14-Day North & Awash National Park Tour
Tour Overview
This region of Ethiopia is renowned for its rich Christian culture, remarkable monuments, and treasures that span centuries. The stunning landscapes—featuring high peaks, plains, winding rivers, and spectacular gorges—create an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Ethiopia offers a wealth of historical and cultural treasures unmatched anywhere else on Earth. It is a unique and captivating destination, showcasing some of Africa’s finest mountain scenery, particularly in the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Tigray region boasts hundreds of rock-hewn churches built between the 12th and 15th centuries, often perched atop inaccessible mountains. Lalibela, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” features eleven churches hewn from solid rock. Further north, Gondar is home to 17th-century castles and early medieval churches adorned with stunning wall paintings.
Things to Do
- National Museum of Ethiopia
- Holy Trinity Cathedral
- Ethnographic Museum of Ethiopia
- Merkato Open Air Market*
- Blue Nile Falls
- Boat Trip on Lake Tana
- Royal Enclosure in Gondar
- Debre Birhan Selassie Church
- Stunning Landscapes
- Wildlife and Local Lifestyle
- North Stelae Field
- Axum Zion Church
- Rock-Hewn Churches
- Lake Hayk and its Island Monastery
- Mary Zion Church, Wukro Cherkos
- Tekeze River
- Awash National Park
- Bati Market
- Shopping
- Coffee Tasting
Itinerary
Depart early for Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. Visit the historic Portuguese Bridge, Ethiopia's first bridge, and pass through the breathtaking Blue Nile Gorge. Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).
Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to explore monasteries on its islands and shores, including Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret. In the afternoon, hike to the Blue Nile Falls and enjoy a sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).
Travel north to Gondar, passing through rural villages that showcase Amhara culture. Visit the Royal Enclosure, Fasilidas’s Pool, Ras Gimb Palace Museum, and Debre Birhan Selassie Church. Overnight in Gondar (hotel).
Travel to Simien Mountain National Park, stopping at Debark to register. Enjoy spectacular views at Sankaber and keep an eye out for Lammergeiers and Gelada Baboons. Overnight in the park (lodge).
Depart for Axum, taking in the stunning views of the Simien Mountains. After lunch in Adi Arkay, continue through the dramatic Tekeze Valley. Overnight in Axum (hotel).
Visit Axum's historic sites, including the obelisks, archaeological museum, and St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Overnight in Axum (hotel).
Visit the ancient ruins of Yeha, then the Debre Damo monastery (men only). Explore the rock-hewn church of Medhane Alem Adi Kesho en route. Overnight in Hawsein (hotel or lodge).
Hike to either Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor for stunning views. Visit the accessible churches of Abreha we Atsbeha and Chirkos before driving to Mekele for the night (hotel).
Embark on a day-long drive to Lalibela, passing through rural villages. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).
Visit the rock-hewn churches, starting with the Northwestern Cluster and then the Southeastern Cluster, concluding with the iconic Bet Giyorgis. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).
Trek to Asheton Maryam monastery. In the afternoon, visit the cave church of Yimrehanne Kristos. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).
Visit Na’akuto La’ab monastery before driving to Kombolcha via Woldia. Stop at Lake Hayk for stunning views. Overnight in Kombolcha (hotel).
Travel to Awash via Bati, with a chance to visit the Monday camel market. Enjoy an evening game drive to spot local wildlife. Overnight in Awash National Park (lodge or camping).
Explore deeper into the park, visiting the Filwoha Hot Springs and the dormant Mt. Fantale. Overnight in Awash National Park (lodge or camping).
Return to Addis Ababa, stopping in Sodere for a therapeutic hot spring experience.
The program can be customized upon request.*
Explore Tours
This region of Ethiopia is renowned for its rich Christian culture, remarkable monuments, and treasures that span centuries. The stunning landscapes—featuring high peaks, plains, winding rivers, and spectacular gorges—create an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Ethiopia offers a wealth of historical and cultural treasures unmatched anywhere else on Earth. It is a unique and captivating destination, showcasing some of Africa’s finest mountain scenery, particularly in the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Tigray region boasts hundreds of rock-hewn churches built between the 12th and 15th centuries, often perched atop inaccessible mountains. Lalibela, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” features eleven churches hewn from solid rock. Further north, Gondar is home to 17th-century castles and early medieval churches adorned with stunning wall paintings.
Things to Do
- National Museum of Ethiopia
- Holy Trinity Cathedral
- Ethnographic Museum of Ethiopia
- Merkato Open Air Market*
- Blue Nile Falls
- Boat Trip on Lake Tana
- Royal Enclosure in Gondar
- Debre Birhan Selassie Church
- Stunning Landscapes
- Wildlife and Local Lifestyle
- North Stelae Field
- Axum Zion Church
- Rock-Hewn Churches
- Lake Hayk and its Island Monastery
- Mary Zion Church, Wukro Cherkos
- Tekeze River
- Awash National Park
- Bati Market
- Shopping
- Coffee Tasting
Included/Exclude
Tour Plan
Depart early for Bahir Dar via Debre Markos. Visit the historic Portuguese Bridge, Ethiopia's first bridge, and pass through the breathtaking Blue Nile Gorge. Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).
Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to explore monasteries on its islands and shores, including Azuwa Maryam and Ura Kidane Mehret. In the afternoon, hike to the Blue Nile Falls and enjoy a sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar (hotel).
Travel north to Gondar, passing through rural villages that showcase Amhara culture. Visit the Royal Enclosure, Fasilidas’s Pool, Ras Gimb Palace Museum, and Debre Birhan Selassie Church. Overnight in Gondar (hotel).
Travel to Simien Mountain National Park, stopping at Debark to register. Enjoy spectacular views at Sankaber and keep an eye out for Lammergeiers and Gelada Baboons. Overnight in the park (lodge).
Depart for Axum, taking in the stunning views of the Simien Mountains. After lunch in Adi Arkay, continue through the dramatic Tekeze Valley. Overnight in Axum (hotel).
Visit Axum's historic sites, including the obelisks, archaeological museum, and St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Overnight in Axum (hotel).
Visit the ancient ruins of Yeha, then the Debre Damo monastery (men only). Explore the rock-hewn church of Medhane Alem Adi Kesho en route. Overnight in Hawsein (hotel or lodge).
Hike to either Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor for stunning views. Visit the accessible churches of Abreha we Atsbeha and Chirkos before driving to Mekele for the night (hotel).
Embark on a day-long drive to Lalibela, passing through rural villages. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).
Visit the rock-hewn churches, starting with the Northwestern Cluster and then the Southeastern Cluster, concluding with the iconic Bet Giyorgis. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).
Trek to Asheton Maryam monastery. In the afternoon, visit the cave church of Yimrehanne Kristos. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).
Visit Na’akuto La’ab monastery before driving to Kombolcha via Woldia. Stop at Lake Hayk for stunning views. Overnight in Kombolcha (hotel).
Travel to Awash via Bati, with a chance to visit the Monday camel market. Enjoy an evening game drive to spot local wildlife. Overnight in Awash National Park (lodge or camping).
Explore deeper into the park, visiting the Filwoha Hot Springs and the dormant Mt. Fantale. Overnight in Awash National Park (lodge or camping).
Return to Addis Ababa, stopping in Sodere for a therapeutic hot spring experience.
The program can be customized upon request.*
