11-Day Northern Ethiopia Churches, Mountains & Volcanoes

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

Flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela & Rock-Hewn Churches Tour

Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and receive a warm welcome before connecting to your domestic flight to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy time to relax after the journey. Lalibela sits high in the mountains and offers a calm, sacred atmosphere that sets the tone for the days ahead.

In the afternoon, begin exploring the first group of Lalibela’s world-famous rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved entirely from solid volcanic rock in the 12th century. Visit Bete Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world, along with Bete Mariam, Bete Meskel, and Bete Denagel. These active places of worship offer a powerful introduction to Ethiopia’s living religious traditions and ancient history.

Accommodation: Hotel in Lalibela.

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 Full-Day Rock-Hewn Churches & Cultural Exploration

After breakfast, continue your in-depth exploration of Lalibela with visits to the second group of rock-hewn churches, an extraordinary network of sanctuaries linked by tunnels, trenches, and symbolic pathways representing ancient Jerusalem. Highlights include Bete Gabriel-Rufael with its fortress-like design, Bete Abba Libanos uniquely carved and partially detached from the rock, the architecturally refined Bete Amanuel, and Bete Mercurios, known for its historic religious significance.

In the afternoon, walk to the iconic Bete Giyorgis (St. George’s Church), the most famous church in Lalibela, carved in the shape of a perfect cross and set apart from the others. Conclude the day with an optional cultural walk through the village, offering insight into daily life and local traditions before returning to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Hill Top Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Flight from Lalibela to Gondar & Imperial City Tour

After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela airport for your morning flight to Gondar, once the imperial capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, begin a guided city tour of Gondar, often referred to as the “Camelot of Africa,” a city renowned for its royal history and well-preserved medieval architecture.

Visit the UNESCO-listed Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure), home to impressive stone castles built by Ethiopian emperors in the 17th century. Continue to Fasilides’ Bath, famously used during the colorful Timket (Epiphany) celebrations, and conclude at Debre Berhan Selassie Church, admired for its remarkable ceiling of painted angel faces. An optional evening visit to a cultural music house is available for those interested.

Accommodation: Hotel in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Gondar Hills Resort

• Mid-range resort located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gondar to Simien Mountains with Scenic Trek at Sankaber

After breakfast, depart Gondar and drive north to Debark, the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park. Here, park formalities are completed and you meet the local scout and trekking team. Continue by vehicle to the park viewpoint, where dramatic escarpments and sweeping highland views introduce you to one of Africa’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Begin a scenic trek around the Sankaber area, walking along the edge of deep valleys and rugged cliffs. The route offers excellent chances to observe large troops of endemic Gelada monkeys, soaring birds of prey, and unique highland flora. The afternoon walk is unhurried and designed to help you acclimatize while enjoying the raw beauty of the Simien Mountains.

Accommodation: Camping at Sankaber (Simien Mountains National Park).

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
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Trekking in Simien Mountains from Sankaber to Jinbar Waterfall and Chenek

After an early breakfast, continue your trek in the Simien Mountains toward the spectacular Jinbar Waterfall, where water plunges dramatically into a deep canyon. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and the unique highland scenery. This is also an excellent opportunity to spot endemic wildlife, including Gelada monkeys and the rare Walia ibex.

After the trek, drive to Chenek, one of the highest accessible points in the park. Take short hikes around 3,900 meters or drive to viewpoints at 4,200 meters for breathtaking vistas. In the afternoon, return to Debark by vehicle and relax after a day filled with adventure and nature.

Accommodation: Hotel in Debark.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Ras Dejen Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Debark to Axum with Scenic Drive Across the Simien Mountains and Axum Sightseeing

After breakfast, enjoy one of northern Ethiopia’s most scenic drives as you travel from Debark to Axum, crossing the lowland areas of the Simien Mountains. Along the way, marvel at towering peaks, deep valleys, rural villages, and changing ecosystems, experiencing the dramatic landscapes that make this region so unique.

Arrive in Axum in the afternoon and begin your sightseeing tour of this ancient city. Visit the Axum Stelae Park to see the giant granite obelisks of the Axumite civilization, explore the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace, and visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.

Accommodation: Hotel in Axum.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Brana Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Axum to Hawzen with Tigray Rock-Hewn Churches Exploration

After breakfast, continue your exploration of Axum if needed, then drive to the Hawzen and Geralta region, famous for its spectacular rock-hewn churches perched atop sandstone cliffs. This area combines history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, offering a unique glimpse into Ethiopia’s Christian heritage.

The highlight of the day is visiting Abune Yemata Guh Church, accessed by a short but adventurous climb. Here, you can admire incredible ancient wall paintings dating back over 1,000 years while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. In the evening, relax and unwind in Hawzen.

Accommodation: Vision Hotel, Hawzen.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Hawzen to Danakil Depression with Mekele Stop and Lake Asale Sunset

After breakfast, drive for about two hours to Mekele, where you can stop for tea, coffee, and any additional supplies for the journey ahead. From Mekele, continue by 4x4 vehicles toward the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth, traveling through Berhale to reach Hamed Ela.

In the afternoon, visit the stunning Lake Asale salt flats, where the Afar people continue traditional salt harvesting. Enjoy the magical reflections of the sunset over the vast salt plains, accompanied by Ethiopian wine, before settling in for an unforgettable night camping under the stars at Hamed Ela.

Accommodation: Camping at Hamed Ela.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Dallol and Erta Ale Volcano Adventure

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over Lake Asale, followed by breakfast in the desert. Continue your journey to Dallol, one of the most colorful and otherworldly landscapes on Earth. Explore its surreal terrain, including vibrant sulfur springs, acidic pools in yellow, green, and orange hues, salt formations, and bubbling gas vents, capturing the true extremity of the Danakil Depression.

In the afternoon, drive toward Erta Ale Volcano and trek to the crater rim to witness the rare permanent lava lake, an unforgettable natural spectacle. Spend the night camping near the volcano, surrounded by the raw power and dramatic landscapes of this extraordinary region.

Accommodation: Camping at Erta Ale.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Erta Ale to Semera or Mekele with Flight to Addis Ababa

Start the day with an optional early morning visit to Erta Ale’s crater to see the glowing lava at sunrise. After breakfast, drive through the striking landscapes of the Danakil Depression via Lake Afdera, with a chance to swim in the salty lake and enjoy the unique desert scenery.

Continue by road to Semera or Mekele to catch your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax after an intense journey through Ethiopia’s most extreme and unforgettable landscapes.

Accommodation: Hotel in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Full-Day Addis Ababa City Tour and Farewell Dinner

Spend your final day exploring Ethiopia’s vibrant capital, Addis Ababa. Begin with a visit to the National Museum to see Lucy, the 3.2-million-year-old fossil that offers a glimpse into the origins of humankind. Continue to Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, and Unity Park, a modern heritage and palace complex. Take time to shop for souvenirs and sample Ethiopia’s famous coffee along the way.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with live music and cultural dances, celebrating the end of an unforgettable journey through Ethiopia’s history, culture, mountains, and volcanic landscapes.

Accommodation: Hotel in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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