$1,870 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional team and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time and energy level, you may begin exploring Ethiopia’s vibrant capital city. Optional visits include the National Museum (home of the famous fossil Lucy), Holy Trinity Cathedral, or a short city drive to experience daily life and local markets.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Sun View Addis Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Fly to Gondar | Historical City Tour
Fly to Gondar | Historical City Tour
After breakfast, take a domestic flight to Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, begin your guided city tour with a visit to the Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring well-preserved castles built by 17th-century emperors. Continue to the stunning Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its iconic ceiling of angel faces and vibrant biblical murals.
Overnight: Gondar.
Day 3
Visit Simien Mountains
Visit Simien Mountains
Today, drive north to the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s most dramatic highland landscapes and a unesco World Heritage Site. Enjoy a scenic day trip with short walks along panoramic escarpments, offering views of deep valleys and jagged peaks. You may encounter endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons and various bird species. In the late afternoon, return to Gondar for relaxation.
Overnight: Gondar.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- HaZ Hotel
Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Fly to Lalibela | Rock-Hewn Churches
Fly to Lalibela | Rock-Hewn Churches
Fly to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart and a major pilgrimage center. Upon arrival, begin exploring the remarkable rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved entirely out of solid rock in the 12th century. Visit the first cluster of churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and Bet Golgotha, each showcasing extraordinary engineering and religious significance.
Overnight: Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Tabor Hotel Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Asheton Maryam Trek & Remaining Churches
Asheton Maryam Trek & Remaining Churches
This morning, trek or drive up to Asheton Maryam Monastery, located high in the mountains above Lalibela, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Afterward, continue exploring the remaining rock-hewn churches, including the iconic Bet Giyorgis (St. George’s Church), considered the finest example of rock architecture in Ethiopia.
Overnight: Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Tabor Hotel Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Drive to Semera
Drive to Semera
Depart Lalibela and drive eastward through changing landscapes toward Semera, the capital of the Afar Region. The journey provides insight into Ethiopia’s diverse geography, transitioning from highlands to arid lowlands. Arrival in Semera in the evening for rest and preparation for the Danakil expedition.
Overnight: Semera.
- Main Destination:
- Semera (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Dini Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Drive to Danakil Depression
Drive to Danakil Depression
Begin your adventure into the otherworldly Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. Drive across vast desert plains and volcanic terrain to reach the Danakil area. Experience the unique environment and enjoy a memorable night camping under the stars in the desert.
Overnight: Camping.
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Explore Dallol & Erta Ale
Explore Dallol & Erta Ale
Early morning exploration of Dallol, famous for its surreal, colorful sulfur formations, salt pillars, and acidic pools. Continue to Erta Ale Volcano, home to one of the world’s few permanent lava lakes (conditions permitting). This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of Earth’s most extreme landscapes.
Overnight: Camping.
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Salt Mountains & Drive to Mekelle
Salt Mountains & Drive to Mekelle
Salt Mountains & Drive to Mekelle
Visit the vast salt flats and salt mountains, where Afar people still extract salt using traditional methods. Observe camel caravans transporting salt slabs across the desert, a practice unchanged for centuries. Later, drive to Mekelle, the capital of Tigray Region.
Overnight: Mekelle.
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Homeland Hotel Mekelle
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Drive to Mekelle | Fly Back to Addis Ababa
Drive to Mekelle | Fly Back to Addis Ababa
Travel to Hawzen to visit the extraordinary Abune Yemata Guh Church, dramatically perched on a sheer cliff. Reaching the church involves a short but adventurous climb, rewarded by breathtaking views and ancient frescoes dating back centuries. After the visit, return to Hawzen for rest.
Overnight: Hawzen.
- Main Destination:
- Hawzen (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Vision Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Drive to Mekelle | Fly Back to Addis Ababa
Drive to Mekelle | Fly Back to Addis Ababa
Drive to Mekelle | Fly Back to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, drive back to Mekelle and catch your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your international departure or to your hotel if extending your stay.
End of the Trip.
- Main Destination:
- No major destination visited
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
