15-Day Ethiopia Churches Volcanoes & Tribes

Fly Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

Day 1Fly Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar Fly Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar You'll take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, a peaceful city on the shores of Lake Tana. Upon arrival, you'll meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. After a short rest, you'll enjoy a relaxed city tour exploring Bahir Dar’s vibrant market and the palm-lined lakeside streets. In the evening, you'll take a gentle walk along Lake Tana to watch the sunset and local fishermen in their traditional papyrus boats. Your overnight stay will be at the Jacaranda Hotel, Bahir Dar. Main Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Accommodation: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) +3 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Falls

Day 2Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Falls Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Falls After breakfast, you'll take a boat trip on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, to visit its ancient island monasteries such as Ura Kidane Mihret, renowned for colorful religious murals and historic manuscripts. In the afternoon, you'll drive to the famous Blue Nile Falls, locally known as “Tis Issat” or “the Smoking Water,” and enjoy a short hike for panoramic views of the roaring cascade. You'll return to Bahir Dar for a relaxing evening by the lakeside. Your overnight stay will be at the Jacaranda Hotel, Bahir Dar. Main Destination: Lake Tana Accommodation: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bahir Dar – Gondar (Castles & Ancient Churches)

Day 3Bahir Dar – Gondar (Castles & Ancient Churches) Bahir Dar – Gondar (Castles & Ancient Churches) After breakfast, you'll drive through the scenic countryside to Gondar, the 17th-century imperial capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, you will explore the UNESCO-listed Royal Enclosure, home to several well-preserved medieval castles that reflect Ethiopia’s rich architectural heritage. You'll visit Fasilides’ Bath, where the colorful Timkat (Epiphany) festival is celebrated annually, and continue to the beautiful Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for its angel-painted ceiling. Your overnight stay will be at Goha Hotel. Main Destination: Gondar (City) Accommodation: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park (Highland Adventure)

Day 4Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park (Highland Adventure) Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park (Highland Adventure) After breakfast, you'll depart from Gondar and drive to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic landscapes, deep valleys, and rugged peaks. En route, you'll enjoy scenic stops for photography and short walks to admire the highland scenery. Upon arrival, you will explore the park with your guide, spotting endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons and Walia ibex. You'll take in the breathtaking views of the jagged cliffs and valleys that define this natural wonder. Your overnight stay will be at a lodge or guesthouse near the park. 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)

Simien Mountains – Axum (Ancient City of Kings)

Day 5Simien Mountains – Axum (Ancient City of Kings) Simien Mountains – Axum (Ancient City of Kings) After an early breakfast, you'll depart the Simien Mountains and drive north to Axum, the legendary city of the ancient Aksumite Kingdom. Upon arrival, you will explore Axum’s remarkable archaeological and historical sites, including the towering obelisks, the Queen of Sheba’s alleged palace ruins, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. You'll learn about the city’s pivotal role in Ethiopia’s Christian history and its rich cultural heritage. Your overnight stay will be at Sabean International Hotel. Main Destination: Axum (City) Accommodation: Sabean International Hotel Budget hotel located in Axum (City) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Axum – Tigray Rock-Hewn Churches (Hidden Heritage)

Day 6Axum – Tigray Rock-Hewn Churches (Hidden Heritage) Axum – Tigray Rock-Hewn Churches (Hidden Heritage) After breakfast, you'll drive into the Tigray region, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and centuries-old rock-hewn churches. You'll visit awe-inspiring cliffside churches such as Abuna Yemata Guh, famous for its frescoes and daring location, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Along the way, you'll encounter traditional villages and interact with locals to learn about their customs and daily life. This day is a deep dive into Ethiopia’s spiritual and architectural heritage. Your overnight stay will be at a lodge. 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)

Tigray – Mekele (Gateway to Danakil Adventure)

Day 7Tigray – Mekele (Gateway to Danakil Adventure) Tigray – Mekele (Gateway to Danakil Adventure) After breakfast, you'll drive from the Tigray highlands to Mekele, the capital of the Tigray region and the gateway to the Danakil Depression. Along the route, you'll admire the stark landscapes, dramatic escarpments, and traditional rural villages. Upon arrival in Mekele, you'll check into your hotel and prepare for the upcoming desert and volcanic exploration. You'll take the evening to rest or explore the local markets and experience the city’s unique blend of culture and history. Your overnight stay will be at Planet Hotel. Main Destination: Mekele (City) Accommodation: Planet Hotel Budget hotel located in Mekele (City) +5 Photos +4 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mekele – Danakil Depression (Erta Ale Volcano Trek)

Day 8Mekele – Danakil Depression (Erta Ale Volcano Trek) Mekele – Danakil Depression (Erta Ale Volcano Trek) After an early breakfast, you'll drive toward the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most otherworldly places on Earth. You'll stop at salt flats and traditional Afar villages along the way to witness the region’s unique lifestyle and landscapes. In the afternoon, you'll begin the trek to Erta Ale Volcano, an active lava lake offering a dramatic and unforgettable spectacle of molten rock. You'll experience the fiery glow as the sun sets over this extraordinary volcanic landscape. Your overnight stay will be in tents or a basic camp near Erta Ale. Main Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Accommodation: Budget camping Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Danakil Depression – Dallol & Return to Mekele

