In the afternoon, motor across Lake Tana to the Zeghe Peninsula to see Ura Kidane Mehret, a 15 th -century monastery with a huge conical thatched roof painted inside and out with colorful frescoes depicting scenes of biblical lore. Overnight at the Tana Hotel. After dropping over a sheer chasm more than 150 feet deep, the mist drenches viewers a half mile away. In a gorge created by the waterfall is a small rain forest lush with tropical vegetation and inhabited by lively monkeys and a multitude of spectacular birds. This afternoon s flight returns us to Addis Ababa.
Dinner is free.
Board an early morning flight to Dire Dawa and drive to Harer along a route said to be one of the most scenic in the world. The medieval city of Harer stands amid green mountains, surrounded by formidable defensive walls cut by five massive gateways. The city still maintains the charm of its past glory, and the complex ethnic mix is shown in the extravagant costumes of its people. We will visit the church of Medhane Alem, Ras Mekonnen's palace, the government museum, the community museum attached to the cultural center and the house of the French poet Rimbaud. Overnight at the Hotel Ras.