The price shown is a guide - based on two people sharing and generally includes economy flights. Your holiday will be tailor-made to suit you and there are many factors that can influence the price, such as standard of accommodation, class of flight and time of year. Ask your travel specialist for more information.
Holiday type
Tailor-made
Highlights
Ethiopian Wildlife
You’ll explore the epic landscapes, peerless history and wonderful wildlife of Ethiopia on this action-packed tour. The chaotic but charismatic capital, Addis Ababa, is your launch pad for Gondar’s dramatic 17th century castles. You’ll get up close to Ethiopian wildlife in the Simien Mountain National Park: don’t let the antics of the baboons distract you from the astounding views. Birdwatchers will love the peaceful cruise along the Great Rift Valley’s lake road and, in the high altitude Sanetti Plateau, you’ll track the elusive Ethiopian wolf. Finally, you can discover Shashamane, an eclectic Rastafarian community characterised by its melting pot of customs and culture.
Fly overnight to Ethiopia’s intoxicating capital, Addis Ababa. Addis has not always been the capital: it was chosen for its verdant setting and wonderful climate. As the story goes, it was a love gift from a consort of the Emperor Menelik II, and it was his affection for the place that led to it becoming the seat of power. We think you’ll love this charismatic city and its striking surrounds too.
Addis Ababa
In Amharic, Addis Ababa translates as new flower. And it’s certainly in bloom. The streets are alive with Menelik remains and dizzying investment. Horns honk, goats bleat and shops sell colourful baskets among the jacaranda trees. Your guide will take you to the former palace of Haile Selassie, which is now an ethnographic museum situated among beautiful gardens and twinkling fountains.
Addis Ababa - Gondar - Simien Mountains
A morning flight delivers you to the ancient city of Gondar, where you will be met and driven to the dramatic Simien Mountains National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy a gentle trek from your lodge.
Simien Mountains National Park
Simien Mountains National Park’s precipitous cliffs and verdant terraces are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bring your binoculars – there’s some marvellous wildlife. Ibex joust on ledges, while gelada baboons frolic. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the rare Simien fox, Ethiopian wolf and several birds of prey.
Chenek
Your drive to Chenek takes you through dramatic landscapes, and the gentle hike here through grasslands and ancient volcanic ridges is just as beguiling. Your guide will help you track the endangered walia ibex (wild mountain goat) and help you spot and identify the abundant birdlife. The park is rich with raptor and vulture, while the threatened pallid harrier and augur buzzard are still commonly found here too.
Gondar
Return by road to Gondar, with inspiring photo opportunities along the way. The Italian-built piazza at the town centre is the perfect spot for a well-deserved buna (Ethiopian coffee). For dinner, we recommend some local cuisine. Injera and tibbs is a huge pancake stuffed with a variety of delectable spiced meats and vegetables – particularly tasty when washed down with a local beer.
Gondar - Addis Ababa - Langano
You’ll fly back to Addis Ababa and head out into the Great Rift Valley. As the city melts into nature, the lake road offers a striking drive. You’ll stop at Lake Ziway, which attracts birdlife including white pelican, hamerkop, African fishing eagle and marabou storks. Lake Langano is a popular destination for water-based activities, and you’ll spend two nights overlooking the lake.
Langano to Bale Mountain National Park
Depart Langano and continue to the province of Bale where you can traverse the lush woods of Kofele, before hitting the vast open Ethiopian plains. The road is a little rough, but you’ll be richly rewarded with jagged outcrops, dramatic valleys and perhaps even the odd grumpy-looking warthog.
Bale Mountain National Park
The extraordinary Sanetti Plateau lies at a dizzying 4,000m. It’s hunting ground for the rare Ethiopian wolf, and your guide will try to spot one for you. This is the last remaining alpine landscape in Africa, and birds flock to Sanetti’s twinkling high altitude lakes, including the golden eagles that circle the plateau’s peaks. Hidden by a thick belt of nearby heather, we recommend a walk through the magical Harenna forest.
Bale Mountains to Addis Ababa
Depart Bale Mountain Lodge for Addis Ababa. After your final Ethiopian dinner, bid farewell to this culturally rich and visually dramatic country, before flying home.
Africa team
With an extensive knowledge base and expertise covering 54 diverse and fascinating countries, our Africa team is perfectly placed to help plan your next adventure
