Sacred Stones & Living Landscapes: Northern Ethiopia and the Great Rift Valley
Code / 1688
This 17-day journey is a rich tapestry of Ethiopia’s ancient heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. Explore imperial cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sacred mountain monasteries, and the wildlife-rich lakes of the Great Rift Valley. Experience how history and nature intertwine in one of the world’s most culturally layered landscapes.
Our promise
What you'll experience
Where Nature Meets History
In Ethiopia, the past is carved into cliffs, echoed in volcanic valleys, and reflected in ancient waters. This journey reveals:
Cultural Landscapes
Historic sites like Lalibela and Axum rise from dramatic highlands and volcanic rock, showing how Ethiopia’s civilizations shaped — and were shaped by — the land.
Sacred Nature
From the holy peaks of the Simien Mountains to island monasteries on Lake Tana, the spiritual and the natural are inseparable here.
Living Traditions
Visit communities like Awra Amba and Baregota, where ancient values and innovative approaches create inspiring ways of life.
Biodiversity & Wonder
The Great Rift Valley lakes and parks are alive with birdlife, volcanic formations, and tranquil beauty.
Program
Welcome to Ethiopia’s vibrant capital, nestled in the Entoto Mountains. Enjoy a tailored city tour based on your arrival time and energy, including jacaranda-lined boulevards, lively markets, and historic sites.
Drive north through highland plateaus. Visit the 13th-century Debre Libanos Monastery and take in the dramatic depths of the Blue Nile Gorge — often called Africa’s Grand Canyon.
Cruise across Lake Tana to explore ancient island monasteries like Ura Kidane Mehret. In the afternoon, marvel at the powerful Tissisat Falls — the "smoking water" of the Blue Nile.
Discover Ethiopia’s royal past in Gondar. Visit the Fasil Ghebbi castle complex and the beautifully frescoed Debre Birhan Selassie church.
Journey to Debark and enter the Simien Mountains for breathtaking scenery and wildlife sightings — Gelada baboons, Lammergeiers, and the dramatic Jinbar Waterfall await.
Visit Amba Ras village within the national park to connect with local life, watch traditional crafts, and enjoy panoramic views.
On the way to Lalibela, visit the egalitarian village of Awra Amba — a visionary community built on values of equality, education, and cooperation.
Begin your journey into Ethiopia’s spiritual heart. Visit the first group of 12th-century monolithic churches, carved directly into the rock, including Biete Medhane Alem and the iconic Biete Giyorgis. In the afternoon, explore the cave church of Yemrehanna Kristos.
Ascend to a high mountain monastery overlooking Lalibela, rich in relics and views. In the evening, enjoy traditional music, food, and dance.
Trek to Baregota Village with local leader Amlaku Yaregal, who brought education and sustainable development to this remote area. Sleep in a guesthouse built by the community, visit the 1,000-year-old church, and meet schoolchildren reshaping their future.
After breakfast, drive to Dessie. Stop by Lake Hayq and explore Istifanos Monastery if time permits.
Travel back through the scenic highlands to the capital, with a late afternoon arrival.
Enjoy a relaxing day exploring museums, cafes, or the Merkato — Africa’s largest open-air market. Optional cultural evening.
Drive south to Lake Langano. En route, visit Adadi Mariam, a subterranean church similar to Lalibela, and the mysterious stone stelae of Tiya — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the volcanic lakes and flamingo-filled shores of Abijata-Shala National Park. Continue to Awassa for a peaceful overnight stay.
Start the day at the Awassa fish market, buzzing with local color. Return to Addis Ababa in the afternoon for a farewell evening filled with music, coffee, and conversation.
Euro 2.200
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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