NATIONAL PARKS SAFARIS ETHIOPIA

HIGHLIGHTS, WHERE THEY ARE AND HOW TO VISIT

 
 

TOP 10 LAKE TANA MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA

LAKE TANA MONASTERIES, ETHIOPIA: Some are only open to men, but the beautiful ones are open to all. Find our which...

Top 10 Lake Tana Monasteries, Ethiopia

  1. Azuwa Maryam Monastery

  2. Bet Maryam Monastery

  3. Bet Selassie

  4. Daga Estefanos

  5. Debre Maryam

  6. Kebran Gabriel

  7. Narga Selassie

  8. Tana Cherkos

  9. Tekla Haimanot

  10. Ura Kidane Mehret Monastery

LAKE TANA MONASTERIES: SOME MONASTERIES ARE ONLY OPEN TO MEN; DISAPPOINTING FOR WOMEN! BUT NOT TO DESPAIR: THESE BEAUTIFUL ONES ARE OPEN TO ALL

 

At a distance of 550k from capital Addis Ababa, the lake and its 12 short tributaries are the source of the Blue Nile and with its size of about 66km long and 84km, 350,000ha, the largest lake of Ethiopia. At an elevation of 1,788 masl, and located in the largely Ethiopian Orthodox Amhara Region, the 14m deep lake with about 45 islands - depending on the level of the lake - 8 of which are the home to historical monasteries and churches.

 

A picture is worth a thousand words. Most of our hundreds of pictures are favored in Google! Why? Because no other website has so many beautiful high resolution pictures, taken by ourselves. Our pictures not only show you the beauty of Ethiopia, but they also show that we go everywhere, photographing wildlife, plants, people and culture. They show our professionalism, our keen eye for detail and our passion for the culture and nature of Ethiopia. So why consider booking our our Ethiopia Culture & National Parks modules? Because we don't mislead you like many tour operators do. When the Blue Nile falls are dry.... we tell you. When fog clouds the lava lake of Erte Ale? We let you know. Just drop us a mail and we will check it out for you.

Our tours take you to ALL famous cultural places of Ethiopia, and on top of that, you get to see up to 12 large nature reserves accompanied by a conservation forester. There is nothing similar on the market.

As Ethiopia can be combined with other East African countries, we organize tours in modules. Destinations Overview: Historical Circuit; Danakil Depression; Eastern Route; Simien Mountains; Bale Mountains; Southern Parks Safari; Gambella; Addis Ababa. BUT WAIT: if you buy your international ticket with Ethiopia Airlines, they will sell the internal flights at a price that you can't even ride the bus for. But you MUST plan it all in one package and making changes may be very costly. So let us help you plan your entire trip and book your local flights for an incredibly low price after you booked your international flight with Ethiopian Airlines!

 

The Lake Tana region is the traditional home of the Amhara, primarily adhering the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The area also used to be the homeland of the falashas who practiced a form of Judaism, but after centuries of persecution, most of them were airlifted to Israel in 1991.

 

As Tigray, the original center of the Ethiopian Church with its rock hewn churches became in decline, a new church architecture was developed on the rocks and islands of Lake Tana, between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries,  based of the designs of regular round houses with conical thatched roofs. During this period, new religious arts was developed for the decoration of these churches.

The interiors of the churches have of a three-part division:

  • an outer ambulatory, qene mehlet, accessible to anyone;

  • an inner ambulatory, qiddist, used by communicants at mass; and

  • the inner sanctum, maqdas, where the ten commandments, tabot, is kept, where only priests may enter.

The monasteries and churches are believed to have been built over earlier religious sites. They include the fourteenth-century Debre Maryam, and the eighteenth-century Narga Selassie, Tana Qirqos (said to have housed the Ark of the Covenant before it was moved to Axum, and Ura Kidane Mehret, known for its regalia.

 

Some Lake Tana monasteries are only accessible to men; very disappointing to women. However, not to despair, some beautiful ones are open to all. Daily excursions are organized out of Bahir Dar to two churches (Betre Maryam on the Zege peninsula and one on Dek Island) where both sexes are welcome to the inner and outer ambulatories and the treasure rooms. In those treasuries are many ancient manuscripts and precious pieces of religious art as well as royal jewelry and other representative objects.

 

The Lake was formed about 5 million years ago when lava blocked the about 60 streams and rivers of which , Megech, Gumara, Rib Rivers and Gilgel Abbay (Little Nile River)are the main tributaries. The latter, is attributed to be the source of the Blue Nile (Abbay River), the longest of the lake’s tributaries, as it drains Mount Amedamit, south of the lake. Over the last few centuries the lake's water level  has fallen about 2m  but is now regulated with a control dam where it discharges into the Blue Nile and falls over the Blue Nile Falls, some 40km down stream.

 

Since there are no upstream waters that link the lake to other waterways, the lake became ecologically isolated when it was obstructed, causing the evolution of the fish fauna of the lake and its tributaries to go its own independent way. As a result. 19 species of endemic fish, live in the lake, the larger of which (Barbs) are offered in restaurants in Bahir Dar. As fish stocks are still more or less ok, there is no conservation objection eating those fishes. According to the Ethiopian Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, 1,454 tonnes of fish are landed each year at Bahir Dar.

 

Among the mammals, the Hippopotamus is the most eye-catching species, often seen in the wetlands of the discharge into the Blue Nile River. Obviously, numerous wetland birds, such as the great white pelican and African darter, reside at Lake Tana. It is also an important wintering ground for many Palearctic migrant water birds. There are no crocodiles, but the African soft-shell turtle has been recorded near the Blue Nile outflow from the lake. There are fifteen species of mollusks, including one endemic as well as an endemic freshwater sponge.

 

The Ethiopian churches are the custodians of both religious and royal treasures such as royal crowns, ancient bibles, historical art, sacred relics, including the remains of royals, etc.

 

TOP 10 LAKE TANA MONASTERIES : The tourist jetty at Lake Tana. TOP 10 LAKE TANA MONASTERIES : Shaded excursion boat

The tourist jetty at Lake Tana from where excursion boats depart for the island churches and monasteries.

Shaded excursion boats take visitors to churches and monasteries accessible to both men and women.

   
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Entrance gate to Betre Maryam Church court yard, Lake Tana HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Bete Maryam Church at the Zege Peninsula, Lake Tana
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  the outside bamboo wall.

Inside the Lake Tana churches have three spaces:

  • the outer corridor, the "qene mehlet", accessible to anyone;

  • an inner circular corridor called the "qiddist" which is used by the worshippers at mass; and

  • the holiest room, the "maqdas" in which the "tabot" - a stone tablet with the 10 commandments. Only priests may enter.

Left above: entrance gate to Betre Maryam Church court yard.

Above: Betre Maryam Church.

Left: the outside bamboo wall.

Below left: Interior of the outer corridor, the qene mehlet.

Below right: the interior roof of the inner corridor.

HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Interior of the outer corridor of churches at Lake Tana, the qene mehlet. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  The interior roof of the inner corridor of Lake Tana Churches
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Interior roof of the outer corridor of Lake Tana churches, qene mehlet. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Murals at the adobe walls of the inner ambulatory of the Betre Maryam Church, Lake Tana

Interior roof from the outer corridor, qene mehlet.

Murals at the adobe walls of the inner ambulatory of the Betre Maryam Church.

   
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Inner ambulatory, qiddist, of the Betre Maryam Church at the Zege peninsula, Lake Tana. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Entrence to the holy room, the "maqdas", of Betre Maryam Church at the Zege peninusula, Lake Tana.

Inner ambulatory, qiddist, of the Betre Maryam Church at the Zege peninsula, Lake Tana.

Entrance to the holy room, the "maqdas", of Betre Maryam Church at the Zege peninusula, Lake Tana.

   
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Treasure room of Betre Maryam Church at the Zege peninsula, Lake Tana. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Centuries old bibles in the treasure room of the Betre Maryam Church, Lake Tana.

Treasure room of Betre Maryam Church at the Zege peninsula, Lake Tana.

Centuries old bibles in the treasure room of the Betre Maryam Church, Lake Tana.

   
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Crowns of various famous emperors of Ethiopia, including Emperors Tewodros, Yohannes I, Fasil, Teklegiorgis, to mention the most famous ones. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Doors to the holy room, the "maqdas", of Betre Maryam Church at the Zege peninusula, Lake Tana.

Crowns of various famous emperors of Ethiopia, including Emperors Tewodros, Yohannes I, Fasil, Teklegiorgis, to mention the most famous ones.

   
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo worshipers on their way to mass at Betre Maryam, Lake Tana HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christians on their way to a funeral.

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christians on their way to mass.

 

Tankwa Lake Tana

A tankwa is a canoe shaped papyrus raft, similar to the ones found on hieroglyphs in ancient Egypt, which is not surprising as both countries are connected by the same river as well as the Red Sea. Tankwas are not water-proof as they float on the papyrus stemps; they are used for fishing, ferrying people and supplying the inhabited islands.

 

HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  A tankwa is a canoe shaped papyrus raft at Lake Tana. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  A tankwa is a canoe shaped papyrus raft at Lake Tana similar to the on the Nile in Egypts
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  A tankwa is a canoe shaped papyrus raft used for fishing at Lake Tana.

HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Endemic Megastoma fish from Lake Tana served in restaurants

Endemic Megastoma fish served in restaurants in Bahir Dar.

HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  A tankwa is a canoe shaped papyrus raft, here used as a ferry on Lake Tana. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  A tankwa is a canoe shaped papyrus raft, floating on the hollows of the papyrus stems

Various uses of tankwas.

   
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Along Zela Peninsula and the Blue Nile River Outlet, enormous Papyrus marshes line Lake Tana. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Hippopotamus are common on the lake, and one can often see them resting in the waters near the Blue Nile outflow.

Along Zela Peninsula and the Blue Nile River Outlet, enormous Papyrus marshes line Lake Tana.

Hippopotamus are common on the lake, and one can often see them resting in the waters near the Blue Nile outflow.

   
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  For birdwatchers, Lake Tana is a Paradise. Tens of thousands of waders and water birds can be seen along the shallow shores. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Ducks and other water birds in the marshland waters along the shore of Lake Tana.

For birdwatchers, Lake Tana is a Paradise. Tens of thousands of waders and water birds can be seen along the shallow shores, even when one travels north towards Gondar.

Ducks and other water birds in the marshland waters along the shore of Lake Tana.

   
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Goliath Herons are the world's largest heron, which can be seen in the marshes of Lake Tana. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Saddle-billed storks in Lake Tana's marshy meadows.

Goliath Herons are the world's largest heron, which can be seen in the marshes of Lake Tana.

Saddle-billed storks in Lake Tana's marshy meadows.

   
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  The Silver Heron, a virtually cosmopolite bird can be seen along the shores of the lake. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  The Maribou Stork is found along most fresh water bodies in Ethiopia, including Lake Tana.

The Silver Heron, a virtually cosmopolite bird can be seen along the shores of the lake.

The Maribou Stork is found along most fresh water bodies in Ethiopia, including Lake Tana.

   
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  The Hammerkop is a very common heron species occurring almost everywhere in Ethiopia. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Another cosmopolite bird which is always a pretty sight is the Snowy Egret.

The Hammerkop is a very common heron species occurring almost everywhere in Ethiopia.

Another semi-cosmopolite bird which is always a pretty sight is the Snowy Egret.

   
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  White-breasted cormoran at Lake Tana. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Great White Pelicans at Lake Tana are quite a common sight.

White-breasted cormoran at Lake Tana.

Great White Pelicans at Lake Tana are quite a common sight.

   
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  African spoonbills are not a common sight along the shores of Lake Tana. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  With a bit of luck, one can see a flock of Crowned cranes along the shores of the lake.

African spoonbills are not a common sight along the shores of Lake Tana.

With a bit of luck, one can see a flock of Crowned cranes along the shores of the lake.

   
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Common in the gardens of the hotels along the lake, weavers are known to build very artistic nests in colonies, Lake Tana. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Beautiful purple flowers found in the gardens of the monasteries beautify the surroundings of the islands of Lake Tana.

Common in the gardens of the hotels along the lake, weavers are known to build very artistic nests in colonies.

Beautiful purple flowers found in the gardens of the monasteries beautify the surroundings.

   
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  The garden of Ghion hotel is a wonderful and quiet place right on the shore of Lake Tana. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  The restaurant of Hotel Ghion has the most beautiful view of all hotels over Lake Tana.

The garden of Ghion hotel is a wonderful and quiet place right on the shore of the lake.

The restaurant of Hotel Ghion has the most beautiful view of all hotels over the lake.

   
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Bungalows of the most scenic hotel on the shore of Lake Tana. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Lovely lake-side garden with swimming pool at hotel, Lake Tana.

Bungalows of the most scenic hotel on the shore of Lake Tana.

Lovely lake-side garden with swimming pool at hotel.

 

Devil's Nose Rock

Not mentioned by name in any of the guides, we asked local what they call it and the gave a name which translates into "Devil's Nose Rock". So, that is what we call it here. It is a single hoodoo-type basaltic rock halfway the Road Bahir Dar - Gondar. It is quite a landmark 75km north of Bahir Dar and 10km west of Lake Tana. What is significant about is that it is at least an important roost for Rüppel's Vultures and probably a nesting place.

 

HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Devil's Nose Rock, 80 km North of Bahir Dar has Ruepell's vultures. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Devil's Nose Rock, Addis Zemen, 10 km West of Lake Tana is and important roost for has Ruepell's vultures.
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Top of Devil's Nose Rock, 10 km West of Lake Tana with Ruepell's vultures and other birds of prey. HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Devil's Nose Rock, nesting and roosting site for Ruepell's vultures, North of Lake Tana.
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Ruepell's vultures, at Devil's Nose Rock, near Addis Zemen, West of Lake Tana.

The Devil's Nose Rock, a basaltic hoodo, near Addis Zemen, 75km north Bahir Dar halfway to Gondar. Great stop for birders as it is an important roost and possibly nesting place for Rueple's and other vultures.

 

Below: a satellite image of Lake Tana.

 
HOW VISIT LAKE TANA's TOP 10 MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA:  Map Lake Tana
 

Lake Tana is part of this fabulous travel itinerary:

ETHIOPIA HISTORICAL MONUMENTS MODULE

 

FLY 5 DAYS ETHIOPIA HISTORICAL MONUMENTS FROM $890! DISCOVER ETHIOPIAN MONUMENTS & NATIONAL PARKS with professional advisor to Ethiopian Park Service

Ethiopia Historical Monuments by car

9 days. Price: $890 per person, minimum 4. Hotels, meals, transportation, fees, non-alcoholic beverages, tee/coffee at meals included. Minimum 2 passengers.

Ask for group discount.

Ethiopia Historical Monuments by plane

5 days. Price: $890 per person approximately, pending flight costs. Transportation, entry fees, meals, etc. Prices may vary depending on fluctuating air fairs. The itinerary will be adjusted according to flights Minimum 2 passengers.  Longer itineraries at additional hotel costs allow for a more relaxed program.

