12-Day Discover Ethiopia Historic, Culture & Nature Tour

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Drive Addis Ababa to Lalibela

After breakfast in Addis Ababa, drive to Lalibela, the spiritual heart of Ethiopia and home to one of the world's most astounding religious sites. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and take in the highland views that surround this mountain town. In the afternoon, you'll begin your exploration of Lalibela’s famed rock-hewn churches a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These monolithic structures were carved directly from solid volcanic rock in the 12th century. Visit the Northern Cluster, which includes Bete Medhane Alem (the largest rock-hewn church), Bete Maryam, and Bete Golgotha, believed to house the tomb of King Lalibela himself. You will gain your first insight into Ethiopia deep Orthodox Christian heritage.
Overnight: Mountain View Hotel.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Mountain View Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Explore Bete Giyorgis and surrounding Monastery

Spend a full day exploring the remaining churches of Lalibela, starting with the Southern Cluster, where you’ll find churches such as Bete Emmanuel, Bete Mercurios, and Bete Abba Libanos. These showcase more complex architectural techniques and hidden passageways. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Bete Giyorgis (St. George's Church), the most famous and photogenic of all Lalibela’s churches, carved in the shape of a perfect cross and set deep into the earth.
Overnight: Mountain View Hotel.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Mountain View Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Drive Lalibela to Gondar – Castles and Churches of the Royal City

This morning, Drive from Lalibela to Gondar, the 17th century imperial capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, explore the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with fairy-tale castles, once home to Emperor Fasilides and his successors. Visit the Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its stunning ceiling of painted cherubs and walls adorned with biblical scenes. Gondar offers a blend of Ethiopian and European architectural styles that reflects its position as a crossroads of cultures and religions. In the evening, stroll through the city or enjoy views from your lodge.
Overnight: Haile Resort in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Gondar

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Drive from Gondar to Simien Mountains – Into the Ethiopian Highlands

After breakfast, depart Gondar and drive north to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO listed site known for its dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and endemic wildlife. Upon reaching Debark, the park headquarters, you’ll meet your guide and scout and continue into the park towards Sankaber. This area offers relatively easy hiking trails along the escarpment, providing jaw-dropping views of the Simien range. Keep your eyes open for troops of Gelada baboons, grazing peacefully along the cliffs, and possibly even Walia ibex or Ethiopian wolves.
Overnight: Sankaber campsite.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit September to December (Beautiful scenery)

High Season October to April (Lodges are busy)

Best Weather October to April

Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP

Gelada Monkey Abundant

Walia Ibex Occasional

Ethiopian Wolf Rare

Klipspringer Rare

Bushbuck Rare

Show more

Golden Jackal Rare

Hyena Rare

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Simien Mountains –Trekking and Nature Exploration

Today is dedicated to exploring more of the Simien Mountains. Depending on your preference and fitness level, you can hike from Sankaber to Geech or explore shorter trails offering equally rewarding scenery. Trek through afro-alpine meadows, juniper forests, and rugged cliffs. Along the way, you’ll experience close encounters with Geladas, and may witness birds of prey like lammergeiers soaring overhead. This day is a highlight for nature lovers and photographers alike, with landscapes rivaling any in East Africa.
Overnight: Sankaber campsite.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Drive from Sankaber to Gondar – Return from the Highlands

After a morning walk or relaxed breakfast in the mountains, begin your drive back to Gondar, arriving in the late afternoon. Use the rest of the day to relax, refresh, and enjoy the town’s hospitality. If time allows, consider visiting Fasilides’ Bath, a sunken bathing pool where the Timket festival is celebrated annually.
Overnight: Hotel resort in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Gondar

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Drive Gondar to Axum – The Cradle of Ethiopian Civilization

Catch an early morning drive from Gondar to Axum, the ancient capital of the Axumite Empire one of the great civilizations of the ancient world. Upon arrival, begin your historical tour of Axum. Visit the Stelae Park, home to towering obelisks carved from single blocks of granite, including the 24 meter Obelisk of Axum. You will explore the ruins of Queen of Sheba palace, the Ezana stone, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, which Ethiopian tradition claims holds the Ark of the Covenant. Axum is a spiritual and archaeological treasure trove.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Sabean International Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Excursion to Abune Yemata Guh – The Church in the Sky

Today, embark on a thrilling day trip to Abune Yemata Guh, one of the world’s most remote and dramatic churches. Located in the Tigray region, this rock-hewn church is perched on a sheer cliff face and is only accessible via a steep ascent that includes narrow ledges and hand-and-foot climbing. Though the climb is not for the faint-hearted, those who reach the top are rewarded with ancient frescoes, a serene sanctuary, and breathtaking views over the Gheralta mountains. This church, dating back to the 5th or 6th century, is one of Ethiopia’s most sacred and unforgettable sights.
Overnight: Vision Hotel.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Explore More of Axum or Tigray Region

Use this day to continue exploring the Axumite ruins, additional stelae fields, or nearby archaeological sites. Alternatively, explore more of the Tigray rock-hewn churches like Debre Damo Monastery (accessible by rope climb) or Medhane Alem Adi Kasho, depending on your interest and stamina. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the mix of spirituality, artistry, and resilience that defines Ethiopia's ancient Christian culture.
Overnight: Vision Hotel.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Drive to Danakil Depression – Into the Afar Desert

After an early breakfast, begin your adventurous drive toward the Danakil Depression, one of the most extreme and geologically active environments on Earth. The drive will take you through the harsh but mesmerizing landscapes of the Afar region. After reaching the town of Berhale or Hamed Ela, you’ll meet your support crew (including local guides, scout, and a 4x4 vehicle). Depending on arrival time, you may begin exploring salt flats, or witness camel caravans carrying salt blocks extracted from the desert.
Overnight: Basic camp in Hamed Ela or near Dallol.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Danakil Depression – Dallol, Salt Lakes, and Sulfur Fields

Wake up early to visit Dallol, a surreal and colorful geothermal landscape filled with acidic springs, sulfur mounds, and salt formations. The area, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, feels like another planet. Explore Lake Asale, shimmering with salt crusts, and witness Afar people harvesting salt using ancient methods. You’ll also see active volcanoes, lava fields, and possibly visit Erta Ale (if logistically feasible). This day is a stark and stunning contrast to Ethiopia’s highlands and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Overnight: Camping sites.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Drive back to Semera

You will drive back to Semera and later drive back to Addis Ababa. Early in the morning, you'll have another chance to see the stunning sunrise at the volcano. After the visit, you will return to the base camp for breakfast. After breakfast, you'll start your journey back to Semera. You'll arrive in Semera for a late lunch, followed by a drop off at the airport back to Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.