$3,080 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. After airport pickup, transfer to your hotel and relax. In the afternoon, explore the National Museum, home to Lucy’s fossil, and the Ethnological Museum, highlighting Ethiopia’s diverse cultures. Visit Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner featuring injera, doro wat, and local spices. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Addis Ababa to Lalibela
Addis Ababa to Lalibela
Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, renowned for its rock-hewn churches. After hotel check-in, visit Asheten Maryam Church to admire its intricate carvings and learn about its religious significance. Explore nearby highlands and enjoy panoramic views, preparing for a full day of spiritual and architectural wonders. Overnight in Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Top Twelve Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Lalibela Northern Cluster Churches
Lalibela Northern Cluster Churches
Spend the day exploring Lalibela’s Northern Cluster, including Bete Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world, Bete Maryam, and Bete Golgotha Mikael. Walk through tunnels and stairways connecting the churches, learning about their history, architecture, and religious practices. Capture the essence of this UNESCO World Heritage site and its centuries-old spiritual significance. Overnight in Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Top Twelve Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Lalibela Eastern Cluster Churches & Local Life
Lalibela Eastern Cluster Churches & Local Life
Continue with the Eastern Cluster, visiting Bete Amanuel, Bete Qeddus Mercoreus, and Bete Giyorgis (St. George). Participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony with locals and explore nearby villages, observing daily life, farming, and handicrafts. Learn about traditional food preparation and community culture. Overnight in Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Top Twelve Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Lalibela to Axum
Lalibela to Axum
Fly from Lalibela to Axum, the ancient Axumite capital. Explore the Northern Stelae Field, ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. Visit tombs of Axumite kings and the archaeological museum showcasing coins, inscriptions, and ancient artifacts. Overnight in Axum.
- Main Destination:
- Axum (City)
- Accommodation:
-
Sabean International Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Axum to Gheralta & Tigray Churches
Axum to Gheralta & Tigray Churches
Drive from Axum to the Gheralta Mountains. Visit Abuna Yemata Guh, perched on a cliff with impressive frescoes, and Mariam Korkor Church, reached via a scenic hike. Explore ancient rock-hewn churches and enjoy panoramic views of the Tigray highlands, learning about the architectural skill and religious devotion of these communities. Overnight in Gheralta.
- Main Destination:
- Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)
- Accommodation:
-
Gheralta Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Gheralta to Mekelle & Danakil Preparation
Gheralta to Mekelle & Danakil Preparation
Drive to Mekelle, stopping at historic churches along the way. Explore the city briefly, gathering supplies and preparing for your Danakil Depression adventure. Learn about the desert’s extreme geology and local Afar culture, which you will experience in the coming days. Overnight in Mekelle.
- Main Destination:
- Mekele (City)
- Accommodation:
- Planet Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Mekele to Dallol Drive from Mekele to Dallol
Mekele to Dallol Drive from Mekele to Dallol
Early in the morning, you depart from Mekele and drive toward the Danakil Depression, passing through Berahile and the dramatic desert landscapes of northern Afar. As the road descends below sea level, the scenery changes into vast salt plains, lava fields, and volcanic terrain. On arrival in the Dallol area, you explore one of the world’s most extraordinary geothermal sites, famous for its colorful sulfur springs, mineral deposits, salt pillars, and surreal formations shaped by volcanic activity. You then continue to the salt lake, where you walk across the endless white salt flats and observe traditional salt extraction by Afar people. In the late afternoon, enjoy a stunning sunset over the salt lake as the sky’s colors reflect on the salt surface. After sunset, drive to Hamedela, a traditional Afar campsite. Dinner is served, and you spend the night in simple huts or open-air camping under the stars, experiencing the extreme yet fascinating environment of the Danakil Depression.
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Ahmed Ela Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Denakil & dalol colorful place Salt Lake Sunset
Denakil & dalol colorful place Salt Lake Sunset
After an early breakfast at Hamedela, the journey continues deeper into the Danakil Depression. You drive across vast salt flats and volcanic desert toward the colorful Dallol area, one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth. Here you explore vivid yellow, green, and white mineral formations, bubbling sulfur pools, and unique salt structures created by intense geothermal activity. The striking colors and alien scenery make Dallol a highlight of the Danakil experience. After time for exploration and photography, you continue through the harsh Afar desert toward Erta Ale, passing remote lava fields and dramatic volcanic scenery that highlight the isolation of the region. In the late afternoon, you arrive near Erta Ale and prepare for the ascent. In the evening, you hike to the rim of Erta Ale, one of the world’s few continuously active volcanoes, and witness the glowing lava lake. Dinner and overnight are at the Erta Ale campsite in simple open-air shelters under the stars.
