20-Day Exploring Culture, History and Heritage of Eth

• 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 team and transferred to your hotel. Begin your Ethiopian journey with visits to the National Museum, home of the famous hominid “Lucy,” and the Holy Trinity Cathedral. End the day with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, offering insight into local culture and hospitality.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Jano Hotel

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Addis Ababa - Semera - Erta Ale Volcano

After an early morning flight from Addis Ababa to Semera, meet your Afar guide and security escort. Travel by 4×4 through the arid Afar landscape toward Erta Ale, one of the world’s few permanently active lava lakes.
Arrive at base camp in the late afternoon. After dinner, hike to the summit of Erta Ale volcano to observe glowing lava bubbling inside the crater under the night sky.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Erta Ale Volcano Exploration

Erta Ale Volcano Exploration
Early in the morning, hike up Erta Ale Volcano, one of the few active lava lakes on Earth. Witness glowing molten lava bubbling inside the crater, a truly unforgettable natural spectacle. Spend the afternoon resting and enjoying the silence of the desert. Overnight camping near Hamedela or Haba valley will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Main Destination:

Hamad Ela (Village)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Dallol - Mekele

Travel to the otherworldly Dalol Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. Explore colorful sulfur fields, salt formations, and the surreal landscapes of Lake Assale. After this extraordinary visit, continue driving to Mekele, the capital of Tigray, where you can relax after an intense adventure day.

Main Destination:

Mekele (City)

Accommodation:

Axum Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Mekele - Axum

Mekele - Axum ( Flight / drive) after arrive in Axum we will transfer to Axum either by scenic drive or domestic flight. Axum is one of Ethiopia’s most important ancient cities and a former capital of the Axumite Empire. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening preparing for historical exploration in this sacred and legendary town.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Yeha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Axum City sightseesing

Explore the rich heritage of Axum, including the UNESCO-listed Stelae Park with its towering obelisks. Visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant, and discover the ruins of Queen of Sheba’s palace. This day reveals Ethiopia’s deep ancient and religious history.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Sabean International Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Axum - Debark

Depart Axum in the morning and travel to Gondar, either by domestic flight or overland drive through the dramatic highlands of northern Ethiopia. Upon arrival in Gondar, continue by road to Debark, the gateway town to Simien Mountains National Park. The drive offers scenic views of farmland, plateaus, and rural villages.
Arrive in Debark in the afternoon, complete park formalities, meet local guides and scouts, and relax at your lodge. Overnight in Debark, preparing for the mountain adventure ahead.
Overnight: Debark.

Main Destination:

Debark (Town)

Accommodation:

Ras Dejen Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Debark (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Debark - Simien Mountains sancaber campsite

After breakfast, drive from Debark into Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter the park and begin a gentle introductory hike around the Sankaber area. Walk along breathtaking escarpments with wide views across deep valleys and jagged cliffs.
This first hike is ideal for acclimatization and offers excellent opportunities to see Gelada baboons, soaring birds of prey, and endemic flora. Enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere as the sun sets over the escarpments.
Overnight: Simien Mountains Sankaber campsite.

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)

Sancaber - Geech / chennek

Spend a full day trekking deeper into the Simien Mountains. Hike through Afro-alpine landscapes, passing open grasslands, dramatic ridges, and sheer drops into vast gorges. Along the way, encounter Gelada baboons, rock hyraxes, and possibly Walia ibex.
The trail offers some of the most iconic views in Ethiopia, with endless horizons and raw mountain beauty. Arrive at your camp or lodge in the afternoon and enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by nature.
Overnight: Simien Mountains (Geech or Chenek ).

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Simien Mountain Trekking

Today is dedicated to exploring the high-altitude heart of the Simien Mountains. Trek in the Chenek area, known for wildlife sightings and dramatic scenery. With luck, spot the rare Ethiopian wolf and close-up views of Walia ibex on steep cliffs.
Enjoy panoramic viewpoints overlooking deep valleys and sharp escarpments, considered among Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. This day is the highlight for trekking lovers and photographers alike.
Overnight: Simien Mountains (Chenek).

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Simien Mountain - Gondar

Enjoy a final morning walk in the Simien Mountains, soaking in the crisp mountain air and last views of the dramatic highlands. After breakfast, drive back through Debark and continue to Gondar.
Arrive in Gondar in the afternoon, check into your hotel, and enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure—perfect for resting after several rewarding days of trekking.
Overnight: Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gondar - Bahirdar

Gondar → Bahir Dar
Drive to Bahir Dar, a pleasant lakeside city on the shores of Lake Tana. The journey takes approximately four hours through scenic countryside. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing sunset walk along Lake Tana, known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful reflections.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls

Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient island monasteries, known for their religious art and history. Later, drive to the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat), one of Ethiopia’s most impressive waterfalls, especially powerful during the rainy season. Return to Bahir Dar for overnight.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Blue Nile Resort Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Bahirdar - Lalibela

Fly to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart. In the afternoon, begin exploring the first group of the famous rock-hewn churches, carved entirely from solid rock in the 12th century. These UNESCO-listed churches are among the world’s most extraordinary religious monuments.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Hill Top Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lalibela Churches & Village Walk

Continue exploring the second group of Lalibela churches, including the iconic Bete Giyorgis, shaped like a perfect cross. Enjoy a guided village walk to experience daily life, traditional houses, and local interactions, providing cultural depth beyond the historical monuments.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Hill Top Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lalibela - Addis Ababa

Lalibela → Addis Ababa (Flight)
Fly back to Addis Ababa in the morning. Spend the afternoon at leisure for shopping, relaxation, or optional sightseeing. This is also a good time to prepare for the southern Ethiopia portion of the journey. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Jano Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Addis Ababa - Arbaminch

– Addis Ababa → Arba Minch (Flight)
Take a flight to Arba Minch, located in southern Ethiopia near the Great Rift Valley lakes. After arrival, enjoy a relaxed afternoon to rest or explore the town. The warm climate and lush surroundings offer a contrast to northern Ethiopia’s highlands.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

• Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lake chamo - Dorze Village

Lake Chamo & Dorze Village
Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo, famous for its large crocodiles, hippos, and diverse birdlife. Later, visit the Dorze people, known for their unique beehive-shaped houses and traditional weaving techniques. This day highlights southern Ethiopia’s cultural and natural diversity.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

• Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Arbaminch - Addis Ababa

Arba Minch → Addis Ababa
Return to Addis Ababa by flight or overland drive, enjoying views of the Rift Valley along the way. In the evening, celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell cultural dinner featuring Ethiopian cuisine, music, and dance. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Departure

After breakfast, or dinner farewell party we will transfer you to Bole International Airport for your international departure. Say goodbye to Ethiopia with unforgettable memories of ancient history, dramatic landscapes, vibrant cultures, and warm hospitality. End of tour.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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