15-Day Grand North History, Simien & Danakil

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Origin Abyssinia representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, explore Ethiopia's vibrant capital, visit the National Museum to see the famous Lucy fossil, or enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee experience. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing about the exciting journey ahead, from ancient imperial cities and spectacular mountain landscapes to the extraordinary volcanic wonders of the Danakil Depression. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Capital Hotel & Spa

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Fly to Bahir Dar, Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls

After breakfast, take a domestic flight to Bahir Dar, one of Ethiopia's most attractive lakeside cities. Begin with a scenic boat cruise across Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake, to visit several ancient island monasteries famous for their beautifully preserved religious paintings, centuries-old manuscripts, and sacred treasures. Later, continue to the magnificent Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Issat ("Smoking Water"), where the Blue Nile plunges dramatically through a lush gorge. Return to Bahir Dar for an overnight stay surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of this charming city.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Drive to Gondar & Explore the Royal Enclosure

Travel through the scenic landscapes of northern Ethiopia to Gondar, the country's former imperial capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, visit the impressive Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), home to a remarkable collection of castles, palaces, and royal residences built by Ethiopian emperors during the 17th century. Learn about Gondar's rich history, unique architecture, and significance as the political and cultural center of Ethiopia's historic empire. Overnight in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Debre Berhan Selassie Church & Gondar City Tour

Spend the day discovering more of Gondar's remarkable heritage. Visit the famous Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its beautifully painted ceiling adorned with hundreds of angel faces and regarded as one of Ethiopia's finest religious artworks. Continue exploring Gondar's historic streets, traditional markets, and cultural landmarks while learning about the city's fascinating royal legacy. Later, relax at your hotel before tomorrow's adventure into the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Simien Mountains National Park & Trek to Sankaber

After an early breakfast, drive to Debark, the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains National Park. Meet your park ranger, scout, and trekking team before beginning your adventure through one of Africa's most spectacular mountain landscapes. The trail to Sankaber offers breathtaking views of dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, and towering cliffs that stretch for miles across the Ethiopian Highlands.

Along the way, keep an eye out for troops of endemic gelada monkeys grazing peacefully on the grasslands, as well as a variety of birds found only in Ethiopia's highlands. Your guide will introduce you to the park's unique flora, geology, and wildlife while sharing stories about the local communities that have lived alongside these mountains for generations. Arrive at Sankaber Camp in the afternoon and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere beneath a sky filled with stars.

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)

Trek to Geech via Jinbar Waterfall

Today's trek follows one of the most scenic routes in the Simien Mountains, passing spectacular escarpments, rolling alpine meadows, and dramatic viewpoints overlooking valleys thousands of meters below. The highlight of the day is a visit to the magnificent Jinbar Waterfall, where water plunges dramatically from the plateau into the deep canyon beneath.

Continue trekking toward Geech Camp at an altitude of approximately 3,600 meters. Throughout the journey, enjoy opportunities to photograph Ethiopia's extraordinary mountain scenery while watching for gelada baboons, klipspringers, and numerous endemic bird species. Arrive at Geech Camp in the late afternoon, where you'll enjoy unforgettable sunset views across the Simien Highlands before spending another night surrounded by pristine mountain wilderness.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Imet Gogo Viewpoint, Return to Gondar & Fly to Addis Ababa

Enjoy a final morning trek through the Simien Mountains to the spectacular Imet Gogo viewpoint, considered one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in Ethiopia. On clear days, the dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and endless mountain ridges create unforgettable scenery. Watch carefully for the rare Walia ibex, an endangered mountain goat found only in the Simien Mountains National Park.

After completing the trek, return by vehicle to Debark before continuing to Gondar Airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. This overnight stop is necessary before continuing to Lalibela the following morning. Relax at your hotel and prepare for the next chapter of your northern Ethiopia adventure.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Capital Hotel & Spa

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly to Lalibela & Explore the Northern and Eastern Churches

Fly to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia's most sacred destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary rock-hewn churches. Upon arrival, begin exploring the Northern and Eastern church complexes, masterpieces carved directly into solid volcanic rock during the 12th and 13th centuries.

