Archeological Tours of ancient Ethiopia – 8 Days
Explore the wonders of Ethiopia on one of Adventure Life’s immersive archaeological sites during 2024/2025. Uncover the mysteries of this ancient land as you traverse through historic sites like Yeha Temple, Axum Obelisk and Museum, Wukro, the rock-hewn churches of Tigray, Lalibela, Melka Konture, and the ancient city of Harar. Each archaeological tour offers a deep dive into Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, where the past comes alive amidst breathtaking landscapes and vibrant traditions. Embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment as you unravel the secrets of Ethiopia’s past with expert guides by your side.
Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrive to Bole airport where you are met and transferred to your hotel. after Check in to your hotel and leave with your guide to see Mount Entoto in the north to begin your tour. Next, go to the Ethnographic museum, which has a large collection of handmade items and historical relics from Ethiopia. Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia as well, which holds the renowned Lucy fossil. Before seeing the Trinity Cathedral this evening, have lunch at a nearby cafe. The biggest and most prestigious of all contemporary churches is this one. Drive through the biggest open-air market in all of Africa to round out your visit. Overnight Hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Axum | ( UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES)
Full day in Axum to explore the archaeological sites and church of St. Mary Tsion.
Axum is the seat of the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Axum, which was once one of the most powerful in the ancient world. it was economically, politically and technically advanced and at times had control over both sides of the Red Sea. Axum is also the origin of Christianity in Ethiopia and believed to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. The old church of St Mary of Zion was the first church to be built in Sub-Saharan Africa around 330AD.Its ruins can be seen in the precinct of the church compound. We visit the famous monolithic stelae of Axum, the tallest one still standing reaches over 23 metres and the greatest one of them all, once 34 metres high now lies toppled on the ground. However, it is still the largest monolith ever erected by man. The subterranean tombs, stone inscriptions of ancient Axumite kings and the archaeological museum are also living witness of the ancient Axumite history. We will also visit the ruined palace of the Queen of Sheba who is said to have given birth to Menelik the First, fathered by King Solomon, the founder of Ethiopia’s ruling family until the late Emperor Haile Selassie.
Overnight፡ Axum
Day 3: Drive To Yeha Moon Temple
Scenic drive through the Adwa Mountains and 5th C B.C. moon Temple at Yeha to the Gheralta
Mountains. Yeha, said to be Ethiopia’s oldest settlement, probably dating back almost 3,000 years. A large temple, dedicated to the moon god Almuqah, is related to other pagan temples to the same god in Yemen, indicating connections across the Red Sea from the earliest times. The temple was later converted into a church in the 6th century, but still has wonderful friezes of ibex carved into the façade. We shall also make a visit to the important town of Adwa, set amidst rugged mountains. It was at Adwa that the Ethiopians became the first African nation to repel a colonial power, when they defeated the Italian army in 1896.
Overnight፡ Hawzien
Day 4: Visit The Rock Hewn Churches of Tigray and Wukro Museum
We will explore Ethiopia remarkable Rock-cut Churches in this region. These architectural gems were created prior to the 6th century and unknown to the outside world until the 1960s. About 120 are now known to be in existence with all but a handful still in active use by the orthodox Christian community. We look to explore two clusters including Abreha We Atsbeha and Abune Yemata Guh located in the Gheralta Mountains and the archaeological Museum at Wukro. In the afternoon enjoy the wonderful serenity of the Tigray landscapes and proceed to the town of Mekelle for Overnight
Day 5: Drive to Lalibela
Scenic drive to Lalibela also known as “Africa’s Petra,” is Ethiopia’s crown jewel. Famous churches and scenes from many major religious ceremonies can be found here. Check in to your hotel dinner and Overnight Hotel.
Day 6: visit Lallibela ( UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES)
After breakfast we will visit the most well-known and preserved churches in the country, which can be found here, as well as the location of many religious ceremonies throughout the year. Visit the magnificent rock-hewn churches, which were built by hand between 800 and 1200 AD and are still active worship places. This afternoon’s tour includes the following churches: Bete Amanuel, Bete Markorios, Bete Aba Libanos, and Bete Gebriel-Rufael. Bete Girogis.
Overnight Hotel
Day 7: Fly Back to Addis
Return to Lalibela Airport in the morning for your flight to Addis Ababa. Depart east from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park via Butajira. On the way you will visit the archeological sites of Tiya (ancient stelae field and UNESCO World Heritage Site), Adadi Maryam (a rock-hewn church similar to those in Lalibela) and Melka Kunture (pre-historic tool-making site). Final destination for the day is in Awash National Park (lodge or camping).
Day 8: Addis Ababa and Departure
Early morning, take a drive in the park to witness the park as it wakes up. Afterwards, depart from Awash, returning to Addis Ababa. On the way you can stop in Sodere to take a shower in the therapeutic hot springs waters.
Evening after farewell dinner transferred back to the airport for your journey home
