5 days Exploring North Ethiopia's Rich History and Culture
Overview
Available languages
120 hours
Mobile ticket
World Heritage–listed Harar is a place apart. With its 368 alleyways squeezed into just 1 sq km, it’s more reminiscent of Fez in Morocco than any other city in the Horn. Its countless mosques and shrines, animated markets, crumbling walls and charming people will make you feel as if you’ve floated right out of the 21st century. It’s the east’s most memorable sight and shouldn’t be missed. As if that wasn’t enough, there are many chances to get up close and personal with wild hyenas. It’s a rare traveller who doesn’t enjoy it here.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
accommodation
All Fees and Taxes
Dinner
lunch and Dinner
Domestic flight ticket
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Addis Ababa - Bahir dar
Accommodations
overnight at Jacaranda Hotel
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Bahir Dar
Transfer to Bole airport and fly to Bahir Dar. In the morning take a boat trip on Lake Tana to explore the monasteries hidden on the shores and islands of Lake Tana. In the afternoon depart out of town to the Blue Nile Falls for an easy hike in the area. Finish the day with a lovely sunset over the lake. Accommodation: Jacaranda Hotel
Lake Tana
Lake Tana is the biggest lake in Ethiopia, accounting for a staggering 50% of all inland water in the country. The flora and fauna found within its murky depths have led to Lake Tana's nomination as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Surrounding the lake lies one of the largest networks of wetlands in Africa. These wetlands see huge annual bird migrations, and the lake itself has large populations of Great White Pelicans. There are dozens of islands found on Lake Tana, and many are home to 14th Century monasteries complete with ancient ornaments, frescoes, and fascinating wall paintings.
Bahir Dar - Gonder
Accommodations
Overnight Goha Hotel
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Gonder
After breakfast, drive north to Gondar. Explore the sites of Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings
Fasil Ghebbi
Additionally, visit Fasiladas’s Pool, still used for Timket celebrations today, Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling frescoes in Ethiopia and Kuskuam, a former palace in a partial state of ruin overlooking the ancient city of Gondar.
Simien Mountains
Accommodations
Overnight stay at Goha Hotel
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Simien Mountains National Park
Depart to Debark town (100 Km from Gondar), where the head quarter of Simien Mountains National Park is found. Here we pay the entrance fees and a scout and a local guide will accompany us. Then we continue driving to Sankaber (31 Km), the first campsite of the National Park. On this drive, you will gain your first impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region, the extraordinary scenery, enjoying the endemic Gelada Baboons and the bone breaker giant bird Lammergeyer roaring around, visit and drive back to Gonder for Overnight stay.
Gonder - Lalibela
Accommodations
overnight stay Haile hotel
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Lalibela
In the morning, you will fly to Lalibela, the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. Begin to explore the 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable King Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha.
Lalibela - Addis Ababa
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
DINNER
Dinner
Lalibela
After lunch, continue to visit the Southeastern Cluster of Lalibela churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolithic in the shape of a cross, and constructed in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia after visit you will transfer to Lalibela airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. in the evening there will be farewell dinner with cultural food, traditional special buffet and local drinks to experience Ethiopia’s cultural meals and drinks. After farewell dinner, you will be transferred to the airport after a memorable experience in Ethiopia.
Options
5 days Exploring North Ethiopia's Rich History and Culture
Pickup included
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A wonderful, reliable and safe experience in Ethiopia with Liyu Ethiopian tours
103rayal,
Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly highly reccomend Liyu Ethiopia tours. I am a solo woman traveler and I let Yhun, the manager of the agency, arrange a 5-day tour in North Ethiopia for me. Everything worked like a swiss clock- I was awaited in every airport by experienced drivers and friendly, well-knowledged English speaking guides. I saw amazing places and got to meet local people and engage in meaningful conversations. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout my stay. Yhun is a resposible, kind gentleman who owns an agency that is big enoigh to arrange everything perfectly, but yet small enough for you to feel the personal touch at all times. I will never forget my trip to northern Ethiopia and will always be grateful to Liyu tours for their assistance
Awesome experience in beautiful Ethiopia!
999srinathh,
Jun 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We got lucky on two counts : We chose Ethiopia as our destination and we chose Liyu Tours to show us around. We did Addis, Bahir Dar, Gondar and Lalibela over 7 days. At each location, we had local guides who were extremely knowledgeable and who knew the local spots that we would have otherwise missed. We enjoyed the company of Aman (Addis), Abebe (Bahir Dar), Girum, assisted by Sisai and Alex (Gondar) and Balay (Lalibela) who made us feel safe and welcome. A special shout out to Girum who arranged for an impromptu birthday party at the Four Sisters restaurant at Gondar. Ethiopia is an awesome country - we just scratched a bit of its rich history, culture, cuisine, wildlife, its rugged landscape. Our interactions with the local people, especially the school kids was wonderful. From the 3+ million year old Lucy located in Addis to the scenic (and extremely clean) Lake Tana - the source of the Blue Nile, to the monasteries dotting its periphery, the palace complex of Gondar, the Gelada baboons we spotted while on a hike at Kosoyye, the fabulous rock hewn churches of Lalibela. This was an unforgettable experience.
Perfect organisation!
urtepaulus,
Jun 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My daughter and I had an outstanding experience due to the fantastic organisation of our customized 8-day trip including Lake Tana, road trip Bahir Dar to Gondar, Simien Mountains, Lalibela, Harar and Addis Ababa). We met so many lovely people on our way and were very impressed by the knowledge of the local guides. We always felt welcomed, safe and more as a family member than a tourist. We highly recommend this travel agency and will for sure come back.
Fantastic experience and wonderfully organised
L1451ZPmariap,
Jun 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My mother and I had an excellent experience and time with Liyu. They responded super quickly and were very reliable. I asked for customisations to one of their trips, which they were happy to organise for us. The whole trip, which inluded many domestic flights, was organised very well and all guides at each location were excellent. We had a fantastic time visiting the local sights, learning about the history of the country and meeting its lovely people. Would definitely book with them again!
An outstanding performance
Aquamarin L,
Mar 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Liyu Ethiopian Tours we want to thank you so much for everything you provided us during our visit to Ethiopia Your warm welcome and generosity made our stay truly enjoyable. We especially loved the Omo tribes part , the meals, the conversations we shared. Our guide Amanuel is knowledge of the area and recommendations for anything we asked and our driver Nati made our trip even more exciting. We are grateful for the memories created and look forward to discover more parts of the country with you again in the future.
From US$1,199.00
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Operated by Liyu Ethiopia Tours