11-Day Gondar, Simien, Lalibela, Danakil and Bale Tour

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

Addis Ababa – Semera – Hamedella

You fly from Addis Ababa to Semera and begin the journey by driving through the dramatic Afar landscapes to the village of Hamedella. Along the way, you will enjoy views of the vast desert scenery and traditional Afar settlements. In the afternoon, you will visit the spectacular salt lakes and witness the unique salt extraction activities of the local communities. You'll have an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Hamedella – Danakil Depression – Erta Ale Volcano

You'll drive deeper into the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most extraordinary places on Earth. You will explore the colorful volcanic landscapes, lava fields, and mineral formations before continuing toward Erta Ale volcano. In the evening, you will hike to the crater rim to experience the glowing lava lake and the unforgettable volcanic scenery. Your overnight stay will be camping.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Erta Ale – Semera – Addis Ababa

After sunrise at Erta Ale, you will drive back through the Afar desert to Semera while enjoying the changing landscapes along the route. You will stop for short breaks and photographs of the dramatic surroundings and local villages. Upon arrival in Semera, you will take the return flight to Addis Ababa for an overnight stay. Your overnight stay will be at Jano Hotel.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Jano Hotel

• 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)

Addis Ababa – Lalibela

You will fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most important historical and spiritual destinations. You will visit the remarkable rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved directly into solid volcanic rock during the 12th century. You will explore the intricate tunnels, hidden passageways, and ancient religious sites while learning about Ethiopia’s rich Orthodox Christian heritage. Your overnight stay will be at Lalibela Lodge.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Lalibela Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Lalibela – Addis Ababa

In the morning, you will visit the lively local market of Lalibela and experience the daily life and culture of the local community. You will enjoy time to interact with local artisans and discover traditional Ethiopian crafts and products. Later, you will transfer to the airport for the flight back to Addis Ababa. Your overnight stay will be at Jano Hotel.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Jano Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Addis Ababa – Gondar

You will fly to Gondar, the former royal capital of Ethiopia, known for its medieval history and architecture. You will visit the famous Gondar castles, including the impressive Royal Enclosure built by Ethiopian emperors in the 17th century. You continue exploring the historical sites and churches while enjoying the unique atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage city. Your overnight at AG Hotel.

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)

Gondar – Simien Mountains

You will drive to the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and stunning mountain scenery. You will enjoy a scenic trek through the park while observing the endemic Challa baboons grazing in their natural habitat. The day also offers opportunities to spot spectacular landscapes, unique plants, and various bird species. Your overnight stay will be camping.

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

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Golden Jackal Rare

Hyena Rare

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Simien Mountains – Gondar

You will spend the morning enjoying the fresh mountain air and panoramic views of the Simien Mountains before driving back to Gondar. Along the route, you will stop at scenic viewpoints and local villages to experience the culture of the highlands. You will arrive in Gondar in the late afternoon for relaxation and an overnight stay. Your overnight stay will be at AG Hotel.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

AG Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Gondar – Bale Mountains – Dinsho

You will travel from Gondar to Bale Mountains National Park and continue to the Dinsho area, the headquarters of the national park. You will explore the beautiful forested landscapes and grasslands that are home to many endemic Ethiopian wildlife species. During the visit, look out for mountain nyala, warthogs, and numerous colorful bird species. Your overnight stay will be at Wabe Shebelle Hotel.

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

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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

Accommodation:

Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Bale Mountains – Tulu Dimtu

You will drive through the spectacular Sanetti Plateau toward Tulu Dimtu, one of the highest peaks in Ethiopia. Search for the rare Ethiopian red fox along the Afro-alpine moorlands while enjoying the breathtaking high-altitude scenery. The area is also famous for its rich birdlife, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography. Your overnight stay will be at Wabe Shebelle Hotel.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Bale Mountains – Addis Ababa

You will enjoy a final morning in the Bale Mountains with time for short nature walks and wildlife observation. You will transfer to the airport for the flight back to Addis Ababa while reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of Ethiopia’s historical and natural wonders. You'll arrive in Addis Ababa for the end of the tour.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

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.