A Trailblazing Ethiopian Adventure

We're all about showing our travellers destinations that we consider 'hidden gems', and Ethiopia is just that. This incredibly diverse country is often wrongly overlooked, this trip dives beneath the surface of this enthralling destination. Prepare for a real adventure!

📍 Addis Ababa > Gheralta > Axum > Lalibela > Simien Mountains > Gondar > Lake Tana > Return to Addis Ababa

Why we love it Design your trip Highlights Notes

Why we love it

“Ethiopia draws travellers to its dramatic landscapes, fascinating history and rich culture, and new boutique, luxury lodges are opening up to support them. Planning a trip here still takes that extra element of knowledge, and that's where we come in. We've curated an all-encompassing itinerary taking in the highlights of Northern Ethiopia and split it into three sections: stunning landscapes, intriguing history and fascinating local culture. The bonus of incredible, unique wildlife and the up-and-coming city of Addis Ababa make this a wonderful destination. From mountain treks to hot air balloon rides over the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lalibela... This is your chance to explore a lesser-known corner of Africa before everyone else finds it!”

TRIP INCLUDES

🎁 A nemo treat on arrival
🎗1% donation to Hello World
🎪 All accommodation
🐘 Top guides for your chosen activities
📲 Access to nemo app
🚗 All local transfers, ferries, flights
🦸‍♂️ Our post-booking concierge

Design your trip 🪄

Choose from our curated range of unique accommodation and experiences

Transfer from your port of entry to Addis Ababa included.

Destination

01 Dec - 02 Dec

Addis Ababa

Addis is much more than just a stopover and there is a huge amount to see and do. We recommend the cultural evenings, where you get the chance to sample some local cuisine as well a half-day guided tour around the city's museums, markets and art studios. Addis connects to the whole of Ethiopia, so if you are looking to explore the mountains and churches in-land, this is the place to start.

Accommodation


Capital Hotel & Spa

Fri, 1st Dec 15:00
Sat, 2nd Dec 11:00

Standard Room

£0 per night

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Other selections in Addis Ababa

Capital Hotel & Spa

Selected

Golden Tulip

from £62 p/p

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Radisson Blu

from £82 p/p

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Sheraton

from £101 p/p

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Experiences in Addis Ababa

Book things to see and do

Cultural Evening

£66 p/p

Add to trip
Exploring Addis

£33 p/p

Add to trip

Transfer to Gheralta included.

Destination

02 Dec - 04 Dec

Gheralta

This other-worldly landscape is as off-the-beaten-track as it gets and home to some of the world's most remote places of worship. Still not truly on the tourist map, access is best by self-drive or we can arrange a transfer. We recommend at least two nights to make the most of the region and because it is not the easiest to get to!

Accommodation


Gheralta Lodge

Sat, 2nd Dec 15:00
Mon, 4th Dec 11:00

Thatched Bungalow

£74 per night

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Other selections in Gheralta

Gheralta Lodge

from £74 p/p

Selected

Korkor Lodge

from £181 p/p

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Experiences in Gheralta

Book things to see and do

Full day exploring Gheralta Mountains

£41 p/p

Added

Transfer to Axum included.

Destination

04 Dec - 06 Dec

Axum

The historic capital of the Aksumite Empire and a fantastic stop off for a night or two. The hotels here are not currently of the best standard and, for some, this is definitely worth it to see the Ark of the Convenent and to engage in a very authentic Ethiopian town. The best way to get here is by domestic flight from Gondar or Addis Ababa.

Accommodation


Yared Zema International Hotel

Mon, 4th Dec 15:00
Wed, 6th Dec 11:00

Junior Suite

£58 per night

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Other selections in Axum

Yared Zema International Hotel

from £33 p/p

Selected

Experiences in Axum

Book things to see and do

Full day seeing historical and religious sites

£33 p/p

Added

Transfer to Lalibela included.

