On the Historic Route Road Trip Itinerary
The On the Historic Route Road Trip is a great way to explore Ethiopia's rich history and culture. Starting in the bustling capital city of Addis Ababa, the route takes you on a 1652km journey to the ancient city of Aksum. Along the way, you'll pass through the towns of Debre Markos, Gonder, Mekele, and Yeha, where you can explore historical sites, take in stunning landscapes, and soak up the local culture. You'll also have the opportunity to visit several UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Simien National Park in Gonder, and the ruins of Yeha Temple in Yeha.
Although the overall road conditions in Ethiopia are poor, the route is mostly safe to drive, with only a few narrow and curvy roads along the way. The best time to drive is during the dry season from October to April, and it's recommended to allow at least 14 days for the journey. With a reasonable budget, this road trip can provide a lifetime of experiences and memories that are sure to last.
14
number of days
1,599 km
route length
moderate
budget
explorer
good for
on the right
traffic direction
fair
accident level
START
Addis Ababa
Distance 1,599 km
Driving time 40.7 h
Pace: slow
367.8 kWh
Airports
ADD
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QHR
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Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is the perfect starting point for the “On the Historic Route Road Trip”. A visit to the city will give you a glimpse of the country's fascinating history and culture. One of the most popular attractions in Addis Ababa is the National Museum, which houses artifacts from Ethiopia's past, including ancient religious texts, traditional costumes, and ancient pottery. The 3,000-year-old Axum Obelisk, which was returned to Ethiopia from Italy in 2005, is also a must-see.
For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is Bole International Airport (IATA: ADD). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to begin the road trip. Once you have your car, take a drive to the Entoto Mountains, where you can take in breathtaking views of the city. The Church of St. Mary of Zion, located in the city of Axum, is also a must-see. It is said to house the biblical Ark of the Covenant and is a sacred site to many Ethiopians.
For a more relaxed experience, take a stroll through the bustling Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Here, you can find anything from spices and herbs to traditional Ethiopian clothing and jewelry. In the evening, explore the vibrant nightlife of Addis Ababa, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
From Addis Ababa, you can begin your journey “On the Historic Route Road Trip”, full of experiences to remember.
1
Addis Ababa
- Debre Markos
Distance 302 km
Driving time 8.4 h
Pace: slow
69.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Addis Ababa to Debre Markos – a 300 km drive of fewer than 8 hours! Along the way, you will be passing through some of the most stunning landscapes of Ethiopia. The road is mostly paved, however in some sections it is narrow and winding, so be sure to take extra caution when driving.
You will have the opportunity to visit some of Ethiopia’s most famous historical sites, such as the Debre Libanos Monastery, the Tiya Stelae, and the Guduru Forest. Be sure to take some time to explore the vibrant local markets in each of the cities, and take in the unique culture of the Ethiopian people.
For those looking for a more adventurous experience, you can take a detour to explore the Semien Mountains National Park, or book a safari tour in the Abijata-Shala Lakes National Park. Whichever way you decide to go, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience!
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the ‘Itinerary’ of this stage.
Debre Markos - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - Evaneos
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2
Debre Markos
- Bahir Dar
Distance 197 km
Driving time 6.2 h
Pace: slow
45.3 kWh
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A road trip from Debre Markos to Bahir Dar is a great adventure for anyone seeking to explore the beauty of Ethiopia. The 253 km drive takes less than seven hours, and in sections the road is quite narrow. Along the route you can take in the historical sites and the beautiful landscapes of the region.
Start off your journey in Debre Markos, where you can explore the mountain-top churches and monasteries. Then venture on to Chagni, with its interesting marketplaces and fascinating history. As you continue you will come to the Blue Nile Gorge, which is home to an incredible array of birds and wildlife. Then it’s on to the ancient city of Gondar, where you can explore the ancient palaces and churches. Finally, make your way to the stunning Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia.
The journey culminates in Bahir Dar, where you can take in the beautiful views of the Blue Nile Falls and the surrounding countryside. From here, it’s a short drive to Lake Tana, which is one of the most beautiful places in Ethiopia. And before you leave, be sure to take a boat ride on the lake to explore some of the islands.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. With its stunning landscapes, historical sites, and incredible wildlife, this road trip from Debre Markos to Bahir Dar is an unforgettable adventure.
Bahir Dar - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - Your home for Intertainment
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3
Bahir Dar
- Gonder
Distance 170 km
Driving time 4.5 h
Pace: slow
39.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your road trip from Bahir Dar to Gonder, an amazing 170km journey that will take you less than 5 hours. Along the way, you can visit some of Ethiopia's UNESCO Heritage sites, such as the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela and the Fasil Ghebbi Royal Enclosure in Gonder. Be aware of the narrow roads in some sections, while driving and take in the beauty of the scenery along the way. Don't forget to take a moment to stop and appreciate the historical sites that you will find along the route. If you need more information about attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites, please check the Itinerary for this stage of the tour. Enjoy your trip!
Gonder - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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4
Gonder
- Lalibela
Distance 354 km
Driving time 9.5 h
Pace: slow
81.3 kWh
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Embark on a road trip from Gonder to Lalibela, an adventure of 354 kilometers and less than 9 hours of driving time. On this journey, you will traverse through the country’s beautiful landscapes and discover some of the most breathtaking UNESCO Heritage sites. Enjoy the winding roads and the narrow sections that will take you past stunning views. Along the way, explore the churches of Lalibela, a collection of eleven monolithic churches that were carved out of rocks centuries ago. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Fasil Ghebbi, the old fortress of the Ethiopian emperors. As you travel, keep your eyes open for the many other attractions that will surely make your journey even more memorable. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, get ready for an exciting road trip full of surprises!
Lalibela - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - Mapcarta
Lalibela - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - Mapcarta
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5
Lalibela
- Mekele
Distance 323 km
Driving time 7.5 h
Pace: modest
83.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a road trip from Lalibela to Mekele in Ethiopia! This 322 km journey through the countryside is a sight to behold and will take you less than 8 hours. You will come across some of the most interesting places, like the Yemrehana Krestos Church, a rock-hewn church that is a part of the Lalibela World Heritage Site. From there, the road will take you to Wukro Cherkos, a monastery built in the 4th century. The journey will be filled with amazing views of the countryside, and you will get to see some of Ethiopia's most important historical sites. Along the way, you can also visit the ruins of the ancient city of Aksum, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Finally, you will arrive at Mekele, the capital of the Tigray region. From here, you can explore many of the city's attractions, like the Tigray Museum and the Qeddus Mika'el Church. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Mekele - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - Wikipédia
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6
Mekele
- Adigrat
Distance 116 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: modest
30.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Let's take a 116 km road trip from Mekele to Adigrat – an exciting journey that will take you less than 3 hours! This is one of the stages of a larger tour and we invite you to join us and explore the most interesting places along the route.
Start your journey from Mekele, the capital city of the Tigray region, where you can visit the St. Mary of Zion Church, the Debre Damo Monastery, and the Mekele Museum. Then, you can continue to Adigrat, a city located in the northern Tigray region, and explore the Gheralta Rock-Hewn Churches, the Adigrat University, and the Atsbi Biete Giyorgis Church.
Finally, if you are looking for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can check our "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Adigrat - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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7
Adigrat
- Yeha
Distance 84 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: fast
25.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an 84 km road trip from Adigrat to Yeha, Ethiopia! Get ready to explore some of the country's most beautiful sites. Along the way, you will pass through stunning landscapes and witness breathtaking views. Be sure to keep an eye out for narrow sections of the road as you drive. You'll find plenty of interesting places to visit in both Adigrat and Yeha, including historic sites, monuments, and local markets. Make sure to plan out your stops so you don't miss out on any of the amazing things to see. The entire drive should take less than two hours, so you'll have plenty of time to visit all the attractions. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy the journey!
Yeha - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - Pixabay
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8
Yeha
- Aksum
Distance 54 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: modest
14.1 kWh
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Embark on an exciting 54km road trip from Yeha to Aksum in Ethiopia, with fewer than 1 hours of driving. Start your journey with the ancient Yeha temple, an archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is home to the ruins of the 5th-century BC Sabaean temple, which is believed to be the oldest standing structure in Ethiopia. As you drive, you'll pass through many small towns and villages where you can observe the local way of life. Keep an eye out for the many historical sites along the way, such as the Debre Damo Monastery and the Church of Mariam Tsion. When you arrive in Aksum, explore the ruins of the Axumite Empire, once one of the most powerful civilizations in the world. Don't forget to visit the Stelae field and the Tomb of the False Door. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.
