13-Day Lalibela to the Simien Peaks & Blue Nile Wonders

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa-Welcome to Ethiopia's Cultural Heart

Begin your adventure in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s lively highland capital set at 2,350 meters. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel to relax and refresh. Late in the morning, meet your professional guide for a welcome briefing about the upcoming journey.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided city tour exploring Ethiopia’s rich heritage — from the National Museum, home of the world-famous fossil “Lucy,” to the Ethnographic Museum and the vibrant Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. If time allows, visit Entoto Hill for sweeping views over the city.
Conclude the day with a welcome dinner featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine and live cultural music, setting the tone for an unforgettable exploration ahead.

Overnight: The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel, Addis Ababa
Elevation: ~2,350 m
Main Activities: Arrival, orientation, city highlights tour, and welcome dinner
Difficulty: Easy — light walking and cultural sightseeing.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Addis Ababa to Lalibela - Discover the Rock-Hewn Churches of a Holy City

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Lalibela, the UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its extraordinary rock-hewn churches. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and prepare for an inspiring day of discovery. Begin your guided visit with the first cluster of 12th–13th century monolithic churches, carved directly from solid volcanic rock — architectural wonders such as Biete Medhane Alem, Biete Maryam, and Biete Meskel. Your expert guide reveals the fascinating stories, craftsmanship, and symbolism that make Lalibela one of the world’s most sacred Christian destinations. After lunch, continue through the interconnecting tunnels and courtyards, gaining insight into local devotion and history. Later, enjoy a gentle stroll through town or watch the sunset over the highlands before dinner and rest at your hotel.

Overnight: Tabor Hotel, Lalibela
Elevation: 2,480 m
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate (walking on uneven stone paths).

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Tabor Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lalibela – Sacred Rituals and Hidden Wonders of the Second Church Cluster

Awaken early for an optional pre-dawn church service, a deeply spiritual experience where priests chant ancient hymns inside candle-lit rock sanctuaries. After breakfast, begin exploring the second group of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, a remarkable continuation of the site’s architectural and spiritual legacy. Your guide will lead you through the labyrinth of Biete Gabriel-Rufael, Biete Lehem, Biete Emanuel, and the iconic Biete Giyorgis (St. George’s Church) — a cross-shaped masterpiece symbolizing faith and endurance. Learn about their historical context, construction methods, and enduring role in Ethiopian Orthodox life. After lunch, visit the local market where villagers trade honey, grain, and handwoven cotton, offering a glimpse of rural highland culture. Conclude your day with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, sharing stories with locals and savoring the aromas of freshly roasted beans.

Overnight: Tabor Hotel, Lalibela
Elevation: 2,480 m.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Tabor Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Lalibela to Gondar – Flight and Afternoon Royal City Tour

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Gondar, the historic imperial capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and prepare for an afternoon of cultural exploration. Begin with a visit to the Fasil Ghebbi castle complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring palaces, fortifications, and royal baths that reflect 17th–18th century Ethiopian architecture. Continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its angel-covered frescoed ceilings and exquisite religious art. Stroll through the historic streets and enjoy insights from your guide about Gondar’s role as a center of culture, faith, and royalty. In the evening, choose to attend an optional traditional cultural dinner with music and dance, experiencing local customs in a lively setting.

Overnight Hotel, Gondar
Elevation 2,133 m
Difficulty Easy, primarily walking on city streets and cultural sites.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Gondar Hills Resort

• Mid-range resort located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gondar to Debark – Drive and Trek to Sankaber for Acclimatisation

After breakfast, depart Gondar by road for Debark, the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park, a journey of approximately 2–3 hours through scenic highland landscapes. Upon arrival, complete park registration and permits before starting your trek. Begin with a gentle hike to Sankaber, allowing your body to acclimatise to higher altitudes. Enjoy stunning viewpoints of deep canyons and basalt cliffs along the way, with opportunities to spot Gelada baboons and endemic highland flora. Stop for a picnic lunch en route and settle into camp, where tents and mattresses are provided. In the evening, gather around the campfire for a briefing on the next day’s trekking plan and prepare warm layers for a cool night in the highlands.

Overnight Sankaber Campsite
Elevation Sankaber ~3,220–3,320 m
Difficulty Moderate, 3–4 hours trekking for acclimatisation
Main Activities Scenic trek, wildlife observation, acclimatisation.

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
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Sankaber to Gich – Ridge Trek and Jinbar River Picnic

After breakfast, begin your trek from Sankaber to Gich, following the ridgelines and rolling plateaus of the Simien Mountains National Park. Enjoy panoramic views of deep valleys and dramatic escarpments as you hike through afro-alpine grasslands dotted with giant lobelia and Erica species. Midday, stop at the Jinbar River for a scenic picnic near the waterfall, where the river plunges approximately 500 meters, offering stunning photographic opportunities. Continue your trek in the afternoon, ascending gradually to Gich campsite, where you can relax, observe wildlife, and capture the golden light on distant cliffs. In the evening, gather for a campfire briefing on the next day’s trek and enjoy a hearty dinner under the clear highland skies.

Overnight Gich Campsite
Elevation ~3,600 m
Difficulty Moderate to challenging, 6–7 hours trekking
Main Activities Ridge trekking, wildlife spotting, photography, picnic lunch.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gich – Day Hike to Mt Imetgogo and Sunset at Kedadit

Start early with breakfast at camp before setting out for a day hike to Mt Imetgogo, reaching approximately 3,926 meters. The morning trek offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Simien Mountains, deep valleys, and basalt cliffs. Pause at the Seha Valley viewpoint for lunch, rest, and wildlife observation, including Gelada baboons and endemic birds. In the afternoon, return to Gich campsite and take a short climb to Kedadit viewpoint to enjoy the sunset over the highlands, observing Gelada movement and capturing the dramatic landscape in evening light. The day combines moderate trekking, wildlife spotting, and scenic photography opportunities, allowing time for acclimatisation and reflection.

