Ethiopia & East Africa · office in Gondar · Open daily · 8:00 - 18:00 (East Africa Time)
Cultural & Historical
Castles, churches and Lake Tana. Journey the legendary northern circuit — Gondar's castles, the churches of Lalibela, the stelae of Axum and the monasteries of Lake Tana.
From
From USD 1,600 per person
Indicative from price — your full quote is confirmed when you enquire.
Ethiopia's northern highlands are home to an astonishing depth of history. This eight-day circuit links the imperial castles of Gondar, the island monasteries of Lake Tana, the towering stelae of Axum and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
Travelling by private 4x4 with a knowledgeable local guide, you'll move at a comfortable pace, with time to explore each site and to absorb the landscape in between.
It's the definitive tour for travellers drawn to the historical heart of Ethiopia.
Route difficulty
Relaxed pace with little or no sustained trekking.
Meet your guide and begin exploring the city's imperial sights.
Finish Gondar's highlights — including the striking Royal Bath of Fasilides — before descending from the plateau toward Lake Tana and the lakeside town of Bahir Dar.
Boat across Lake Tana to visit historic island monasteries with their vivid wall paintings, then drive a short distance to the Blue Nile Falls, among Africa's most spectacular cascades.
A long, scenic drive north through the highlands and across the Tekeze river valley to the ancient city of Axum, gateway to Ethiopia's archaeological heartland.
Explore the famous stelae field with its towering granite obelisks, the archaeological ruins of the ancient Kingdom of Aksum, and the well-tended remains of this fabled civilisation.
Travel south through the dramatic highlands toward the rock-hewn church city of Lalibela, arriving in the early evening.
Spend a full day among the famous rock-hewn churches — some carved top-down into the living rock — including the celebrated Church of St George.
Transfer to Lalibela airport for your connection, or continue your journey through the northern highlands with our team.
More details provided at booking.
A relaxed pace with little or no trekking — ideal for most travellers and families.
Travellers who want a complete, in-depth journey across Ethiopia and beyond.
Run small-group or privately so the experience stays personal.
Not sure it's the right fit? We'll help you choose — see how we plan trips.
Indicative pricing
US$ 3,200
US$ 1,600 per person × 2
This tour is rated easy — well-paced, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, and suits travellers of reasonable general mobility.
The indicative price covers licensed local guide throughout, all site entry tickets and accommodation as per the itinerary. See the full "What's included" list above — your exact quote, and anything you'd like adjusted, is confirmed when you enquire.
Yes — this tour runs privately or for small groups, so you can travel solo, as a couple, or with friends on your own dates.
This tour reaches high altitude in the Simien Mountains. Routes are paced for acclimatisation, and good hydration and a measured pace make a big difference. For practical guidance on managing altitude, see the altitude section under travel information.
Highlands and holy rock churches
The classic combination: trek the Simien escarpment, then Lalibela's rock-hewn churches — history and highlands in one unforgettable journey.
The classic escarpment traverse
Four days across the heart of the Simien Mountains: escarpments, Afromontane forests, gelada herds and dawn on the 'Roof of Africa'.
The 'Camelot of Africa' — an imperial city of castles, churches and a rich royal history in Ethiopia's northwest highlands.
The ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire, famed for towering stelae, royal tombs and a history spanning nearly two millennia.
Home to the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's great pilgrimage destinations.
A pleasant lakeside town and gateway to Lake Tana — Ethiopia's largest lake and its historic island monasteries.
Send us an inquiry and we'll confirm availability, answer your questions and finalise every detail for you.
