Cultural · 7 nights
Highlands & Lalibela
Rock-hewn churches, highland trekking, and Addis in one carefully paced week.
Pricing on request
Requests need at least 10 days' notice
Why this journey
This is the Ethiopia most travelers come for first — Lalibela's churches carved downward into living rock, gelada monkeys grazing the Simien escarpment, and an Addis Ababa that feels nothing like its reputation. A week, not a rush.
Journey highlights
- Two full days among Lalibela's eleven rock-hewn churches
- A guided day hike into the Simien Mountains
- Addis Ababa's museums, market, and coffee culture
- Small groups only — no coach-tour crowds
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Arrive in Addis Ababa
Private transfer from Bole International Airport to your hotel. Settle in, then a welcome dinner with your travel designer to walk through the week ahead.
Amber House AddisDinner - 2
Day 2
Addis Ababa in depth
Morning at the National Museum with Lucy, then Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Mercato district. Afternoon coffee ceremony hosted by a local family.
Amber House AddisBreakfast - 3
Day 3
Fly to Lalibela
Short domestic flight north. Afternoon spent with the northern cluster of rock-hewn churches, connected by carved tunnels and trenches.
Lalibela Heritage HouseBreakfast - 4
Day 4
Bete Giyorgis & the southern cluster
A full day with the cross-shaped Church of Saint George and the southern group, timed for the light. Free afternoon in the market town.
Lalibela Heritage HouseBreakfast - 5
Day 5
Into the highlands
Scenic transfer toward the Simien foothills. Check into a highland lodge built for the view — arrive in time for sunset on the terrace.
Amber Highlands LodgeBreakfast · Dinner - 6
Day 6
Simien Mountains day hike
A guided walk to the Sankaber viewpoint, with gelada monkey troops grazing alongside the trail for most of the route.
Amber Highlands LodgeBreakfast · Lunch - 7
Day 7
Return to Addis Ababa
Scenic drive back to the capital. Evening free to revisit a favorite corner of the city, or simply rest before departure.
Amber House AddisBreakfast - 8
Day 8
Departure
Private transfer to Bole International Airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast
Where you'll stay
Amber House Addis
Addis Ababa
A quiet boutique hotel in the Bole Kasanchis district, minutes from the National Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Lalibela Heritage House
Lalibela
Stone-built rooms on the ridge above the rock-hewn churches, walking distance from the northern cluster.
Amber Highlands Lodge
Debre Sina highlands
An intimate lodge set into the highland escarpment, built around unbroken views and a wood-fired terrace.
Experiences
- National Museum & Lucy
- Traditional coffee ceremony
- Northern church cluster, Lalibela
- Bete Giyorgis & southern cluster
- Simien Mountains day hike
What's included
- All accommodation as listed, on a bed-and-breakfast basis unless noted
- Domestic flights within Ethiopia as specified in the itinerary
- Private airport and inter-city transfers
- English-speaking guide throughout
- Entrance fees for all listed sites and experiences
- Daily breakfast and meals as specified in the itinerary
What's not included
- International flights to and from Ethiopia
- Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, gratuities, and drinks outside included meals
- Optional experiences not listed in the itinerary
Important information
- Domestic flight schedules in Ethiopia can shift with short notice; your itinerary timing may be adjusted accordingly by your travel designer.
- A valid passport with at least six months' validity from your travel date is required.
- Altitude in the Ethiopian highlands (2,000–3,200m) is moderate but noticeable — pace is kept easy for this reason.
Traveling with children
Children of all ages are welcome. Under-12s receive a 25% reduction on the per-person rate when sharing a room with two adults; infants under 2 travel at no charge. Some highland treks and boat excursions have practical age minimums, which your travel designer will flag before booking.
Cancellation terms
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure. Cancellations 15–29 days out are subject to a 50% charge; inside 14 days, the full package cost applies, reflecting non-refundable supplier commitments. Africano will always confirm exact terms in writing before payment is requested.
Final pricing is confirmed with your travel designer before you pay — nothing is charged until then.
Questions, answered
- How difficult is the Simien Mountains hike?
- Moderate — a well-marked trail to the Sankaber viewpoint, roughly four hours round trip at a gentle pace. No technical climbing or scrambling.
- Can the Lalibela and highlands days be reordered?
- Yes, within reason — your travel designer will confirm the best order based on domestic flight availability once dates are set.
- Is this trip suitable for solo travelers?
- Very much so — this itinerary is one of our most-booked by solo travelers, with private guiding throughout rather than a fixed group tour.
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