12-Day Northern Ethiopia Tour Including Danakil & Axum

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa |City Tour

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel. After a short refreshment break, begin a guided city tour of Addis Ababa, the political capital of Africa.
Visit the National Museum, home to the famous early human fossil Lucy, followed by the Ethnological Museum, offering insight into Ethiopia’s diverse cultures and traditions. And experience the vibrant atmosphere of Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market.
End the day with panoramic views from Entoto Hills and enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Sun View Addis Hotel

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

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+9 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly to Lalibela | Rock-Hewn Churches

After breakfast, fly to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s most sacred destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, begin exploring the first group of rock-hewn churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and Bet Golgotha, all carved directly from solid volcanic rock in the 12th century.
These churches are still active places of worship, offering a deep spiritual and historical experience. In the afternoon, enjoy time to explore the local village or attend an evening church ceremony.
Overnight: Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Tabor Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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+10 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Trek to Asheton Maryam & Second Group of Lalibela Churches

This morning, trek or drive up to Asheton Maryam Monastery, perched high above Lalibela with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The monastery is one of the highest rock-hewn churches in the region and offers insight into monastic life.
Later, explore the second group of Lalibela churches, connected by tunnels and trenches, culminating at the iconic Bet Giyorgis (Church of St. George), carved in the shape of a perfect cross. The day blends spiritual heritage, light adventure, and breathtaking scenery.
Overnight: Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Tabor Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly to Gondar | Royal Castles & Painted Church

Fly to Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia. Begin your visit at the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 17th-century castles, palaces, and banqueting halls built by Emperor Fasilides and his successors.
Continue to Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its beautifully preserved wall paintings and ceiling decorated with angelic faces—one of the finest examples of Ethiopian religious art.
Overnight: Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

AG Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

DayTrip to Simien Mountains National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a day trip to the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic escarpments and unique wildlife.
Take scenic walks along the highland plateaus with opportunities to spot endemic species such as Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and a variety of birdlife. Enjoy breathtaking views over deep valleys and jagged peaks before returning to Gondar in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Gondar.

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:

AG Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly Back to Addis Ababa

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon for relaxation, shopping, or optional cultural activities.
In the evening, you may enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional music and dance.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Sun View Addis Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly to Semera | Enter the Danakil Depression

Early morning flight to Semera, the gateway to the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. From Semera, drive into the Afar region, accompanied by experienced guides and local support.
Travel across lava fields and desert landscapes before setting up camp in the Danakil. Enjoy dinner under the stars in this extraordinary and remote environment.
Overnight: Camping.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Dallol & Erta Ale Volcano

Explore the surreal geothermal landscape of Dallol, famous for its colorful sulfur springs, salt formations, and acidic pools—one of the most otherworldly places on the planet.
Later, journey toward Erta Ale Volcano, one of the few active volcanoes in the world with a permanent lava lake. In the evening or early night, hike to the crater to witness the glowing lava, a truly unforgettable natural phenomenon.
Overnight: Camping.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Salt Mountains & Drive to Mekelle

Visit the salt mountains and observe Afar salt miners extracting salt using traditional methods passed down through generations. Drive across the vast salt flats once used by camel caravans.
Continue your journey toward Mekelle, passing through changing landscapes from desert lowlands to highland terrain. Arrive in Mekelle in the evening for rest and relaxation.
Overnight: Mekelle.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Homeland Hotel Mekelle

• Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City)

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+8 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Gheralta Mountains | Abune Yemata Guh

Drive to the dramatic Gheralta (Hawzen) Mountains, known for their towering sandstone cliffs and ancient rock-hewn churches.
Visit Abune Yemata Guh, one of Ethiopia’s most spectacular churches, perched high on a cliff. The ascent involves light climbing and rewards visitors with stunning views and remarkably preserved 5th-century wall paintings.
After the visit, continue to Hawzen for overnight.
Overnight: Hawzen.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Axum | Ancient Capital of Ethiopia

Drive north to Axum, the ancient capital of the Axumite Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, begin exploring the Stelae Park, home to towering granite obelisks carved nearly 1,700 years ago.
Visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant, and see the ruins of ancient palaces attributed to the Queen of Sheba.
Overnight: Axum.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Sabean International Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Axum | Fly to Addis Ababa – Departure

Continue exploring Axum with visits to additional archaeological sites and museums. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, connecting with your international departure.
End of the trip with unforgettable memories of Ethiopia’s history, landscapes, and living cultures.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

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.