21-Day Wildlife, Adventure &Ancient Treasures of Ethiopia

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa – Gateway to Ethiopia

Your journey begins as you arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, enjoy a guided introduction to Ethiopia’s vibrant capital city.

Visit the National Museum, home to the famous 3.2-million-year-old fossil “Lucy,” along with other remarkable archaeological and artistic treasures.

Drive up to Mount Entoto for breathtaking views of the city and a refreshing walk through the ancient eucalyptus forest, rich in birdlife and history.

Stroll through the bustling Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market (time permitting), to experience the colorful daily life of Addis Ababa.

In the evening, relax at your hotel and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Addis Ababa - Jimma - Chebera Churchura National Park

After breakfast, take a domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Jimma. On arrival, continue by road (about 100 km, partly unpaved) to reach Chebera Churchura National Park, one of Ethiopia’s hidden gems.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an introductory walk inside the park. This lush forested area is home to elephants, buffalo, hippos, warthogs, and diverse birdlife. Your first wildlife encounters here set the tone for the days ahead.

Overnight: Camping inside Chebera Churchura National Park.

Main Destination:

Chebera-Churchura National Park

Best Time To Go October to March (Little rainfall)

High Season October to January (The park is never busy)

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Chebera-Churchura NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Full Day in Chebera Churchura National Park – Wildlife Encounters

Spend a full day exploring the rich ecosystems of Chebera Churchura National Park.

Begin the morning with a game drive or guided walk, spotting elephants, buffalo, hippos, warthogs, and a wide variety of forest birds.

After a mid-day break, continue wildlife observation in the afternoon, exploring the park’s rivers, wetlands, and dense forests.

Capture photographs of the lush landscapes and rare species, and enjoy the tranquil sounds of Ethiopia’s wilderness.

Overnight: Camping inside Chebera Churchura National Park.

Main Destination:

Chebera-Churchura National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Chebera-Churchura NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Chebera Churchura to Arbaminch – From Forests to Lakes

Begin the day with an early morning wildlife walk in Chebera Churchura National Park to enjoy the peaceful forest and observe any animals active at dawn. Afterward, set out on a scenic drive to Arbaminch, the gateway to Nech Sar National Park (approximately 220 km).

Along the way, admire the Rift Valley landscapes, passing rolling hills, farmland, and small villages. Upon arrival in Arbaminch, check into your hotel and relax, preparing for the next day’s explorations.

Overnight: Hotel in Arbaminch.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Emerald Resort Arbaminch

• Mid-range resort located in Arba Minch (City)

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+22 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Arbaminch – Lakes, Wildlife, and Forest Walks

Begin your day with a morning boat trip on Lake Chamo, where you can see hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of water birds in their natural habitat. Enjoy the serene lake scenery as you glide across the water.

In the afternoon, take a walk through the Forty Springs forest, home to bushbuck, baboons, vervet, and colobus monkeys. For those interested, there is an optional visit to the Crocodile Ranch for close-up wildlife observation.

Return to your hotel in Arbaminch for a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Hotel in Arbaminch.

Main Destination:

Lake Chamo

Accommodation:

Emerald Resort Arbaminch

• Mid-range resort located in Arba Minch (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Arbaminch - Hawassa – Scenic Rift Valley and Cultural Stop

After breakfast, drive north through the Rift Valley toward Hawassa, enjoying the region’s stunning landscapes along the way. Stop at Dorze Village to observe traditional weaving techniques and local craftsmanship.

Continue to Hawassa, where you can take a leisurely lakeside stroll along the shores of Lake Hawassa. Optional activities include a boat trip to spot hippos and aquatic birds in their natural environment, providing a peaceful and immersive wildlife experience.

Overnight: Hotel in Hawassa.

Main Destination:

Awasa (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Hawassa

• Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Hawassa - Bale Mountains National Park – Journey to the Highlands

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 4-hour drive from Hawassa to Bale Mountains National Park, passing through rolling highlands and picturesque villages. Upon arrival in Dinsho, the heart of the park, spend the afternoon on wildlife spotting walks across the grasslands.