Visit remarkable churches including Bete Medhane Alem, believed to be the world's largest monolithic church, Bete Maryam, and several interconnected tunnels and hidden courtyards that form this remarkable underground religious complex. Your expert guide will explain the history, architecture, and spiritual importance of these sacred monuments that continue to attract Christian pilgrims from around the world. Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Bete Giyorgis, Nakuto La'ab & Fly to Mekele

Begin your morning by visiting Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George), the most iconic and best-preserved of Lalibela's rock-hewn churches. Carved in the shape of a perfect Greek cross, this architectural masterpiece is one of Ethiopia's most photographed landmarks and a symbol of the country's rich Christian heritage. Continue to the peaceful monastery of Nakuto La'ab, nestled among dramatic rocky cliffs just outside Lalibela. The monastery is renowned for its sacred spring, ancient manuscripts, beautifully decorated crosses, and priceless religious treasures.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Mekele, the capital of the Tigray Region and the gateway to the Danakil Depression. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening before beginning your expedition into one of the world's most extraordinary geological landscapes.

Main Destination:

Mekele (City)

Accommodation:

Homeland Hotel Mekelle

• Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Drive into the Danakil Depression

After breakfast, meet your experienced expedition team and depart Mekele in specially equipped 4WD vehicles for the journey into the legendary Danakil Depression. Descend from the Ethiopian Highlands into one of the hottest inhabited places on Earth, where the landscape transforms into vast lava fields, endless salt plains, and dramatic desert scenery.

Pass through remote Afar villages before arriving at Hamedela, where you'll witness traditional camel caravans transporting hand-cut salt blocks across the desert, preserving a trade route that has existed for centuries. As the sun sets over the salt flats, experience the unique beauty of this remarkable region before spending the night camping beneath a spectacular desert sky.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Dallol Hydrothermal Fields & Lake Karum

Depart before sunrise to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures as you travel across the salt flats to Dallol, one of the most extraordinary geological sites on Earth. Explore a surreal landscape of colorful hydrothermal formations, bubbling mineral springs, brilliant yellow sulfur deposits, vivid green acidic pools, and dazzling white salt terraces created by intense volcanic activity beneath the Earth's surface.

Continue to nearby Lake Karum, where generations of Afar salt miners continue the ancient tradition of cutting rectangular salt blocks by hand before loading them onto camel caravans for transport across northern Ethiopia. The spectacular contrast of colorful minerals, endless white salt, and volcanic scenery makes this one of the most unforgettable days of your journey. Return to Hamedela for another overnight camping experience.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Erta Ale Volcano Expedition

Today, travel across dramatic volcanic landscapes toward Erta Ale, one of the world's few permanently active volcanoes. Passing ancient lava fields and rugged desert terrain, you'll witness firsthand the geological forces that continue to shape the Great Rift Valley.

In the late afternoon, begin the guided trek to the summit during the cooler hours of the day. The gradual hike across solidified lava flows leads to the crater rim, where you'll witness the unforgettable sight of the glowing lava lake after sunset. The constantly shifting molten lava creates an incredible natural spectacle that few places on Earth can offer. Spend the night at the simple volcano camp, surrounded by one of Africa's most remarkable volcanic landscapes.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Return to Mekele & Fly to Addis Ababa

Wake early to enjoy a final view of Erta Ale's dramatic volcanic landscape before descending to the waiting 4WD vehicles. Begin the journey back across the Danakil Depression, passing vast lava fields, shimmering salt flats, and remote Afar settlements that highlight the unique character of this extraordinary region. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the geology, history, and traditional way of life of the Afar people.

Upon arrival in Mekele, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Capital Hotel & Spa

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

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Addis Ababa City Tour

Today, discover the highlights of Ethiopia's vibrant capital on a guided city tour. Visit the National Museum, home to the world-famous 3.2-million-year-old fossil "Lucy," before continuing to Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of Ethiopia's most important religious landmarks and the resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Continue to Mount Entoto for panoramic views over Addis Ababa and visit the former palace of Emperor Menelik II. If time permits, explore Mercato, Africa's largest open-air market, where colorful stalls offer spices, coffee, traditional textiles, handicrafts, and everyday local products. The tour provides an excellent introduction to Ethiopia's rich history, culture, and modern urban life before your final evening in the country.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Capital Hotel & Spa

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

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Departure

Enjoy a leisurely morning depending on your international flight schedule. You may choose to relax at your hotel, visit a local café for one final taste of Ethiopia's famous coffee, or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and handcrafted gifts.

At the appropriate time, your Origin Abyssinia representative will transfer you to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your onward flight. Your 15-day journey through Northern Ethiopia comes to an end, leaving you with unforgettable memories of ancient monasteries, imperial castles, breathtaking mountain landscapes, sacred rock-hewn churches, and the extraordinary volcanic wonders of the Danakil Depression. We look forward to welcoming you back to Ethiopia for another adventure.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

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