Overview

Experience the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife of Ethiopia on this 18-day journey. From the historic cities of Addis Ababa, Gondar, and Axum to the awe-inspiring Simien and Gheralta Mountains, the mystical rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the otherworldly Danakil Depression, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure. Encounter fascinating tribes, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and witness unique wildlife, all while enjoying Ethiopia’s vibrant music, cuisine, and traditions.

Day 1: Addis Ababa
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, explore Addis Ababa including the National Museum of Ethiopia to see “Lucy,” stroll through the bustling Mercato, visit St. George’s Cathedral, and tour the Ethnological Museum in Haile Selassie’s former palace. Overnight at a nearby hotel.

Day 2: Flight to Bahir Dar
Take a morning flight to Bahir Dar. After hotel check-in, enjoy a city tour along the shore of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake with 37 islands featuring historic monasteries. Explore the vibrant local market and enjoy panoramic sunset views from Bezawit Hill. Overnight at Lake Mark Hotel.

Day 3: Bahir Dar – Tissisat & Zege Peninsula
Drive to Tissisat village and cross the Nile via the 17th-century Portuguese Bridge for a morning walk to the famous Tissisat Waterfalls. In the afternoon, take a boat to Zege Peninsula to visit the 14th-century monasteries of Azwa Mariam and Ura Kidane Mehret, observing diverse bird species and Columbus Baboons. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Castles of Gondar
Drive through the Amhara farmlands with a stop at Awra Amba community. Continue to Gondar, visiting the UNESCO-listed castles, the Bath of King Fasilidas, and Debre Birhan Selassie Church with its iconic ceiling paintings. Overnight at a nearby hotel.

Day 5: Drive to Simien Mountains
Drive 135 km to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an easy hike from Sankaber to Geech, passing Ethiopia’s highest waterfall, Jinbar, and observe the endemic Gelada Baboons. Overnight at a nearby lodge.

Day 6: Simien Mountains National Park
Return to Simien Mountains, drive to Chenek camp to observe Walia Ibex and Ethiopian Wolves. Afternoon hike and exploration of the surrounding landscape before returning to the lodge. Overnight at a nearby lodge.

Day 7: Drive to Axum
Drive approximately 260 km to Axum, an ancient political and trade capital. Overnight at Yared Zema International Hotel.

Day 8: Axum
Explore Axum’s historic sites, including the stelae, obelisks, ancient palaces, Mary of Zion Church, and the legendary Queen of Sheba’s palace. Overnight at a nearby hotel.

Day 9: Drive to Gheralta Mountains – Hawzen
Drive 190 km to the rock-hewn churches of Gheralta, with stops at Adwa Mountains and Yeha Temple. Arrive at Hawzen in the late afternoon. Overnight at a nearby lodge.

Day 10: Hiking Gheralta Mountains
Hike to Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor churches, then ascend Abune Yemata Gughe for panoramic views of Tigray. The climb includes steep rock sections assisted by local farmers. Overnight at a nearby lodge.

Day 11: Gheralta to Ahmed Ela (Danakil Depression)
Drive to Ahmed Ela, visiting Tigre and Afar communities. Observe camel caravans transporting salt and traditional deep water wells. Overnight camping.

Day 12: Danakil to Gheralta Lodge
Visit Dallol and Lake Assal, witnessing volcanic landscapes, colorful salt formations, and local Afar life before returning to Gheralta. Overnight at a lodge.

Day 13: Gheralta to Lalibela
Drive to Lalibela via the Ethiopian Highlands, including the ascent to Mount Abuna Yosef. Overnight at a nearby hotel.

Day 14: Lalibela
Explore the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, including Bet Giyorgis, the iconic monolithic church dedicated to St. George. Overnight at a nearby hotel.

Day 15: Lalibela
Visit Yemrehana Krestos Church, a built-up cave church, and the southeastern cluster of churches with ancient mummified pilgrims. Overnight at a nearby hotel.

Day 16: Flight Lalibela – Dire Dawa – Harar
Fly to Dire Dawa, then drive to Harar. Explore the 16th-century walled city, a UNESCO site and the fourth holiest city in Islam. Overnight at a nearby hotel.

Day 17: Harar
Visit the colorful Islamic market, National and Harari museums, and Ras Mekonnen’s house. In the evening, witness the “Hyena Man” feeding hyenas in a centuries-old tradition. Overnight at a nearby hotel.

Day 18: Harar – Addis Ababa
Drive to Dire Dawa with an optional stop at Aweday’s famous chat market. Fly to Addis Ababa and conclude the tour with dinner, music, and dancing at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant. Transfer to the airport for late-night departure.

Inclusions

• Accommodation in hotels/lodges as per itinerary
• All internal flights (Addis → Bahir Dar, Lalibela → Dire Dawa, etc.)
• All transportation by 4×4 vehicles with experienced driver/guides
• Daily breakfast, selected lunches, and dinners
• Entry fees to all national parks, historical sites, and attractions
• Professional guide services throughout the tour
• Cultural, historical, and wildlife experiences as mentioned

Exclusions

• International flights to/from Ethiopia
• Travel insurance
• Ethiopian visa fees
• Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, phone calls, tips)
• Optional activities outside the stated itinerary