Itinerary

Day 1 Addis Ababa

With a growing population of 2 million people, Addis Ababa is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia. Located at the geographic center of the nation the city is the political and cultural center. Founded in 1896 by Emperor Menelik II, Addis Ababa is the last in a succession of capitals of the great Abyssinian empire dating back to the pre-Christian Axum. The city has interesting museums and churches - but most notable is the continent's largest open air market. The Addis Merkato, located in the Addis Ketema district of western Addis Ababa, is the primary retail, wholesale and distribution point for the city and the central highlands.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

The Hilton is located in the centre of Addis Ababa’s downtown core, yet encircled by 15 acres of lush gardens.  The Addis Ababa Hilton is a comfortable and convenient hotel for getting to know Ethiopia’s capital city. With 356 suites, rooms, and self-contained apartments, the hotel is designed to facilitate long term stays, while also welcoming those who are on the go. The décor and amenities offer all the necessities of home with a healthy dose of African influence in the impeccable service and Ethiopian architecture. Dining offers a variety of choices to made from any of the 5 bars, restaurants, and lounges, which include all extremes, from pizza to traditional Ethiopian kitfo. Besides discovering the city of Addis Ababa, challenge guests or travel buddies to a game of squash or tennis.

Overnight at Hilton.

Day 2 Addis Ababa

Includes a tour of the Ethnological Museum, which holds many archaeological and historical findings including the famous complete hominid fossil remain of 'Lucy' locally known as 'Dinknesh' meaning wonderful. Trinity Cathedral is a beautiful church with a baroque style of European architecture unique to Ethiopia. Merkato is the largest open-air market in Africa, a confusing but fascinating glimpse of the vast range of goods and artifacts available from all parts of the country. Admire the stupendous views of the city with its surrounding plains and volcanic cones from Mount Entoto, at 3200m the highest peak in Addis.

Overnight at Hilton.

Day 3 Lalibela

Lalibela is a town in northern Ethiopia. Lalibela is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities, second only to Aksum, and is a center of pilgrimage for much of the country. Unlike Aksum, the population of Lalibela is almost completely Ethiopian Orthodox Christian. Lalibela was intended to be a New Jerusalem in response to the capture of Jerusalem by Muslims. Famous around the world for its monolithic churches which set a benchmark for rock-cut architecture. There are 13 churches, assembled in four groups, most are thought to have been built during the 12th and 13th centuries.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

Take your flight from Bole International Airport to Lalibela today. The flight duration is approximately 2hrs and 30mins.

Lalibela is the jewel in the crown of Ethiopia, the most famous churches and the scene of so many major religious ceremonies. Also known as ‘Africa Petra’, Lalibela and its rock hewn churches are arguably Ethiopian’s most famous and remarkable attraction. These churches include Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskal, Bete Denaghel, Bete Golgotha, Bete Mikael, and Bete Giorgis. You will start your tour this morning and continue in the afternoon.

The Roha Hotel in Lalibela, Ethiopia, is the most comfortable and desirable lodging in town. Snuggled into the bosom of this mountain village, the 64 room hotel and its staff guarantee impeccable service. Try the local food, which is typically made with spicy meats and vegetables along with flat bread and salads. Situated a mile outside of town, you will find yourself taking pictures of the intricate artifacts adorning this attractive, simple space. More humble than the crystal chandeliers and gold-plated walls of more arrogant hotels, the Roha boasts something above high ranked holiday hot spots. With a lush countryside and some of history’s most incredible monolithic churches from centuries of yore, there is little need for spas and tennis courts in this region.

Overnight at Roha Hotel.

Day 4 Lalibela

Today you will have an excursion to the Nakuto Le’abe Monastery. Trek on foot, then continue with a mule ride to the 13th century rock hewn monastery of Asheten Mariam (over 3000 meters high). The road is very steep and looks like a twisted rope hugging the cliff edge but the scenery is beautiful. Inside the monastery take in the sight of the beautifully hand crafted processional crosses of King Na'akutola'ab who ruled Ethiopia for 40 years just after King Lalibela. Return to town to view the continuation of yesterdays tour with the labyrinth of incredibly excavated rock hewn churches and their network of tunnels and passages ways. UNESCO registered this breathtaking site as one of the Eight Wonders of the World; it has been a world heritage site since 1978. In the afternoon, you will visit the most beautiful and monolithic cruciform church of St. George.

Overnight at Roha Hotel.
    

Day 5 Addis Ababa

Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

Take your flight from Lalibela Airport to Bole International Airport today. The flight duration is approximately 2hrs and 30mins.

In the evening, you will attend a folkloric dinner where you will have a chance to taste several national dishes and watch dances of the various ethnic groups of Ethiopia. The traditional coffee ceremony will also be served.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

Depart from Bole international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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