Ethiopia

Gondar

The "Camelot of Africa" — castles of the Ethiopian emperors.

Photo: Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0

Founded by Emperor Fasilides in 1636, Gondar was the seat of Ethiopian emperors for more than two centuries. Its royal enclosure, Fasil Ghebbi, holds castles, palaces, banqueting halls and libraries built in a unique style blending Aksumite, Portuguese and Indian influences.

Nearby, Debre Berhan Selassie church is famous for its ceiling painted with rows of winged angels’ faces, and Fasilides’ Bath hosts the spectacular Timkat celebrations each January. Gondar is also the gateway to the Simien Mountains.

Highlights

  • Fasil Ghebbi royal enclosure
  • Debre Berhan Selassie church
  • Fasilides' Bath
  • Gateway to the Simien Mountains

Wildlife & what you'll see

  • Birdlife in the castle grounds

Things to do

  • Guided historical tour
  • Church visits
  • Timkat festival

Best time to visit

October to March; Timkat (19–20 January) at Fasilides' Bath is unforgettable.

Getting there

Fly from Addis Ababa, or drive from Bahir Dar (about 3 hours).

Experiences in Gondar

FAQs about Gondar

Can I see Timkat in Gondar?

Yes, Gondar's Timkat celebrations are among the most famous in Ethiopia. Book well in advance, as hotels fill up quickly.

Gallery

Fasilides Palace in the Fasil Ghebbi royal enclosure, GondarOpen image: Fasilides Palace in the Fasil Ghebbi royal enclosure, GondarLake Tana near Bahir Dar, EthiopiaOpen image: Lake Tana near Bahir Dar, EthiopiaEscarpments of the Simien Mountains, EthiopiaOpen image: Escarpments of the Simien Mountains, Ethiopia

Gondar tours

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Ethiopia

5-Day Lalibela & Gondar

Royal castles of Gondar and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, connected by short domestic flights.

Addis Ababa – Gondar – Lalibela – Addis Ababa
From, per person$1,590
Ethiopia

6-Day Simien Mountains Trek

Trek the escarpments of the Simien Mountains among gelada troops and walia ibex, starting from historic Gondar.

Addis Ababa – Gondar – Simien Mountains – Gondar Airport
From, per person$1,450
Ethiopia

7-Day Historic Ethiopia

Ethiopia's Historic Route: Lake Tana monasteries, the Blue Nile Falls, Gondar's castles, Axum's stelae and Lalibela's churches.

Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar & Lake Tana – Gondar – Axum – Lalibela – Addis Ababa
From, per person$2,150
Ethiopia

10-Day Ethiopia Highlands Adventure

Monasteries, castles, three nights trekking in the Simien Mountains and the churches of Lalibela — Ethiopia's highlands on foot and…

Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar & Lake Tana – Gondar – Simien Mountains – Lalibela – Addis Ababa
From, per person$3,250
Ethiopia

12-Day Ethiopia Wildlife & Cultural Journey

Ethiopian wolves in the Bale Mountains, gelada in the Simiens and the Historic Route's monasteries, castles and churches.

Addis Ababa – Bale Mountains – Bahir Dar & Lake Tana – Gondar – Simien Mountains – Lalibela – Addis Ababa
From, per person$4,200
Ethiopia · Kenya

12-Day Ethiopia & Kenya Safari

Ethiopia's churches, castles and Simien Mountains, then fly to Kenya for the Maasai Mara and Amboseli.

Addis Ababa – Lalibela – Gondar – Simien Mountains – Maasai Mara – Amboseli – Nairobi
From, per person$6,300

Nearby destinations

Axum

Ancient capital of the Aksumite kingdom and its giant stelae. 2 safaris

Danakil Depression

Salt flats, sulphur springs and a lava lake at the lowest point in Africa. 1 safari

Lake Tana & Bahir Dar

Island monasteries and the source of the Blue Nile. 4 safaris

Travel guides

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