15 Days Bike Tour Through The Highlands Of Ethiopia Tour

From

On Request

Duration

15 Days

Tour Type

Adventure

Accommodation

Hotel

Transportation

Surface Car and Bike and Flight

Code

TTT-015O

Tour Overview

Get ready for a thrilling 16-day bike tour through the highlands of Ethiopia. This adventure takes you through diverse landscapes, from mountainous regions to picturesque valleys and stunning lakes. Experience the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia as you visit historic cities like Addis Ababa, Gondar, Axum, and Lalibela, exploring ancient ruins, obelisks, and rock-hewn churches. Enjoy stunning views as you cycle through the Simien and Gheralta Mountains, encountering friendly locals and vibrant villages along the way. Indulge in delicious Ethiopian cuisine, relax in comfortable accommodations, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of this remarkable country. And this 16- day Bike Tour will end with a memorable dance performance

Ethiopia: this is not just the mountainous highlands in northeastern Africa. Coptic churches, vibrant colourful villages, hospitable locals, delicious food, plus a very pleasant dry, mostly warm climate make this country a very exciting destination for cycling. participants with a guide on the bike plus the accompanying vehicle.

The tour runs mainly between 2000 and 2700 meters, three times above 3000 meters with 3600 meters being the highest point.

Tour Plan

On arrival in Addis Ababa you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Bahir Dar, transfer to Hotel. In the afternoon, we test the bikes in the hotel garden and make adjustments where necessary. Short bike tour (+/- 15 km). Stay for two nights at the Kurfto Lodge. (B, L,D)

Today, the real bike adventure begins. We depart by bike from the hotel and ride the first 6 km through the village on a busier road and then turn down onto a wide, but quiet dirt road. The dusty road runs mainly downhill (cycling a total of 1,800 meters to 1,600 meters above sea level) through a beautiful agricultural area. We regularly cycle through small villages welcomed by the many enthusiastic schoolchildren. After 34 km, we come via a small dirt road at the entrance of the Blue Nile Valley Waterfalls. We have a picnic lunch sitting on small benches in a local coffee booth while the guides put the bikes back on the bike trailer. In the afternoon, we walk over the oldest stone bridge in Ethiopia and cross a long suspension bridge to a beautiful viewpoint of the waterfalls. Afterwards, it is still a kilometre on a dried grass path back to the support vehicle. Transfer back to the hotel. (34 km, 50 am or 68 km, 300 am, tar/gravel road) nights at the Kuriftu Lodge (B, L, D)

After an early breakfast, we ride 7 km by bicycle through the village towards the shores of Lake Tana. We turn right onto a wide dirt road, which runs through a vast agricultural area. Along the way, we meet regularly shepherds with their small herds of skinny cows. After a drink/rest stop under a big tree, overlooking a small Village, we cycle along a narrow road with beautiful views of a large lake. After 30 km, we cycle through Victory, a lively village and the road gets steep for a short 500 meters. After a nice descent, we come to the entrance of Ura Kidane Mihret church. This round church interior decorated with beautiful, brightly coloured murals is between 100 to 250 years old. After an extensive visit we take the bike to the shores of the lake and enjoy a picnic lunch on a nice terrace overlooking the lake. The picnic might be on the boat if we run out of time. In the afternoon, we take a boat to Gorgora on the other side of the lake. Upon arriving on the northern shores of the lake to Gorgora, we visit Debre Sina Maryam monastery before we ride to the lodge. (33 km, 200 am, tar/gravel road) Tim and Kim Village (B,L,D)

After a bike ride through a desolate landscape, punctuated by lively villages, we arrive at Azezo where we put the bikes on the trailer for a short transfer to the former capital of Gondar. In the afternoon, we visit the many ruins of palaces and Castles in this ancient royal City, led by a local guide. (55 km, 600 am, gravel road) Goha Hotel (B,L,D)