Destination

06 Dec - 08 Dec

Lalibela

World-renowned for its beautiful monolithic churches, this is a must-see for those travelling through Northern Ethiopia. It can easily be done in two nights but some choose to stay longer with wonderful hiking and scenery to enjoy. You can fly direct from Europe or via Addis Ababa.

Accommodation


Mezena Lodge

Wed, 6th Dec 15:00
Fri, 8th Dec 11:00

Thatched Bungalow

£72 per night

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Other selections in Lalibela

Maribela Hotel

from £45 p/p

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Mezena Lodge

from £72 p/p

Selected

Mountain View Hotel

from £54 p/p

View / Select

Experiences in Lalibela

Book things to see and do

Rock Churches and City Tour

£0 p/p

Added
Coffee Ceremony

£25 p/p

Add to trip

Transfer to Simien Mountains included.

Destination

08 Dec - 10 Dec

Simien Mountains

This breathtaking mountain range is one of our favourite spots in Africa and considered the top hiking destination on the continent. With a variety of lodging from 5* properties to simply camping with local guides, there is something for everyone here and the region is accessed by road from Gondar.

Accommodation


Simien Lodge

Fri, 8th Dec 15:00
Sun, 10th Dec 11:00

Main Room

£157 per night

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Other selections in Simien Mountains

Limalimo Lodge

from £231 p/p

View / Select

Simien Lodge

from £157 p/p

Selected

Experiences in Simien Mountains

Book things to see and do

Full day exploring the mountains

£66 p/p

Added

Transfer to Gondar included.

Destination

10 Dec - 12 Dec

Gondar

This historic capital of the Kingdom of Ethiopia and one of the world's great heritage sites is well worth a visit. There is a domestic airport that connects well with the rest of the country and a wonderful local food scene that is worth exploring. We recommend at least 2 nights to make the most of your time here.

Accommodation


Gondar Hills

Sun, 10th Dec 15:00
Tue, 12th Dec 11:00

Suite

£87 per night

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Other selections in Gondar

Goha Hotel

from £48 p/p

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Gondar Hills

from £87 p/p

Selected

Mayleko Lodge

from £58 p/p

View / Select

Experiences in Gondar

Book things to see and do

Full day with a local guide

£25 p/p

Add to trip

Transfer to Lake Tana included.

Destination

12 Dec - 14 Dec

Lake Tana

The source of the Blue Nile and the largest lake in the country, Bahir Dar is the local town.

Accommodation


Kuriftu Resort & Spa

Tue, 12th Dec 15:00
Thu, 14th Dec 11:00

Deluxe Room

£91 per night

View Hotel

Other selections in Lake Tana

Avanti Blue Nile Resort

Unavailable for selected dates

Kuriftu Resort & Spa

from £91 p/p

Selected

Experiences in Lake Tana

Book things to see and do

Half Day Boat Trip

£140 p/p

Add to trip
Full Day Boat Trip

£280 p/p

Add to trip
Blue Nile Falls

£41 p/p

Add to trip

Transfer to Return to Addis Ababa included.

Destination

14 Dec - 14 Dec

Return to Addis Ababa

Addis is much more than just a stopover and there is a huge amount to see and do. We recommend the cultural evenings, where you get the chance to sample some local cuisine as well a half-day guided tour around the city's museums, markets and art studios. Addis connects to the whole of Ethiopia, so if you are looking to explore the mountains and churches in-land, this is the place to start.

Accommodation


Radisson Blu

Thu, 14th Dec 15:00
Thu, 14th Dec 11:00

Suite

£115 per night

View Hotel

Other selections in Return to Addis Ababa

Golden Tulip

from £62 p/p

View / Select

Radisson Blu

from £82 p/p

Selected

Sheraton

from £101 p/p

View / Select

Experiences in Return to Addis Ababa

Book things to see and do

Cultural Evening

£74 p/p

Add to trip

Transfer from Return to Addis Ababa to the airport included.

13 NIGHT TRIP

We add a 5% service fee to piece your trip together, plus exclusive access to our post-booking concierge.

