17-Day Ethiopia Cultural & Adventure Expedition

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa – Flight to Lalibela

Arrive in Addis Ababa and connect on a short flight to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart. After check-in at Alif Paradise Hotel, set out to explore the first cluster of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches (UNESCO). These remarkable 12th–13th century monolithic structures, often described as the “New Jerusalem,” reveal incredible craftsmanship and devotion. Walk through interconnected tunnels, sunken courtyards, and chapels that still host daily rituals. Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Harbe Hotel - Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Lalibela - Gondar (Timkat Festival Eve)

Take a morning flight to Gondar, the 17th-century royal capital of Ethiopia, where the atmosphere is charged with anticipation for the Timkat Festival. Witness Ketera, the eve of Epiphany, as priests and thousands of pilgrims parade the sacred Tabots (Ark replicas) from churches to rivers or pools, accompanied by rhythmic chants, drumming, and dancing. This colorful ritual marks the beginning of one of Ethiopia’s grandest religious celebrations. Overnight in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Gondar Hills Resort

• Mid-range resort located in Gondar (City)

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Gondar – Timkat Festival

Spend the day immersed in the vibrant Timkat Festival, celebrating the baptism of Christ. At dawn, join crowds at Fasilides’ Bath, where priests bless the waters and pilgrims plunge in symbolic renewal. The atmosphere is filled with sacred chants, ululations, and colorful ceremonial umbrellas. In the afternoon, visit Gondar’s Royal Enclosure (UNESCO), a fortress-city with castles that recall Ethiopia’s imperial past. Return to Haile Resort in Gondar for a restful evening.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Gondar Hills Resort

• Mid-range resort located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Gondar - Simien Mountains (Sankaber Camp)

Drive to Debark, gateway to the UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains National Park, a highland wonderland of jagged peaks and deep valleys. Begin with a 1–2 hour warm-up trek to Sankaber Camp (3,250m), where sweeping escarpment views await. Along the way, encounter herds of Gelada baboons, the world’s only grass-eating primates, known for their scarlet chest patch. Tonight, camp under the starlit skies of one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes.

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:

Simien Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Trek Sankaber - Geech Camp (3600m)

Embark on a 5–6 hour trek to Geech Camp, passing through highland plateaus dotted with giant lobelia and everlasting flowers. The highlight is Jinbar Waterfall, where the Jinbar River plunges 500m into a vast canyon, creating breathtaking views. Keep an eye out for raptors soaring overhead, including the mighty lammergeyer (bearded vulture). Arrive at Geech Camp, surrounded by open grasslands and perfect for stargazing. Overnight in tents at 3,600m.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Trek Geech - Chennek Camp (3600m)

Today’s trek (7–8 hrs) is one of the most rewarding in the Simien Mountains. Traverse dramatic escarpments, alpine meadows, and rugged cliffs. Spot endemic wildlife such as Walia ibex, found only here, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the rare Ethiopian wolf. The trail rewards you with sweeping views of the Imet Gogo promontory and endless vistas of jagged highlands. Arrive at Chennek Camp, a prime site for wildlife viewing. Overnight camping.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Mid-range camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Trek Buhait Pass - Drive to Axum

Climb towards Buhait Pass (4,200m), one of the park’s highest vantage points, with panoramic views across the Simiens. Descend to Debark and continue the scenic drive north to Axum, once the seat of the great Aksumite Empire. This UNESCO city is renowned for its obelisks, ancient palaces, and deep biblical connections. Settle into your hotel and prepare to step back into one of Ethiopia’s most legendary civilizations. Overnight in Axum.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Brana Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Axum - Yeha - Debre Damo - Siheta

Tour Axum’s treasures, including the UNESCO-listed obelisks, Queen of Sheba’s Palace ruins, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, said to house the Ark of the Covenant. See the Ezana Stone, Ethiopia’s “Rosetta Stone.” Drive to Yeha to admire its 7th–8th century BC temple, the country’s oldest standing structure. For the adventurous, attempt the rope climb to Debre Damo Monastery. Continue on foot to Siheta, a remote village with community lodging. Overnight guesthouse.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Brana Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Trek Siheta - Guahgot

