Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Africa. There is nowhere like it on the planet for wildlife, wild lands & rich traditions that endure. No other continent comes close to it for scale, variety and pure, raw impact. Prepare to fall in love.

Welcome to mystical Ethiopia – dubbed the Cradle of Humanity. Ethiopia is like nowhere else on the planet, a beautiful country blessed with a peerless history, fabulous wildlife & some of Africa's most soulful peoples. 

Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s sprawling capital in the highlands bordering the Great Rift Valley & the country’s commercial & cultural hub.  

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & also provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s sprawling capital in the highlands bordering the Great Rift Valley, is the country’s commercial & cultural hub. And yet, Addis - Africa’s fourth-largest city & its diplomatic capital - is also a traffic-choked, sprawling city of no discernible beauty which many foreign visitors try to transit as quickly as possible. Since its establishment in the 19^th century, Addis Ababa has always seemed like a magical portal, a gateway to another world.

This urban center serves as the gateway to Ethiopia’s mythical & ancient world, and continues to earn its reputation for friendly people, delicious food, and the world’s best coffee. For the rural masses of Ethiopia it was, & is, a city whose streets are paved in gold; for a foreign visitor, the gateway of Addis Ababa is at the verge of an ancient & mystical world.

Its National Museum exhibits Ethiopian art, traditional crafts and prehistoric fossils, including replicas of the famous early hominid, "Lucy." The burial place of the 20^th century emperor Haile Selassie, copper-domed Holy Trinity Cathedral, is a neo-baroque architectural landmark.  By skipping out on the contradictions of this complex city, you run the risk of failing to understand Ethiopia altogether.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & / or make arrangements if you want to go out).

Explore cool neighborhoods with iconic sites, colorful markets, museums, restaurants & discover Ethiopia’s rich religious history through it’s beautiful churches, and of course, best places to grab a cup of Ethiopia’s famous coffee.

Overnight. 

Early morning, you will be transferred to the Airport for the short flight to Bahir Dar.

Arrive in Bahir Dar the capital of the Amhara region, is the third largest city in Ethiopia, inhabited by the Amhara people, the country's ethnically & geographically 2^nd largest ethnic largest group.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Bahir Dar Ginbot Haya Airport,  you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & also provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in & relax for an hour.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Bahir Dar is one of Ethiopia's most attractive towns & some people like to describe Bahir Dar as the Ethiopian Riviera. The moniker may sound strange, but when you pull into town & see the wide streets shaded by palm trees & sweeping views across Lake Tana’s shimmering blue waters, you will understand.

Clean & well-maintained by African city standards, it got somewhat popular with national tourists as the lake & easy climate even made it the emperor's choice for his summer residence.  In the 16^th & 17^th centuries, various temporary Ethiopian capitals were established in the vicinity of Lake Tana. It was here that the Jesuits attempted, with disastrous consequences, to impose Catholicism on the Ethiopian people. One moss-covered Jesuit building, which was built by the well-known Spanish missionary Pedro Paez, can still be seen today in the compound of St George’s monastery

Being a relatively flat city with wide streets, Bahir Dar is an excellent city for cycling, and bikes can be rented at various locations in the city. There are numerous places to play pool, enjoy draft beer in garden style bars and have fresh fruit juices and the choice from big menus in plenty of cafés and restaurants.

Bahir Dar makes a pleasant base to explore the Blue Nile falls and the island monasteries of Lake Tana.

Shortly after, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & proceed for a full day visit to the Blue Nile Falls.

Smaller than Victoria Falls, but amazingly scenic, the Blue Nile Falls as James Bruce - the 18^th century Scottish traveler described it: "A magnificent sight that ages added to the greatest length of human life, would not efface or eradicate from my memory”

You will drive through the countryside to the village of Tis Abay & from there, walk to the Falls. Spend an hour there, enjoying the scenery.

If you take an optional boat trip ask the 'driver' to take you to the place where the river flows out of the lake. Here, you have a high probability of spotting hippos.

Later, embark on a boat trip on Ethiopia’s largest water body - Lake Tana (3,600 Sq. Km) to visit the island monasteries where you can experience a great calmness.