Look for mountain nyala, warthogs, and Menelik’s bushbuck while taking in the breathtaking highland scenery. The fresh mountain air and dramatic landscapes set the stage for the park’s more challenging adventures ahead.

Overnight: Camping at Dinsho.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit November to February (Little rain)

High Season October to January (Park is never busy)

Best Weather November to February

Wildlife in Bale Mountains NP

Ethiopian Wolf Common

Mountain Nyala Common

Warthog Common

Menelik's
Bushbuck Occasional

Guereza Monkey Occasional

Show more

Olive Baboon Occasional

Bohor Reedbuck Occasional

Starck's Hare Occasional

Giant Mole-rat Occasional

Bale Monkey Rare

Giant Forest Hog Rare

Golden Jackal Rare

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Bale Mountains Adventures – Wolves, Forests, and Waterfalls

Spend a full day exploring the diverse landscapes of Bale Mountains National Park.

Begin at the Sanetti Plateau, where you may spot the rare Ethiopian wolf and the unique giant mole rat among the high-altitude grasslands.

In the afternoon, explore the Harenna Forest, a lush evergreen forest filled with endemic birds, colobus monkeys, and scenic waterfalls.

Enjoy guided walks along forest trails, capturing photographs of both wildlife and the dramatic mountain scenery.

Overnight: Camping in Bale Mountains National Park.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Bale Mountains - Lake Langano via Abijatta-Shalla National Park

Start the morning with a final activity in Bale Mountains, enjoying a short wildlife walk or photography session. Afterwards, drive toward Lake Langano, passing through the scenic Ethiopian highlands.

En route, explore Abijatta-Shalla National Park, known for its flamingos, ostriches, and gazelles. Take in the park’s dramatic landscapes and abundant birdlife before arriving at Lake Langano, where you can relax at your resort and enjoy the lakeside views.

Overnight: Resort at Lake Langano.

Main Destination:

Lake Langano

Accommodation:

Sabana Beach Resort

• Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Lake Langano - Awash National Park – Savannah Wildlife and Waterfalls

After breakfast, drive approximately 5 hours from Lake Langano to Awash National Park, crossing diverse landscapes from the Rift Valley highlands to arid savannah.

In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive to spot beisa oryx, greater kudu, Soemmerring’s gazelle, baboons, and a rich variety of bird species. Don’t miss the Awash River Falls, a stunning waterfall surrounded by dramatic cliffs and abundant wildlife.

Overnight: Lodge in or near Awash National Park.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Best Time To Visit October to February (Little rain and less hot)

High Season September to April (The park is never busy)

Best Weather October to February

Wildlife in Awash NP

Olive Baboon Abundant

Beisa Oryx Common

Soemmerring's
Gazelle Common

Hamadryas
Baboon Common

Salt's Dik-dik Common

Show more

Lesser Kudu Occasional

Desert Warthog Occasional

Defassa Waterbuck Occasional

Nile Crocodile Occasional

Spotted Hyena Occasional

Guereza Monkey Rare

Ethiopian Wolf None

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Accommodation:

Awash Falls Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Awash - Semera via Ali Dege Reserve – Desert Wildlife Safari

Start the day with an early morning safari in Ali Dege Reserve, home to gazelles, oryx, jackals, caracals, and occasionally rare zebra sightings. Enjoy the striking desert landscapes while observing wildlife in its natural habitat.

After the safari, continue the drive to Semera, passing through the unique landscapes of Ethiopia’s northeastern lowlands. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax for the evening.

Overnight: Hotel in Semera.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Accommodation:

Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort

• Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

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+6 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Semera - Danakil Depression (Hamed Ela) – Journey into the Desert

After breakfast, drive from Semera into the otherworldly landscapes of the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most unique regions on Earth.

Explore the salt flats, colorful sulfur springs, and vast desert scenery, witnessing the striking geological formations and surreal landscapes that make this region extraordinary. Take time to photograph the vibrant colors and unusual terrain.

Overnight: Camping in Hamed Ela.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Hamed Ela – Erta Ale Volcano – Active Lava Adventure

Today, drive and hike from Hamed Ela to the Erta Ale volcano, one of the few continuously active lava lakes in the world.

