Lungo Local Tour Ethiopia
Summary: northern historical attractions
Duration: 19 days 18 nights
Day 1 Addis Ababa – Finote Selam
Together with lungo local tour Ethiopia We drive north 378km via Gulele, Chancho and detour to visit Debre Libanos Monastery and Waterfalls. Lunch at Ethio-German Park Hotel. Drive via Jimma Valley Gorge, Dejen and Debre Markos to Finote Selam.
Overnight in Finote Selam.
Day 2. Finote Selam – Bahir Dar
We drive northwest 173km via Injibara, Dangla, Meshenti into Bahir Dar. Here we take a boat excursion to visit island monasteries: Bete Selassie, Tekla Haimanot, Dega Estefanos, Debre Maryam, Tana Cherkos, Kebran Gabriel, Ura Kidane Meret, Bete Maryam, Narga Selassie, Azuwa Maryam, Entos Eyesu and the Zeghie Satekela Museum. Overnight Bahir Dar. Hotel or lodge
Day 3 Bahir Dar – Gondar
We drive 176km north via Wereta, Azezo into Gondar, where we visit Fasiladas’ Palace, Palace of Iyasu I, other Southern Buildings, Northern Buildings and Atatami Mikael Church. Overnight Gondar. Hotel or lodge
Day 4. Gondar – Debark
We drive 104km north via Amba Giorgis, Gedebge into Debark, where purchase entrance tickets for our visit to the Simien Mountains National Park. Overnight Debark. Hotel or lodge
Day 5. Debark – Aksum:
Together with lungo local tour Ethiopia We drive 251km north via Chew Ber, May Tsemre, Tekeze River, Inda Aba Guna, Shire and Wkro into Aksum. Overnight Aksum. Hotel or lodge
Day 6. Aksum:
Northern Stelae, St Mary of Zion Churches, Tombs of Kings Kaleb & Gebre Meskel, Gobodura Hill, Abba Pentalewon, Dungur (Queen of Sheba) Palace. Overnight Aksum. Hotel or lodge
Day 7 Aksum – Hawzen:
We drive 167km southeast via Adwa into Hawzen on the way visit some of remote tigrai church such as maryam bezhan, dugem, yohanis Michael and many more then drive to visit Gheralta Cluster including maryam Kirkland abune Yemata goh. Overnight Gheralta. Hotel or lodge
Day 8. Gheralta – Mek’ele:
We drive west into Freweyni to visit Adi Kasho Medhane Alem. Then south via Negash into Wukro to visit Wukro Chirkos before continuing to Mek’ele. Overnight Mek’ele. Hotel or lodge
Day 9. Mek’ele – Hamd Ela:
The Danakil Depression can be said to ‘begin’ here. It is one of the most inhospitable regions of the world, but is nonetheless spectacular, full of eye-catching colors, such as those in the sulphur springs. The desert has several points lying more than 100 meters (328 ft) below sea level. You pass through a small town of Berhale where the camel caravan stop before they proceed to the northern highlands. Enroute you see many long camel caravans coming to the salt mine and others going out of the Danakil with their salt loaded camels (3-4 hrs drive). Overnight camping at Hamd Ela.
Day 10. Hamd Ela – Dodom:
Together with lungo local tour Ethiopia Start early drive to Dodom (at the base of Erta Ale). Leave after an early breakfast, possible at 06:30. This is may be one of the worst roads in the world. The 80 km distance may take about 6 hrs passing through changing landscape of solidified lava, rock, sand and occasional palm lined oasis. After you pass several small hamlets scattered here and there in this desert land.
Dodom is about 17km from Erta Ale and it takes about 3 hrs trekking. Early dinner around 17:00 and trek up to Ertale at 20:00 hours. Camels transport all the camping materials and some food (sleeping materials like light mattresses and mat and water) to the rim of the volcano, where we spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava.
Erta Ale ranks as one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and 1km square caldera at its summit. Erta Ale contains the world’s only permanent lava lake.
Overnight camping on the top of the mountain, Erta Ale is 613 meters, with a lava lake, one of only five in the world, at the summit. It is notable for being the longest existing lava lake, present since the early years of the twentieth century.
Day 11. Dodom – Hamd Ela:
We leave to return to Dodom after an early breakfast, if possible at 07:00. We should return to our former camp by 10:30 to have time to relax. Afterwards, we drive to Hamd Ela, a village with a total population of about 500 people. Overnight camping at Hamd Ela.
Day 12. Hamd Ela – Dallol – Hamd Ela:
We drive to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the locals mine salt. They break the salt from the ground and then cut it into rectangular pieces, which are loaded onto camels.
