With a friendly atmosphere, a country brimming with history, fascinating tribes, scenic national parks, and dramatic landscapes, Ethiopia is as diverse as you can find on the African continent. The north offers spectacular mountains and highlands, including the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park, home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife. The east unfolds vast lowland deserts and depressions, while the south is filled with lush valleys and stunning lakes.
Ethiopia is a land full of life and color, expressed through its music, from the rhythmic folk songs of remote tribal areas to the cool Ethio-Jazz styles of Addis Ababa. Its cuisine is equally unique, with injera, the sourdough pancake, serving as the staple food across the country. A journey into Ethiopia is a journey into some of Africa’s most fascinating and varied landscapes, cultures, and traditions an adventure that should be high on everyone’s list.
Day 1 Addis Ababa
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will embark on a city tour of Addis Ababa. Highlights include visiting “Lucy,” one of the oldest and most complete hominid skeletons ever found, at the National Museum. You will stroll through the bustling Mercato, one of Africa’s largest markets, and explore St. George’s Cathedral, built to commemorate Ethiopia’s victory over the Italians in 1896. The tour also includes the Ethnological Museum, one of Africa’s finest, housed in Haile Selassie’s former palace. Overnight stay at one of the best hotels in the city.
Day 2 Flight Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar
In the morning, you will take a short flight to Bahir Dar. On arrival, you will meet the team and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, the city tour begins. Situated on the shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake with 37 islands many of which host ancient monasteries Bahir Dar is known for its Mediterranean climate, palm-lined streets, and vibrant character. After lunch, explore the town and its lively market, then head to Bezawit Hill to enjoy the panoramic sunset view over the lake. Overnight stay at Jacaranda Hotel.
Day 3 Bahir Dar
After breakfast, drive for about an hour to the village of Tissisat. In the cool morning, take a scenic walk, cross the 17th-century Portuguese Bridge, and continue toward the famous Blue Nile Falls, meeting locals along the way. After admiring the falls, cross the Nile by boat where your vehicle awaits. In the afternoon, sail across Lake Tana to the Zege Peninsula. Here, take a short walk and visit two 14th century monasteries, Azwa Mariam and Ura Kidane Mehret, both excellent examples of Ethiopian Orthodox architecture with round structures, mud walls, and conical straw roofs. The peninsula is also home to abundant birdlife and Columbus baboons. Overnight stay at a nearby hotel.
Day 4 The Castles of Gondar
Today’s journey takes you 185 km to Gondar, passing through the farmlands of the Amhara region. En route, stop at the Awra Amba community, a unique egalitarian society where men and women share equal rights and responsibilities. On arrival in Gondar, the former seat of Ethiopian emperors in the 17th and 18th centuries, enjoy lunch before visiting the Royal Enclosure with its impressive castles. You will also see the Bath of King Fasilidas, central to the Timkat festival, and the church of Debre Berhan Selassie, famous for its ceiling adorned with angelic faces, a symbol of Ethiopian art. Overnight stay at a nearby hotel.
Day 5 Simien Mountains National Park
In the morning, drive 135 km to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site described as one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. The park is home to breathtaking views and rich biodiversity, including over 10,000 endemic Gelada baboons. You will take an easy three-hour hike from Sankaber to Geech, passing Ethiopia’s highest waterfall, Jinbar, also known as the “gateway to hell.” Return to the lodge for overnight.
Day 6 Simien Mountains National Park
Return to the park for further exploration of its jagged peaks and deep valleys. Drive to Chenek Camp, home to the rare Walia Ibex and the Ethiopian Wolf, and enjoy hikes in the area before heading back to the lodge in the late afternoon. Overnight stay at a nearby lodge.
Day 7 Drive to Axum
Today you will drive about 260 km to Axum, passing through landscapes flanking the Simien Mountains. Axum, the ancient political capital of Ethiopia, was once a major trade hub for Red Sea caravan routes. Overnight stay at Yared Zema International Hotel.