After an early breakfast, we take the support vehicle +/- 50 km away from the City, where we unload the bikes. We cycle up and down over a nice asphalt road, through villages and small towns. The closer we get to the Simien mountains, the more eucalyptus trees we see on the side of the road. Upon arrival in Debark, we pay the entrance fee to the park and have a basic lunch at a local restaurant. The bike ride in the afternoon on gravel is difficult, partly because of the altitude. We pass some poor villages where the locals welcome us warmly. During the first km, there are some descents, and then it is mostly uphill, with some long and steep climbs. However, there is always the assistance of the support vehicle to assist weary cyclists. (70 km, 550 am, tar/gravel road) Stay for two nights at the Simien Lodge. (B,L,D)

No biking today: In the morning coolness, we start our day walk led by a local guide. We walk all day (6 to 7 hours) along the mountain ridge with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Because of the altitude we take it easy. Around noon, we plan a picnic lunch at one of the breathtaking viewpoints. We end the day with an extensive visit at the baboons (monkey species typical of this region), who are getting ready to sleep overnight in one of the many caves in the Neighbourhood. (B, L,D)

Today we start with a long transfer (170 km) by support vehicle through the Tekeze mountains. The road, further to the north through spectacular scenery, is still partially under construction. The road winds through the beautiful mountains Tekeze, again the views are unique and spectacular. At lunch time, we stopped at a small local restaurant to eat a picnic lunch. Arriving at the height of a beautiful open space, we get on the bikes and ride on a good asphalt road through a vast agricultural area. The road goes slightly up and down, but despite the sometimes-strong wind, the route is not very sporty. In Shire, we load the bikes on the trailer and drive the last 60 km to Axum. (40 km, 600 am, tar/gravel road, cycling distance can be extended if desired). For two nights, we stay at the Yared Zema international Hotel (B, L, D)

In the morning, we have a city tour led by a local guide to visit the many cultural highlights of the city. We start this historical section with an extensive visit to the obelisks and the accompanying tombs. Afterwards, the church (not the museum), the pole, the stone of Ezana and the Tomb of Kaleb and Gebre Meskel. We had lunch in a nice restaurant in the old town. In the afternoon, we undertake a short bike ride through the small villages in the area of Axum. (20 km, 100 am, gravel road, distance can be extended if desired) (B,L,D)

In the morning, we leave the hotel for a transfer through the peaks of Adwa. On these mountains, 40,000 Ethiopians lost their lives in 1896, after a courageous battle (which they won!) against the Italians. After an hour, we turn on a gravel road towards the pre-Axumite Temple. We visit the ruins of the temple and adjoining church in the company of a local guide. In Adigrat, we stop for a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, we drive another 20 km on a ridge, before unloading the bikes. At an altitude of 2750 meters above sea level, we start with a wonderful descent of +/- 5km. Afterwards we ride on a beautiful piece of tarmac road up and down along a winding river. There is one long ascent, which is not really steep, but as always you have the assistance of the support vehicle. Then we cycle on a flat and very quiet tarmac path between the different farms. The typical Tigra style, buildings made from stone with pitched roofs, bordered by large stones and with sand and grass in between. After 42 km we arrive in the dusty Hawzen. For two nights we stay in Geraltha Lodge or Korkor Lodge, subject to availability. (50 km, 300 am, tar/gravel road) (B,L,D)

Today we have a day trip on bicycles through the beautiful scenery of the Gheralta mountains. We cycle through the countryside and enjoy the many spectacular views of the red-brown mountains. Most of the ride on this day is on a dirt road. Along the way, we visit the little church of Dugum Silassie. The route is rather sportive, a combination of climbing and descending. Even though the state of the road is poor, the landscape is very unique. As always you have the assistance of the support vehicle. After 33 km we arrive at the church of Abreha We Atsibeha. Depending on the time of arrival, we have a picnic lunch here. Given the next day will be a longer bike ride, we suggest loading the bikes on the trailer and driving back to the lodge. (50 km, 300 am, sandy gravel road, return cycle possible but rather strenuous) (B,L,D)