We then drive ahead to Dallol (at 116 meters below sea level, it is one of the lowest places in the world). We will see the different landscapes. If we are lucky, we will be able follow a camel caravan and walk with the Afar people. Overnight camping in Hamd Ela.
Day 13. Hamd Ela – Mek’ele:
We will see dramatic outcrops of the Mesozoic sediment as we drive via Berhaile into Mek’ele. Overnight Mek’ele.
Day 14. Mek’ele:
We walk to visit Mek’ele Market, Yohannes IV Museum and other sightseeing. Overnight Mek’ele.
Day 15. Mek’ele – Weldiya
Together with lungo local tour Ethiopia We drive southwest 268km via May Keyih, Ambalage, Maychew, Korem, Alamata, Weldiya for a walking tour. Overnight Weldiya.
Day 16. Weldiya – Lalibela:
We drive Northwest 170km via Gashma into Lalibela. Here, we will visit the world-famous Rock-Hewn Churchs of Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Gedamit Maryam, and Monastery of Yemrehanna Kirstos and Sarsana Mikael. Overnight Lalibela
Day 17. Lalibela:
Trek Asheton Maryam & Mount Abuna Yoseph, afternoon finalize Lalibela’s Rock-Hewn Churches. Overnight Lalibela
Day 18. Lalibela – Kombolcha:
We drive south 310km via Weldiya, Mersa, Hayk, Dessie into Kombolcha.
Overnight Kombolcha
Day 19. Kombolcha – Addis Ababa:
We drive south 364km via Debre Birhan into Addis Ababa. Overnight Addis Ababa
Itinerary Overview
Discover the timeless wonders of Northern Ethiopia on a journey through the country’s most celebrated historical and cultural treasures. This unforgettable itinerary takes you to ancient kingdoms, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, magnificent rock-hewn churches, medieval castles, and breathtaking mountain landscapes that tell the story of one of Africa’s oldest civilizations.
Explore the remarkable churches of Lalibela, the imperial castles of Gondar, the island monasteries of Lake Tana, the ancient obelisks and archaeological sites of Axum, the dramatic scenery of the Simien Mountains, and the historic sites of Tigray. Along the way, experience Ethiopia’s rich traditions, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
Designed for history lovers, photographers, pilgrims, and cultural explorers, this tour combines expert local guiding, comfortable accommodations, authentic Ethiopian cuisine, and unforgettable experiences, offering a comprehensive introduction to Ethiopia’s extraordinary heritage.
This overview works perfectly for your Lungo Local Tour Ethiopia website and can be used across all of your Northern Historical tour itineraries.
Additional Tour Information
What’s Included
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
- All accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Daily breakfast (other meals as stated in the itinerary)
- All entrance fees to historical sites and museums
- Boat excursion on Lake Tana (where included)
- Local guides at major historical attractions
- Airport transfers
- Bottled drinking water during road journeys
- Government taxes and service charges
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights (unless specified)
- Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Lunches and dinners unless stated
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses, laundry, and souvenirs
- Camera or video fees charged at selected churches or museums
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, scouts, and hotel staff
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Dress Code
Modest clothing is recommended when visiting churches and monasteries. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings are recommended.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels and lodges, ranging from comfortable standard to luxury options, depending on your chosen tour package.
Weather Conditions
Northern Ethiopia enjoys pleasant weather for most of the year. Daytime temperatures generally range between 18°C and 30°C, while evenings in the highlands can be cool, especially in the Simien Mountains.
Tour Starting Point
The tour begins in Addis Ababa or Bole International Airport, with domestic flights or overland travel according to the itinerary.
Tour End
The tour concludes in Addis Ababa, including a transfer to your hotel or Bole International Airport.
Meals
Daily breakfast is included. Additional lunches and dinners are provided where specified in the itinerary.
Transportation
Travel in a comfortable private vehicle with an experienced driver. Domestic flights can be arranged upon request.
Photography
Photography is permitted at most historical attractions. Some churches and museums may charge a separate camera or video fee, payable on-site where applicable.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Northern Ethiopia is from October to May, when the weather is generally dry, sunny, and ideal for sightseeing and trekking.
Cultural Etiquette
Please dress respectfully at religious sites, remove shoes before entering churches where required, ask permission before photographing people, and respect local customs and traditions throughout your journey.
Price available upon request.
Contact us
Ready to explore Ethiopia?
- Email: lungo.adiss@gmail.com
- Info: lungo@localtourethiopia.com
- Phone & WhatsApp: +251 913 413 740
- Website: www.localtourethiopia.com
Contact us today for tour information, itinerary suggestions, and a free quotation. We look forward to helping you discover the beauty, culture, and hospitality of Ethiopia.
Lungo Local Tour Ethiopia – Discover Ethiopia Beyond the Guidebooks.