North Ethiopia and simien Mountain Trekking Tour - 8 day

Day 1. Flight to Lalibela

In the morning, transfer into the airport to fly to the legendary Ascetic Mountain town of Lalibela. After check-in to the hotel, full day visits the 12th c. Rock-Hewn Churches; Lalibela is famous for its rock hewn churches and these brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often referred to as the 8th wonder of the World. There are many rock churches in Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves. Overnight in hotel

Day 2. Flight to Gondar

Today you fly to Gondar, Gondar was one of the hidden cities of the foreign trade area in the 17th century AD, Gondar is the site of ancient castles building palaces of different emperors constructed in the European middle age architectural style. After check-in to hotel visit the curious symbiosis of Ethiopian and Portuguese architectural representation of the royal enclosure which is also known as” the Camelot of Africa``, the iconic church of Debre Birhan selassie, bath of king Fasilides which still in use for the colorful celebration of Ethiopian epiphany/Timket . O/n Gondar

Day 3. Gondar - Sankaber (3250 m)

Today We will drive from Gondar to Sankaber with a brief stop at the Simien Mountains National Park headquarters to arrange the permit.

Today we hike 5-6 hours and the hike goes through highland grasslands, heather forests, cultivated fields and follows a spectacular escarpment with dramatic views.

We will encounter the friendly Gelada baboons, foraging in big groups. A stunning viewpoint at the Jinbar Falls is reached after clambering a few rocks. This waterfall plunges several hundred meters down into the abyss.

At the end of the day we pass through the welcoming village of Gich where the local people are happy to prepare a well-deserved coffee. The coffee ceremony is an important social event in Ethiopian culture. The camp for the night is not far from the village. Overnight camping.

Day 4. Hike Gich to Chennek (3620 m)

Begin your day with the most spectacular stage of the trekking, offering stunning views all the way. Today we hike 7-8 hours to cover 12 km, including a short detour to Imet Gogo (3925 m). This summit offers the most exciting views. The giant lobelia is abundant on the Gich plateau. The majestically lammergeyer might soar the skies in front of you and the endemic thick billed raven will be present. On your way to Chennek you pass some other major peaks (Inataye reaching 4070 meter) and a deep valley. Chennek is the best place to spot the endemic and endangered walia ibex. Not seldom they walk into the camp. Overnight camping.

Day 5 .Hike Chennek to Ras Bwahit (4430 m) ,Drive back to Gondar

The last day in the Simien Mountains takes us up to the Bwahit Pass (4200 m) and when you're still fit enough all the way to Ras Bwahit, the second highest peak of Ethiopia after Ras Dashen. Total hike is 10 km, 5-6 hrs. Besides the walia ibex you have a change in seeing the even more endangered Ethiopian wolf. Late afternoon we drive back to Gondar. O/n Gondar

Day 6. Drive to Bahir Dar

After breakfast,continue to Bahir Dar and it takes a four-hour drive through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture . Afternoon, drive 34 km south of Bahir Dar to see the blue Nile falls , on the way back stop at a view point where actually can see the magical city of Bahir Dar . Overnight , Bahir Dar

Day 7. Excursion to Lake Tana Monasteries

After breakfast boat rides on Lake Tana. On Lake Tana time has still stood and dominated by an archaic, dating from early Christian mysticism and the religious interpretations of African art are characterized by the Ethiopian Christianity, and the world’s Old Testament is still practiced. Visit Azua Mariam and Ura kidane Mihret monasteries which are rich in icon painting. Overnight in hotel

Day 8 . Fly back to Addis

Upon arrival at Bole international airport and meet by our representative and transferred to the hotel. After checking in to the hotel, begin a city tour of Addis. Which includes national museum- the home of complete hominid fossil remain of Lucy dates 3.2 million years back, mount Entoto- the panoramic view from the highest point of Addis with an altitude of 3200 meter above sea level, trinity cathedral- beautiful church with a baroque style of European architecture unique to both Ethiopia and Africa, ethnographic museum and Merkato (the largest open air market in Africa). Evening attend a welfare program at a traditional restaurant with music and dancing then transfer out to Bole airport to depart home .