Discover Ethiopia - Discovery Holiday

Superb scenery and rich heritage: Africa's most fascinating and varied country

Ethiopia is a unique and secluded country. It has never been colonised by a European power, and as a result the people have retained a strong cultural identity and are renowned for their warmth and hospitality. It possesses some of the most impressive architecture found anywhere, particularly at Lalibela, where the rock-hewn churches have been described as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The landscape is equally memorable and Ethiopia is home to some of the finest mountain scenery in Africa. The Simien Mountains, famed for their volcanic pinnacles, are particularly beautiful. This World Heritage Site is home to the Walia Ibex, Gelada Baboons and the rare Ethiopian Wolf. Festivals in Ethiopia are colourful events with plenty of pageantry, music and dancing. We run three trips to coincide with these festivals. In January we attend Timkat, the most important festival in the calendar, which celebrates Epiphany. In September we attend the Meskal festival which has been celebrated for over 1600 years.

What the papers say about the Ethiopia

Scottish Sunday Express: Euan Cameron writes about Discover Ethiopia (December 2012).

What makes this trip responsible?

Many children from disadvantaged families in Ethiopia do not have access to a balanced diet. Exodus’ partners, The Kindu Trust, amongst other projects, run a youth club in Gondar where children can get supplementary education and participate in extracurricular activities. The aim of this project is to provide a hot nutritious meal, once weekly, for these children which will help in their growth, learning capacity and development.
Please visit our Ethiopia project page for full details

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: Ethiopia

Day 1

Depart London.

Day 2

Arrive Addis Ababa; tour of city including the Church of the Holy Trinity and National Museum.

Day 3

Fly to Bahar Dar; afternoon optional boat trip on Lake Tana.

Day 4

Visit Tississat Falls, source of Blue Nile; afternoon tour of Bahar Dar.

Day 5

Drive to Gondar, former capital of Ethiopia; visit castles and famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie.

Day 6

Drive to Debark; first view of spectacular Simien Mountains; afternoon walk in N.P.

Day 7

Continue to Axum via Tekeze River Valley.

Day 8

Full day visit to Axum; Stele Park, tombs of ancient Axumite kings, Archaeological Museum, church of St Mary of Tsion and ruined palace of Queen of Sheba.

Day 9

Fly to Lalibela; explore rock-hewn churches.

Day 10

Mule trek to church of Ashatan Maryam.

Day 11

Fly to Addis Ababa.

Day 12

Drive to Wendogenet in Rift Valley; visit Lake Abiata-Shala N.P. to see flamingos, pelicans, geese and possibly gazelles and bushbuck.

Day 13

Walking excursion through lush tropical forest and villages of Sidama people.

Day 14

Drive to Awassa; visit early morning fish market; return to Addis Ababa for late night flight.

Day 15

Arrive London.

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Exodus images from DISCOVER ETHIOPIA

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Rock-cut church