
• Explore the Tigray rock-hewn churches

Nights 10 - 14: Coptic Ethiopia

• Overland through the wild Ethiopian highlands
• 3 nights to comprehensively explore the remarkable Lalibela churches
• Guided tours of the rock churches, monastery and visit to local school at Lalibela

Nights 15 - 20: The Blue Nile and Addis Ababa

• 3 nights at Bahir Dar to explore Lake Tana and the island monasteries by boat
• Relax in Bahir Dar and visit the source of the Blue Nile
• Day trip out to the Blue Nile Falls, second in Africa only to Vic Falls
• Overland journey into the immense Blue Nile Gorge
• Time to explore the Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa

what can I do on the way?

(Activities available at extra costs)

• Visit the Debre Demo Monastery around Mekele
• Mule trekking in the mountains of Simien National Park
• Visit the Church of St Mary of Zion at Axum

General Notes:

Rough roads and few western amenities. Because of the areas that we are visiting, the itineraries may well vary from that published. Do not expect the trip to run as published, this is definitely an exploratory style trip.

Kitty does not cover food while staying in hotels and hostels.

Alternative routes starting from Gondar: