Ethiopia and Tanzania’s Archaeology Itinerary for Two

Discover Axum, Ethiopia’s most ancient city, and the reputed resting place of the “Ark of the Covenant.”  Learn for yourself why Axum is considered the most illustrious city along Ethiopia’s historic route.  Head down to Tanzania and visit Olduvai Gorge, the “Cradle of Mankind” and Laetoli Footprints, where the Leakey’s discovered the first humanoid skull 50 years ago on Aug 17, 1959.

Day One:  Your adventure in East Africa begins in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia.  You will be met by your Ethiopian Airlines Journeys guide upon arrival.  Enjoy a half-day of touring the National Museum and the Ethiopian Ethnological Museum.  Visit the Ethnological Museum, containing the best of the arts and crafts of the country and offering an in-depth insight into the various peoples of Ethiopia.  The National Museum, known to be the best museum in Africa, is where cultural and archaeological relics, including a plaster cast of “Lucy” the 3.2 million-year old Hominid, are displayed.  In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant for a tradition Ethiopian meal, dance performance and coffee ceremony.  Overnight at the Hilton.   

Day Two: After breakfast, travel to Axum, the reputed resting place of the “Ark of the Covenant.”  It is believed that the son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon brought the “Ark of the Covenant” to Axum. Enjoy lunch with your guide and head off to discover the St. Mary of Zion church and Sanctuary Chapel, the reputed house of the “Ark of the Covenant.  Dig through the artifacts like Indiana Jones and discover the Ark for yourself.  Dinner and overnight at the Yeha Hotel.   

Day Three:  After breakfast, enjoy a tour of the palaces of the Axumite Empire that flourished 3000 years ago.  Its riches can still be pictured on the magnificent stelae or obelisks, the graves of Ling Kaleb and Gebre Meskel.  Enjoy lunch and then pioneer through the palace ruins and baths of the legendary Queen Sheba.  Dinner and overnight at the Yeha Hotel. 

Day Four:  After breakfast, depart for Lalibela, described as the 8th wonder of the world, for two days of touring what is considered to be one of the holiest cities in Ethiopia.  Marvel at the 12 rock-hewn churches, carved from solid red volcanic rock in the 12th century by King Lalibela after a dream he had in which God instructed him to build the city.    Enjoy dinner and overnight at Yemereha Hotel.

Day Five:  Enjoy breakfast at hotel, and then head out to discover the remaining rock-hewn churches.  Travel by mule to the Ashetan Maryam Church, located in the mountains high above Lalibela.  After lunch, visit Makuto Le’Abe Monastery, home to an impressive collection of ancient artifacts.  Dinner and overnight at Yemerha Hotel.  

Day Six: Depart Lalibela in morning with connecting flight to Tanzania in Addis Ababa.  You will be met by Dhana Safaris Couple Owners at your port of arrival and transferred to Serena Mountain Village Lodge for dinner and overnight.  You will be briefed about you next day safari.

Day Seven:  After breakfast, you will depart from the lodge with packed lunch and drive to Ngorongoro Crater via the town of Arusha.  Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena.

Day Eight:  After breakfast, you will drive to Olduvai Gorge, the “Cradle of Mankind” and see the Laetoli footprints, with packed lunch for a full day excursion including visiting the Shifting Sand.  Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena. 

Day Nine:  After breakfast, you will drive to Serena Serengeti arriving in time for hot lunch follows by afternoon game drive in central Serengeti plains.  Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Serena.

Day Ten:  You will depart the lodge after breakfast for a full day game drive in the famous Serengeti returning to the lodge in time for dinner.  Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Serena.

Day Eleven:  After breakfast you will depart with packed lunch to Arusha via Cultural Heritage.  Later you will be transferred to your port of departure.