10-Day Highlands of Ethiopia Simien & Bale Mountains 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, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional team and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you may begin exploring Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. Optional visits include the Ethnological Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, or a drive through the bustling Mercato, Africa’s largest open-air market.

Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Sun View Addis Hotel

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

+10 Photos

+9 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Fly to Gondar – Drive to Simien Mountains

After breakfast, take a scenic domestic flight to Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, drive north into the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic cliffs and deep valleys.

As you enter the park, enjoy your first views of the spectacular escarpments and spot endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons and Walia ibex.

Overnight: Camping (Simien Mountains).

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:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Exploration of Simien Mountains

Spend the entire day exploring the Simien Mountains. This is one of the best areas in Ethiopia to observe endemic species, including Gelada baboons, Ethiopian wolves (with luck), and various bird species.

The day is spent at a relaxed pace to enjoy the scenery, photography, and nature immersion.

Overnight: Camping (Simien Mountains).

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Morning Visit & Drive Back to Gondar

Morning Visit & Drive Back to Gondar

Enjoy a final morning in the Simien Mountains before driving back to Gondar. The drive offers more scenic views of the highlands and rural villages.

Arrive in Gondar in the afternoon and relax at your hotel after the mountain adventure.

Overnight: Gondar.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

AG Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Explore Gondar – Fly Back to Addis Ababa

Explore Gondar – Fly Back to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, explore Gondar’s historical highlights, including the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi) and the beautifully painted Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its angel-covered ceiling.

In the afternoon, fly back to Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Sun View Addis Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Bale Mountains

Drive to Bale Mountains

Depart Addis Ababa early and drive south toward the spectacular Bale Mountains National Park, passing through changing landscapes, farmland, and highland plateaus.

Arrive in the Bale Mountains area in the afternoon and settle into camp, surrounded by pristine Afro-alpine scenery.

Overnight: Camping (Bale Mountains).

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit November to February (Little rain)

High Season October to January (Park is never busy)

Best Weather November to February

Wildlife in Bale Mountains NP

Ethiopian Wolf Common

Mountain Nyala Common

Warthog Common

Menelik's
Bushbuck Occasional

Guereza Monkey Occasional

Show more

Olive Baboon Occasional

Bohor Reedbuck Occasional

Starck's Hare Occasional

Giant Mole-rat Occasional

Bale Monkey Rare

Giant Forest Hog Rare

Golden Jackal Rare

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Sodota

Trek to Sodota

Begin your adventure in the Bale Mountains with a scenic to Sodota. The trail crosses alpine meadows, giant lobelia plants, and open grasslands.

This area is home to unique wildlife and offers stunning views of the Bale massif.

Overnight: Camping (Sodota).

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Trek from Sodota to Wasama

Trek from Sodota to Wasama

Continue trekking deeper into the Bale Mountains, moving from Sodota to Wasama. The route offers varied landscapes, quiet wilderness, and excellent opportunities for birdwatching.

This is a peaceful and immersive trekking day, ideal for nature lovers.

Overnight: Camping (Wasama).

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Back to Addis Ababa

Drive Back to Addis Ababa

At the morning after breakfast, Enjoy a final morning before descending from the highlands. Enjoy the views of the beautiful landscape. After the hike, drive to the town of Bale Goba, where you can relax after the multi-day experience.

Overnight: Bale Goba.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Back to Addis Ababa

Drive Back to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, start driving back to Addis Ababa, passing scenic countryside along the way. You can stop at the view points and have your lunch in the local restaurants. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel or onward departure arrangements.

Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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