10-Day Northern Ethiopia & Awash, Harar & Wildlife

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, begin exploring Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. Visit the National Museum, home to the fossil remains of “Lucy,” the Holy Trinity Cathedral with its stunning stained-glass windows, or the colorful Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. In the evening, relax and enjoy a traditional dinner. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Triple-E Hotel and Spa

• 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)

Fly to Bahir Dar & Lake Tana Monasteries

Take a morning flight to Bahir Dar, a serene city on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic boat ride across the lake to visit its ancient island monasteries, including Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam, adorned with colorful religious murals and rich history. In the afternoon, drive to the majestic Blue Nile Falls, known locally as “Tis Issat” or “Smoking Water.” Return to Bahir Dar for an evening by the lakeside. Overnight in Bahir Dar.

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)

Drive to Gondar, the Camelot of Africa

After breakfast, drive through scenic highlands to Gondar, a historic city often called the “Camelot of Africa.” Upon arrival, visit the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring magnificent stone castles and palaces built by Emperor Fasilides and his successors. Continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its beautifully painted ceiling of angelic faces. Stroll through the charming old town before settling in for the night. 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)

Simien Mountains National Park Excursion

After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to the Simien Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Enjoy panoramic views of rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and dramatic escarpments shaped over millions of years. Spot endemic wildlife such as the Gelada baboon, Klipspringer, and various bird species. Take short hikes around Sankaber for unforgettable scenery and photo opportunities. In the late afternoon, return to Gondar for dinner and overnight.

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:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly to Lalibela & Explore Rock-Hewn Churches (Group A)

Take a morning flight to Lalibela, often called the “New Jerusalem” for its extraordinary 12th-century rock-hewn churches. After check-in, begin exploring the first cluster (Group A) of these architectural marvels, including Bet Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world, and Bet Maryam, known for its colorful frescoes and serene atmosphere. Learn about the town’s deep spiritual significance and local traditions. Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Zan-Seyoum Hotel - Lalibela

• Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Lalibela (Group B Churches) & Optional Hike to Asheton Maryam

Continue your exploration of Lalibela with visits to the second cluster (Group B) of rock-hewn churches, including Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Abba Libanos, and Bet Merkorios, each with unique architecture and legends. In the afternoon, take an optional hike or mule ride up to Asheton Maryam Monastery, perched high in the mountains, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and villages. Return to town for a relaxing evening. Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Zan-Seyoum Hotel - Lalibela

• Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, take a morning flight from Lalibela to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the city’s highlights, such as the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, or the bustling Merkato market. Enjoy a leisurely evening and dinner in the capital as you prepare for the next leg of your Northern Ethiopia and Awash adventure. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Triple-E Hotel and Spa

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Awash National Park & Safari

After breakfast in Addis Ababa, drive east toward Awash National Park, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Arrive in the afternoon and embark on a game drive to spot wildlife such as Beisa oryx, kudu, Soemmerring’s gazelle, and a variety of bird species around the Awash River Gorge and waterfalls. Enjoy the park’s unique volcanic scenery and natural beauty. Relax at your lodge in the evening and overnight Awash National Park.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Best Time To Visit October to February (Little rain and less hot)

High Season September to April (The park is never busy)

Best Weather October to February

Wildlife in Awash NP

Olive Baboon Abundant

Beisa Oryx Common

Soemmerring's
Gazelle Common

Hamadryas
Baboon Common

Salt's Dik-dik Common

Show more

Lesser Kudu Occasional

Desert Warthog Occasional

Defassa Waterbuck Occasional

Nile Crocodile Occasional

Spotted Hyena Occasional

Guereza Monkey Rare

Ethiopian Wolf None

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Accommodation:

Awash Falls Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Harar via Dire Dawa

After breakfast, drive to the historic walled city of Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing through Dire Dawa for a lunch stop. Arrive in Harar by the afternoon and begin exploring its vibrant alleys and colorful markets. In the evening, experience the world-famous Hyena Feeding ritual, where locals hand-feed hyenas—a unique cultural tradition that has fascinated visitors for generations. Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight in Harar.

Main Destination:

Harar (Town)

Accommodation:

Harar Ras Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Harar (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Harar & Return to Addis Ababa

Spend the morning exploring the historic alleys of Harar Jugol, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its colorful houses and lively markets. Visit traditional Harari homes, the Arthur Rimbaud Museum, and local shrines to experience the city’s rich culture and history. In the afternoon, transfer to Dire Dawa Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy free time in the city or proceed directly to the airport for your onward departure.

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.