Biblical Landscapes
Your journey begins in Addis Ababa, the vibrant capital, from where you will follow the course of the Blue Nile Gorge (by air) to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s holiest city. Here you will explore ancient medieval rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts and dimly lit passageways carved from solid granite a millennia ago. Flying over the Tekeze River which has created one of the world’s deepest canyons, you will arrive in the Tigray region where you will find a particularly spectacular landscape of red stratified mountains and sharp peaks that rise from the plains. Ancient churches teeter on top of rocky pinnacles and you will have the opportunity to hike to Abuna Yemata – the ‘church in the sky’. Your next destination is the Danakil Depression which lies at 120m below sea level and is considered the hottest place on earth. It is a stunningly beautiful but wildly inhospitable environment of neon lakes, minerals crusts and weird rock formations and you’ll witness the Afar people and their camel caravans eking a life out of the salt pans that exist here. At over 4500m, the misty green Simien Mountains provide a stark contrast and the opportunity for hiking and spotting rare wildlife including the walia ibex and endemic gelada or ‘bleeding heart’ baboons. Along the way you will take in the stellae monuments of Aksum and the mightY fortress of Gondar.
This helicopter safari provides the unique opportunity to experience Ethiopia’s remotest communities and loneliest holy sites, touching down spontaneously to experience the most spectacular landscapes imaginable. Only by air is it possible to cover these vast distances whilst truly appreciating the immense scale of this stunningly beautiful and timeless land.
You will love
- The rock hewn churches of Lalibela and Tigray
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Exclusive use of private helicopter
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Impossibly remote
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The proud Afar people
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The soaring Simien Mountains to the Martian looking Danakil Depression
8 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
PLEASE NOTE
This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.
DAY 1 | Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa. Explore the street markets and museum, and enjoy an evening in the traditional song houses. Overnight: Sheraton Hotel
DAYS 2 & 3 | LALIBELA
Fly to Lalibela via the Blue Nile gorge. Visit some of the ancient monolithic churches including St George and Yemrehana Krestos in the company of a local guide. Overnight: Mountain View Hotel.
DAYS 4, 5 & 6 | TIGRAY, DANAKIL & AKSUM
Head to Gheralta in the Tigray region, flying via the spectacular Tekeze Gorge. Visit the ancient churches in the mountains including an optional thrilling hike to Abuna Yemata – the ‘church in the sky’.
DAYS 4, 5 & 6 CONTINUED
Take a morning heli excursion to the Danakil Depression to see the sulphurous landscape of the the lowest, hottest point on Earth. Experience life in a Tigray village, and take a short flight to the historical town of Aksum. Overnight: Gheralta Lodge
DAY 7 | SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
An early departure allows you to see the mountain scenery at dawn, when it is most spectacular. Spend the day exploring the National Park, in search of Gelada Baboon and other unique wildlife. Overnight: Limalimo Lodge
DAY 8 | GONDAR & ADDIS ABABA
Morning visit to Gondar to see the walled city of Fasil Ghebbi famous for its ancient castles and palaces. Return to Addis Ababa.
ACCOMMODATION
A handpicked selection
Limalimo – Simien Mountains National Park
The first lodge of its kind in Ethiopia, Limalimo is luxurious, design led and sustainable. Architecturally masterminded in clean lines and polished concrete, it perches on the edge of an escarpment in the Simien Mountains National Park with simply stunning views. Rooms are minimal but stylish and communal areas are inviting. Read More
Gheralta Lodge – Tigray
Gheralta Lodge is your launch point for exploring the rock-hewn churches and 'land that time forgot' scenery of the northern Tigray region. Low level and built of rock it blends seamlessly into its stony environment and boasts dramatic views across the vast landscape, especially at sunset. Read More
NEED TO KNOW
8 days
8 days
Please enquire for pricing
Please enquire for pricing
START: Addis Ababa | Finish: Addis Ababa
This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey through Ethiopia by air but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth MackintoshJulia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford familyWe are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.
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Rowntree familyClassic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain JonesWe loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
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