Day 1: ADDIS ABABA - BAHIR DAR, road distance ± 580km;

  1. Stop at the bridge across the Blue Nile Gorge, comparable in size to the Grand Canyon in the USA and supposedly the largest canyon of Africa;

  2. In the evening visit the Blue Nile falls if arrival before dark;

  3. Hotel in Bahir Dar.

Day 1: ADDIS ABABA - BAHIR DAR

  1. Morning Flight to Bahir Dar

  2. Visit Blue Nile Falls and Portuguese Bridge;

  3. Hotel in Bahir Dar.

Day 2: LAKE TANA - BLUE NILE FALLS, road distance ± 35km

  1. Day excursion by boat on Lake Tana to visit several of the famous Lake Tana churches and monasteries;

  2. Visit of the Blue Nile Falls;

  3. Sleep at Hotel.

Day 2: BAHIR DAR - GONDAR - by car

  1. Early morning half day excursion by boat on Lake Tana to visit several of the famous Lake Tana churches and the origin of the Blue Nile to watch Hippos;

  2. Afternoon drive to Gondar;

  3. Visit Royal Enclosure with the palaces of 6 kings, including Fasilides Castle;

  4. Visit Fasimile's Bath;

  5. Hotel in Gondar.

Day 3: BAHIR DAR - GONDAR, road distance ± 175km

  1. The Devil's Nose Rock, is a basaltic monolith or hoodoo, located near the village of Addis Zemen, 75km north Bahir Dar on the road to Gondar. On its top is an important roost and possibly nesting place for Ruepell's and other vultures.

  2. Check in in the hotel at Gondar after which a visit to Mentewab's Dining Room (Kusquam) and/or Fasimile's Bathroom depending on available time;

  3. Hotel in Gondar.

Day 3: GONDAR - LALIBELA

  1. Time permitting Visit Mentewab's Castle very early in the morning;

  2. Morning flight to Lalibela;

  3. Church treasures museum Lalibela;

  4. Visit the Northern and Southern rock hewn church complexes;

  5. Hotel in Lalibela.

 

Day 4: GONDAR - AXUM, road distance ± 350km

  1. Early in the morning visit the City fortress with the palaces of 6 kings;

  2. Road trip to Axum;

  3. Coffee ceremony;

  4. Hotel in Axum.

Day 4 LALIBELA - AXUM

  1. Early morning excursion to the Southern Complex;

  2. Flight to Axum;

  3. Visit the Stelae compound;

  4. Visit the Tsion Mariam  Church where the Arc of the Covenant is held and the 16th century church on the same complex, which is much more interesting;

  5. Visit Emperor Kaleb's Palace;

  6. Coffee ceremony at a ceremony in a friend's home

  7. Hotel.

 

Day 5: AXUM - MEKELLE, road distance  ± 250km

  1. Visit the famous beautiful Stellae at Axum;

  2. Visit Queen Sheba's Palace (officially Dongar Palace);

  3. Gudit Stelae Field opposite the palace;

  4. Debre Liqanos Monastery;

  5. Queen Sheba's Pool (May Shum);

  6. Enzana Enscription, a 3-lingual stone describing a battle of King Enzana

  7. King Basen's Tomb;

  8. Ride to Mekelle;

  9. On the way, visit Yeha Temple;

  10. Hotel in Mekelle.

Day 5: AXUM - ADDIS ABABA

  1. Visit Queen Sheba's Palace (officially Dongar Palace);

  2. Gudit Stelae Field opposite the palace;

  3. Debre Liqanos Monastery;

  4. Queen Sheba's Pool (May Shum);

  5. Enzana Enscription, a 3-lingual stone describing a battle of King Enzana

  6. King Basen's Tomb;

  7. Flight to Addis Ababa.

 

Day 6: MEKELE - WUKRO - MEKELLE, road distance  ± 45km

  1. Visit Rock Hewn Churches in Wukro;

  2. Visit Palace Emperor Yohannes IV;

  3. Hotel in Mekelle.

 

Day 7: MEKELE - LALIBELA, road distance ± 430km

  1. Leave early in the morning for Lalibela;

  2. Church treasures museum Lalibela

  3. Hotel in Lalibela.

 

Day 8: LALIBELA - DESSIE, road distance ± 300km

  1. Visit the churches of Lalibela;

  2. Drive to Dessie;

  3. Hotel in Dessie.

 

