14-Day Ethiopia in Depth- Simien Peaks to Danakil Wonders

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour and Cultural Discovery

Arrive at Bole International Airport, where our representative welcomes you to Ethiopia. After hotel check-in and a short rest, begin exploring Addis Ababa — the lively capital and cultural heart of Africa. Visit the National Museum to see the world-renowned fossil “Lucy,” and enjoy a brief city orientation to experience the vibrant rhythm of Addis life. Take a stroll around Meskel Square, the city’s bustling center, and if time permits, enjoy a short ride on the light rail for a local touch.

End your day with a relaxing evening at your hotel, getting ready for the incredible journey ahead.

Overnight: Grand Palace Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

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

Flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls Exploration

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Bahir Dar, a peaceful lakeside city on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Upon arrival and check-in at your hotel, drive through lush countryside to visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls (Tiss Issat), where the river plunges in a dramatic cascade surrounded by mist and rainbows. Enjoy a scenic walk to viewpoints and take in the beauty of rural Ethiopian life along the way.

Return to Bahir Dar for lunch, then enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Tana, visiting one or two of its famous island monasteries such as Ura Kidane Mehret, adorned with colorful religious murals and treasured ancient manuscripts. Spend the evening relaxing by the lake as the sun sets over the tranquil waters.

Overnight: Hotel in Bahir Dar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Main Destination:

Blue Nile Falls (Highlight)

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

Drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar – Castles and Ancient Churches of the Royal City

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive north to Gondar (approximately 175 km), often called the “Camelot of Africa” for its impressive royal castles and historic charm. Along the journey, admire sweeping views of the Ethiopian highlands and small farming villages that showcase the country’s traditional lifestyle.

Upon arrival and check-in at your hotel, begin exploring the city’s fascinating heritage. Visit the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a collection of medieval castles that once housed Ethiopian emperors. Continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its beautifully painted ceiling decorated with rows of angel faces — one of Ethiopia’s most iconic artworks.

Spend your evening relaxing at your hotel or enjoying a quiet walk through Gondar’s historic streets.

Overnight: Hotel in Gondar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

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

Drive from Gondar to Simien Mountains – Begin Trekking Adventure

After an early breakfast, depart Gondar and drive to Simien Mountains National Park, known for its dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and unique wildlife. Upon arrival at Sankaber Camp, begin trekking toward Gich Camp (approximately 15 km, 6 hours). Along the trail, enjoy panoramic views of rugged landscapes and stop at Jinbar Waterfall, one of the park’s highlights, where water plunges dramatically into the valley below.

Spend the evening at Gich Camp, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and the sounds of the highlands, as you prepare for the next day of trekking.

Overnight: Camping at Gich (3,600 m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

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

Gich to Chenek Camp – Trekking Through Alpine Landscapes

After breakfast at Gich Camp, continue trekking through the Simien Mountains toward Chenek Camp (6–8 hours). The trail winds across alpine meadows, rugged cliffs, and highland plateaus, offering spectacular views of Mount Imet Gogo and Mount Enatye. Along the way, observe the park’s unique wildlife, including gelada monkeys, walia ibex, and soaring lammergeier vultures.

Arrive at Chenek Camp in the late afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings.

Overnight: Camping at Chenek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Chenek to Ambiko Base Camp – Trek to Ras Dashen Base

After an early breakfast, continue your trek from Chenek Camp to Ambiko Base Camp (around 9 hours), the base of Mount Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak. The trail descends into a deep valley before gradually ascending, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding highlands and dramatic cliffs. Along the way, enjoy encounters with local wildlife and the serene beauty of the Simien Mountains.

Arrive at Ambiko Camp in the late afternoon to rest and prepare for the summit attempt the next day.

Overnight: Camping at Ambiko (3,300 m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Summit Mount Ras Dashen and Return to Ambiko Camp

Begin before dawn (around 3:00 am) for the summit climb of Mount Ras Dashen (4,550 m), the highest point in Ethiopia. The trek is challenging, taking approximately 10 hours round-trip, but offers rewarding panoramic views of the Ethiopian Highlands. Along the way, enjoy the rugged mountain scenery and spot wildlife unique to the Simien Mountains.