Witness the mesmerizing glow of molten lava at the crater rim, and experience the raw power of this volcanic landscape. The hike provides dramatic views of the surrounding desert and salt plains, making it an unforgettable adventure.

Overnight: Camping under the stars at Erta Ale.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Erta Ale – Semera – Addis Ababa – Return to the Capital

After an early breakfast and farewell to the Erta Ale volcano, drive back to Semera. From Semera, take a domestic flight to Addis Ababa.

Upon arrival in the capital, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time to rest or explore nearby attractions at leisure. This marks the conclusion of your extraordinary desert adventure, preparing you for the next phase of your journey through Ethiopia.

Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar (Lake Tana) – Monasteries and Waterfalls

After breakfast, take a domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, the gateway to Ethiopia’s stunning northern landscapes.

Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana, visiting its historic island monasteries and admiring the ancient frescoes and serene surroundings.

Continue to the Blue Nile Falls, a spectacular cascade known locally as “Tis Issat” or “The Smoking Water,” and enjoy the surrounding lush scenery.

Observe a variety of bird species along the lake and river, adding to the wildlife highlights of your journey.

Overnight: Hotel in Bahir Dar.

Main Destination:

Lake Tana

Accommodation:

Homeland Hotel Bahir Dar

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

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+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Bahir Dar – Simien Mountains National Park – Trek to Sankaber Camp

After breakfast, drive from Bahir Dar to Debark, the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park.

Upon entering the park, begin a short trek of approximately 3 hours to Sankaber Camp (3,250 m). Along the way, observe Gelada baboons, klipspringers, and raptors, while taking in the dramatic highland scenery. The trail offers stunning views of deep valleys, jagged cliffs, and unique rock formations.

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

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Ankaber Camp – Gich Camp – Simien Trekking Adventure

Today, enjoy a full day of trekking in Simien Mountains National Park. Hike for approximately 5–6 hours, passing scenic viewpoints and Jinbar Waterfall.

Along the way, observe large Gelada baboon groups, ibex, and endemic birds, while immersing yourself in the park’s dramatic landscapes. The trail winds through highland meadows, rocky cliffs, and deep valleys, offering incredible photographic opportunities.

Reach Gich Camp in the late afternoon and relax amid the highland scenery.

Overnight: Camping at Gich Camp.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gich Camp – Chenek Camp – Highlands and Wildlife Trek

Continue your trek through the breathtaking Simien Mountains, moving from Gich Camp to Chenek Camp (3,620 m).

Hike via scenic viewpoints such as Imet Gogo and Enatye, with opportunities to spot Walia ibex, lammergeiers, and Gelada baboons. The route showcases dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and panoramic highland vistas, making it one of Ethiopia’s most memorable trekking experiences.

Overnight: Camping at Chenek Camp.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Chenek Camp – Gondar – Castles and Heritage

After breakfast, begin the morning trek toward Mount Bwahit, enjoying the final vistas of the Simien Mountains.

Later, drive to Gondar, a historic city known for its royal architecture. Spend the afternoon on a city tour, visiting the Royal Castles of Fasilides and Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its beautifully preserved ceiling murals.

Overnight: Hotel in Gondar.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Gondar Plaza Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Gondar – Lalibela – Rock-Hewn Churches Exploration

After breakfast, take a morning flight from Gondar to Lalibela, home to Ethiopia’s world-renowned Rock-Hewn Churches.

Spend the day exploring the first cluster of churches, marveling at the incredible rock-cut architecture and centuries-old religious carvings. Learn about their historical and spiritual significance while wandering through Lalibela’s unique stone labyrinths.

Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Tabor Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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+10 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Departure

Begin the day with a visit to the second cluster of Lalibela’s Rock-Hewn Churches, exploring more of these architectural masterpieces and capturing final photographs of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

In the afternoon, take a flight back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the capital before being transferred to Bole International Airport for your international departure, concluding your unforgettable 21-day Ethiopia adventure.

End of Tour.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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