14-Day Northern Ethiopia Mountains, Desert & Heritage

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

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

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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

• Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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

• Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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

• Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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

• Mid-range lodge located in Tigray

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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

• Budget hotel located in Mekele (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mekelle to Semera & Ertale Volcano

Drive from Mekelle Ertale Volcano. Arrive at the campsite and hike to the volcano rim to observe glowing lava flows, volcanic formations, and dramatic landscapes. Witness one of the most active lava lakes in the world and enjoy a surreal sunset over the Danakil Depression. Overnight in the desert campsite.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Ahmed Ela Camp

• Budget bush camp located In

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Danakil Hamedela & Salt Lake Sunset

Drive to Hamedela, a remote area in the Danakil Depression. After lunch, visit the nearby salt lake for sunset, observing Afar salt miners and the unique desert landscape. Photograph colorful mineral deposits, salt formations, and desert vistas. Return to the Ahmed Ela campsite for overnight stay, experiencing one of the planet’s most extreme environments.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Ahmed Ela Camp

• Budget bush camp located In

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Danakil Dallol Geothermal Area & Salt Flats

Explore the Dallol geothermal area, with its otherworldly sulfur springs, acid pools, and vibrant mineral deposits. Visit traditional salt flats and witness local Afar miners at work, learning about ancient salt extraction methods. Capture stunning landscapes and unique geological formations. Return to Ahmed Ela Campsite for overnight.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Ahmed Ela Camp

• Budget bush camp located In

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive from Dallol to Mekele Fly Addis

Fly from Mekele to Addis Ababa and connect to your flight to Gondar. Upon arrival, explore the city’s historic treasures, including the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), ancient churches, and medieval architecture. Discover the legacy of Ethiopian emperors and the city’s rich royal history. Overnight stay in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park

Drive into Simien Mountains National Park and embark on a scenic hike, observing breathtaking escarpments, valleys, and endemic wildlife such as gelada baboons and ibex. Visit local villages, interact with the community, and learn about highland life. Enjoy panoramic views of Ethiopia’s dramatic landscapes. Overnight Simien Lodge.

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:

Simien Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Simien Mountains Hike & Photography

Spend a full day hiking in the Simien Mountains, exploring remote trails and photographing dramatic cliffs and endemic wildlife. Observe traditional farming practices and rural highland villages. Learn about the ecological importance of the park and conservation efforts.
Overnight Simien Lodge.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Ras Dejen Hotel

• Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gondar to Addis Ababa & Departure

Fly from Gondar to Addis Ababa. Depending on your schedule, enjoy a short city tour or last-minute shopping at local markets. Transfer to the airport for your international flight, concluding a comprehensive 14-day journey through mountains, deserts, historic sites, and UNESCO heritage areas in northern Ethiopia.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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