After a delicious breakfast, we depart on bicycle from the hotel, back to Megab. The road winds for kilometres through the varied landscape of russet mountains and plains full of cacti. As there are no visits planned today, we have the whole day to cover the 70 km. Along the way we stop for a picnic lunch in the shade of a large tree. The bike ride to Abi Adi is really beautiful. Here we load the bikes and drive an hour to Mqeila. (73 km, 900 am, Tar/Gravel Road) Stay for 2 nights in either Debre Amo Guest House or Axum Hotel (B,L,D)

Today there is no cycling: on the rest day we will transfer to Woldiya. This day should fall on a Thursday, then you can visit the very busy and lively market where they trade camels, goats and cattle. Stay at the simple “Lal Hotel” (B, L, D)

After an early breakfast, we take the support vehicle to the top of a pass, some 3600 meter above sea Level. There we will unload the bikes. We then cycle through a very desolate landscape. At the exit to Gashena we stop for a picnic lunch while the bikes are loaded to transfer us to Lalibela. (50 km, 190 am, Gravel Road) Stay for 3 nights in the Panoramic View Hotel(B,L,D)

While enjoying the nice breakfast in our Hotel you can marvel at the spectacular views of the low-lying fields. With a local guide, we go on an extended visit to the highlights of this ancient city, known as the Black Jerusalem. We will explore the various rock churches in the company of many pilgrims and colourful priests. We end this beautiful day with a sunset over Bet Giorgis (House of St. George), a church in the shape of a cross carved into the rock. (B, L, D)

Today will be an active and beautiful day. We cycle on a gravel road where some patches are in poor condition. The undulating road with many ups and downs leaves little chance to recover. However, it is not required to cycle the whole distance, the support vehicle is always around to pick up weary travellers. The route is beautiful and we stop every 10 km to replenish our energy reserves. A very nice 4-5 km long winding descent leads to a scenic drive through small, rather poor villages stretched between the mountains. After a picnic lunch, it is just a 10-minute walk to the Yemrehanna Kristos Church. After an extensive visit, we take the support vehicle back to Lalibela where we enjoy a last meal. (43 km, 1100 am, Gravel Road) Panoramic View Hotel (B, L, D)

This day after our morning breakfast we will transfer to the Air Port for our flight back to Addis Ababa We will arrive in Addis Ababa in the early afternoon and you might be interested in the last-minute souvenir shopping at the markets. In the evening, we will go out to one of the best cultural restaurants for the Farewell Dinner at a traditional restaurant with a live traditional dance program. Then, transfer to the airport for your departure to Home. Tour End! (B, D)

Include And Exclude

Services Inclusions

Meet and greetings at the Airport and assistance for Hotel transfer.
Hotel Accommodations based on twine Room.
half board meal (breakfast and dinner with soft drinks)
Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees where applicable according to the itinerary.
Domestic Flight
Professional Bike Guide (English speaking).
Transfers and all ground transportation based on Best 4WD cars fuel and driver expense.as per the itinerary with all fuel expenses.
Additional activities for experiencing the real culture of Ethiopia: Coffee ceremony and Honey wine drinks in Addis Ababa.
All necessary Government taxes.

Services Exclusions

International Flight
Bike
Porterage fees.
Travel Insurance.
Video filming and photography fees.
Personal nature expenses, alcoholic drinks, laundry expenses, telephone calls, tips for the tour staffs etc…
Any other expenses except those listed in the inclusion parts.

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We spend one month travelling around Ethiopia with Eskinder as our driver with a nice and confortable car. Our customised route was made to measure, including the highlights of the country as Lalibela, Omo valley, Simien Mountains, Konso, Awasa, Gondar, Tana lake, and many more cultural and natural places.

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15 Days Bike Tour Through The Highlands Of Ethiopia Tour