Tours of Ethiopia

Ethiopia: Northern Explorer

Tour Map of Ethiopia: Northern Explorer

This is a great itinerary that visits the very best of the northern historical circuit whilst offering a few hidden treasures as well, many of which are not offered, to our knowledge,by any other UK tour operator. Starting our tour in Addis we will fly to Gonder with its medieval castles and then drive up into the wonderful Simien Mountains where we will stay at the stunning located Simien Eco-lodge. But it is from Axum that the trip really becomes quite different, as we drive - rather than fly - to the World Heritage town of Lalibela via Yeha, through Eastern Tigray and one of the most visually stunning parts of the whole country, to see some of most rarely seen rock churches. From Lalibela (which for some is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world) we then undertake an incredibly rewarding village walk, spending 2 nights with local communities in conjunction with the charity TESFA (Tourism in Ethiopia for Sustainable Future Alternatives). As a fitting climax, we finally arrive in Bahir Dar for a stroll beneath the Blue Nile Falls and a boat ride on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile.

Ethiopia: Meskel Explorer

Tour Map of Ethiopia: Meskel Explorer

We are proud to be able to offer this unique itinerary that gives a rare opportunity to join in on the annual Meskel celebrations in the company of village communities. This is a great itinerary that visits the very best of the northern historical circuit whilst offering a few hidden treasures as well. Starting our tour in Addis we will fly to Axum, from where the trip really gets going, as we drive - rather than fly - to the World Heritage town of Lalibela via Yeha, through Eastern Tigray and one of the most visually stunning parts of the whole country, to see some of the most rarely seen rock churches and stay with local communities as they celebrate Meskel, the annual religious holiday in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church commemorating the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Helena in the fourth century. From here we head to Lalibela, which for some is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world, before, we finally arrive in Bahir Dar for a stroll beneath the Blue Nile Falls and a boat ride on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile.

Get beyond the tourist façade of the countries you visit. Focus on the local culture, past and present, and discover the lifeblood of any country – its people. Discovery and culture tours uncover different ways of life, and offer the opportunity to meet and sometimes stay with local people or tribal groups. Our discovery tours explore cultural sites – both ancient and modern – and help you learn about the people and their culture. Visit the remote tribes of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, live the nomad life in desert camps or meet the local people of the high Andean altiplano in Peru. There’s no better way to get to the true heart of a country than through its people.

Blue Nile & Lalibela

Tour Map of Blue Nile & Lalibela

Join us for a journey through one of Africa's least explored countries. On our journey along the Historic Route we visit rock-hewn churches, ancient obelisks and the forbidden medieval town of Harar. We also see many of the country's astonishing natural wonders, from the dramatic Tississat Falls (the source of the Blue Nile) to the rugged Simien mountain range.

Scenic and Cultural Treasures of Ethiopia

Tour Map of Scenic and Cultural Treasures of Ethiopia

Welcome to Ethiopia, one of the world’s great repositories of human history. Here were found the 3 million-year-old remains of ‘Lucy’, the oldest known ‘walking’ hominid, and here you’ll find other such historical treasures as the remarkable rock-cut medieval churches of Lalibela and UNESCO World Heritage Sites aplenty, from the ancient obelisk of Axum to the dramatic fortress of Gondar. Yet there is much more to enjoy on our brand new tour of this African gem, including the sublime beauty of the Blue Nile and Simien Mountains, home to the ‘bleeding heart monkey’, and a fascinating culture and welcoming people. This is not your ‘ordinary’ holiday, but surely one that you’ll never forget.

