Enchanting Ethiopia

Ethiopia is an ancient country whose unique cultural heritage, rich history and remarkable biodiversity are reflected in a tally of nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Within its borders, you’ll find the world’s 4th holiest Islamic city along with the oldest continuously occupied town south of the Sahara.

Compelling antiquities include the medieval rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and Axum, ruined palaces and temples dating back 3,000 years, the magnificent 17th century castles of Gondar, and the oldest human fossils unearthed anywhere on the planet. Add to this the beautiful Simien Mountains with its awe inspiring views, incredible wildlife such as Gelada Baboons, Walia Ibex and the majestic Bearded Vultures and it is little wonder that Ethiopia is a must see destination for adventurous cyclists and hikers.

Following arrival into the country’s bustling capital Addis Ababa we fly up to Bahir Dar where after a visit to Ura Kidane Monastery we start our cycling with a ride to the Blue Nile Waterfall. Next stop is the former capital of Gondar, with its magnificent castle, before we head to the majestic Simien Mountains for a couple of days of simply stunning hiking.

Back on the bikes we leave the lofty heights of the Simien and wind our way through the Tekeze Mountains to Zarima before reaching Axum. There’s lots to see here and so with this in mind we spend a day exploring its numerous cultural highlights.

Our next spot of cycling sees us exploring the region of Tigra and the Gheralta Mountains. It’s here in this spaghetti-western landscape of flat dry plains and towering rock outcrops, that rust-red pinnacles soar like sandcastles above the plateaus and is where we have an incredible barefoot climb to the famous church of Abuna Yemata in Gar’Alta Hawzen.

We end the tour in style with two lovely days of cycling in Mekele and Gashena before time at the UNESCO world heritage site of Lalibela where we spend a day visiting the magnificent rock-hewn churches.

Back in Addis there just time for a final delicious spot of Ethiopian food and a cold celebratory Dashen beer at one of its most famous restaurants before connections home.

Holiday Highlights
The spellbinding Simien Mountains & its Gelada Baboons 
Delicious food and Ethiopian coffee stops 
Lake Tana and The Blue Nile waterfall 
Historic Lalibela, Axum & tales of the Queen of Sheeba 
The climb to Abuna Yemana Guh Rock Church