Addis Ababa to Axum - Yeha Hotel
A morning flight from Addis Ababa to Axum. This ancient city, with its half-buried ruins of palaces, monolithic Stelae, and subterranean tombs, is one of Ethiopia's most historic sites. Reputedly the capital of the Queen of Sheba, today Axum is the hub of Ethiopian Christianity. Visit the Park of the Obelisks where several colossal monoliths still stand together, marking the tombs of the Axumite royals.
Visit a historically important dedicatory stone dating to about 320 AD with an inscription written in three languages - Sabaean, Ge'ez (earliest written Ethiopian language), and Greek, and explore the tomb of King Basen, who ruled at the time of the birth of Christ. Also explore Gobadura, where Axum’s giant Stelae were quarried, and see the impressive relief drawing of a lion cut into a large boulder.
Axum is where the Ark of the Covenant of Biblical fame is reported to be hidden within the compound of the Church of Saint Mary of Zion. Visit new, and church built with the support of Haile Selassie, and the small outbuilding nearby that purportedly houses the renowned Ark.
While in Axum you will be staying at the Yeha hotel-situation abouve the town, giving you a memorable view of the towering stelae below. The hotel also serves Western food for a main course.
Learn More about Axum at Wikipedia
Axum to Lalibela - Jerusalem Guest House
Lalibela is a 'World Heritage Site' and there is every reason for it to be one. The 12th century rock-hewn churches have been dubbed the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. There are 1000 churches in the Lasta region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves, but it is exceptional to find 11 churches of such master craftsmanship in one locale in the town of Lalibela. Seeing all of Lalibela's churches takes a long time, but they are well worth the effort, particularly during the Ethiopian Christmas (7th January) and Timkat celebrations (19th January). The first group of six churches lie in rock cradles one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Mika'el, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel and Bet Medhane Alem.
Bet Medhane Alem, the largest one, is built like a Greek Temple and its stone floor is so polished by the countless numbers of visitors that it reflects shafts of light from apertures in the walls high above. In a corner are three empty graves symbolically dug for biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Bete Giyorgis, possibly the most elegant of all the Lalibela churches, lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the village on a sloping rock terrace. It can only be reached through a tunnel. The oldest of the churches, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Bet Maryam is the only Lalibela monolith with a porch. The remains of exquisite early frescoes can be seen on the ceiling and upper walls, and there are many elaborately carved details on the piers, capitals, and arches.
While in Lalibela you'll be staying at the Jerusalem Guest House. This guest house is simple, new, and peaceful. The personal attention from the owner makes all the difference.
Find out More about Lalibela and it's Churches at Wikipedia
Lalibela to Addis — Departure
Spend today exploring more of the rock-carved churches of the area. We will visit Yemrehane Christos 42km north of the town of Lalibela, a striking church sited within a black basalt rock cave built by King Yemrehane Christos (let Christ show the way) who ruled before King Lalibela in the 10th Century. In the afternoon we take a flight back to Addis Ababa.
Tour ET-N03001
Included (Where Applicable)
* Accommodation in twin room
* Full meals with bottled water
* Ground transportation with latest model 4x4 SUV
* Camping fees
* Scout fee in the national parks
* Portage at each place
* Professional English speaking escort guide and driver all throughout the trip.
* All excursions to sites of interest with entry fees as per itinerary
All the necessary camping gears; sleeping, dinning, cooking and shower tents; mattresses, pillows and sleeping bags; dinning chairs and tables; cooking utensils, and in short all the necessary equipment.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Not recommended for children under 13 or people above 65 years old.
Trip Notes
Wear
comfortable loose fitting clothing, covered walking or hiking shoes and
bring a hat for the sun. To reach some of these churches we must hike a
short distance up rather steep terrain.
This
itinerary has been designed to be as comfortable as possible, but this
part of the world is still underdeveloped. Our four-wheel drive
vehicles are well maintained, but there will be some travel over
unpaved roads.
We
have carefully chosen hotels that are the best available, but they
frequently are not up to Western standards - there will be times when
the rooms will not have hot water, or perhaps will have no water at
all; the standards of cleanliness will occasionally be less than you
would like; and electricity might be sporadic.
Many of the religious
buildings in Ethiopia are not open to women, and we have intentionally
included sites in which all are welcome.
Disclaimer
Weather, road conditions and/or bridges could prevent us going through certain routes or reaching certain location within this itinerary. Yemgeta will make every effort to reroute to complete the itinerary.
$325.00 (per person, based on double occupancy)
Single Supplement: $163.00
Prices
based on double occupancy and includes all hotels, guide services, most
meals, water, entrance fees, and ground transportation to and from
airport(s) within Ethiopia.
Cost Does Not Include
Domestic
Flights, alcoholic drinks, video and camera fees if applicable, food
not on regular menus, laundry, excess baggage charges, personal tips,
or departure taxes.
Download Brochure (ET-N03001)
