Spirit of Ethiopia
FROM PRICE: $ 2164
Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela, Axum - 7 nights/8 days
All of these tours are custom-made, prices are subject to change.
This encompasses four major historic sites: Axum, Lalibela, Gondar, and Bahir Dar. Axum was the seat of an empire which extended across the Red Sea to Arabia, traded with India and China, had its own alphabet and notational system, constructed great engineering works and dams.
Much of the fascination of Ethiopia lies in its myriad historical sites, the obelisks and stele of Axum, churches and Coptic monasteries in the Tigre, in the Lake Tana isles and in the Lalibela: the African Jerusalem with its monolithic churches.
Where is it?
The safari covers Addis Ababa - entry point and capital of Ethiopia; Bahir Dar on the shores of Lake Tana and close to the Blue Nile Falls; Gondar filled with magical castles; Lalibela with its famous carved rock churches and then to the ancient Ethiopian capital of Axum.
What is the best time of year to go?
The best time to travel depends very much on where you are travelling to. In most of the country, the main rainy season runs from June to the end of September, with short rains in March.
In the Omo and Mago parks however, in Southern Ethiopia, the seasons are different with the main rains from March to June, and shorter rains in November.
With the upgrading of the airports along the historic route (Axum, Lalibela, Gondar and Bahir Dar), it is now possible to visit the north even in the rainy season.
For those who don't mind waiting out a downpour (usually followed by brilliant sunshine), there are certain rewards - a green countryside full of crops and flowers and the sites largely to yourself.
How to get there
Fly to Addis Ababa where you'll be met by one of our representatives. From then on we'll take care of all your needs until we return you to the airport at the end of your stay.
Tips and Notes
The easiest and fastest way to get around is by air, although that means missing out on some stunning scenery.
Pack light clothes for the daytime and jacket or sweater for the evenings, and a good pair of walking shoes even if you are not going trekking-path ways around historic sites is usually uneven and stony.
Trekkers in the Simian and Bale Mountains will need warm clothes, waterproofs and 3-4 season’s sleeping bags.
A cultural note: Ethiopians are generally modest dressers and visitors should be sensitive about going underdressed into places of worship. Shoes must always be removed before entering churches and mosques-for getting around sites like Lalibela with its many churches airline socks are very useful.
All visitors should be in possession of valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Immunization for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and Polio is recommended.
Malaria: in many sites malaria is not a problem because of the elevation - this is true of Axum, Gondar and Lalibela for example, but it can occur in Bahir Dar at the end of the rainy season and after unseasonable rains.
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Other Options
This country is so diverse and has much to offer including the most spectacular mountain scenery in Africa. This destination is a true "Off Beat Exploration" and is best suited to anyone looking for an interesting mixture of culture, history and scenery. Ethiopia is not a big game destination. Excellent hikes are available into the mountains - please contact us for further information.
Safari Types
Traditional Safaris | Walking Safaris | Canoe Safaris | Family Safaris | Mobile Safaris | Honeymoon Safaris | Special Interest Safaris | Primate Safaris | Bush and Beach Safaris | Off Beat Explorations | Active Safaris | Migration Safaris
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