Total price of trip

£5,495

START DATE

Total from

£5,495

Chat to us Plan Trip Chat to an Expert

Epic destinations

We recommend 1 days

Addis Ababa

Addis is much more than just a stopover and there is a huge amount to see and do. We recommend the cultural evenings, where you get the chance to sample some local cuisine as well a half-day guided tour around the city's museums, markets and art studios. Addis connects to the whole of Ethiopia, so if you are looking to explore the mountains and churches in-land, this is the place to start.


Added to this trip
We recommend 2 days

Gheralta

This other-worldly landscape is as off-the-beaten-track as it gets and home to some of the world's most remote places of worship. Still not truly on the tourist map, access is best by self-drive or we can arrange a transfer. We recommend at least two nights to make the most of the region and because it is not the easiest to get to!


Added to this trip
We recommend 2 days

Axum

The historic capital of the Aksumite Empire and a fantastic stop off for a night or two. The hotels here are not currently of the best standard and, for some, this is definitely worth it to see the Ark of the Convenent and to engage in a very authentic Ethiopian town. The best way to get here is by domestic flight from Gondar or Addis Ababa.


Added to this trip
We recommend 2 days

Lalibela

World-renowned for its beautiful monolithic churches, this is a must-see for those travelling through Northern Ethiopia. It can easily be done in two nights but some choose to stay longer with wonderful hiking and scenery to enjoy. You can fly direct from Europe or via Addis Ababa.


Added to this trip
We recommend 2 days

Simien Mountains

This breathtaking mountain range is one of our favourite spots in Africa and considered the top hiking destination on the continent. With a variety of lodging from 5* properties to simply camping with local guides, there is something for everyone here and the region is accessed by road from Gondar.


Added to this trip
We recommend 2 days

Gondar

This historic capital of the Kingdom of Ethiopia and one of the world's great heritage sites is well worth a visit. There is a domestic airport that connects well with the rest of the country and a wonderful local food scene that is worth exploring. We recommend at least 2 nights to make the most of your time here.


Added to this trip
We recommend 2 days

Lake Tana

The source of the Blue Nile and the largest lake in the country, Bahir Dar is the local town.


Added to this trip
We recommend 0 days

Return to Addis Ababa

Addis is much more than just a stopover and there is a huge amount to see and do. We recommend the cultural evenings, where you get the chance to sample some local cuisine as well a half-day guided tour around the city's museums, markets and art studios. Addis connects to the whole of Ethiopia, so if you are looking to explore the mountains and churches in-land, this is the place to start.


Added to this trip
We recommend 1 days

Nairobi

Much more than just a stopover, Nairobi is emerging as a destination in it's own right and has a lot to offer. From day trips to the giraffe sanctuary to some of Africa's top restaurants, we recommend a night here if possible to break up the safari. The international airport is the hub of East Africa.


Available on request
We recommend 3 days

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Gorilla trekking is the big drawer to the region, and for good reason. This is the best value place to see mountain gorillas on the planet and there really is no experience like it. The lodges are all eco-friendly and boast stunning views over the Virunga range. Domestic flights are the best way to get here and road is also an option for the more adventurous.


Available on request
We recommend 3 days

Masai Mara

The birthplace of safari as we know it, the Mara is an incredible wildlife viewing destination and highly recommend for all levels of experience. The cultural element is also brilliant, with local Masai guides and trackers making sure you maximize your stay.


Available on request
We recommend 3 days

Zanzibar

White sandy beaches, energetic Stone Town and a rich history - this island has it all. The ideal stay would be around 5 nights and take in a bit of everything from rooftop lunches in the old town to private dhow cruises at sunset. The airport connect well with Tanzania's safari circuit and Nairobi, as well as the Middle East.


Available on request

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Your Itinerary
Claridges New Delhi
Day trip to Sigiriya
Claridges New Delhi
What is included

Transfers, activities, hotels and our special nemo treats along the way. International flights not included.