15-Day North, Simien Mountains & Danakil Depression Tour

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia and diplomatic hub of Africa, offers a pleasant climate and cultural diversity. Depending on arrival time, relax at the hotel or enjoy a short orientation drive. Overnight at hotel.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Best Western Plus Pearl Addis

• 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 – Blue Nile Falls & Lake Tana

Take a morning flight to Bahir Dar, a pleasant lakeside town on the shores of Lake Tana. Upon arrival, drive to visit the spectacular Tississat (Blue Nile) Falls, locally known as “Smoking Water,” where the mighty Blue Nile plunges into a deep gorge surrounded by lush vegetation. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat excursion on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake, visiting historic island monasteries famous for their ancient manuscripts, religious art, and tranquil setting. Return to Bahir Dar for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

• 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 – Castles & Churches

Drive through scenic countryside to Gondar, the former imperial capital. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the famous Debre Birhan Selassie Church, known for its angel-painted ceiling. Overnight at hotel.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Gondar Hills Resort

• Mid-range resort located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Simien Mountains – Sankaber

After breakfast, drive to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Sankaber, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of deep valleys and dramatic escarpments. Spot endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons. Overnight at 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 Trek – Sankaber to Chenek

Enjoy a full day trekking in the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park, hiking from Sankaber toward Chenek. The route offers dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, and wide plateaus covered with Afro-alpine vegetation. Along the way, you are likely to see large troops of Gelada baboons, bushbucks, and endemic bird species. The trek provides outstanding panoramic views and close encounters with Ethiopia’s unique highland wildlife. After the hike, return to Sankaber for rest. Overnight at a lodge or camping.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive from Sankaber to Axum

After breakfast, leave the Simien Mountains and drive north toward Axum. The journey descends through the dramatic Tekeze Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in Africa, offering breathtaking scenery and photo opportunities. Continue through changing landscapes and traditional villages as you approach the historic city of Axum. Arrive in the late afternoon or evening and check into your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Consolar Hotel Aksum

• Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Axum – Full-Day Historical Tour

Spend the day exploring Axum, the ancient capital of the Axumite Kingdom and one of Ethiopia’s most important historical sites. Visit the UNESCO-listed Stelae Park, royal tombs, palace ruins, and the Axum Museum. You will also see the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed by Ethiopians to house the Ark of the Covenant. The tour provides deep insight into Ethiopia’s early civilization and religious history. Overnight at hotel.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Consolar Hotel Aksum

• Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Hawzien / Gheralta

After breakfast, drive east toward Hawzien in the Gheralta Mountains region. Enjoy dramatic sandstone cliffs, isolated rock formations, and remote rural villages along the way. This area is famous for its ancient rock-hewn churches built into towering cliffs. The drive itself is scenic and culturally enriching. Arrive in Hawzien or the Gheralta area in the afternoon and relax at your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

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 Rock Churches – Drive to Mekelle

In the morning, visit some of the spectacular Gheralta rock-hewn churches, including the famous Abune Yemata, accessed by a short but rewarding climb. Admire ancient wall paintings and stunning views from the mountaintop. In the afternoon, drive to Mekelle, the capital of Tigray Region. Upon arrival, check in and relax in preparation for the Danakil adventure. 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 – Danakil Depression – Hamed Ela

After breakfast, depart Mekelle in a 4WD vehicle and drive into the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. Visit Lake Assale, float in its extremely salty waters, and observe traditional Afar salt mining. Continue to the surreal landscapes of Dallol, known for colorful sulfur springs and salt formations. Arrive at Hamed Ela base camp in the evening. Overnight camping.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Ahmed Ela Camp

• Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Hamed Ela – Erta Ale Volcano

Leave Hamed Ela in the morning and drive to Dodome village before continuing to the base of Erta Ale Volcano. In the late afternoon, begin the trek to the crater. As night falls, witness the dramatic glowing lava lake, one of the few permanent lava lakes in the world. The experience of watching volcanic activity under the stars is unforgettable. Overnight open-air camping near the crater.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Erta Ale – Lake Afdera – Semera

Wake early to explore the Erta Ale craters at sunrise and observe the active volcano in daylight. After breakfast, descend and drive to Lake Afdera, where you can swim and walk around the surrounding salt pans. In the afternoon, continue driving to Semera, the capital of the Afar Region. Arrive in the evening and check into your hotel for a well-earned rest. Overnight at hotel.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Accommodation:

Ardi Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Semera (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Lalibela

After breakfast, begin the journey from the Afar lowlands back into the Ethiopian highlands toward Lalibela. The drive offers striking contrasts in landscape, climate, and culture, passing through rural villages and mountainous scenery. Arrive in Lalibela in the late afternoon or evening and check into your hotel. Prepare for visits to Ethiopia’s most sacred historical sites. Overnight at hotel.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Mezena Resort & Spa

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Lalibela – First Group of Churches & Excursion

Visit the first group of Lalibela’s remarkable rock-hewn churches, carved entirely from solid rock in the 12th century and still used for worship today. Learn about their spiritual symbolism and architectural mastery. In the afternoon, take a half-day excursion to Yemrehanna Kristos or Na’akuto La’ab Church, located in a scenic mountain setting. Return to Lalibela town. Overnight at hotel.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Mezena Resort & Spa

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Lalibela – Second & Third Groups – Fly to Addis Ababa

In the morning, explore the second and third groups of Lalibela churches, including the iconic Church of St. George, carved in the shape of a perfect cross. After completing the visits, transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, connect with your international flight or evening departure from Bole International Airport, marking the end of the tour.

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.