Ethiopian Travel | The North

The North Tour

Northern Ethiopia is a treasure trove of mystery and wonder. This stunning region boasts a remarkable depth of history.

On your journey North you will see

- The enormous obelisks (monolithic stelae) of Axum
- The amazing rock hewn churches of Lalibela
- The dramatic escarpments of the Simien Mountains
- The medieval castles of Gondar
- The painted monasteries on the islands of Lake Tana at Bahir Dar

You will also have the opportunity to browse the various markets that are colourful and varied in their wares.

Axum*Aksum

The ruins of the ancient city of Aksum are found close to Ethiopia's northern border. They mark the location of the heart of ancient Ethiopia, when the Kingdom of Aksum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The massive ruins, dating from between the 1st and the 13th century AD, include monolithic obelisks, royal tombs and ancient castles. Long after its political decline in the 10th century, Ethiopian emperors continued to be crowned in Aksum. This is the legendary 10th Century BC capital of the Queen of Sheba.

Lalibela

One of Ethiopia’s most important centres of pilgrimage set in the mountainous landscape of the region of Lasta, at an altitude of 2,630 m, Lalibela is famed for its rock-hewn churches, some in excess of 10m high. These are carved below ground level and accessed by trenches and courtyards, flanked by hermit cells also carved into the surrounding rock and connected by tunnels and passages.

Early in the morning, before the sun has fully risen, it is an ethereal experience to stand amongst the congregation and listen to the drumbeats and gentle chants. The medieval paintings on the walls and ceilings have remarkably survived, and these churches, unique in shape and size are an awesome sight.

In the surrounding rugged hills and cliffs of Lalibela, there are also many other rock-hewn churches that can be reached by trekking or on horseback. These remote churches are an amazing sight and the hike or horse ride will be an adventure you can remember forever.

Simien Mountain National Park

A world heritage site, the Simien Mountain range in the North of Ethiopia is host to the fourth highest mountain in Africa, Ras Dashen, reaching a height of 4,543 metres, (14,901 feet). The mountain range is bounded on the north and east by a massive and long escarpment cut along its length by deep gorges. Views over this vast plain from the top of the rugged, torn escarpment are breathtaking.

Trekking from west to east, you can take in the dramatic landscapes and wonderful sunsets. Temperatures at night drop dramatically in contrast to the heat of the day. It is possible to see the Wild Ibex, once hunted close to extinction, and the Simien fox, of which there are no more than 50 left. You will also see the common groups of Gelada baboons.

Example Tours

17 Day Tour – by 4 x 4

Day 1 Arrive in Ethiopia
Day 2 Arrive Addis Ababa
Day 3 Kombolcha
Day 4 Bati market, east of Dessie. Overnight in Woldiya
Day 5 Lalibela and the rock hewn churches
Day 6 Day trip to remote mountain churches of Ashetun Marium
Day 7 Mekelle
Day 8 Bait Yohannes
Day 9 Axum
Day 10 Gondar
Day 11 Gondar
Day 12 Bahir Dar
Day 13 Lake Tana and Island Monastories
Day 14 Blue Nile Falls
Day 15 & 16 Addis Ababa (with overnight stop)
Day 17 Depart Ethiopia

15 Day Tour with Trekking in the Simien Mountains

Day 1 Arrive in Ethiopia
Day 2 Arrive Addis Ababa, city tour
Day 3 Fly to Gondar for a tour of castles and churches
Day 4 Leave for Debark and enter Simien National Park, camping at Michibi
Day 5 Trek from Michibi via Sankaber to Geech
Day 6 Geech to Mount Imetgogo and back to Geech
Day 7 Trek from Geech to Chenek
Day 8 Chenek to Hambiquo
Day 9 Climb the mountain Ras Dashen
Day 10 Hambiquo to Alquso
Day 11 Alquso to Abergina
Day 12 Abergina to Michibi
Day 13 From Michibi to Debark, met by vehicles, returning to Gondar
Day 14 Addis Ababa
Day 15 Depart Ethiopia

Example Tour – 10 Days by 4x4

Day 1 Arrive in Ethiopia
Day 2 Dessie
Day 3 Lalibela
Day 4 Visit rock hewn churches
Day 5 Gondar
Day 6 Gondar
Day 7 Bahir Dar
Day 8 Bahir Dar and Lake Tana
Day 9 Addis Ababa
Day 10 Depart Ethiopia

Gondar

Gondar is the city of castles built during the reign of Emperor Fasilidas (1632-1667) and was once the capital of Ethiopia. During this time it was an important administrative, commercial, religious and cultural centre and noted for the skill of its craftsmen. The castles echo a time of grandeur and majesty.

Gondar has a number of fine churches to visit, which house biblical paintings. Perhaps the finest of the Gondarine Churches is that of Debre Birhan Selassie or ‘Trinity at the Mount of Light’. Whilst having fascinating architectural merit, it is the many paintings inside that create the greatest interest.

The ceilings are decorated with 80 beautiful winged angels, probably one of the most important and singly recognized examples of ecclesiastical art in Ethiopia. The walls of the church are also painted with biblical scenes, with each wall having a separate theme: the northern wall has paintings of the saints; the southern wall has scenes of the life of Christ; there is a painting on the wall to the left of the main door of the devil surrounded in flames and next to this same door, is the painting of the devil leading a captive, Mohammed. Although these paitings are attributed to the 17th century artist, Haile Meskel, it is considered that several artists were involved, (as did the work of Michaelangelo). The majority of the paintings were painted during the rule of Egwala Tsion (1801-17). There is a painting of him prostrating himself before the cross.

Around 30 minutes before sunset, there is beautiful light from the rays of the sun that penetrate the interior of the church enhancing the spiritual atmosphere and creating a great opportunity for photographs as using flash photography is quite rightly forbidden.

Gondar also has a colourful market, which should be visited. Half a mile north of Gondar, lies the tiny village of Wolleka, formerly inhabited by the Falashas, or Judaic Ethiopians. Very few Falashas remain in Ethiopia, after the mass exodus to Israel in 1991. Those that do remain, continue to make figurines out of black or red pottery. There is a great demand for the increasingly rare original pottery.

Bahir Dar and Lake Tana

Bahir Dar is a large town that has grown since the 1950’s. It’s palm-lined avenues and pretty lakeside vistas give a tropical ambience. Situated at the southern end of Lake Tana, it provides an excellent base from which to explore the historic sites. Lake Tana has 37 islands. Churches and monasteries have been built on twenty of the islands.

While boating on the lake, hippos and pelicans, amongst other wildlife can be seen. The markets are well worth visiting, but if you are pushed for time go to the fish market first. Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile, which eventually flows into the Egyptian delta.

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Sharyem Tours The Ethiopian Travel Specialists