On the islands of the lake, there are some of the world's oldest churches & monasteries. In some of these monasteries, women are not allowed to enter. Be cautious & aware of the traditions and rules of the Ethiopian Orthodox church when you visit (but don’t worry, we are here to guide you accordingly).

Among others, the 14^th century Ura-Kidane Mihret is the largest & most impressive monastery on the peninsula, situated near one of the prettiest & most secluded inlets in the area, which you will visit.

You will also have the opportunity to visit Azwa Mariam, Mehal Zege, Kibran Gabriel, Entos Eyesus & guess just how far back Christianity goes in this region.

Come back to the shore to Mango Park to sit & watch the pelicans. You will see the local boatsmen feeding the pelicans in front of the lakeside "promenade" just before sunset.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Overnight.  B L D 

Early morning, depart for Gonder - the royal & ancient capital of Ethiopia.

On arrival, Check-in at the hotel & relax for a while

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

It is not what Gondar is, but what Gondar was that’s so enthralling. The city lies in a bowl of hills where tall trees shelter tin-roofed stone houses, but rising above these & standing proud through the centuries, are the walls of castles bathed in blood & painted in the pomp of royalty.

It was the home of many emperors & princesses who led the country from the 12^th century to the last decade of the 20^th century. It served as the capital of both the Ethiopian Empire & the subsequent Begemder Province.

The city holds the remains of several royal castles, including those in Fasil Ghebbi (the Royal Enclosure), for which Gondar has been called the "Camelot of Africa" although this description does the royal city a disservice: Camelot is legend, whereas Gonder is reality.

Surrounded by fertile land & lying at the crossroads of three major caravan routes, it is easy to understand why Emperor Fasiladas (reigned 1632 - 67) made Gondar his capital in 1636. To the southwest, lay rich sources of gold, civet, ivory & slaves, to the northeast lay Massawa & access to the Red Sea, and to the northwest, lay Sudan & Egypt.

At the time of Fasiladas’ death, Gondar’s population already exceeded 65,000 and its wealth & splendour had become legendary. Drifting through the old palaces, banqueting halls & former gardens, it is not difficult to imagine the courtly pageantry, ceremony & intrigue that went on here.

The city flourished as a capital for well over a century before infighting severely weakened the kingdom. In the 1880s what remained of Gondar was extensively looted by the Sudanese Dervishes. Despite this, & further damage sustained by British bombs during the liberation campaign of 1941, much of Gondar remains intact.

Although Gondar is fairly spread out, it’s still a great place to navigate on foot. The Italian-built piazza marks the centre of town and packs in most shops and services travellers need.

Afternoon, around 02.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing of this ancient city. You will visit the various ruined buildings including the remains of a bathing pool.

First stop will be the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the imperial Castle Compound of Gondar. See the1640 Fasilides Castle - home of King Fasilides & his ‘Bath’ used today for the religious ceremony of Timkat (Epiphany); Iyasu Palace - home of Emperor Iyasu I. An earthquake & bombings by the British destroyed its once ornate & lavish interior, but the structure itself remains mostly intact & is the largest in the area; the 17^th century AD Church of Quskuam Mariam; the residence of Empress Mintwab.

Then, it is on to the 17^th century Debre Birhan Selassie Church, a short distance away.

One of the country's famous churches, it seems more like a fortress than a church at first glance. This is because the local churches were once vulnerable to attacks by the Sudanese. Churches like this were once quite common in the area, but this is the only church to survive the Sudanese attacks, making it even more of a treasure. There are twelve towers guarding this church, each representing one of the twelve apostles. Marvel at the amazing intricately painted frescoes of angels on the ceiling & walls.

The tour ends & you return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Overnight.  B L D 

Morning, depart for Debark, the entry point for venturing to Simien Mountains, one of Africa’s most beautiful ranges.

No matter how you look at them, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Simien Mountains is awesome. This massive plateau, riven with gullies & pinnacles, offers tough but immensely rewarding trekking along the ridge that falls sheer to the plains far below.

Simien Mountains National Park is an exotic setting with unique wildlife & breath-taking views on a landscape shaped by nature & traditional agriculture.

