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Ethiopia’s Historic North

Hawzien, Axum, Simien Mountains & Bale Mountains

Best time to travel
Oct – Jun
Ideal length
12 nights
Perfect for
Couples
From (incl flights)
€9,399 pp

At a glance

  • International return flights from Dublin to Addis Ababa.
  • All private transfers and domestic flights.
  • 12 nights’ accommodation in Addis Ababa, Hawzien, Axum, Lalibela, Simien Mountains National Park, Gondar and Bale Mountains National Park.
  • Guided explorations of historic and cultural sites throughout your luxury holiday.
  • Privately guided excursions in the national parks of Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains.
Let's plan your trip!

Introduction

The perfect combination of adventure and cultural discovery, this suggested itinerary takes you on a guided exploration of Ethiopia’s historic north. From the magnificent national parks of Bale Mountains and Simien to the ancient rock churches and pre-Azumite temples of Hawzien and Axum, prepare for an immersive experience to remember.

View all of our luxury holidays to Ethiopia.

Trip Overview

Depart from Dublin to Ethiopia’s capital of Addis Ababa.

Your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel for your two-night stay. We’ve arranged a privately guided tour to introduce you to the capital’s highlights, including a visit to Mount Entoto for superb views.

Depart for Mekelle and transfer to Hawzien, set in the midst of the Gheralta Mountains.

Spend two nights in a mountain lodge and set out on a guided tour of the three ancient rock churches of Hawzien, including Ethiopia’s most historic church, the 8th-century Medhane Alem Adi Kesho.

Stay in Korkor Lodge during your luxury Ethiopian holiday
Transfer to Axum, the former seat of the Empire from 200 BC to 700 AD.

During your one night stay, we’ll take you to impressive sites like the Mountains of Adwa, pre-Azumite temple of Yeha and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. Continue to the city of Stekka, home to ancient tombs and castles.

Explore historic Axum during your luxury Ethiopian holiday
Depart for Lalibela, a town famed for its monolithic churches.

Spend two nights in a countryside lodge and visit the impressive churches that surround. The rock-carved church of Bet Giyorgis is possibly the most impressive of all and is only reachable through a tunnel.

Stay in a countryside lodge in Lalibela during your luxury Ethiopian holiday
Fly to Gondar, the imperial city of Fasiladas.

After an afternoon spent exploring the surrounding medieval churches, take a scenic drive to your luxury hotel set in the hills. In the morning, drive to the beautiful Simien Mountains.

Castle in Gondar, Ethiopia
Explore the wonders of the Simien Mountains National Park.

Spend two nights in a luxury lodge with incredible mountain views. We’ve arranged mountain excursions where you’ll be able to spot wildlife like the Walia ibexes, gelada baboon and lion monkey.

Enjoy various mountain excursions in Simien National Park on your luxury Ethiopian holiday
Take a scenic transfer back to Gondar.

Spend the night in a luxury resort and explore Gondar on a privately guided tour. Visit several castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. In the evening, catch up on some relaxation.

Visit several medieval castles in Gondar during your luxury Ethiopian holiday
Depart for Goba and transfer to Bale Mountains National Park.

Admire the magnificent forests and deep valleys throughout your two-night stay. We’ll take you on a guided exploration and set out in search of wildlife like the Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala and the big-headed African mole-rat.

Spot Ethiopian wolf during a guided exploration of Mountains National Park on your luxury Ethiopian holiday
Depart for the international airport for your flight home.

Arrive in Dublin.

Tailoring your holiday

OROKO Itineraries are created with you in mind and no two are the same. These can be used to help plan your trip - or we can design a completely different itinerary to suit you.

Let's plan your trip!
Accommodation

Where to rest your head

Looking for the best accommodation? We've got the contacts

Korkor Lodge

Korkor Lodge

Korkor Lodge is situated in the heart of Tigray, offering fantastic views over the arid plains and mountains of the region. The sustainable property offers a variety of excursions with experienced guides.

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Atranos Fantasy Hotel & Spa

Atranos Fantasy Hotel & Spa

Atranos is a traditional hotel situated in the city of Aksum. Interiors are furnished in a classic Ethiopian style. Within the hotel grounds, guests will find a relaxation area as well as a garden pool.

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Mezena Lodge

Mezena Lodge

Mezena Lodge is a traditional property situated in the town of Lalibela. It is set in a countryside estate and lies within a classic lodge-style building with panoramic views over the arid landscape.

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Limalimo Lodge

Limalimo Lodge

Limalimo Lodge occupies a prime position in the Simien Mountains National Park. A sustainable eco-lodge, it features minimalist interiors which feature wooden fixtures and Scandinavian-style furnishings.

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Gondar Hills Resort

Gondar Hills Resort

Gondar Hills is one of the most recent additions to the town of Gondar. The luxury resort sits high on a hilltop, promising excellent views over the mountains and surrounding medieval castles.

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Bale Mountain Lodge

Bale Mountain Lodge

Bale Mountain Lodge lies within the Bale Mountains National Park, one of the largest remaining cloud forests on earth. Nearby activities include forest walks, wildlife expeditions and birding safaris.

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Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Sheraton Addis offers luxury accommodation in Addis Ababa. Grand exteriors feature elegant interiors with classic furnishings and opulent embellishments like grand chandeliers and indoor water features.

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What people are saying

We just wanted to say a big thank you to you and your team for organising our fabulous trip to Florence. The hotel was superb and in a brilliant location. Our tour guide was excellent – the wealth of information and knowledge he had was wonderful. The transport to and from the airport was always on time.  We loved every minute of it!

 

Lisa & family – Florence, 2022

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