14-Day Historic Wonders & Danakil Expedition

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

Addis Ababa to Semera

Depart the capital city of Addis Ababa and travel north toward Semera, the administrative capital of the Afar region and the primary gateway into the Danakil Depression. Enjoy a scenic journey through shifting landscapes as you descend from the high plateaus into the dramatic semi-arid lowlands. Upon arrival in Semera, meet your local guides and armed scouts, complete final administrative expedition permits, and prepare your logistics for the extreme desert adventure ahead.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort

• Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

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+6 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Semera to Lake Afdera & Dodom

Journey deeper into the harsh and striking landscapes of the Danakil Depression. Travel past the shimmering hypersaline waters of Lake Afdera, where traditional salt mining has taken place for centuries. Continue across the arid desert terrain toward Dodom, the staging base at the foot of Erta Ale Volcano. Rest and prepare in the late afternoon before beginning your evening trek up to witness the world-famous active lava lake under the desert stars.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Erta Ale Volcano Lava Lake

Wake up at the base camp or spend the day resting and preparing for your close-up encounter with one of the world's few permanent active lava lakes. In the cooler late afternoon hours, embark on a guided trek across the rugged volcanic terrain to reach the summit rim of Erta Ale Volcano. Spend an unforgettable evening watching the mesmerizing, glowing lava bubble and churn in the deep pit craters below before camping overnight under the desert stars on the crater rim.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Erta Ale to Hamad Ela & Lake Assale

Wake up early to catch the stunning sunrise over the volcanic crater rim, then enjoy breakfast at the base camp. Descend from Erta Ale Volcano and travel across the arid desert terrain toward the remote village of Hamad Ela. In the afternoon, head out onto the vast, shimmering salt flats of Lake Assale to witness traditional salt mining and watch the iconic long lines of Afar camel caravans against a breathtaking desert sunset before setting up camp for the night.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Dallol Hydrothermal Field & Lake Assale

Embark on an early morning excursion into the surreal, alien landscape of the Dallol depression. Marvel at the vibrant, neon-colored mineral springs, sulfur fields, and fascinating salt canyons that make this one of the most unique places on Earth. Continue your journey to explore the vast salt flats of Lake Assale, observe traditional salt cutting, and see the long camel caravans before driving back toward the highland gateway town of Abala or Mekelle for dinner and your overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Planet Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Mekele (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mekelle to Gheralta Sandstone Mountains

Leave the northern hub city of Mekelle behind and drive north toward the dramatic sandstone pillars and plateaus of the Gheralta region. Enjoy a scenic journey through striking rural Ethiopian landscapes, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on an introductory nature walk or light hike around the base of the majestic cliffs, taking in the unique geological formations and peaceful highland environment before settling into your lodge for the evening.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Activities:

• Afternoon nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gheralta Churches & Drive to Axum

Begin your morning with an optional exhilarating climb to explore one of Tigray’s legendary rock-hewn cliffside sanctuaries, such as Abuna Yemata Guh or Mariam Korkor, carved directly into the sheer sandstone cliffs. Afterward, embark on a scenic overland drive toward Axum, passing the historic Adwa mountain battlefield. Stop along the way to explore ancient pre-Christian ruins like the Temple of Yeha before arriving in Axum by evening to check into your hotel.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Activities:

• Morning nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Consolar Hotel Aksum

• Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Debark & Simien Mountains

Depart Axum and enjoy a scenic overland drive southward toward Debark, the primary gateway town to the Simien Mountains National Park. Stop at the park headquarters in Debark to finalize your entry permits and assign your mandatory local guides and scouts. Continue driving up through the park entry gates to the dramatic high-altitude escarpment. Spend your afternoon on a gentle introductory nature walk along the cliffs, keeping an eye out for troops of endemic gelada baboons before settling into your mountain lodge or camp for the night.

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:

• Afternoon nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Simien Mountains Trek to Gich Cam

Continue your immersive trekking expedition deeper into the heart of the Simien Mountains National Park. Hike along the breathtaking escarpment trails, passing the plunging Jinbar Waterfall and sweeping green valleys. Traverse open grasslands dotted with giant lobelias, keeping an eye out for endemic wildlife such as gelada baboons, klipspringers, and the rare Ethiopian wolf. Arrive at the scenic Gich plateau campsite by late afternoon to enjoy panoramic sunset views and camp overnight under the stars.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Activities:

• Walking safari (with an armed guide)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gich Plateau Hike & Drive to Gondar

Embark on a spectacular morning trek from Gich Camp up to breathtaking viewpoints like Imet Gogo or Kedadit, where you can soak in stunning 360-degree panoramic views of deep volcanic gorges and dramatic escarpments. After enjoying a final picnic lunch amidst the unique giant lobelias and mountain scenery, trek back to meet your vehicle. Drive out of the Simien Mountains and journey south back to the historical imperial city of Gondar for a relaxing evening and a comfortable night at your hotel.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Activities:

• Morning nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gondar to Bahir Dar & Lake Tana

After breakfast, depart the imperial city of Gondar and enjoy a scenic morning drive south through rural farmlands toward the lakeside city of Bahir Dar. Upon arrival and check-in at your hotel, head down to the shores of Lake Tana for an afternoon boat cruise. Sail across Ethiopia's largest lake to visit ancient, hidden island monasteries such as Ura Kidane Mihret, adorned with stunning religious paintings, before returning to the lakeshore for a relaxing evening.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Activities:

• Afternoon boat trip

Accommodation:

Skybeds

• Mid-range tented camp located inside Khwai Concession (Okavango Delta)

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+21 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Blue Nile Falls & Drive to Lalibela

Begin your morning with a short excursion outside Bahir Dar to visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Issat ("smoking water"). Enjoy a guided walk along the scenic footpath, cross a historic Portuguese bridge, and take in the breathtaking views of the cascading waters. Afterward, embark on an overland journey eastward through stunning highland landscapes and dramatic rural valleys toward the sacred town of Lalibela, arriving by evening to check into your hotel.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Activities:

• Morning nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Full Day Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

Spend a full day exploring the magnificent 13th-century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved entirely out of solid volcanic rock. Begin with the Northwestern Cluster, visiting massive structures like Bet Medhane Alem and the intricately decorated Bet Maryam. Navigate the subterranean trenches and mystic tunnels to explore the Southeastern Cluster. In the afternoon, visit the iconic, cross-shaped Church of St. George (Bet Giyorgis), standing isolated in its deep pit as a masterpiece of medieval architecture.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly Back to Addis Ababa & Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast in Lalibela before catching your morning domestic flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, spend your afternoon relaxing or doing some last-minute souvenir shopping at the vast Merkato or local artisan markets. In the evening, unwind with a farewell traditional dinner featuring authentic Ethiopian cuisine and live cultural music before being transferred to Bole International Airport for your international departure flight home.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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