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Ahmed Ela Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Erta Ale to Semera Addis Ababa
Erta Ale to Semera Addis Ababa
Early in the morning, before the heat intensifies, you take a final walk around the Erta Ale volcano area. This daylight visit reveals solidified lava flows, volcanic craters, and wide desert views stretching across the Danakil Depression. The calm morning atmosphere offers a different perspective from the night visit and is ideal for photography and quiet exploration. After breakfast at the campsite, you descend from Erta Ale and begin the long drive across the Afar desert toward Semera. The journey passes through remote and rugged terrain, providing a final look at the dramatic landscapes of the Danakil region and insight into the resilient lifestyle of the Afar people in this extreme environment. Upon arrival in Semera, you are transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. After landing, you are met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Fly Adiss Ababa to Gonder
Fly Adiss Ababa to Gonder
Pick up from Gondar Airport and begin a guided tour of Gondar the former imperial capital of Ethiopia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site The tour starts at Fasil Ghebbi the royal enclosure where you explore impressive seventeenth century castles and palaces The main highlight is Fasils Castle famous for its massive stone walls towers and unique architecture blending Ethiopian Portuguese and Indian influences Your guide explains the history of Emperor Fasilides and Gondars role as a political and cultural center Next visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church renowned for its well preserved wall paintings and iconic ceiling of winged angels Learn about its religious significance and how it survived past destruction In the afternoon visit the Fasilides Bath a historic bathing complex still used during the Timkat festival Enjoy a short city drive to experience local life In the evening return to Gondar Hills Hotel with panoramic views or enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with music and dance.
- Main Destination:
- Gondar (City)
- Accommodation:
- Gondar Hills Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 12
Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park
Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park
In the morning, drive from Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park, passing through highland villages and dramatic mountain scenery. After entering the park and completing formalities, you begin your first hike through the beautiful landscapes of the Simien Mountains. The walk takes you along scenic trails with wide views over deep valleys and escarpments.
During the hike, there are good chances to see endemic wildlife, especially Gelada baboons, which live in large groups on the grasslands, as well as other bird species unique to the area. You also enjoy breathtaking panoramic views that make this park one of the most spectacular in Africa. In the late afternoon, you arrive at Sankaber Campsite, where your staff sets up the tents. Dinner is served at the campsite, and you spend the night in tents surrounded by the quiet and fresh mountain air. Overnight at Sankaber campsite.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 13
Sankaber – Waterfalls – Imet Gogo – Chenek
Sankaber – Waterfalls – Imet Gogo – Chenek
After breakfast at the campsite, you start trekking from Sankaber toward Imet Gogo, following one of the most scenic routes in the park. The trail passes through high-altitude landscapes, open grasslands, and dramatic cliff edges. Along the way, you visit a beautiful waterfall, adding to the natural highlights of the day.
As you continue walking, you reach Imet Gogo, one of the most famous viewpoints in the Simien Mountains. From here, you enjoy spectacular views over endless valleys, sharp escarpments, and distant mountain peaks. This viewpoint is considered one of the best photo spots in the park.
After enjoying the views, the trek continues toward Chenek Campsite. Upon arrival, tents are set up and you have time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Dinner is served at the campsite, and you spend the night in tents in the heart of the national park. Overnight at Chenek campsite.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 14
Chenek – Simien Mountains – Gondar – Addis Ababa
Chenek – Simien Mountains – Gondar – Addis Ababa
In the morning, after breakfast, you take a short walk around the Chenek campsite, which is one of the best areas in the park to spot wildlife. You may see endemic antelopes such as the Walia ibex, as well as Gelada baboons and other mountain wildlife in their natural habitat.
Later, your vehicle picks you up from the campsite, and you drive back toward Gondar, enjoying final views of the Simien Mountains along the way. Upon arrival in Gondar, you are transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa, marking the end of the trip.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