Day 8 Axum: The Beginning of Ethiopian Civilization
Spend the day exploring Axum, an ancient city dating back 3,000 years and once among the four great powers of the ancient world. Axum is also a sacred site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant in the church of Mary of Zion. Visit the city’s colossal stelae, ancient palaces, the church of Mary of Zion, and the palace ruins of the legendary Queen of Sheba. Overnight stay at a nearby hotel.
Day 9 Drive to Gheralta Mountains, Hawzen
Drive 190 km to the Gheralta Mountains, stopping at the Adwa Mountains, site of Ethiopia’s 1896 victory against Italy, and at Yeha, where a 2,500 year old Sabaean style temple still stands. Continue through the semi-desert of Tigray to arrive in Hawzen by late afternoon. Overnight stay at a nearby lodge.
Day 10 Hiking in the Gheralta Mountains
Begin with a two-hour hike to the summit of a mountain to visit Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, two rock-hewn churches from the 14th century, while enjoying sweeping views of the Tigray landscape. After lunch, continue with a more challenging hike to Abune Yemata Guh, requiring a short climb with rope assistance. At the top, you will be rewarded with one of the region’s most spectacular views. Overnight stay at a nearby lodge.
Day 11 Gheralta to Ahmed Ela, Danakil Depression
Depart early and drive to Ahmed Ela, visiting the Tigre people and the nomadic Afar people along the way. At Ahmed Ela, see the deep-water wells used by the Afar and the camel caravans transporting salt to the Tigray Highlands. Overnight camping.
Day 12 Danakil to Gheralta Lodge
After breakfast, explore the otherworldly landscapes of Dallol, one of the lowest points on Earth at 116 meters below sea level, with its vibrant sulfuric formations and salt mining activities. Visit Lake Assal, interact with Afar salt miners, then drive back through Hamed Ela to Gheralta. Overnight stay at a lodge.
Day 13 Gheralta to Lalibela
Drive to Lalibela through the dramatic Ethiopian Highlands, including the ascent of Mount Abuna Yosef. Lalibela, often called the “New Jerusalem,” is renowned for its remarkable rock-hewn churches, towering monuments of devotion and architecture. Overnight stay at a nearby hotel.
Day 14 The Churches of Lalibela
Spend the day exploring the churches of Lalibela, divided into northern, southern, eastern, and western clusters. End the day at Bet Giyorgis, the iconic cross-shaped monolith dedicated to St. George, Ethiopia’s patron saint. Overnight stay at a nearby hotel.
Day 15 Lalibela
After breakfast, drive to Yemrehana Krestos Church, an exquisite built-up cave church older than the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, crafted from marble and wood with extraordinary decoration. Inside the cave, you will also find the mummified remains of ancient pilgrims. In the afternoon, return to Lalibela to explore the southeastern cluster of churches. Overnight stay at a nearby hotel.
Day 16 Flight Lalibela to Dire Dawa, Drive to Harar
Take a morning flight to Dire Dawa, where you will be met and transferred to Harar. After check-in, enjoy a walking tour of the historic 16th-century walled city, the fourth holiest city in the Islamic world. Overnight stay at a nearby hotel.
Day 17 Harar
Spend the day visiting Harar’s colorful Islamic market, its national and Harari museums, and the house of Ras Mekonnen, father of Haile Selassie. In the evening, witness the famous “Hyena Man” feeding ceremony, a long-standing Harari tradition. Overnight stay at a nearby hotel.
Day 18 Harar to Addis Ababa
Drive back to Dire Dawa with an optional stop at Aweday, Ethiopia’s largest khat market, which operates 24/7 and supplies not only the domestic market but also Somalia, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. From Dire Dawa, fly to Addis Ababa. Conclude your Ethiopian journey with dinner, music, and traditional dances at a cultural restaurant before transferring to the airport for your international departure.