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Ethiopia's Historic Route: 6-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive

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The 6-day version for October: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 6-day plan · best time to go.

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6
days
980 km
distance
24.1 h
driving
23
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Addis Ababa

3 curated stops
Transit
7h55
Finish
~19:35
Temperature
12.3°C–23.3°C
Rainy days
~10
Daylight
11.7h
09:00
National Museum of Ethiopia read more map ↗
Marvel at ancient artefacts, including the famous replica of Lucy.
50 min · Addis Ababa
open: 08:30–17:00
10:00
Holy Trinity Cathedral read more map ↗
Visit where liberation victims are buried and Haile Selassie's body rests.
50 min · Addis Ababa
open: 08:00–13:00, 14:00–18:00; museum: 08:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00
11:00
St George's Cathedral read more map ↗
See people praying beside the walls of this octagonal cathedral.
50 min · Addis Ababa · 200 birr for museum, another 200 birr or more for a guide for museum and cathedral entry
open: Museum: 09:00–12:00, 14:00–18:00
Overnight: Bahir Dar
e.g. Bahir Dar Backpackers Hostel · Bin Anbessa Hotel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 2 Around Bahir Dar

5 curated stops
Transit
2h05
Finish
~16:20
Temperature
12.3°C–23.3°C
Rainy days
~10
Daylight
11.7h
09:00
Blue Nile Falls read more map ↗
Witness the powerful cascade, especially impressive in the rainy season.
50 min · Bahir Dar · 50 birr entrance to the area. There is an official guide (200 birr as of July 2019) who must accompany you (price listed 2019)
11:05
Palace of Emperor Haile Selassie & Viewpoint over Bahir Dar/Blue Nile search map ↗
See the emperor's palace and panoramic city and river views.
50 min · Bahir Dar
12:10
Martyr's Memorial Monument search map ↗
Admire towering waterfalls and view photos in the museum.
50 min · Bahir Dar
13:25
Lake Tana Monasteries search map ↗
Explore ancient churches on serene lake islands via boat tours.
50 min · Bahir Dar
14:30
Hornbill trees search
Watch hornbills gather nightly in the center of town.
50 min · Bahir Dar
15:20
Lake Shore Resort search map ↗
Savor delicious meals with stunning lake views in the garden.
60 min · Bahir Dar · 90 birr for the foiled fish
Overnight here
e.g. Bahir Dar Backpackers Hostel · Bin Anbessa Hotel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 3 Gondar

6 curated stops
Transit
2h58
Finish
~17:55
Temperature
13.2°C–23.7°C
Rainy days
~9
Daylight
11.7h
11:15
Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure) search map ↗
Explore grand, ancient castles and churches within fortified walls.
50 min · Gondar · 200 birr for foreigners
12:15
Atse Tewodros Square search map ↗
See traffic circle around a statue of Emperor Tewodros II.
50 min · Gondar
13:15
Debre Birhan Selassie Church search map ↗
Gaze at the twelve apostolic towers guarding this fortress-like church.
50 min · Gondar · 200 birr
14:15
Fasilides' Bath search map ↗
Witness a vibrant baptismal festival by the historic royal bath.
50 min · Gondar
15:20
Dhama search
Challenge locals in an engaging traditional board game.
90 min · Gondar
17:05
Gorgora search
Gorgora offers serene lakeside views, historic relics, and excellent bird-watching opportunities in a tranquil, uncrowded setting.
50 min · Gondar
Overnight here
e.g. Circle Hotel · L-Shape Hotel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 4 Simien Mountains

1 curated stops
Transit
2h31
Finish
~13:05
Temperature
10.8°C–22.2°C
Rainy days
~4
Daylight
11.7h
11:35
Simien Mountains search map ↗
Experience stunning peaks and meet gelada monkeys.
90 min · Simien Mountains

Time to spare on this day

One stop and a free afternoon. We don't book activities, but these partners do.

Tours & day trips here →
Overnight here
Find a stay →

Day 5 Lalibela

1 curated stops
Transit
7h40
Finish
~17:30
Temperature
13.4°C–21.6°C
Rainy days
~5
Daylight
11.7h
16:40
Bet Giyorgis read more map ↗
Admire the beautifully preserved cruciform church.
50 min · Lalibela
Overnight here
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 6 Around Lalibela

6 curated stops
Transit
0h54
Finish
~17:10
Temperature
13.4°C–21.6°C
Rainy days
~5
Daylight
11.7h
09:00
Bet Medhane Alem read more map ↗
Marvel at the world's largest monolithic church.
50 min · Lalibela
10:00
Bet Amanuel read more map ↗
Discover ancient churches linked by holy pathways.
50 min · Lalibela
11:05
Ashetan Maryam search map ↗
Visit serene monasteries and a cave church.
50 min · Lalibela
12:10
Holidays search
Join lively celebrations of Ethiopian Christmas and New Year.
90 min · Lalibela
13:55
Hike to Mount Abuna Yosef search
Trek through scenic trails with church stops.
90 min · Lalibela · Approx US$100 per day for two people all inclusive
15:40
Walk to Ashetan Maryam and Hudad Lodge and back to Lalibela search
Enjoy a scenic walk to a monastery with a steep uphill trail.
90 min · Lalibela

🚗 Rental cars for this trip →

🔍 Check before you book

Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

Use this plan → Change month, pace or interests →