Enjoy a 5-hour trek across the rugged Tigrayan highlands, dotted with hidden rock churches carved into sandstone cliffs. Stop to visit Giorgis Debri, dedicated to St. George, and Eyesus Guahgot, an atmospheric rock-hewn church with ancient frescoes and unique architecture. Trekking through traditional farmlands offers a glimpse into local rural life and hospitality. Arrive in Guahgot village for an overnight stay in a community guesthouse.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Brana Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Trek Guahgot - Shimbreiti

Continue trekking for around 5 hours, crossing landscapes of rolling hills and sandstone ridges. Visit Mariam Buzuhan Rock Church, known for its secluded location and historical tunnels said to have been used for protection in times of war. This journey combines both natural beauty and cultural heritage. End the day at Shimbreiti, where you will be hosted by welcoming locals in a simple but authentic guesthouse experience. Overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Gheralta Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Tigray

Meals & Drinks:

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

Rock-Hewn Churches of Tigray

After a short trek, meet your vehicle and head deeper into the Gheralta region, famous for its cliffside churches. Begin with Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, reached via a steep 2-hour hike offering wide valley views. In the afternoon, conquer Abune Yemata Guh, dubbed the “world’s most dramatic church,” perched on a sheer rock face accessed by scrambling and climbing. The spiritual setting and artwork make it unforgettable. Overnight guesthouse or tents.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Gheralta Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Tigray

Meals & Drinks:

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

Villages & Churches of Tigray

Hike around 3 hours to Abune Gebremicael Church, known for its impressive interior and religious significance. Trek across Nahiso Terara, enjoying panoramic views and interaction with villagers tending fields and herding livestock. This day emphasizes both the spiritual side of Tigray’s rock-hewn heritage and the daily rhythms of rural community life. Evening spent in local guesthouses or tents under the stars. Overnight stay in Tigray.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Gheralta Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Tigray

Meals & Drinks:

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

Rock Churches of Gheralta

Venture to some of Tigray’s most remarkable but less-visited churches, including Maryam Papaseit, Debre Tsion Abune Abraham, and Yohannes Maquidi. Each requires at least 2 hours of trekking, rewarding you with architectural wonders, ancient murals, and dramatic cliffside settings. These sacred sites reflect centuries of devotion and artistry. Overnight accommodation is in simple guesthouses or camping, offering an immersive cultural experience in the heart of Gheralta.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Gheralta Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Tigray

Meals & Drinks:

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

Wukro & Surroundings - Mekele

Travel towards Mekele, stopping at important religious and cultural landmarks. Visit the famed Abraha Atsbeha Church, Cherkos Churches, Wukro Museum, and Michael Amba Rock Church, all showcasing the depth of Ethiopia’s Christian heritage. This blend of history and culture provides a fitting conclusion to your Tigray explorations. Arrive in Mekele in the evening and settle into a comfortable hotel for a well-earned rest. Overnight in Mekele.

Main Destination:

Mekele (City)

Accommodation:

Libanos Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City)

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Mekele - Erta Ale Volcano

Begin your descent into the Afar Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. Drive across stark desert landscapes to Dodoma base camp. In the evening, hike 3 hours to the summit of Erta Ale Volcano, one of the world’s few permanent lava lakes. Witness glowing lava bubbling inside the crater—a surreal and unforgettable natural spectacle. Camp overnight near the rim, under the stars and beside the fiery earth.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Ahmed Ela Camp

• Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Erta Ale - Hamed Ela

Rise at dawn to witness the fiery glow of Erta Ale at sunrise, then descend back to base. Drive across endless salt pans and volcanic landscapes into the heart of the Danakil Depression. Arrive in Hamed Ela, a traditional Afar settlement. Here, life is shaped by extreme heat and salt mining traditions that have endured for centuries. Experience the resilience of Afar culture. Overnight camp in Hamed Ela.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Ahmed Ela Camp

• Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Dallol Depression - Mekele - Addis Ababa

Explore the extraordinary Dallol Depression, one of the most otherworldly landscapes on Earth. Walk among acid springs, sulfur chimneys, and vibrant mineral formations that resemble an alien world. Visit salt flats where camel caravans still transport blocks of salt as they have for centuries. Return to Mekele, then fly back to Addis Ababa in the evening, where your unforgettable 17-day cultural and adventure journey through Ethiopia concludes.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

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.