20-Day Journey Through the Heart of Ethiopia

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Day 1Arrival in Addis Ababa Arrival in Addis Ababa Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel. Begin your Ethiopian journey with visits to the National Museum, home of the famous hominid “Lucy,” and the Holy Trinity Cathedral. End the day with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, offering insight into local culture and hospitality. Main Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Accommodation: Jano Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) +7 Photos +6 Photos Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Non-alcoholic drinks

Addis Ababa - Semera - Erta Ale Volcano

Day 2Addis Ababa - Semera - Erta Ale Volcano Addis Ababa - Semera - Erta Ale Volcano After an early morning flight from Addis Ababa to Semera, meet your Afar guide and security escort. Travel by 4×4 through the arid Afar landscape toward Erta Ale, one of the world’s few permanently active lava lakes. Arrive at base camp in the late afternoon. After dinner, hike to the summit of Erta Ale volcano to observe glowing lava bubbling inside the crater under the night sky. Main Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Accommodation: Budget camping Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Non-alcoholic drinks

Erta Ale Volcano Exploration

Day 3Erta Ale Volcano Exploration Erta Ale Volcano Exploration Erta Ale Volcano Exploration Early in the morning, hike up Erta Ale Volcano, one of the few active lava lakes on Earth. Witness glowing molten lava bubbling inside the crater, a truly unforgettable natural spectacle. Spend the afternoon resting and enjoying the silence of the desert. Overnight camping near Hamedela or Haba valley will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Main Destination: Hamad Ela (Village) Accommodation: Budget camping Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Dallol - Mekele

Day 4Dallol - Mekele Dallol - Mekele Travel to the otherworldly Dalol Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. Explore colorful sulfur fields, salt formations, and the surreal landscapes of Lake Assale. After this extraordinary visit, continue driving to Mekele, the capital of Tigray, where you can relax after an intense adventure day. Main Destination: Mekele (City) Accommodation: Axum Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Mekele - Axum

Day 5Mekele - Axum Mekele - Axum Mekele - Axum ( Flight / drive) after arrive in Axum we will transfer to Axum either by scenic drive or domestic flight. Axum is one of Ethiopia’s most important ancient cities and a former capital of the Axumite Empire. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening preparing for historical exploration in this sacred and legendary town. Main Destination: Axum (City) Accommodation: Yeha Hotel Budget hotel located in Axum (City) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Axum City sightseesing

Day 6Axum City sightseesing Axum City sightseesing Explore the rich heritage of Axum, including the UNESCO-listed Stelae Park with its towering obelisks. Visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant, and discover the ruins of Queen of Sheba’s palace. This day reveals Ethiopia’s deep ancient and religious history. Main Destination: Axum (City) Accommodation: Sabean International Hotel Budget hotel located in Axum (City) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Axum - Debark

Day 7Axum - Debark Axum - Debark Depart Axum in the morning and travel to Gondar, either by domestic flight or overland drive through the dramatic highlands of northern Ethiopia. Upon arrival in Gondar, continue by road to Debark, the gateway town to Simien Mountains National Park. The drive offers scenic views of farmland, plateaus, and rural villages. Arrive in Debark in the afternoon, complete park formalities, meet local guides and scouts, and relax at your lodge. Overnight in Debark, preparing for the mountain adventure ahead. Overnight: Debark. Main Destination: Debark (Town) Accommodation: Ras Dejen Hotel Budget hotel located in Debark (Town) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Debark - Simien Mountains sancaber campsite

Day 8Debark - Simien Mountains sancaber campsite Debark - Simien Mountains sancaber campsite After breakfast, drive from Debark into Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter the park and begin a gentle introductory hike around the Sankaber area. Walk along breathtaking escarpments with wide views across deep valleys and jagged cliffs. This first hike is ideal for acclimatization and offers excellent opportunities to see Gelada baboons, soaring birds of prey, and endemic flora. Enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere as the sun sets over the escarpments. Overnight: Simien Mountains Sankaber campsite. 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

Sancaber - Geech / chennek

Day 9Sancaber - Geech / chennek Sancaber - Geech / chennek Spend a full day trekking deeper into the Simien Mountains. Hike through Afro-alpine landscapes, passing open grasslands, dramatic ridges, and sheer drops into vast gorges. Along the way, encounter Gelada baboons, rock hyraxes, and possibly Walia ibex. The trail offers some of the most iconic views in Ethiopia, with endless horizons and raw mountain beauty. Arrive at your camp or lodge in the afternoon and enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by nature. Overnight: Simien Mountains (Geech or Chenek ). Main Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Simien Mountain Trekking

