15-Day Ethiopia Safari, Culture and Historic 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, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, explore Addis Ababa, visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, or enjoy panoramic city views from Mount Entoto. In the evening, experience Ethiopian hospitality and enjoy a traditional dinner while learning about the country's culture and your upcoming adventure.
Overnight: Hotel Lobelia, Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Hotel Lobelia

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

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly to Bahir Dar and Explore Lake Tana

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Bahir Dar. Upon arrival, explore the beautiful lakeside city and visit Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake. Depending on your schedule, enjoy a boat excursion to historic island monasteries, where you can discover religious paintings, ancient manuscripts, and centuries-old Ethiopian Christian traditions.
Overnight: Jacaranda Hotel, Bahir Dar.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

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

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Blue Nile Falls and Bahir Dar

Today’s adventure takes you deep into one of the most extraordinary geological regions on Earth — the Danakil Depression. Fly across endless volcanic terrain and colorful mineral fields before landing near the surreal hydrothermal landscapes of Dallol. Witness vivid sulfur springs, salt formations, and otherworldly colors that create one of the planet’s most unique natural environments. Continue toward Erta Ale, Ethiopia’s active volcano, where glowing lava fields and dramatic volcanic scenery reveal the raw power of nature. Your private helicopter allows you to access these remote locations safely and comfortably while avoiding the harsh overland journey. After an unforgettable day exploring Africa’s geological wonderland, return to the peaceful surroundings of Gheralta for overnight relaxation.

Main Destination:

Blue Nile Falls (Highlight)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Gondar and Discover Royal History

Travel by road from Bahir Dar to Gondar, a historic city known for its impressive royal architecture. Upon arrival, visit the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its medieval castles and palace buildings. Continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its painted ceiling and religious artwork, before enjoying the evening in Gondar.
Overnight: Goha Hotel, Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park

After breakfast, travel toward Simien Mountains National Park, famous for its dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, and spectacular highland scenery. Enjoy a guided walk and stop at scenic viewpoints to photograph the landscape. Look for gelada baboons and highland bird species while learning about the park's unique ecosystem and conservation importance. Activities depend on road conditions and arrival time.
Overnight: Limalimo Lodge, 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

Activities:

• Morning nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Limalimo Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Simien Mountains NP

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Wildlife and Hiking in the Simien Mountains

Spend the day exploring Simien Mountains National Park with your local guide. Enjoy mountain trails, panoramic viewpoints, and opportunities to observe gelada baboons in their natural habitat. The park's rugged peaks and dramatic cliffs provide excellent photography opportunities. Your guide will adapt the walking route to your fitness level, available time, and local conditions while helping you discover the region's remarkable wildlife.
Overnight: Limalimo Lodge, Simien Mountains.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Activities:

• Morning nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Limalimo Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Travel from Gondar to Lalibela

This morning, journey eastward to the legendary sacred town of Lalibela, one of Africa’s greatest religious and architectural wonders. From the air, admire dramatic mountain landscapes before landing near the famous rock-hewn churches carved directly into solid volcanic rock during the 12th century. Begin your guided exploration with visits to several churches connected through tunnels, hidden passages, and ceremonial courtyards. These UNESCO-listed monuments remain active places of worship and continue to attract pilgrims from across Ethiopia and beyond. The spiritual atmosphere, combined with extraordinary engineering achievements, creates an unforgettable cultural experience. Spend the evening at a Hill Top lodge overlooking the mountains and valleys surrounding Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Hill Top Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Exploring Lalibela Rock Hewn Churches

