6-Day Explore Northern Ethiopia Cultural & Natural Tour

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

Fly Addis Ababa to Bahirdar

Fly from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, a city on the shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake. You'll take a boat trip to photograph ancient monasteries on the islands, with their vivid murals and mysterious ambiance. The priests and monks provide compelling portrait opportunities.
In the afternoon, you'll visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls, known locally as “Tis Issat”, Smoking Water. Capture the falls from different angles as mist rises into the lush surroundings. As the sun dips low, you'll set up for golden-hour shots over Lake Tana, with silhouettes of fishermen in papyrus boats. Your overnight stay Jacaranda Hotel.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Fly Bahir Dar to Gondar – Castles & Churches

After breakfast, fly Bahirdar to Gondar a historic city known as the “Camelot of Africa.
Visit the UNESCO-listed Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a complex of 17th century castles built by Emperor Fasilides and his descendants.
Explore the Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for its magnificent ceiling covered in angelic faces.
See the Fasilides Bath, a ceremonial pool still used during the Timket (Epiphany) celebration.
Gondar blends imperial grandeur with spiritual richness and marks the gateway to the highlands.
Overnight: Haile resort.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Gondar

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

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+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Drive to Simien Mountains National Park – Trek & Wildlife

In the morning, drive north to the majestic Simien Mountains National Park (approx. 2.5–3 hours), a Unesco World Heritage Site offering some of Africa’s most dramatic mountain scenery.
Enter the park and go on a guided hike around Sankaber or Gech, depending on your fitness level and interest.
Encounter troops of Gelada baboons, a grass eating primate endemic to Ethiopia, often seen in large social groups.
Take in stunning views of cliffs, valleys, and the sweeping highlands.
This day immerses you in both adventure and serenity amid Ethiopia’s alpine wonders.
Overnight: 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

Show more

Golden Jackal Rare

Hyena Rare

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Simien Mountains Exploration & Return to Gondar

After breakfast, enjoy a second morning trek or scenic drive deeper into the park possibly visiting Chenek, known for its striking views and higher chances of seeing the Walia ibex, an endangered mountain goat found only in Ethiopia.
Capture dramatic landscapes, spot soaring birds like the lammergeier (bearded vulture), and experience the silence and vastness of the high plateau.
In the afternoon, drive back to Gondar, where you’ll rest and prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Overnight stay Haile resort.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Gondar

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Fly Gondar to Lalibela to Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches

After breakfast Fly Gondar to Lalibela, one of the world’s most remarkable religious sites. Dubbed the “New Jerusalem, Lalibela is home to a network of 12th century rock-hewn churches, carved entirely from solid volcanic rock.
Begin with the Northern Cluster, which includes:
Bete Medhane Alem – the largest rock-hewn church in the world.
Bete Maryam, Bete Golgotha, and Bete Mikael, with symbolic architecture and religious significance.
Walk through tunnels and passageways connecting the churches many still used for active worship today.
Lalibela is more than a historical site; it is a living, breathing center of devotion.
Overnight stay Mountain View Hotel.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Mountain View Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Fly Lalibela to Addis Ababa

You'll fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa for your final day. You'll spend time editing your favorite shots or photographing a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a cultural highlight perfect for close-ups and storytelling sequences. You'll visit local artisan markets for last-minute street photography and souvenirs.
Optionally, you'll capture the pulse of Addis at night, neon signs, street vendors, and nightlife. You'll end with a group dinner to reflect on the week’s visual journey.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

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