After reaching the summit and soaking in the spectacular vistas, descend back to Ambiko Camp for a well-deserved rest and evening relaxation.

Overnight: Camping at Ambiko
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Trek Back to Chenek and Drive to Gondar

After breakfast at Ambiko Camp, trek back to Chenek Camp, retracing the scenic trails of the Simien Mountains and enjoying final views of the highland landscapes. Upon reaching Chenek, meet your driver and transfer back to Gondar.

Relax and refresh at your hotel, enjoying a hot shower and a comfortable evening after several days of trekking. Reflect on the stunning scenery and wildlife you’ve encountered during this unforgettable mountain adventure.

Overnight: Hotel in Gondar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Gondar Hills Resort

• Mid-range resort located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Flight from Gondar to Lalibela – Explore Rock-Hewn Churches

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Gondar to Lalibela, the spiritual heart of Ethiopia. Upon arrival and hotel check-in, enjoy lunch before exploring the first group of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world, as well as Bet Maryam and Bet Meskel.

These remarkable structures, carved entirely from volcanic rock, reflect Ethiopia’s rich Christian heritage and centuries of devotion. Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel, absorbing the peaceful ambiance of Lalibela.

Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

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

Full Day Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches Exploration

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Lalibela’s second group of rock-hewn churches, including the iconic Bet Giyorgis (St. George), carved in the shape of a cross. Wander through narrow passageways and courtyards, marveling at the intricate architecture and spiritual significance of these ancient sites.

In addition to the churches, take time to experience local life by visiting nearby markets and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding highlands. Return to your hotel in the evening for relaxation.

Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Tabor Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive from Lalibela to Semera – Gateway to the Danakil Depression

After breakfast, drive from Lalibela through changing landscapes toward Semera, the administrative capital of the Afar region and the gateway to the Danakil Depression. The journey transitions from highland terrain to the arid lowlands, offering a striking contrast in scenery.

Upon arrival at your hotel, check in and relax after the long drive, preparing for the next day’s adventure into one of the hottest and most unique regions on Earth.

Overnight: Hotel in Semera
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Accommodation:

Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort

• Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Semera to Lake Afdera and Erta Ale Volcano

After an early breakfast, drive from Semera to Lake Afdera, a striking salt lake known for its warm, mineral-rich waters. Take a short break to enjoy the unique landscape and, if you wish, a quick swim in the salty waters.

Continue your journey toward Erta Ale Volcano, one of Africa’s most active lava lakes. In the late afternoon, begin a short trek to the crater rim to witness the mesmerizing glow of molten lava under the evening sky. Experience the raw power of nature while camping nearby under the stars, surrounded by the remote desert landscape.

Overnight: Camping near Erta Ale Volcano
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Erta Ale to Dallol and Hamed Ela – Danakil Depression Exploration

After breakfast, drive from Erta Ale to Dallol and Hamed Ela, located in the heart of the Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. Explore the otherworldly landscapes of salt flats, colorful sulfur formations, and vast mineral terraces.

In the afternoon, visit Lake Asale, a striking salt flat where endless white expanses stretch to the horizon, and enjoy a spectacular sunset over the desert. Experience the surreal beauty and extreme environment that make the Danakil Depression unique.

Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Main Destination:

Hamad Ela (Village)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Dallol Sulfur Springs and Salt Formations – Fly to Addis Ababa – Departure

Wake up early to explore the vibrant sulfur springs, acid pools, and mineral formations of Dallol, where yellow, green, and orange hues create a surreal landscape. See the striking sulfur pods, acidic geysers, and bizarre salt terraces that make this area one of the most unique geological sites on Earth.

After the morning exploration, drive to Mekelle for your afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy a farewell traditional dinner with live cultural music before preparing for your international flight home later that night.

Overnight: No overnight (late evening departure)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Main Destination:

Mekele (City)

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.