Dedicate another day to discovering the spiritual and historical treasures of Lalibela. Visit lesser-known churches and sacred sites while learning about the legends surrounding King Lalibela and the creation of Ethiopia’s “New Jerusalem.” Meet local priests dressed in traditional white robes who safeguard ancient manuscripts, crosses, and religious traditions passed down through centuries. Depending on the season, witness vibrant Orthodox ceremonies filled with chanting, incense, and colorful processions. Beyond the churches, explore local markets and traditional village life that preserve Ethiopia’s deep cultural heritage. Enjoy a scenic sunset overlooking the rugged highlands before returning to your Mid-range accommodation for another relaxing evening in one of Africa’s most sacred destinations.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Hill Top Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly Back to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy time to relax after exploring northern Ethiopia. Depending on your arrival time, visit local markets, discover Ethiopian handicrafts, or enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony. Your guide will also help prepare you for the next stage of your wildlife adventure.
Overnight: Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Ethiopian Skylight Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Travel to Bale Mountains National Park

Depart Addis Ababa and travel toward the Bale Mountains region, arranging road transport or suitable connections according to your confirmed itinerary. Enjoy changing landscapes as the journey passes through rural communities and Ethiopian highlands. On arrival in the Goba area, settle into your accommodation and prepare for exploring one of Ethiopia's most important wildlife destinations, renowned for endemic species and Afro-alpine habitats.
Overnight: Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Goba.

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

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

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)

Ethiopian Wolf Safari on the Sanetti Plateau

Explore the spectacular Sanetti Plateau in Bale Mountains National Park, an extraordinary high-altitude landscape known for its Afro-alpine vegetation and endemic wildlife. With your local guide, search for the endangered Ethiopian wolf and observe birds adapted to the mountain environment. Enjoy scenic stops and photography opportunities while learning about the plateau's ecology and the conservation efforts protecting its unique species.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Activities:

• Morning specialized birding (with a professional birding guide)

Accommodation:

Bale Mountain Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Bale Mountains and Harenna Forest

Continue exploring the Bale Mountains region, discovering its contrasting mountain landscapes, forest habitats, and diverse birdlife. Depending on road access and local conditions, visit areas of Harenna Forest or enjoy further wildlife observation around the highlands. Your guide will explain the region's ecology and endemic species while allowing time for photography, short walks, and appreciation of Ethiopia's remarkable natural diversity.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Activities:

• Morning nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Bale Mountain Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Lake Langano

After breakfast, leave the Bale Mountains and travel toward Ethiopia's Great Rift Valley. Enjoy changing scenery, rural settlements, and views of the surrounding highlands during the journey. On arrival at Lake Langano, relax beside the lake and enjoy the peaceful natural setting. Depending on the available time, explore the lakeshore, observe waterbirds, or take photographs of the surrounding landscapes.

Main Destination:

Lake Langano

Activities:

• Morning specialized birding (with a professional birding guide)

Accommodation:

Sabana Beach Resort

• Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano

Meals & Drinks:

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

Awash National Park Wildlife Safari

Travel toward Awash National Park, known for its dry savanna, volcanic landscapes, and wildlife. Enjoy a guided game drive in search of Beisa oryx, gazelles, and other species that inhabit the park. Depending on access and local conditions, visit viewpoints around Awash Falls and explore the surrounding landscape. Your guide will share information about the park's wildlife, ecology, and conservation challenges.
Overnight: Doho Lodge, Afar Region.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Best Time To Visit October to February (Little rain and less hot)

High Season September to April (The park is never busy)

Best Weather October to February

Wildlife in Awash NP

Olive Baboon Abundant

Beisa Oryx Common

Soemmerring's
Gazelle Common

Hamadryas
Baboon Common

Salt's Dik-dik Common

Show more

Lesser Kudu Occasional

Desert Warthog Occasional

Defassa Waterbuck Occasional

Nile Crocodile Occasional

Spotted Hyena Occasional

Guereza Monkey Rare

Ethiopian Wolf None

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Activities:

• Morning game drive (normal 4x4 vehicle)

Accommodation:

Doho Lodge & Hot Springs

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Return to Addis Ababa and Departure

After breakfast, begin the journey back to Addis Ababa, allowing sufficient time for the road transfer and airport check-in. Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy a short city visit or a traditional coffee experience before transferring to Bole International Airport. Your guide will assist with departure arrangements, bringing your Ethiopian wildlife, cultural, and historical journey to an end.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

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.