Exotic Ethiopia: Spectacular Wildlife and Ancient Kingdoms
15 days
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Group Tour
Immerse yourself in the ancient story of Ethiopia as you discover unique wildlife, learn about historic royal dynasties and see the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
$8,369
From$6,349
Overview
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
Highlights
- With a local naturalist, visit Bale Mountains National Park, home to more endemic species than any terrestrial habitat in the world
- Learn about the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, which some Ethiopians believe were built by angels
- Marvel at the scenic Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
What's this trip about?
Immerse yourself in the ancient story of Ethiopia as you discover unique wildlife, learn about historic royal dynasties and see the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
Compare to similar trips
Details
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityAddis Ababa
End CityAddis Ababa
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- 12 nights of accommodations
- 36 meals (12B, 12L, 12D)
- 8 expert-led lectures
- 16 expert-led field trips
- 4 flights during the program
- 1 hands-on experience
- An experienced Group Leader
- Customary gratuities throughout the program
- Road Scholar Assurance Plan
- Taxes
View Similar Trips
Itinerary
Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
Day 2
Arrive Ethiopia, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location: Addis Ababa Meal: D Hotel: Capital Hotel Activity note: Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Afternoon: After clearing Ethiopian customs and immigration, your Group Leader will meet and accompany you for the transfer to the hotel. Check-in and relax before the ori...
Day 3
Gondar Palaces & Churches
Location: Gondar Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Mayleko Lodge Activity note: Flight is approximately 1 hour. Minimal walking, terrain uneven with some stairs to be encountered. Breakfast: At the hotel, we will enjoy an early morning buffet breakfast, featuring fresh fruit, cold ...
Day 4
Simien Mountains National Park
Location: Gondar Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Mayleko Lodge Activity note: Elevation of park areas visited reaches above 11,000 feet. Required walking in the park today is minimal. Drive time between Gondar and Simien Mountains is approximately 3 hours one-way; roads may be rough...
Day 5
Axum Archaeology Sites, St. Mary of Zion Church
Location: Axum Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Sabean Hotel Activity note: Flight time is 90 minutes. Walking on uneven ground around 1 mile total with periods of standing; minimal stairs encountered. Breakfast: Lodge meal. Morning: An early morning flight will take us to Axum...
Day 6
Yeha Temple, Abba Garima Monastery
Location: Axum Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Sabean Hotel Activity note: Drive between Axum and Yeha is 1 hour each direction; roads may be rough and potholed in spots. Minimal walking, terrain uneven with some stairs to be encountered, periods of standing. Breakfast: At the ho...
Day 7
Lalibela Rock-hewn Churches
Location: Lalibela Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Maribela Hotel Activity note: Visitors must remove shoes and hats before entering the churches. Access to the churches requires walking up/down small hills, climbing rough stairs with up to 50 steps and navigating narrow passageways...
Day 8
Lalibela Rock-hewn Churches, Home-hosted Meal
Location: Lalibela Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Maribela Hotel
Activity note: Visitors must remove shoes and hats before entering the churches; church floors are uneven and rough. Access to the churches requires walking up/down small hills, climbing rough stairs with up to 50 s...
Day 9
Cave Church, Transfer to Lake Langano, Stelae of Tiya
Location: Lake Langano Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Sabana Beach Resort Activity note: Visitors must remove shoes and hats before entering the church. Total drive time between Addis Ababa and Lake Langano is approximately 4-5 hours, including the stops; road can be rough in spots...
Day 10
Bale Mountains
Location: Bale Mountains National Park Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Bale Mountain Lodge Activity note: The total drive time from Lake Langano to the Bale Mountains is approximately 6-7 hours, including stops and lunch; road can be rough in spots, with potholes. Minimal walking. ...
Day 11
Sanetti Plateau, Ethiopian Wolf
Location: Bale Mountains National Park Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Bale Mountain Lodge Activity note: The elevation of the Sanetti Plateau is from 12,470-14,360 feet. Walking today is minimal, and kept to a gentle pace due to the altitude. Breakfast: Lodge breakfast. Morni...
Day 12
Lake Awassa
Location: Awassa Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Haile Resort Activity note: Total drive time today is approximately 5-6 hours including stops; road can be rough in spots, with potholes. Boat ride lasts 1.5 hours. Breakfast: Lodge meal. Morning: After breakfast, we will start ...
Day 13
Rift Valley Lakes, Lemma Guya Art
Location: Addis Ababa Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Capital Hotel Activity note: Total drive time today is approximately 4 hours including stops; road can be rough in spots, with potholes. Minimal walking. Breakfast: At the hotel, we will enjoy a breakfast with coffee, tea, wat...
Day 14
National Museum, Program Concludes
Location: In Flight Meal: B,L Activity note: Hotel check-out by 6:30 p.m. Breakfast: At the hotel, we will enjoy breakfast with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase. Morning: This morning, we will be driven to the National Museum of ...
Day 15
In Transit From Program
In Flight Morning: Morning arrivals back in North America.
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Dates & Availability
Price From $6,349
Price per day$423
Last Updated: 2/23/2020
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Logistics
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Meals Included
- 36 Meals
- 12 Breakfasts
- 12 Lunches
- 12 Dinners
- The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
roadscholar-862
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