Fusing history, culture, landscapes and wildlife along a perfectly paced circuit, this trip is a synthesis of the very best experiences on offer in Ethiopia’s northern highlands. Explorations of the ancient cities Axum, Gondar, Bahir Dar and Lalibela are broken up by hikes in the Simien Mountains National Park and community trekking in the rural plateaus of Tigray.
Overview
Introduction
A variation on the classic northern route, our historic north circuit and community trekking experience puts scenery, wildlife, and of course trekking(!) at centre stage. Community trekking in rural Tigray is one of our favourite thing to do in the country and involves meditative walks through rural Ethiopia with overnights at simple but charming guest houses perched on the plateau edge. The guesthouses are basic but that is part of their charm. The views from the plateau are extraordinary, the starlight in this part of the country is amazing and the daily walks are challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Trip Summary
- You start your adventure in the bustling capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. Most international flights arrive in the morning at Addis, so we’ll collect you from the airport and take you to your hotel where you can relax and freshen up after your flight. In the afternoon you can take your first steps into the city and explore some of the sites of Addis, before heading to one of the capitals wonderful cultural restaurants.
- From Addis you head to Bahir Dar, a charming lakeside town that’s great for some light adventuring. You can take a boat trip out onto Lake Tana and the visit the Blue Nile Falls.
- From Gondar, the road leads up into the spectacular beauty of the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of almost unimaginable beauty. There are 3 main campsites in the Simiens: Sankaber, Geech, and Chennek. We have skipped the Sankaber camp on this itinerary (but you are welcome to add it back in if you want the full 3 night camping experience).
- After the Simiens, take a drive down the switchbacks to Axum, the original capital city of Ethiopia. Axum was once a hugely influential city back in the days of the Axumite empire. It’s glory days are long gone, but the relics that remain from that time are fascinating and its one of the most culturally significant regions of Ethiopia. The drive passes through incredible scenery.
- Head up into the sandstone cliffs of Tigray for 3 nights community trekking. The walks are challenging, but the views blissful. You will be well looked after by the local team, and the mountains of Tigray, with the sky alight with stars, is the perfect place to relax with the tipple of your choice.
- Descend the cliffs of Tigray and head to Gheralta Lodge, a beautiful boutique lodge, wonderfully designed with the backdrop of the Gheralta Mountains providing a great view from your veranda. Gheralta will be your base for exploring the rock churches and landscapes of Tigray. The rock churches in Tigray are built into the cliffs, with some even requiring some short rock climbing (all safe and supported by your guides) to access – the views from the top are amazing.
