Ark of the Covenant Tour in Ethiopia

You’re off and on away on an adventure as your plane descends into Addis Ababa International Airport. Look out the window to see Ethiopia’s vast terrain of forests, valleys, deserts, and volcanoes. A local guide will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to a city hotel. 

In the afternoon, take time to unpack, rest, and explore. Take a dip in the hotel pool, explore the city’s busy streets and markets, or unwind in the hotel spa. In the evening, you will meet with your local guide and group for an authentic Ethiopian dinner, an excellent opportunity to get to know your guide and ask lots of questions about these educational student tours!

Today, you will be treated to an adventurous and informative way to tour the Entoto Mountains and become more informed about Ethiopian culture. You’ll visit the Debre Libanos Monastery, view breathtaking mountain scenery and experience Africa’s wildlife! That’s right, keep an eye out for the banded barbet, colobus monkey, hyena, porcupine, civet cat, warthog, and Menelik’s bushbuck. Enjoy lunch by a gorge in the forest, or take a dip if you’re feeling warm. Head to the Place of Emperor to see the elaborate paintings, traditional clothes and decorations of former rulers of Ethiopia. 

Today is an absolute highlight of the trip! You’ll catch an early flight to the city of Axum. Legends tell how this city was where the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon lived. They brought the Ark of the Covenant from Jerusalem to Axum where it remains today in a preserved sanctuary! Visit the Tombs of King Kaleb and King Meskel, the granite stone Stele of Axum, Inzana’s stone inscriptions, the Church of Zion, Queen of Sheba’s swimming pool and palace, and (of course!) the Ark of the Covenant’s final resting place. You’ll certainly gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Ethiopia’s history and religion. Spend the night in a nearby hotel in Axum. 

Get up early to fly back to Addis Ababa. From the hotel, you will be brought to Wenchi Crater Lake to enjoy Ethiopia’s lush valleys, rolling hills, and waterfalls at the center of an extinct volcano! Hike along the lakes fields and villages and take tranquil views of the landscape. Enjoy a mule ride on the shore or boat to the lakes small islands. Head back to the hotel for dinner and an early night of rest. 

Today you will join local Ethiopian chefs and cooking instructors and head into the busy and never-ending markets of Addis Ababa in search of ingredients. Your guides will be sure to give you tips and guide you along the way. Once you’ve gathered all the food, you’ll head to a cooking class where you will learn how to make traditional Ethiopian dishes such as fermented flatbread and injera. You’ll also partake in a coffee ceremony with roasted coffee beans before leaving with a full stomach and beautiful memories. 

It has been an adventurous and educational week in Ethiopia, but it’s time to say goodbye. Enjoy one final breakfast with your group and guides before heading to the local airport for your departing flight. We hope to see you on another group trip again soon!