Why not join a tour led by a guest specialist who can help you understand and appreciate your chosen destination or activity in greater depth? Working with a team of carefully chosen specialist lecturers, all of whom have a deep knowledge and passionate enthusiasm for their subject, we have developed a range of specialist led holidays all over the world. You could enjoy travelling to the fabled highlands of Ethiopia, to explore the rock-cut churches of Tigray and Lalibela as well as the obelisks, temples and palaces of Axum, the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Or why not discover the fascinating but little known sites of Maidum, Amarna, Beni Hassan and Abydos in Egypt’s Nile Valley, ignored by mainstream tourism but full of interest for enthusiasts? As well as specialist history tours you could travel in the company of an expert astronomer to the Iceland, in search of the spectacular Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). As the most sparsely populated country in Europe, with almost negligible levels of light pollution and positioned on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is the ideal place to view the Aurora Borealis, described by some as the most spectacular natural phenomenon in the world. Our expert astronomer has great experience in aurora-tracking, making sure we're in the right place at the right time not just to witness the show, but also to explain the phenomenon and give tips on how to film or photograph it.

Ethiopia's Historical Highlights

Tour Map of Ethiopia's Historical Highlights

On this tour lecturer, writer and photographer Chris Bradley will guide us through Ethiopia's unique history, myths and legends. We visit many of the country's natural and cultural highlights, including the Tississat Falls and the rock-cut churches of Tigray and Lalibela. We also explore Fasiliadas' castle complex at Gondar and the 3000-year-old temple at Yeha.

All the adventure you want, with a softer landing. Handpicked, character-rich accommodations with upgraded amenities services. Upgraded and private transport, including flights to maximize time. More included meals, activities and transfers.

Mysteries of Ethiopia

Tour Map of Mysteries of Ethiopia

Ethiopia holds a culturally unique place between Africa the Middle East. Discover it for yourself over 13 days experiencing the country's diverse offerings. Trek into the unforgettably stunning Simien Mountains, get up close to the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and introduce yourself to the residents of the innovative village of Awra Amba. Grab yourself an adventure you'll be talking about for years to come.

Our Discovery collection draws together the best of our holidays that focus on the culture of a destination, as well as on visiting iconic sights and embracing local traditions. Some of these Discovery holidays will also have an element of activity, combining sightseeing with short walks, for example. Others might have a multi-activity holiday format, including biking and/or rafting, for instance, and these holidays are specifically designed for the adrenaline seeker! Also within our discovery collection are those of our holidays with a wildlife emphasis, photographic workshops, and polar cruise holidays. Never too physically demanding, these are predominantly touring holidays and their grade (usually towards the lower end of our 1 to 12 scale) reflects, in part, the remoteness of the area visited and the conditions likely to be encountered. Our Discovery holidays allow the discerning traveller to get right to the heart of many of the world's most stimulating destinations.

Ethiopia - Addis to Axum

North of the pleasant capital of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia can boast a wealth of historical and cultural treasures unlike anything else on Earth. Our 'Northern Circuit' starts out with a short flight to Bahir Dar, where we visit the Blue Nile Falls and take a cruise on Lake Tana. Proceeding to Gondar, we have a day there to explore the Royal Enclosure, with its ruined fairy-tale castles. Heading north-east, we spend time in the Simien Mountains, famous for far-reaching views and for rare wildlife species. Our next port of call is Axum, home to giant engraved obelisks, the Queen of Sheba's palace and the Saint Mary of Zion Church, the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. We have time to check out more of Tigray's amazing rock churches before heading south to Lalibela, a medieval city that ranks amongst the wonders of the world, thanks to its outrageous complex of 12th century rock hewn churches. The landscapes, people and history of northern Ethiopia are a revelation!

Walking in Ethiopia: Lalibela and the Simien Mountains

Tour Map of Walking in Ethiopia: Lalibela and the Simien Mountains

The Simien Mountains of northern Ethiopia are quite simply among the most spectacular sites the continent has to offer. Formed millions of years ago by river systems cutting through the sandstone rock, they are bounded on the north and east by a massive escarpment, in places over 1000 metres high, from which the views stretch endlessly over the vast plains towards Eritrea. At their foot are the remnants of ancient hills, now eroded into hundreds of pinnacles and buttresses. Aside from stunning scenery, the park is home to an impressive array of wildlife and because most of the walk is along the escarpment, the trek - though thoroughly impressive - is not overly technical. Add to this the cultural sites of Gonder and Lalibela (which together with the Simien Mountains makes 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites in a week!) and this trip is perfect for anyone with a passion for walking and culture, looking for a short holiday.