The main attraction of the Simien Mountains National Park is its biosphere: the steep cliffs and the cool climate at the altitude of the Erica tree line (3600 - 4000m) have created conditions that are appropriate for the survival of an ibex species endemic to the Simien Mountains.

Despite the severe restriction of their habitat over the last centuries, several hundred animals have survived up to the present. Apart from the Walya ibex, many other animal species are found in the Park, for example the endemic Simien fox or Ethiopian wolf, several birds of prey, the endemic Gelada baboon, the Klippspringer & the bush buck.

It is not just the scenery (& altitude) that will leave you speechless, but also the excitement of sitting among a group of gelada baboons or watching magnificent Walya ibex joust on rock ledges.

Immediately on arrival, proceed for a visit to the western escarpments where you will encounter troops of the endemic Gelada baboons (found only in Ethiopia). They are often referred to as the bleeding heart baboon or the lion monkey. Their coat is shaggy resembling a lion whilst their chest has a marked red heart or patch.

After spending time there, continue on to the lodge.

Check-in & relax.

Balance of the day is at leisure.

Early morning, depart for to Aksum - the earliest Capital of Ethiopia.

Aksum is a riddle waiting to be solved. Did the Queen of Sheba really call the town’s dusty streets home? Does the very same Ark of the Covenant that holds Moses’ 10 Commandments reside in a small Aksum chapel? Are there still secret hordes of treasure hidden inside undiscovered tombs? And what exactly do those famous stelae signify?

It is often described as ‘the last of the great civilisations of Antiquity to be revealed to modern knowledge’. Yet even today, despite being one of the most important ancient sites in sub-Saharan Africa, Aksum has revealed only a tiny fraction of its secrets, and an exploration of its ruined tombs & palaces is sure to light a spark of excitement.

The original capital of the Kingdom of Aksum or Axum, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Africa. Around 100 - 940 AD, it was a trading nation in the area of Eritrea & Northern Ethiopia & was a major player in the commercial route between the Roman Empire & ancient India. 

The Aksumite rulers facilitated trade by minting their own Aksumite currency, the state established its hegemony over the declining Kingdom of Kush & regularly entered the politics of the kingdoms on the Arabian Peninsula, eventually extending its rule over the region with the conquest of the Himyarite Kingdom. The Persian Prophet Mani regarded Axum as third of the four greatest powers of his time after Persia and Rome, with China being the fourth.

Its ancient capital, also called Aksum, was in northern part of Ethiopia & the Kingdom used the name "Ethiopia" as early as the 4^th century.

Aksum is more than just a collection of lifeless ruins, though. Proudly Tigrian, the town remains rural at heart & has a vibrancy, life & continuing national importance very rarely found at ancient sites. Pilgrims still journey here in the thousands to pay homage at its great churches and what they have no doubt is the magical Ark of the Covenant

Check-in at the hotel on arrival.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Early morning, meet the tour-guide at 09.00 am & embark on a full day 8 hour sightseeing tour of the city.

Visit Archaeological Museum of Aksum containing an impressive haul of treasure, including an unsurpassed collection of former Ethiopian rulers’ crowns and a dazzling display of gold & silver chalices, crosses, jewellery & even drums. It clearly demonstrates the immense wealth of the Church.

Continue on to the Church of St. Mary of Zion which is believed to be the last resting place of the original Ark of the Covenant

Though religions have come and gone, Aksum remains a holy city throughout. Opposite the Northern Stelae Field, in a walled compound, lies the centre of the universe for Christian Ethiopians.

A church of some form or other has stood at this spot since the very earliest days of Ethiopian Christianity & it was God himself who, descending from heaven, indicated that a church should be built here, though the original church is long gone.

The rectangular old church (men only) at the southern end of the complex is a remarkable example of traditional architecture built by the Emperor Fasiladas, the founder of Gonder, in 1665. Inside there are fine original murals, including a painting of the Nine Saints.

The huge new Church of St Mary of Zion was built in the 1960s so women had a place to worship & it displays Haile Selassie’s usual hideous taste. Still it does cut a dramatic silhouette on the skyline. Beside it, a disproportionately tall bell tower, inspired by the stelae, sprouts heavenwards.