Day 9: DESSIE - ADDIS ABABA road distance ± 340km

  1. last day of the Ethiopia Historical Monuments and return trip to Addis Ababa;

  2. Transfer to hotel.

 

Ethiopia modernizes and changes more rapidly than any other country in Africa. Many features may not be there anymore in the near future. If you want to see it the way it was for thousands of years, see it now before it has changed forever! Compose your own once-in-a-lifetime Ethiopia-Africa-Adventure from our affordable modules:

Famous Ethiopia Historical Circuit

Simien Mountains trek or car visit

Danakil Depression and Erte Ale Volcano Expedition

Awash Babile Harar Safari Tour

Ethiopia Central and Southern Parks & Tribes Safari Tour

Bale Mountains National Park and Sof Omar Caves Tour

Gambella National Park Safari

Addis Ababa City Tour & Airport Transfer

All Ethiopia modules and prices together

We designed our itineraries in such a way that you can compose a 1 to 4 weeks journey from different modules that can show you the entire country or just the parts that interest you, all depending on your personal preferences, available time and budget. Email us on your interests and we can discuss a custom program with you by phone (we have phone lines from the USA and Europe) or skype. So, weather you have a great ethnic affinity, are a birdwatcher or want to go on safari, contact us and we work out a customized program that focuses on YOUR interests.

Blue Nile Falls, EthiopiaSt. George Church, LalibelaStellas, Axum, EthiopiaTukuls, Lalibela, EthiopiaElephant bull, Babile, EthiopiaEthiopian Wolf, Bale National Park

Gelada, Simien Mountains National ParkFacilides Bathroom, Gondar, EtiopiaWabia Ibex, Simien MountainsChurch, Lake Tana, EthiopiaErica trees, Bale Mountains National Park.Facilides Castle, Gondar, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is home of Ethiopian Airlines, featuring Africa's youngest fleet of the latest intercontinental jet airplanes - including 2 Dreamliners - as well as short-distance Bombardier turboprops for affordable and reliable in-country flights servicing all major cities of Ethiopia. The best airline of Africa, will fly you non-stop from the USA and Europe to Addis Ababa. Take our 1-week Ethiopia Cultural Monuments Tour and then continue for your Kenya or Tanzania safari - or any other East African capital - thus completing your journey. IF YOU BUY YOUR INTERNATIONAL TICKET FROM ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES, YOU WILL GET MOST INTERNAL FLIGHTS FOR $40 - $70 PER LEG! BUT CHANGING AFTERWARDS IS EXPENSIVE, SO WORK OUT A SCHEDULE WITH US TO GET A FABULOUS DEAL FOR FLYING THROUGH THE COUNTRY IN STEAD OF SPENDING ENDLESS TIME ON THE ROAD!!!

 

LAKE TANA MONASTERIES IN ETHIOPIA

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Just look at the quality of our high resolution pictures. We took them all ourselves. We have thousands of high resolution pictures on this website, that you can see enlarged by clicking on them. These pictures show that we have been everywhere in the country of your interest and really know the details. We are professional explorers and biologists with MSc and PhD.

 

National Parks Tours Worldwide, a social responsibility and conservation company, is a brand name of the World Institute for Conservation & Environment, registered in the Netherlands with headquarters in the USA.

 

Phone USA:

(++)(1) 304 - 581 - 7740

 

Phone Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:

(++251) (0) 911 440 915

 

Email:

info@nationalparks-worldwide.com

 

Skype: ecotravelworldwide

 

Parks Man Dr. Daan Vreugdenhil is author of this website. He dedicated his life to the conservation of nature. https://www.facebook.com/DrDaanVreugdenhil, https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdaanvreugdenhil/. He was part of the team that selected the first 39 protected areas of Ecuador in the 1970s and he initiated the Cuyabeno Lodge in Ecuador's Amazon in 1985, making him one of the world's eco tourism pioneers. A speaker of 8 languages and having traveled to 80+ countries, Dr. Daan Vreugdenhil has is one of the world's greatest connoisseurs of nature and national parks in the world.