Aksum - Ethiopia - Africa - Road Trip - Britannica
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Aksum
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Aksum, Ethiopia is the perfect end point for the “On the Historic Route Road Trip”. This ancient city is a treasure trove of history and culture, and there is something for everyone to explore. Aksum is home to some of the oldest standing structures in Africa, including the ancient Aksumite Empire’s stelae, or obelisks. The stelae are a must-see for anyone interested in history or archaeology.
Aksum is also home to the Church of St Mary of Zion, the oldest church in Ethiopia and the site of the Ark of the Covenant. Visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient palace and the tombs of King Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel. Other historical sites include the Queen of Sheba’s Bath, the Queen of Sheba’s Palace, and the Lion of Judah monument.
For those looking to experience modern-day Aksum, there is plenty to do. Visitors can browse the colorful street markets, taste local cuisine, and explore the surrounding countryside. Adventure seekers can hike through the mountains or take a day trip to Lake Tana.
The closest international airport to Aksum is the Bahir Dar Airport (BJR), located approximately 160 miles away. From there, visitors can rent a car and drive the remaining distance to Aksum. With its rich history and exciting attractions, Aksum is a must-visit for anyone on the “On the Historic Route Road Trip”.
On the Historic Route Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Addis Ababa
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End:
Aksum
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Distance:
1,599 km
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Stay:
14 days
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Getting there:
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD),
Harar Meda Airport (QHR)
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When to drive:
January, February, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Historic Route Road Trip in Ethiopia is a captivating adventure that takes you through the heart of Ethiopia's rich historical legacy and diverse cultural tapestry. Spanning approximately 1652 kilometers, this journey begins in the bustling capital of Addis Ababa and concludes in the enigmatic and ancient city of Aksum. As you navigate through various towns and cities, you'll encounter landmarks that date back thousands of years, providing insights into the country's storied history.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Addis Ababa: The dynamic capital city serves as the perfect launchpad for the Road Trip, offering museums and cultural sites that provide context for the journey ahead.
- Debre Markos: This historic town presents an opportunity to explore Ethiopia's religious and architectural heritage, with nearby monasteries that tell the tale of a deeply spiritual landscape.
- Gonder: Renowned for its castles and palaces, Gonder is often referred to as the `Camelot of Africa.` The nearby Simien National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a haven for wildlife and offers stunning vistas of jagged mountain peaks and deep valleys.
- Mekele: Known for its proximity to the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, another UNESCO World Heritage site, Mekele is a hub of culture and history.
- Yeha: Believed to be Ethiopia's oldest standing structure, the Yeha Temple showcases the architectural prowess of ancient civilizations.
- Aksum: The journey's end is marked by this once-powerful kingdom's capital, where obelisks, royal tombs, and St. Mary of Zion church—a rumored home to the Ark of the Covenant—await exploration.
Best Time to Go:
To experience the most comfortable travel conditions, aim for the dry season between October and April. This period typically offers clear skies and minimal rainfall, ideal for Road Trips and outdoor exploration.
Potential Risks:
Ethiopia's Roads can present challenges, including uneven surfaces and winding mountain passages. It's essential to remain alert and drive with care, especially in more remote areas where assistance may be scarce.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- A leisurely 14-day itinerary is often suggested to fully engage with the historical context and enjoy each destination without rush.
- The journey is considered cost-effective, though it is wise to plan for accommodations and potential Road surprises.
- The route is punctuated with multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the Aksumite obelisks, showcasing an array of ancient civilizations and their enduring legacies.
A good choice for:
The Historic Route Road Trip is more than a simple journey; it's an expedition through time, offering an in-depth look at Ethiopia's multifaceted history and vibrant contemporary culture. Each stop is a chapter in the nation's epic narrative, making this Road Trip an invaluable experience for any history enthusiast or cultural explorer.
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