Finally, in between the old & new churches, is the real reason for most people’s devotion: a tiny, carefully guarded chapel that houses what most Ethiopians believe is the legendary Ark of the Covenant. Don’t think you can take a peek: just one specially chosen guardian has access to the Ark. Nobody else is allowed in the chapel & foreigners aren’t even allowed to approach the fence guarding the chapel grounds because previously some foreigners tried to scale the fence & rush into the chapel! No matter what you think of the legend, there’s no denying that to be in this church compound during a major service or festival, when thousands of pilgrims pour into the city, is an experience of pure devotion & faith that that will leave you spellbound.

Then, we move to the 6^th century palace & tombs of King Kaleb & his son, King Gebre Meskel.

Although the twin tombs’ architecture resembles the Tomb of the False Door, they show more sophistication, using irregular-shaped, self-locking stones that don’t require iron clamps. The tomb consists of one chamber & five rooms, with one boasting an exceptionally finely carved portal leading into it. Inside that room are three sarcophagi, one adorned with a cross similar to Christian crosses found on Aksumite coins. This points toward an age around the 6^th century, which, as seldom happens, corresponds with local tradition

Like Meskel’s tomb, King Kaleb’s is accessed via a long straight stairway. Inside you’ll notice the stones are larger, more angular and less precisely joined. Of those who attribute the making of the tomb to Kaleb, few accept that he was actually buried here. The common theory is that his body lies at Abba Pentalewon Monastery, where he lived after abdicating his throne. The tomb’s unfinished state fits with the theory. Local rumour has it that there’s a secret tunnel leading from here to the Red Sea.

Next, we see Dungur Palace.

The structure at Dungur is popularly known as Queen of Sheba’s Palace, though historians think it is the mansion of a nobleman. It’s fully excavated & though in places rather clumsily restored, you can make out enough of the 44-room layout to make a visit interesting. Nobody is certain of the complex’s age, but it probably dates to around the 6^th century AD.

It has small undressed stones & walls recessed at intervals and unusually tapering with height. The well-preserved flagstone floor is thought to have belonged to a throne room. The palace also contains hidden treasure rooms, a private bathing area & a kitchen, where a large brick oven can still be seen. The stairwells suggest the existence of at least one upper storey.

Last point will be Queen of Sheba’s Bath.

Despite the colourful legends, this large reservoir wasn’t where Sheba played with her rubber duck. It was an important reservoir rather than a swimming pool or gargantuan bath. Nobody is totally sure of its age, but it’s certainly been used as a water source for millennia & its large size is even more impressive considering it is hewn out of solid rock. It is also known as Mai Shum, which translates to ‘Chief’s Water’.

The tour comes to an end & you return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Morning, you will be transferred to Aksum Emperor Yohannes IV Airport for your flight to Lalibela.- home of the 12^th century AD rock hewn churches of King Lalibela.

Arrive in Lalibela in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia, known for its distinctive rock-cut churches dating from the 12^th & 13^th centuries.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Lalibela Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & also provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

The small rural town of Lalibela with its extraordinary monolithic churches, built during the reign of 12^th century King Lalibela, is known around the world & is a pilgrimage site for Coptic Christians.   

When the King’s rivals began to increase in power, Lalibela sought the support of the powerful Ethiopian Orthodox Church by building the churches in this small town.

Lalibela is history & mystery frozen in stone, its soul alive with the rites & awe of Christianity at its most ancient & unbending. No matter what you have heard about Lalibela, no matter how many pictures you have seen of its breathtaking rock-hewn churches, nothing can prepare you for the reality of seeing it for yourself. It is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but truly a world wonder.

Spending a night vigil here during one of the big religious festivals, when white-robed pilgrims in their hundreds crowd the courtyards of the churches, is to witness Christianity in its most raw & powerful form.

With its cobblestone streets, distant views, good food & lack of cars, the town itself is a pleasant surprise.

Later in the afternoon, around 02.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide & embark on a 4 hour sightseeing tour.

