A Historical and Cultural Exploration of Ethiopia

This interesting tour includes a visit to the National Museum, which houses several hundred pieces of bone fossils representing 40% of the skeleton of a female of the hominin species, known as Lucy. You'll also see the Ethnological Museum and get the chance to witness a traditional coffee ceremony, as well as discover the city's churches, Unity Park and Merkato.

Built for Emperor Fasilides, this grand castle helped to establish Gondar as the capital of the Ethiopian empire during this period. Also known as the Royal Enclosure, Fasil Ghebbi, the egg-shaped domed roofs of this castle and huge towers have a more mediaeval European style than African. The view from to top of the castle also offers incredible views over the city.

During your visit, you’ll also see the 300-year-old Fasil Bath that was once used by Ethiopian royalty. The pool is ceremoniously filled every year for the Timkat celebration that plays an important role in the spiritual lives of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.

Today, you'll drive into the Simien National Park for a day of exploring while keeping an eye out for geladas (early morning is the best as they warm up on the cliff edges) and ibex. In the afternoon, you'll stop and tuck into a packed lunch.

You'll then return to Limalimo and have evening drinks paired with amazing views. As the temperature in the park and at the lodge in the evenings can be cool, a warm fleece is recommended

Lalibela is Ethiopia's holiest city and a site of pilgrimage for many Orthodox Christians. The 900-year-old church of Bet Giyorgis - church of St. George - is located on the western side of the cluster of 11 churches. It was carved from a single piece of rock 40 feet into the ground in the shape of a Greek cross. There is a curtain that shields the Holy of Holies, in front of which usually stands a priest displaying scripture and paintings.

Yemrehana Krestos is a stone and wood church in the Aksumite style, located inside a dark cave 12 miles north east of Lalibela. Until 15 years ago, this church, could only be reached after a long and difficult journey by foot or donkey. You will also enjoy the sunset from Ashetan Monastery, with truly remarkable views.

Mingle with the locals in this popular bar where you can taste the local delicacy, Tej. This libation is a kind of Ethiopian mead, a delicious honey wine with a herby flavour. Patrons can also enjoy a traditional azmari song and dance until the early hours.

This city in northern Ethiopia is known for its tall, carved obelisks which date back to the ancient Kingdom of Aksum. Spend some time sightseeing in the city and you'll discover many of them in the Northern Stelae Park. Other highlights include the ancient St. Mary of Zion church which is a pilgrimage site and is believed to have housed the Ark of the Covenant. Many believe the neighboring Chapel of the Tablet contains the Ark today.

Very little is known about the origin of the 120 churches carved into the rock and cliffs, or their architectural history. Local tradition attributes most of the churches to the 4th century Aksumite Kings, Abreha and Atsbeha. Access to the churches involves some interesting hikes up the steep, and sometimes sheer, cliff faces. Inside many of the churches are colourful frescoes, hundreds of years old. The priests who live on these mountains follow a simple life that revolves around the Orthodox Christian calendar.

Abuna Yemata is known as Gheralta's church in the sky and is one of the most inaccessible place of worship on earth, perched on top of a vertical spire. Carved by hand from the rock in which it stands, this 5th century monastery is decorated in exquisite frescoes, and is so sacred that mothers bring their newborn babies up here to be baptised, and bodies have been laid to rest on this mountain.

The monastery of Abune Gebre Mikael has a modest whitewashed entrance set within the natural rock, with old wooden window frames. It opens into a beautiful and classical place of worship, cruciform in plan with dome ceilings, pillars and arche, covered in amazing unspoiled frescos of Christian saints and biblical scenes.

Rectangular in shape with six freestanding pillars, Debre Zion is known for its architectural features, including decorated dome ceilings, bas-reliefs and carved crosses on the walls. It also has beautiful, though faded murals and a unique ancient ceremonial fan.

The Mago National Park is a vast national park in the south of Ethiopia and on your morning walk you may spot dik-diks, baboons, waterbucks and many other mammals. You'll head back to camp for lunch and then you'll also have a chance to visit the Mursi villages and expereince an evening dance from the Kara people. The Kara tribe occupy the left bank of the Omo River and are known for their intricate body art and face painting. The vibrant white chalk, red ochre and yellow mineral rock colours used are spectacular to behold and can be designed in dots, spirals and patterns that change every day. The Kara are incredibly social and it’s always great fun when they throw an evening dance in the village.

Enjoy your last day wandering around this city, picking up some trinkets to take home and feasting on delicious local delicacies.