14-Day Ethiopia Historic Circuit & Danakil Depressiontour

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

Arrival in Ethiopia – Flight to Bahir Dar

Arrive early morning at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa and catch your domestic flight to Bahir Dar at approximately 8:00 AM. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After lunch, embark on a scenic trip on Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake (about 3,800 km²).

Main Destination:

Lake Tana

Accommodation:

Lake Avenue Hotel

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Blue Nile Falls – Drive to Gondar

After breakfast, drive 30 km to visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls, locally known as “Tis Issat” or “The Smoking Water,” which drops over 45 meters and is considered one of Ethiopia’s most stunning natural sights. After enjoying the scenery, return to Bahir Dar for lunch and begin your drive to Gondar. Along the way, observe rural Amhara villages and gain insight into traditional agricultural life. Upon arrival in Gondar, check in at your hotel and overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Blue Nile Falls (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gondar Sightseeing – Timket Eve

Begin the day with a visit to Gondar’s historical landmarks. Explore the 17th-century Royal Enclosure, a complex of castles and palaces that once housed Ethiopian emperors. Visit the beautifully painted Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its ceiling of angelic faces, and the ancient King Fasilides’ Bath. You may also explore the ruins of Empress Mentewab’s second palace. In the afternoon, witness the vibrant Timket Eve procession as sacred Tabots (replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) are paraded to Fasilides’ Bath, accompanied by hymns, drumming, and traditional dancing. Overnight in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Timket Festival in Gondar

Early in the morning, walk to Fasilides’ Bath to attend the Timket (Epiphany) baptism ceremony. This deeply spiritual event commemorates Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River. Join thousands of worshippers dressed in traditional white garments as priests bless the pool and sprinkle holy water over the faithful, many of whom immerse themselves in the sacred waters. Throughout the day, enjoy colorful processions, spiritual music, and lively cultural performances as the Tabots are ceremoniously returned to their churches. Timket is one of Ethiopia’s most iconic and unforgettable religious festivals. Overnight in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive from Gondar to Axum

After breakfast, begin your overland journey to Axum. The drive takes approximately 5–6 hours and passes through the spectacular lowlands of the Simien Mountains and the scenic Limalimo road, offering breathtaking views throughout. You may spot endemic wildlife such as Walia ibex, Ethiopian wolves, and Gelada baboons. After a lunch stop in Adi Arkay, continue through the dramatic Tekeze Valley before arriving in Axum, the ancient capital of the Axumite Empire. Overnight in Axum.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Sabean International Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Full-Day Exploration of Axum

Spend the day exploring the ancient city of Axum. Visit the iconic Obelisk Park, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath, King Bazen’s Tomb, and the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. A highlight is the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed by many to house the Ark of the Covenant and considered one of Ethiopia’s holiest Christian sites. Overnight in Axum.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Sabean International Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Axum – Yeha – Debre Damo – Hawzien

After breakfast, travel to Yeha, an ancient site believed to have been Ethiopia’s first capital. Explore the remarkable temple ruins, among the oldest standing structures in the country. Continue to Debre Damo Monastery (note: accessible only to men via a 15-meter rope climb), perched atop a remote cliff and famous for its age-old manuscripts and frescoes. Afterward, drive to Hawzien and check in at your lodge, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Gheralta. Overnight in Hawzien.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gheralta Rock-Hewn Churches – Drive to Mekelle

Explore the hidden rock-hewn churches of Tigray, marvels of architecture carved into sandstone cliffs. Visit churches such as Abreha we Atsbeha and Maryam Korkor, which offer both spiritual depth and awe-inspiring views. After your exploration, drive to Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region. Enjoy local cuisine and relax in the evening. Overnight in Mekelle.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Homeland Hotel Mekelle

• Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mekelle – Drive to Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Depart early in 4WD vehicles toward the Danakil Depression. The 5-hour journey takes you through lava fields and desert landscapes. Upon arrival at the Erta Ale base camp, rest and prepare for the hike. At dusk, ascend to the crater to witness the spectacular glowing lava lake of Erta Ale, one of the few continuously active volcanoes in the world. Spend time observing the volcanic activity before descending to the base camp for dinner and overnight camping under the stars.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Hamed Ela

Rise early for a second visit to the crater at sunrise. After descending and having breakfast, drive approximately 5 hours to Hamed Ela. Enjoy a picnic lunch under palm trees and visit the nearby Afar village to learn about local life. In the afternoon, continue to Lake Asale for a sunset swim in its highly saline waters. Relax with a drink as the sun reflects off the salt flats. Overnight camping in Hamed Ela.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Dallol Excursion – Return to Mekelle

Start early for an excursion to Dallol, one of the hottest and most surreal places on Earth. Explore vividly colored acidic springs, salt formations, bubbling sulfur pools, and otherworldly volcanic features. After visiting Dallol and surrounding salt mines, return to Hamed Ela for lunch, then drive back to Mekelle. In the evening, fly to Addis Ababa for your onward journey to Lalibela the next day, as there is no direct flight from Mekelle to Lalibela. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Hotel Lobelia

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela – Explore Rock-Hewn Churches

After breakfast, take a morning flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, begin exploring Lalibela’s UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches. Visit Bete Medhane Alem, the world’s largest monolithic church, and continue to Bete Maryam, Bete Meskal, and Bete Denaghel. Conclude the day with the iconic Bete Giorgis, a cross-shaped church carved directly into the ground, symbolizing the pinnacle of Ethiopian medieval architecture. Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Additional Sites in Lalibela – Return to Addis Ababa

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then visit additional rock-hewn churches or take an optional excursion to Yemrehanna Kristos — a beautifully preserved cave church that predates those in Lalibela. In the afternoon, fly back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Hotel Lobelia

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Addis Ababa City Tour & International Departure

Spend your final day exploring Addis Ababa. Visit the Ethnological Museum and the National Museum, home of the 3.2-million-year-old fossil "Lucy." Continue to Trinity Cathedral, the burial site of Emperor Haile Selassie, and St. George Cathedral, famous for its religious history and museum. Conclude the tour at Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where you can shop for souvenirs and experience local life. In the evening, transfer to Bole International Airport for your international flight, concluding your unforgettable journey through Ethiopia.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

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.