King Lalibela's goal was to create a New Jerusalem for those who could not make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (and to create a sacred city to rival powerful Aksum, with its Ark of the Covenant). According to some reports, he had been to the Holy Land himself & was inspired by what he saw. But the king made no attempt to copy the churches of the Holy Land; in fact, Lalibela's sacred architecture could not be more unique.

The churches of Lalibela were not constructed - they were excavated. Each church was created by first carving out a wide trench on all four sides of the rock, then painstakingly chiseling out the interior. The largest church is 40 feet high & the labor required to complete such a task with only hammers & chisels would have been astoundng.

Popular legend has it that angels came every night to pick up where the workmen had left off. One of the churches, Bet Maryam, contains a stone pillar on which King Lalibela wrote the secrets of the buildings' construction. It is covered with old cloths and only the priests may look on it.

King Lalibela's project for gaining the church's favor had two unexpected results: the creation of a holy place of unparalleled beauty & the king's conversion to a religious life. After laboring for 20 years, he abdicated his throne to become a hermit, living in a cave and eating only roots & vegetables. To this day, Ethiopian Christians regard King Lalibela as one of their greatest saints.

There are 11 UNESCO World Heritage listed churches, assembled in 3 Groups. You will visit the Western section today Many are joined by tunnels & trenches, and some have carved bas-reliefs & colored frescoes inside.

See Bet Giyorgis, a cross-shaped church entirely carved out of a giant rock, said to be the most finely executed & best preserved church. This is the most prominently featured church on the Lalibela postcards.

Spend some time there before returning to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Overnight.  B  L D 

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am & proceed for a full day 8 hour visit to the other churches.

You will visit the Northern Group today. Get up on a mule & ride to the hill top to see the 13^th century semi monolithic Church of Asheton Mariam. Getting to the top of the hill rewards you with great & unforgettable scenery of the area.

See Bet Medhane Alem - home to the Lalibela Cross & believed to be the largest monolithic church in the world, probably a copy of St Mary of Zion in Aksum. It is linked to Bet Maryam (possibly the oldest of the churches), Bet Golgotha (known for its art & said to contain the tomb of King Lalibela), the Selassie Chapel & the Tomb of Adam.

Continue on to the Eastern Group.

Amanuel (possibly the former royal chapel), Bet Merkorios (which may be a former prison), Bet Abba Libanos & Bet Gabriel-Rufael (possibly a former royal palace) are linked to a holy bakery. The best way to access this group is to enter via Bet Gabriel-Rufael, then via a dark trench next to the church you will access Bet Merkorios, Amanuel and Abba Libanos.

The churches have been in continuous use since they were built in the 12^th century. The first Europeans to see these extraordinary holy sites were Portuguese explorers in the 1520s, one of whom noted in his journal that the sights were so fantastic, he expected readers of his descriptions would accuse him of lying.

The tour comes to an end & you return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Morning, you will be transferred to the Lalibela Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys Rep / Tour-guide who will ensure your comfort & immediately proceed on a 4 hour sightseeing tour to explore the vibrant neighborhoods & historic landmarks of Addis Ababa.

Despite its size, Addis retains a small-town feel with lively markets, donkey carts hurrying down main streets and traditional coffee shops.

See the richly decorated interior of Holy Trinity Cathedral, then trace Ethiopia’s long history through the Museum of Ethiopia to view an extensive collection of Ethiopian antiquities & the hominid skeleton, Lucy or Dinknesh (Amharic for ‘wonderful’).

Explore Haile Selassie’s former palace, now the fascinating Ethnological Museum & go deep into the traditions of Ethiopia’s diverse communities as you view cultural materials from over 80 ethnic groups of the region

Break for lunch (direct payment). 

Then, wander the bustling vibrant & colorful Merkato - the largest open-air market in East Africa, where vendors offer bright displays of fabric, handicrafts and produce from around the country.

Evening, you will be invited a farewell dinner party at one of the best traditional restaurants of Addis to see the folkloric dances of the Ethiopian people & to taste the variety of meals of the Ethiopian people.

Alas, like all good things, the wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say good-bye to enchanting Ethiopia  & go home. But, we sure hope that you may want to discover a bit more of “Cradle of Mankind” on your next visit. 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for the flight back home.  B

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