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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
10 Days Ethiopia Historic Route Tour
Three thousand years of history and Africa's great mountain views
About The Tour
10 Days Ethiopia Historic Route Tour with the Simien Mountains and Axum
Three thousand years of history and Africa’s great mountain views
Overview
The historic route is Ethiopia’s classic journey, and ten days lets you do it properly. You see the Lake Tana monasteries and Blue Nile Falls, the castles of Gondar, two days in the Simien Mountains among gelada monkeys and cliffs, the obelisks and ancient tombs of Axum, and the rock hewn churches of Lalibela.
The route mixes scenic drives with domestic flights to avoid long days on the road. It is fully private and tailor made, so we can add Gheralta, a longer trek or more time in places you love.
Duration
10 Days (9 Nights)
Suggested Accommodations
- Addis Ababa: Hyatt Regency or Skylight Hotel
- Bahir Dar: Kuriftu Resort
- Gondar: Goha Hotel
- Simien Mountains: Limalimo Lodge or Simien Lodge
- Axum: Sabean Hotel or Yared Zema Hotel
- Lalibela: Mountain View Hotel
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa
Meet at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon city tour: the National Museum, home of Lucy, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the views from Entoto. Welcome dinner with traditional music and dance.
Day 2: Fly to Bahir Dar, Lake Tana
Morning flight to Bahir Dar. Boat trip to the monasteries of the Zege peninsula. Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 3: Blue Nile Falls and Drive to Gondar
Visit the Blue Nile Falls, then drive to Gondar. Overnight in Gondar.
Day 4: Gondar
Full day in Gondar: the Royal Enclosure, Fasilides bath and Debre Birhan Selassie church. Overnight in Gondar.
Day 5: Drive to the Simien Mountains
Drive to Debark, the park headquarters, and into the Simien Mountains National Park. Afternoon walk along the escarpment near Sankaber to see gelada monkeys. Overnight in the park.
Day 6: Simien Mountains Walk
Day walk from Geech to the viewpoint of Imet Gogo, with huge views over the lowlands, the Jinbar waterfall and a good chance of walia ibex and lammergeier. Overnight in the park.
Day 7: Drive to Axum
Scenic drive over the Limalimo pass and through the Tekeze valley to Axum (a long day, about 7 to 8 hours, with stops). Overnight in Axum.
Day 8: Axum
Visit the stelae field with its giant carved obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, the Queen of Sheba’s bath and palace, and St Mary of Zion church, said to hold the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight in Axum.
Day 9: Fly to Lalibela
Morning flight to Lalibela and a full afternoon at the rock hewn churches, ending at Bete Giyorgis. Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 10: Lalibela and Fly to Addis Ababa
Morning at the eastern group of churches, then fly back to Addis Ababa for your international flight.
Travel Advice
Current travel advice (October 2026): the UK and US governments currently advise against all travel to the Amhara and Tigray regions, which include Bahir Dar, Gondar, the Simien Mountains, Lalibela and Axum. Flights to Axum are currently suspended. Check your own government’s latest advice and make sure your travel insurance covers you before you book. We follow the situation on the ground every day, run this route only when we judge it safe, and will talk to you about other dates or another itinerary if conditions change.
Price and Booking
Price: on request. This tour runs as a private trip on any date you choose. The price depends on group size, hotel level and season, so we quote each trip individually. Tell us your dates and number of travellers and we reply within 2 hours, with a full itinerary and quote within 24 hours.
Tip on domestic flights: if you fly into Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines, you can usually get large discounts on domestic flights. Book them on the same booking reference or send us your ticket and we book them for you.
Get a free quote or message us on WhatsApp +251 988 111 222.
What Is Included
- Private air conditioned vehicle (4×4 where needed) with fuel and an experienced driver
- English speaking tour guide throughout (other languages on request)
- Hotels as listed, twin or double room with breakfast
- All entrance fees and local guide fees at the sites in the itinerary
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Simien Mountains park fees, scout and park guide
- Boat trip on Lake Tana
- Local guides at every site
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Domestic flights (Addis to Bahir Dar, Axum to Lalibela, Lalibela to Addis)
- Lunch and dinner except the welcome dinner
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Best Time to Go
October to March is ideal, with dry weather and clear mountain views. September and early October bring green landscapes and Meskel. Plan around Timkat (19 January) or Genna (7 January) for festival colour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Simien drive to Axum safe and open?
We check the route before every departure. Note that several governments currently advise against travel to Amhara and Tigray (see above). If a road is affected, we fly from Gondar to Axum instead.
Can I trek longer in the Simien?
Yes. We can add Chenek and Bwahit for a 3 to 4 day trek, or Ras Dashen for experienced hikers.
Can I add the Danakil?
Yes. From Axum or Lalibela, fly to Mekele for a 3 day Danakil tour.
Tour Languages
Amharic, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Please inform us of your preferred language when booking.
Note: The itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and time availability.
Booking Form
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