8-Day Simien Mountains Gondar & Lake Tana Adventure

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

Arrival Addis Ababa – Gondar, Gateway to the Highlands

Arrive in Addis Ababa and take a domestic flight to Gondar, the historic imperial city in northern Ethiopia. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax after your journey. If time permits, take a short stroll around the city to get acquainted with its vibrant streets and local atmosphere. Overnight 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 – Royal Enclosure & Historical Sites

After breakfast, explore Gondar’s UNESCO-listed Royal Enclosure, home to medieval castles and palaces built by Ethiopian emperors. Visit Fasilides’ Bath, where the Timkat (Epiphany) festival is celebrated, and Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its beautifully painted ceilings. Learn about the city’s rich history, architecture, and royal heritage. Enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight 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 – Simien Mountains National Park

After breakfast, drive to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic landscapes, deep valleys, and jagged peaks. Enjoy short hikes to viewpoints and spot endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and Ethiopian wolves. Take in the breathtaking scenery of cliffs and plateaus, and experience the highland culture of nearby villages. Overnight at a 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 – Trekking Adventure

Spend a full day trekking through the dramatic landscapes of Simien Mountains National Park. Follow trails along jagged cliffs, deep valleys, and high plateaus while spotting endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and Ethiopian wolves. Stop for scenic breaks and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by breathtaking vistas. Visit local villages along the way to experience traditional highland life. Return to your lodge in the evening to relax after a rewarding day of trekking.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Simien Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Simien Mountains – Bahir Dar

After breakfast, depart the Simien Mountains and drive to Bahir Dar, a scenic city on the shores of Lake Tana. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the Ethiopian highlands and visit traditional villages. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the lakeshore or explore the town at leisure. Overnight.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Lake Avenue Hotel

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

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Falls

After breakfast, take a boat trip on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, to visit its historic island monasteries such as Ura Kidane Mihret, known for its colorful murals and ancient manuscripts. In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Nile Falls, locally called “Tis Issat” or the “Smoking Water,” and enjoy a short hike to admire the cascading waters. Return to Bahir Dar for a relaxing evening by the lake. Overnight Lake Avenue Hotel.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Lake Avenue Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Bahir Dar – Addis Ababa

After breakfast, take a morning flight from Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a restful afternoon to relax and recharge after your journey. In the evening, you may explore the city at leisure or enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner. 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 – City Tour & End of Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day city tour of Addis Ababa. Visit highlights such as the National Museum, home of Lucy the famous hominid fossil, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Entoto Hill for panoramic views of the city. Explore Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, to experience the vibrant local culture. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your departure, concluding your 8-day Northern Ethiopia adventure.

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.