Checked in

Addis Ababa Bole Airport

Addis Ababa

We visited the mausoleum of Menelik II, the Holy Trinity Cathedral (containing the tomb of Haile Selassie aka Ras Tafari) and the National Museum to see Lucy.
Blue Nile Falls

A walk to see the Blue Nile Falls south of Lake Tana which is the source of the river.
Lake Tana

Full day boat trip across the lake to visit monasteries of Narga Selassie and Ura Kadine Mihret. Also a brief stop to see a few hippos.
Castles of Gondar

Built in the 17th century with some strong Portuguese influences, the castles were built by successive emperors
Gondar sites

First the church of Debre Birhan Selassie with typical wall paintings and the angels painted on the ceiling. And then Fasilides Baths, as used during the Timkat festival.
Simien Mountains NP

Trekking across the park at 3200m. Lots of Gelada monkeys. And great views of the lowlands when the clouds moved away.
Road to Axum

Very long drive from Debark to Axum. Over mountains, down valleys, across plateaus. Such stunning scenery.
Aksum

First the Stelae of Aksum. Then the Palace of the Queen of Sheba. Finally a visit to the church of St Mary Zion where they keep the Ark of the Covenant in an adjoining chapel.
Yeha

Visit to this pre-Christian temple built out of large blocks of stone and standing 14m high. Nearby is a slightly older palace complex which is still being excavated.
Medhane-Alem Adi Kesho

Our first rock hewn church. It is quite incredible to think of the years of effort that must have gone into it, patiently scraping away at the rock face. Photos don't do it justice.
More rock hewn churches

Abreha Wo Atsebeha and Wukro Cherkos are both near Wukro. They are semi-monolithic (carved into the rock but you cannot walk all around outside.
Very difficult to capture all the hard work in a photo.
Camel market, Kurkiftu

A *very* long day in the bus. Great fun seeing the camel market and lots of beautiful scenery again.
Churches of Lalibela

The rock hewn churches are simply incredible. The imagination and the effort to create them were immense.
Mule Trek to Ashatan Maryam monastery

A very steep ride and walk (where it is too steep for the mules!) up to a rock hewn monastery above Lalibela.
ResenärDora the intrepid Explorer is off dress shopping in Ethiopia! 👗 🇪🇹
AC TC on TourSo cheeky.