Traveling in Ethiopia is fascinating, but exploring the country by bicycle offers an even richer and more rewarding experience. On this tour, every town and village becomes part of the journey. You will enjoy spectacular scenery, vibrant daily life, and colorful local markets in villages, towns, and cities, while meeting warm and welcoming people along the way.
Traveling by bike instead of by car has many advantages: no car rental or fuel costs, no parking fees, and complete freedom to stop whenever and wherever you wish. From small lakes and quiet backroads to cafés, restaurants, churches, mosques, markets, and scenic viewpoints, cycling allows you to experience Ethiopia at a deeper and more personal level. This adventure will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Itinerary
Arrive at Bole International Airport from your home country. After clearing customs, meet our company representative for a warm welcome and transfer to your hotel. After some rest, enjoy a guided Addis Ababa city tour. This first night allows you to experience the climate, adjust and prepare your bicycle, and get ready for the cycling adventure ahead.
Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa
Early in the morning, drive approximately 250 km from Addis Ababa, taking an alternative scenic route via Mota, which is ideal for cycling. Cycle 60–70 km, then continue by vehicle before arriving in Mota.
Overnight: Local hotel in Mota
After breakfast, cycle 128 km to Bahir Dar. The road is mostly rough but offers enjoyable and manageable cycling. Along the way, experience the traditional lifestyle of the Amhara people and the authentic Ethiopian countryside. Arrive in Bahir Dar and relax.
Overnight: Hotel in Bahir Dar
Cycle approximately 70 km round trip to visit Tis Issat (Blue Nile) Waterfalls, named after the Blue Nile—the lifeblood of Sudan and Egypt. After the visit, cycle back to Bahir Dar.
Overnight: Hotel in Bahir Dar
Enjoy a full day of cycling toward Gondar, passing through Werota and Addis Zemen. This day combines cycling with vehicle support and offers opportunities to visit villages and learn about the Amhara way of life.
Overnight: Hotel in Gondar
Drive to Debark, stopping for lunch en route. Continue driving 50 km to Zarima (Limalimo), part of Simien Mountains National Park, then begin cycling back to Debark. This is the most challenging cycling day, and based on previous experience, participants typically cycle up to 50 km.
Overnight: Camping at Debark Campsite
Cycle approximately 35 km into the Simien Mountains to Sankaber Campsite. After lunch, continue cycling to Aynameda (part of the Simien Mountains) and return to Sankaber. All cycling is off-road, offering outstanding mountain scenery.
Overnight: Camping at Sankaber
Cycle 27 km to Chenek, one of the most scenic locations in the Simien Mountains. At 3,600 m, Chenek offers exceptional mountain views and excellent wildlife sightings, including gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and klipspringers. Continue by vehicle 15 km to Bwahit to view Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's highest peak at 4,620 m, before returning to Chenek.
Overnight: Camping at Chenek
Cycle 65 km from Chenek to Debark, entirely off-road. Enjoy a final picnic lunch in the Simien Mountains before driving back to Gondar.
Overnight: Hotel in Gondar
Fly to Lalibela. After a relaxing morning, begin exploring the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the first group of churches, including:
- Biete Medhane Alem (the largest church)
- Biete Mariam, famous for its mural paintings
- Biete Denagel
- Biete Meskel
- Debre Sina and Biete Golgotha (restricted access for women)
Continue to the second group of churches:
- Biete Gabriel & Raphael
- Biete Mercurios
- Biete Emmanuel, built in Axumite architectural style
- Biete Abba Libanos
- Biete Ghiorgis, the iconic cross-shaped Church of St. George
Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela
Fly back to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, enjoy free time and a short city tour, including Mount Entoto for panoramic views, the National Museum, and Merkato, Africa's largest open-air market.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with live music and local cuisine, hosted by our company. Transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure.
End of Tour & Services