Overnight Gich Campsite
Elevation Gich ~3,600 m, Mt Imetgogo ~3,926 m
Difficulty Moderate, 4–6 hours trekking with steep viewpoints
Main Activities Summit hike, wildlife observation, scenic sunset viewpoints.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gich to Chenek – Trek via Meflekiaw Source and Mt Innatye

After an early breakfast, depart Gich campsite for a challenging day of trekking through the Simien Mountains’ dramatic ridgelines. Begin with a trek to the Meflekiaw source, a scenic viewpoint over the Jinbar River valley, before ascending to Mt Innatye at approximately 4,070 meters. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route while taking in panoramic vistas of cliffs, valleys, and endemic flora including giant lobelia and Erica species. In the afternoon, descend to Chenek campsite, where tents are prepared for rest and recovery. Take time for photography and wildlife observation, spotting Gelada baboons and possibly Walia ibex along the way. Conclude the day with a campfire briefing and warm dinner, preparing for the summit attempt the next morning.

Overnight Chenek Campsite
Elevation Mt Innatye ~4,070 m, Chenek ~3,620 m
Difficulty Challenging, 6–8 hours trekking over exposed ridges
Main Activities High-altitude trekking, viewpoint photography, wildlife spotting.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Chenek – Summit Mt Buahit and Return to Chenek

Begin the day very early at 04:00 with pre-dawn departure for the summit of Mt Buahit, the highest point in the trek at approximately 4,430–4,437 meters. Trek steadily through the high alpine zone, where vegetation is sparse but sightings of Walia ibex and raptors are possible. Reach the summit in the morning for panoramic views of the Simien Mountains and surrounding highlands, ideal for photography. After a short rest, enjoy lunch near the summit before beginning the descent to Chenek campsite. Return in the afternoon for rest, hot dinner, and briefing. This day requires slow, steady pacing due to high altitude and challenging terrain.

Overnight Chenek Campsite
Elevation Mt Buahit ~4,430–4,437 m, Chenek ~3,620 m
Difficulty Challenging, high-altitude trekking, 6–9 hours
Main Activities Summit hike, highland photography, wildlife observation.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Chenek to Ambaras Village – Cultural Trek Along the Belegez

After breakfast, depart Chenek campsite for a rewarding day of trekking through the Belegez River valley and highland terraces. Enjoy the spectacular landscapes of the Simien Mountains while passing traditional villages and observing local agriculture, including barley and pulse fields. Stop for lunch at Beklo Manekia, a narrow historic pass once used to manage livestock, then continue to Ambaras village, where you will engage with the local community. Participate in cultural demonstrations such as injera baking and a traditional home coffee ceremony, gaining insight into mountain village life. Evening at the community campsite allows interaction with villagers and relaxation after a day of scenic trekking.

Overnight Ambaras Village Campsite
Elevation 3,200–3,700 m
Difficulty Moderate, 5–6 hours trekking over mixed terrain
Main Activities Cultural immersion, village visits, trekking, traditional coffee ceremony.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Ambaras Village to Gondar – Morning Village Visit and Road Transfer

Begin the day with morning village activities, including participation in a home coffee ceremony and observation of traditional injera baking and local food preparation. This is an opportunity to interact with villagers, learn about daily highland life, and appreciate local customs. After breakfast, depart for Gondar by road, a scenic drive of approximately four hours through the northern highlands. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy afternoon rest or a short optional sightseeing stroll around the historic city. Conclude the day with a farewell dinner, reflecting on your Simien trekking adventure and cultural experiences.

Overnight Hotel, Gondar
Elevation ~2,133 m
Difficulty Easy, light walking plus road transfer
Main Activities Village visit, cultural immersion, scenic drive, optional city exploration.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Gondar Hills Resort

• Mid-range resort located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gondar to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Cruise and Monastery Visits

After breakfast, depart Gondar by road for Bahir Dar, a journey of approximately three hours through scenic Ethiopian highlands. Upon arrival, embark on a boat cruise on Lake Tana, visiting ancient island monasteries such as Ura Kidane Mihret, renowned for its vibrant murals and historic manuscripts. Enjoy a lakeside lunch, often featuring fresh local fish, while taking in the tranquil waters and surrounding landscapes. In the afternoon, return to Bahir Dar for leisure time, optional short walks along the lakefront, or souvenir shopping. This day blends relaxing scenic travel, cultural exploration, and insight into Ethiopia’s monastic heritage, offering a serene contrast after high-altitude trekking.

Overnight Hotel, Bahir Dar
Elevation ~1,840 m
Difficulty Easy, light walking on boat excursions and monastery visits
Main Activities Lake cruise, monastery visits, cultural exploration, lakeside lunch.

Main Destination:

Lake Tana

Accommodation:

Homeland Hotel Bahir Dar

• Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa – Blue Nile Falls and Departure

Begin the day early with a drive to Tis Abay / Blue Nile Falls, one of Ethiopia’s most spectacular natural attractions. Take a short hike to the viewpoints and Portuguese Bridge, capturing the mist and power of the falls through photography. Afterward, return to Bahir Dar for lunch before transferring to the airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, there is time for brief shopping or a farewell coffee, reflecting on the journey through Ethiopia’s highlands, historic cities, and cultural treasures. Conclude the day with a transfer to the international terminal for your onward flight.

Overnight In-flight / onward travel
Elevation Bahir Dar ~1,840 m
Difficulty Easy, short hike and transfers
Main Activities Blue Nile Falls visit, photography, flight transfer, farewell reflections.

Main Destination:

Blue Nile Falls (Highlight)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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