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Ethiopian— vacations —

Historical & Cultural Tours

Northern Ethiopia Highlights

Five days along the historic route: Bahir Dar, Gondar and Lalibela.

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Duration
5 days
Region
Northern Ethiopia
Starts
Addis Ababa

Overview

Ethiopia's historic route runs through the north, and five days covers its three anchors. Bahir Dar sits on Lake Tana, where the Blue Nile leaves the lake and falls into its gorge. Gondar was a royal capital, and its stone castles are unlike anything else in the region. Lalibela's rock-hewn churches close the loop. The distances are real, so this itinerary uses a domestic flight where the drive would otherwise eat a day.

Highlights

  • The Blue Nile Falls, reached on foot from the old Portuguese bridge
  • Lake Tana and the Blue Nile outflow
  • The royal enclosure at Gondar
  • The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
  • Yemrehanna Kristos and Na'akuto La'ab

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

    North to Bahir Dar on Lake Tana. A short trek from the old Portuguese bridge brings you to the Blue Nile Falls, best after the rains when the water is high.

  2. Day 2

    Bahir Dar to Gondar

    A drive of roughly four hours through farmland and villages, which is a good deal of the point. Gondar's royal enclosure — the castles and their compound — takes up the afternoon.

  3. Day 3

    Gondar to Lalibela

    A short flight, around an hour, rather than a very long drive. The afternoon is spent among the main cluster of rock-hewn churches.

  4. Day 4

    Around Lalibela

    Out to Yemrehanna Kristos, a built church sheltered inside a cave, and Na'akuto La'ab under its rock overhang. Both need a vehicle suited to the roads.

  5. Day 5

    Lalibela to Addis Ababa

    Fly back to Addis Ababa, with time in the city before onward travel.

Who it suits

A moderate trip. Some long drives, some walking on uneven ground at the churches and the falls, and consistent altitude throughout. No trekking is required beyond the walk to the Blue Nile Falls.

Before you go

The Blue Nile Falls vary a great deal with the season and with water drawn off upstream. If the falls are the reason you are going, ask us about timing before you book.

Common questions

How does this compare with the Lalibela tour?
This covers the wider historic route — Bahir Dar and Gondar as well as Lalibela — over five days. The Lalibela Historical Tour is three days and stays in one place, going deeper into the churches and the monasteries around them.

Places visited

  • Bahir Dar
  • Blue Nile Falls
  • Gondar
  • Lalibela

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