5-Day Lalibela, Gondar and Simien Mountains Tour

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

Fly to Lalibela and Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches

Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela and transfer to town. After settling in, begin exploring the remarkable churches carved directly into the volcanic rock. Connected by passageways, trenches and courtyards, these churches remain active places of Ethiopian Orthodox worship.
Discover the architecture and religious traditions of selected churches, with the sightseeing route arranged around your arrival time. Highlights may include Bete Medhane Alem and the cross-shaped Bete Giyorgis, one of Lalibela’s most recognizable landmarks. Observe the atmosphere of this living pilgrimage town while learning about its place in Ethiopia’s Christian heritage.

Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Tabor Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly to Gondar & Explore Royal enclosure

Transfer to Lalibela Airport for your flight to Gondar, subject to the available airline schedule. After arrival, begin discovering the city’s royal and religious landmarks.

Visit Fasil Ghebbi, the royal enclosure commonly known as the Gondar castles. Explore its stone castles, palace remains and courtyards, which reflect Gondar’s importance as a former imperial capital. Learn about Emperor Fasilides and the rulers who developed this royal complex.

Continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, celebrated for its ceiling of painted angel faces and richly illustrated religious murals. The paintings offer an introduction to Ethiopian Orthodox art and biblical storytelling.

Overnight: Hotel in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Gondar

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to the Simien Mountains and Walk around Sankaber

Depart Gondar and drive toward the Simien Mountains, passing highland villages, farmland and mountain scenery. Travel through Debark, the gateway town to the national park, before continuing toward Sankaber.

As you climb into the mountains, enjoy views of steep escarpments, deep valleys and broad plateaus. Depending on your arrival time and the weather, take an introductory walk around Sankaber to appreciate the landscape and adjust to the altitude.

Look out for geladas feeding in the grasslands. These primates are a distinctive feature of the Ethiopian highlands, although sightings cannot be guaranteed. Spend the evening at camp, surrounded by the mountain landscape.

Overnight: Camping at Sankaber.

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:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Morning Trek and Return to Gondar

Begin the day with a morning trek around Sankaber. Follow trails through the highland grasslands and along suitable viewpoints overlooking the escarpment. Clear weather offers expansive views across the valleys and rugged mountain slopes.

The walking route and pace can be adapted to your fitness, available time and local conditions. Along the way, watch for geladas and highland birds while enjoying a closer look at the mountain vegetation.

After the walk, begin the return drive to Gondar through Debark. Arrive later in the day and enjoy time to rest after your mountain excursion.

Overnight: Hotel in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Activities:

• Morning nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Gondar

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly to Addis Ababa, Half-Day City Tour & Departure

Transfer to Gondar Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. On arrival, enjoy a half-day city tour tailored to the time available before your international departure.

Possible visits include the National Museum, known for its displays on Ethiopia’s ancient past and human origins, and the Entoto area for views over the capital. If time permits, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee experience and an introduction to the city’s daily life.

After sightseeing, transfer to Bole International Airport for your onward flight.

End of the tour.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

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.