Day 10Simien Mountain Trekking Simien Mountain Trekking Today is dedicated to exploring the high-altitude heart of the Simien Mountains. Trek in the Chenek area, known for wildlife sightings and dramatic scenery. With luck, spot the rare Ethiopian wolf and close-up views of Walia ibex on steep cliffs. Enjoy panoramic viewpoints overlooking deep valleys and sharp escarpments, considered among Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. This day is the highlight for trekking lovers and photographers alike. Overnight: Simien Mountains (Chenek). Main Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Simien Mountain - Gondar

Day 11Simien Mountain - Gondar Simien Mountain - Gondar Enjoy a final morning walk in the Simien Mountains, soaking in the crisp mountain air and last views of the dramatic highlands. After breakfast, drive back through Debark and continue to Gondar. Arrive in Gondar in the afternoon, check into your hotel, and enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure—perfect for resting after several rewarding days of trekking. Overnight: Gondar. Main Destination: Gondar (City) Accommodation: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Gondar - Bahirdar

Day 12Gondar - Bahirdar Gondar - Bahirdar Drive to Bahir Dar, a pleasant lakeside city on the shores of Lake Tana. The journey takes approximately four hours through scenic countryside. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing sunset walk along Lake Tana, known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful reflections. Main Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Accommodation: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls

Day 13Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient island monasteries, known for their religious art and history. Later, drive to the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat), one of Ethiopia’s most impressive waterfalls, especially powerful during the rainy season. Return to Bahir Dar for overnight. Main Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Accommodation: Blue Nile Resort Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) +2 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Bahirdar - Lalibela

Day 14Bahirdar - Lalibela Bahirdar - Lalibela Fly to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart. In the afternoon, begin exploring the first group of the famous rock-hewn churches, carved entirely from solid rock in the 12th century. These UNESCO-listed churches are among the world’s most extraordinary religious monuments. Main Destination: Lalibela (Town) Accommodation: Hill Top Lodge Lalibela Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) +6 Photos +5 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Lalibela Churches & Village Walk

Day 15Lalibela Churches & Village Walk Lalibela Churches & Village Walk Continue exploring the second group of Lalibela churches, including the iconic Bete Giyorgis, shaped like a perfect cross. Enjoy a guided village walk to experience daily life, traditional houses, and local interactions, providing cultural depth beyond the historical monuments. Main Destination: Lalibela (Town) Accommodation: Hill Top Lodge Lalibela Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Lalibela - Addis Ababa

Day 16Lalibela - Addis Ababa Lalibela - Addis Ababa Lalibela → Addis Ababa (Flight) Fly back to Addis Ababa in the morning. Spend the afternoon at leisure for shopping, relaxation, or optional sightseeing. This is also a good time to prepare for the southern Ethiopia portion of the journey. Overnight in Addis Ababa. Main Destination: Lalibela (Town) Accommodation: Jano Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Addis Ababa - Arbaminch

Day 17Addis Ababa - Arbaminch Addis Ababa - Arbaminch – Addis Ababa → Arba Minch (Flight) Take a flight to Arba Minch, located in southern Ethiopia near the Great Rift Valley lakes. After arrival, enjoy a relaxed afternoon to rest or explore the town. The warm climate and lush surroundings offer a contrast to northern Ethiopia’s highlands. Main Destination: Arba Minch (City) Accommodation: Haile Resort Arba Minch Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City) +3 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Lake chamo - Dorze Village

Day 18Lake chamo - Dorze Village Lake chamo - Dorze Village Lake Chamo & Dorze Village Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo, famous for its large crocodiles, hippos, and diverse birdlife. Later, visit the Dorze people, known for their unique beehive-shaped houses and traditional weaving techniques. This day highlights southern Ethiopia’s cultural and natural diversity. Main Destination: Arba Minch (City) Accommodation: Haile Resort Arba Minch Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Arbaminch - Addis Ababa

Day 19Arbaminch - Addis Ababa Arbaminch - Addis Ababa Arba Minch → Addis Ababa Return to Addis Ababa by flight or overland drive, enjoying views of the Rift Valley along the way. In the evening, celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell cultural dinner featuring Ethiopian cuisine, music, and dance. Overnight 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: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Departure

Day 20Departure Departure After breakfast, or dinner farewell party we will transfer you to Bole International Airport for your international departure. Say goodbye to Ethiopia with unforgettable memories of ancient history, dramatic landscapes, vibrant cultures, and warm hospitality. End of tour. Main Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks 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 Ethiopia Best Tours, not SafariBookings. This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings. If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change. Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this. The exact order, contents and