Day 9Danakil Depression – Dallol & Return to Mekele Danakil Depression – Dallol & Return to Mekele After an early breakfast at the camp, you'll explore the otherworldly landscapes of Dallol, famous for its colorful sulfur springs, acid pools, and salt formations. You'll visit the vast salt flats and observe local Afar salt miners at work, a tradition that has endured for centuries. Capture the surreal scenery with photographs before beginning the drive back to Mekele. You'll arrive in the evening, relax, and prepare for the next stage of your journey. Your overnight stay will be at Planet Hotel. Main Destination: Mekele (City) Accommodation: Planet Hotel Budget hotel located in Mekele (City) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mekele – Addis Ababa (Scenic Drive Back to the Capital)

Day 10Mekele – Addis Ababa (Scenic Drive Back to the Capital) Mekele – Addis Ababa (Scenic Drive Back to the Capital) After breakfast, you'll begin your drive or flight from Mekele back to Addis Ababa, passing through scenic Ethiopian highlands and rural villages along the route. You'll stop for short breaks to admire the landscapes and capture photographs of the countryside. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, we'll transfer you to your hotel and relax after the journey. In the evening, you'll enjoy a cultural dinner or explore the city’s vibrant markets. Your overnight stay will be at the Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel in Addis Ababa. Main Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Accommodation: Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) +5 Photos +4 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Addis Ababa – Lalibela (Rock-Hewn Church Exploration Begins)

Day 11Addis Ababa – Lalibela (Rock-Hewn Church Exploration Begins) Addis Ababa – Lalibela (Rock-Hewn Church Exploration Begins) You'll take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual jewel, famous for its 12th-century rock-hewn churches. Upon arrival, you'll meet your guide and transfer to your hotel to settle in. In the afternoon, you'll begin exploring the town’s UNESCO-listed churches, marveling at the intricate carvings and historical significance of sites such as Bet Medhane Alem and Bet Maryam. You'll enjoy the serene atmosphere of this sacred town. Your overnight stay will be at Top Twelve Hotel. Main Destination: Lalibela (Town) Accommodation: Top Twelve Hotel Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela – Asheton Maryam Monastery & Rural Highlands

Day 12Lalibela – Asheton Maryam Monastery & Rural Highlands Lalibela – Asheton Maryam Monastery & Rural Highlands After breakfast, you'll take a hike to the Asheton Maryam Monastery, perched on a high cliff with panoramic views of the surrounding Lalibela highlands. Along the way, you will enjoy the scenic landscapes and interact with locals in nearby villages to learn about their daily life and traditions. In the afternoon, you'll return to Lalibela town to explore more rock-hewn churches or relax at your hotel. Your overnight stay will be at Top Twelve Hotel. Main Destination: Lalibela (Town) Accommodation: Top Twelve Hotel Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela – Jinka via Addis Ababa (Omo Valley Gateway)

Day 13Lalibela – Jinka via Addis Ababa (Omo Valley Gateway) Lalibela – Jinka via Addis Ababa (Omo Valley Gateway) After breakfast, you'll take a morning flight from Lalibela to Jinka, connecting via Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in Jinka, the gateway to the Omo Valley, you'll meet your guide and transfer to your lodge. Depending on your arrival time, you will enjoy a short orientation of the town or relax at your lodge, preparing for the next day’s cultural exploration of the Omo Valley tribes. Your overnight stay will be at the Nasa Hotel. Main Destination: Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Accommodation: Nasa Hotel Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Jinka – Konso (Terraced Landscapes & Cultural Heritage)

Day 14Jinka – Konso (Terraced Landscapes & Cultural Heritage) Jinka – Konso (Terraced Landscapes & Cultural Heritage) After breakfast in Jinka, you'll drive north to Konso, a UNESCO-listed region known for its unique terraced landscapes and stone-walled villages. Along the way, you'll admire the dramatic highland scenery and stop in rural villages to meet local communities. Upon arrival, you will explore the Konso Cultural Landscape, learning about the people’s ancient farming techniques, wooden totems (waka), and rich cultural traditions. Your overnight stay will be at Jinka Nasa Hotel. Main Destination: Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Accommodation: Nasa Hotel Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Omo Valley – Addis Ababa (Return to the Capital)

Day 15Omo Valley – Addis Ababa (Return to the Capital) Omo Valley – Addis Ababa (Return to the Capital) After breakfast, you'll begin your journey back to Addis Ababa, either by road or via flight from Jinka, enjoying scenic landscapes and rural villages along the way. You'll stop for photos and short breaks to admire the countryside. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you'll transfer to your hotel to relax and freshen up. In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner or explore the city’s markets, reflecting on the rich cultural and natural experiences of your Ethiopian adventure. Main Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included) End of tour (See Getting There for more details)End of tour (See Getting There for more details) Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport. Interested in This Tour? Request a Quote We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why) Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly Next: Overview Next: Day by Day Next: Rates Next: Inclusions Next: Getting There Next: Offered By Best price guarantee Your request will be sent directly to the operator If preferred, you can contact the operator directly Next: Request a Quote Request a Quote Disclaimer This tour is offered by On the Go Ethio