5 Days Tour to Ura Kidane Mihiret and Azwa Mariam Monastery Churches in Bahir Dar Plus Gonder
Overview
Discover the historic treasures of Northern Ethiopia on this 5-day cultural tour. Explore Addis Ababa’s museums and landmarks, cruise on Lake Tana to visit ancient monasteries, witness the spectacular Blue Nile Falls, and discover the royal castles and churches of Gondar. The journey also includes an excursion to the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park, home to dramatic landscapes and endemic wildlife.
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Visit the National Museum, which exhibits numerous antiquities, historical relics, archaeological and paleontological objects including the 3.5 million-year-old skeleton of Lucy. Continue to St. George Cathedral, which contains several interesting modern paintings and mosaics, Merkato — the biggest open-air market of its kind in Africa — and Mount Entoto, which offers a panoramic view of the city.
Overnight: Triple E Hotel, Addis Ababa
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar
Take a short flight north to Bahir Dar, a pleasant city located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. After checking in to your hotel, explore Lake Tana and its islands by boat. There are 37 islands on Lake Tana, and 20 of them contain churches and monasteries of significant historical and cultural importance. Visit the monastery churches of Ura Kidane Mihiret and Azwa Mariam. Ura Kidane Mihiret is the best-known monastery and houses an important collection of religious icons dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, while Azwa Mariam is known for its beautiful paintings and small museum.
In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tissisat (“smoking water”). The waterfall plunges 45 meters, creating steam clouds and rainbows. Walk down to the base of the falls for a closer view before crossing the Blue Nile by boat to return to the departure point.
Overnight: Jacaranda Hotel
Day 3: Gondar – Royal Enclosure of Fasilides
Drive to Gondar for a city sightseeing tour. Gondar became the first capital city of the Ethiopian Empire during the reign of Emperor Fasilides in 1632. The city contains numerous castles built by various emperors over more than two centuries and displays a blend of Ethiopian, European, and Islamic architectural influences.
Visit Fasilides’ Palace, one of the most impressive castles in the area, followed by Fasilides’ Bath and Quskuam Church. In the afternoon, continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its beautifully painted angel ceiling.
Overnight: AG Hotel
Day 4: Simien Mountains National Park
Drive to the Simien Mountains, stopping on the way to visit the village of the Ethiopian Felasha (Black Jewish community). Continue to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Buit Ras, trek for approximately 3–4 hours to Chilkuwanit, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the park. Enjoy stunning escarpment views and encounter troops of endemic Gelada baboons.
Overnight: AG Hotel, Gondar
Day 5: Gondar – Addis Ababa
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.
Included
- Airport transfers and road transport by private car
- Full board, including mineral water.
- Full camping equipment including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags for camping and trekking.
- Recommended to bring your own sleeping bag.
- Fees for entrances, local guides, compulsory scouts/ security personnel for activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- All government taxes for the services included in the tour price
Excluded
- Additional food and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Souvenirs
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