Essence Ethiopia Tours

5.0/5 – 78 Reviews

$3,025 pp (USD)

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Start Date
Age at the end of the tour
*This tour does not accept children under 5.
Travelers

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

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

Day 1

Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour

Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, begin exploring Ethiopia’s vibrant capital.
Visit the Ethnological Museum, offering a fascinating introduction to Ethiopia’s cultures and history.
Explore Mercato, one of Africa’s largest markets, before heading up Entoto Hill for panoramic city views.
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)

Day 2

Fly to Lalibela – Rock-Hewn Churches

Fly to Lalibela – Rock-Hewn Churches

Fly to Lalibela Rock Hewn Churches
Fly to Lalibela Ethiopia spiritual heart.
Explore the first cluster of churches including Bete Medhane Alem and Bete Maryam.
Walk through ancient tunnels connecting the churches and experience their sacred atmosphere.
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)

Day 3

Trek to Asheton Maryam Monastery – Second Group Churches

Trek to Asheton Maryam Monastery – Second Group Churches

Trek or ride mules up to Asheton Maryam Monastery, perched high above Lalibela with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Return to town and explore the second cluster, including the iconic Bete Giyorgis, one of the most photographed churches in Africa.
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)

Day 4

Fly to Gondar – Royal Heritage

Fly to Gondar – Royal Heritage

Fly to Gondar – Royal Heritage
At the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to airport. Fly to Gondar and explore the UNESCO-listed Fasil Ghebbi, a complex of medieval castles.
Continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its ceiling of painted angels.
Overnight: Gondar.

Main Destination:
Gondar (City)
Accommodation:
Haile Resort Gondar
  • Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

DayTrip to Simien Mountains

DayTrip to Simien Mountains

Day Trip to Simien Mountains
At the morning after breakfast, Drive to the Simien Mountains National Park. Enjoy a scenic walk with breathtaking views of cliffs and valleys.
Spot endemic wildlife such as the Gelada baboon and Walia ibex.
Return to Gondar.
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

Accommodation:
Haile Resort Gondar
  • Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Drive to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries

Drive to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries

Drive to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries
Drive through scenic landscapes to Bahir Dar.
Take a trip on Lake Tana to visit monasteries such as Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery and Azwa Maryam Monastery. Witness the source of the Blue Nile.
Overnight: Bahir Dar.

Main Destination:
Bahir Dar (City)
Accommodation:
Lake Avenue Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Visit Blue Nile Falls – Fly to Addis Ababa

Visit Blue Nile Falls – Fly to Addis Ababa

Visit Blue Nile Falls – Fly to Addis Ababa
At the morning, after breakfast, Visit the dramatic Blue Nile Falls, locally known as “Smoking Water.” Walk for almost 20 minutes until the waterfall. Later, drive back to Bahir dar and transfer to airport to fly back to Addis Ababa.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:
Blue Nile Falls (Highlight)
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)

Day 8

Fly to Axum – Ancient Kingdom

Fly to Axum – Ancient Kingdom

Fly to Axum – Ancient Kingdom
At the morning, after breakfast, Fly from Addis Ababa to Axum, one of Africa’s oldest civilizations.
Visit the Axum Stelae Field, the Church of St. Mary of Zion, and the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace.
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)

Day 9

Drive to Mekelle

Drive to Mekelle

At the morning, after breakfast, Drive from Axum to Mekelle through dramatic Tigray landscapes, passing mountains, traditional villages, and scenic viewpoints.
This is a long but rewarding journey showcasing northern Ethiopia’s rugged beauty.
Overnight: Mekelle.

Main Destination:
Mekele (City)
Accommodation:
Homeland Hotel Mekelle
  • Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10

Drive to Danakil Depression

Drive to Danakil Depression

Begin your expedition into the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth.
Drive across lava fields and desert landscapes toward the Afar region. Experience a remote and otherworldly environment.
Overnight: Camping (basic conditions).

Main Destination:
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Accommodation:
Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 11

Explore Dallol & Erta Ale

Explore Dallol & Erta Ale

Visit Dallol, famous for its colorful mineral formations, salt deposits, and geothermal activity—one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth.
Later, travel to Erta Ale, one of the few active lava lakes in the world. Trek to the crater at sunset and witness the glowing lava.
Overnight: Camping near Erta Ale.

Main Destination:
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Accommodation:
Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 12

Visit Salt Flats – Drive to Semera – Fly to Addis Ababa

Visit Salt Flats – Drive to Semera – Fly to Addis Ababa

Visit Salt Flats – Drive to Semera – Fly to Addis Ababa
Visit the vast salt flats where Afar workers extract salt using traditional methods. Observe camel caravans transporting salt across the desert. Drive to Semera for your flight back to 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)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

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

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  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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Your request will be sent directly to the operator

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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Essence Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Essence Ethiopia Tours.