Great Rift Valley Lakes and the Historic Highlands
Code / 1685
In Ethiopia, nature and history are deeply entwined. Here, sacred mountains cradle centuries-old churches, ancient trade routes cross majestic valleys, and lakes shimmer with the echoes of myth and tradition. Here, it is where landscapes hold stories, and history lives in stone and water.
Our promise
What you'll experience
Where landscapes hold stories, and history lives in stone and water.
This immersive 14-day journey leads you from the serene waters of the Rift Valley to the dramatic peaks of the north—through living villages, royal fortresses, and rock-hewn wonders that whisper tales of resilience, faith, and ingenuity.
Extend Your Stay
Consider adding a 1–2 day stopover in Addis Ababa before or after the tour—ideal for adjusting to the altitude, diving deeper into Ethiopian history, or simply relaxing before departure.
Optional: An overnight stay in Baregota Village is available for travelers seeking a more immersive, off-the-beaten-path experience. Moderate fitness is recommended.
Program
Leave Addis Ababa behind and head north, where the landscapes unfold into dramatic canyons and ancient monasteries. Stop at Debre Libanos, a 13th-century monastery perched above a 700-meter gorge, before marveling at the vastness of the Blue Nile Gorge, often compared to the Grand Canyon of Africa.
Cruise across Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile and home to island monasteries steeped in mystery and devotion. Visit Ura Kidane Mehret, known for its vivid murals and sacred relics. In the afternoon, witness the mighty Tissisat Falls—the “Water that Smokes”—where mist and rainbows rise above the gorge.
Travel to Gondar, the imperial city of Ethiopia's 17th-century emperors. Explore the Royal Enclosure with its fairytale castles and the Church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famed for its ceiling of winged angels and its rumored connection to the Ark of the Covenant.
Ascend into the Simien Mountains National Park, where jagged peaks and deep valleys form one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes. From Sankaber, gaze across the escarpments, spot Gelada baboons, and witness the 500-meter Jinbar waterfall plunging into the abyss.
Visit the remote village of Amba Ras, where time-honored crafts and traditions thrive amidst epic mountain views. Share moments with locals and experience the rhythm of daily life before returning to Debark for the night.
On your journey to Lalibela, visit the unique village of Awra Amba—a secular, egalitarian community where gender equality, hard work, and social cooperation are the guiding principles. Walk through their workshops and learn how this social experiment has flourished.
Explore the world-famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved directly into the red volcanic rock in the 12th century. From the grand Biete Medhane Alem to the iconic cross-shaped Biete Giyorgis, each church is connected by tunnels, symbolism, and silence. End the day with dinner overlooking the hills at Ben Abeba restaurant.
Trek to Baregota, the birthplace of Amlaku Teshome and the seed of a new vision for community tourism. Visit local schools, water projects, and a 1,000-year-old church. Spend the night in a specially built guesthouse, embraced by the serenity of the highlands.
Drive south to Dessie, stopping by Lake Hayq and the monastery of Istifanos, home to historic manuscripts and artifacts that echo Ethiopia’s religious heritage.
Head back to the capital, passing fruit-growing towns and highland farms. Arrive in Addis by late afternoon for a restful evening.
Explore Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. Visit museums, sip coffee in historic cafés, or get lost in the colorful maze of Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market.
Begin the southern leg of your journey with visits to Adadi Mariam, a subterranean rock-hewn church, and the enigmatic stelae of Tiya—a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking ancient burial grounds.
Discover the birdlife and salt lakes of Abijata-Shala National Park, a haven for flamingos and pelicans. In the afternoon, drive to Awassa for an overnight stay along the lake.
Walk through the lively fish market of Awassa, browse for handcrafted textiles, and soak in the lakeside calm before heading back to Addis Ababa for your final evening of celebration, reflection, and connection.
Euro 2.150
Prices are per person and include VAT.
Note: Due to local currency and economic fluctuations in Ethiopia, listed prices may vary. However, as part of Ayzoh! Ethiopia’s transparency policy, once your contract is signed, the agreed price is guaranteed and will not change under any circumstances.
What's included
- All domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines
- All ground transportation in a recent-model, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional Ethiopian driver
- Accommodation throughout the tour
- Three meals per day
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- All tips and gratuities, except for your tour driver (tipping is at your discretion)
- Entrance fees to all historical sites, museums, and national parks
- Fees for licensed local guides and required national park scouts
What's not included
- International flights
- Accommodation in Addis Ababa prior to the night before Day 1 (we’re happy to arrange extra nights for you if needed)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal expenses – Credit cards are accepted in many places, but we recommend bringing some cash in US Dollars or Euros
- Ethiopian tourist visa (approximately US$52, available online or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
How to Book Your Tour
FAQ / Suggestions
Absolutely! All our tours are flexible — we can adjust the itinerary, dates, and experiences to match your needs and interests.
Just fill out the contact form or message us directly. Once we agree on the plan, we’ll send you a detailed itinerary, contract, and payment instructions.
You can pay by bank transfer, credit/debit card, or PayPal. You may also choose to pay the final balance upon arrival in Ethiopia — no hidden fees.
Yes, fully refundable if you cancel at least 15 days before Day 1. After that, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
Yes! You can cancel or reschedule up to 14 days before departure with no penalty. We’ll always do our best to accommodate changes.
Yes, a 1-month tourist visa (around US$52) is required. You can get it online or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. Common vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and sometimes yellow fever (if arriving from certain countries).
Bring light, comfortable clothes for warm days, a sweater or jacket for cool evenings, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a sense of adventure! We'll send you a full packing list before departure.
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. Common vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and sometimes yellow fever (if arriving from certain countries).
Let’s Design Your Journey
Interested in this itinerary as it is? Or would you like to personalize it? Just fill out the form with your details — our travel designers will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
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