10-Day Northern Ethiopia & Awash, Harar & Wildlife

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Day 1Arrival in Addis Ababa Arrival in Addis Ababa You'll arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you'll begin exploring Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. Visit the National Museum, home to the fossil remains of “Lucy,” the Holy Trinity Cathedral with its stunning stained-glass windows, or the colorful Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. In the evening, you'll relax and enjoy a traditional dinner. Your overnight stay will be in Addis Ababa. Main Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Accommodation: Triple-E Hotel and Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) +4 Photos +3 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly to Bahir Dar & Lake Tana Monasteries

Day 2Fly to Bahir Dar & Lake Tana Monasteries Fly to Bahir Dar & Lake Tana Monasteries You'll take a morning flight to Bahir Dar, a serene city on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a scenic boat ride across the lake to visit its ancient island monasteries, including Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam, adorned with colorful religious murals and rich history. In the afternoon, you'll drive to the majestic Blue Nile Falls, known locally as “Tis Issat” or “Smoking Water.” You will return to Bahir Dar for an evening by the lakeside. Your overnight stay will be in Bahir Dar. Main Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Accommodation: Lake Avenue Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) +6 Photos +5 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Gondar, the Camelot of Africa

Day 3Drive to Gondar, the Camelot of Africa Drive to Gondar, the Camelot of Africa After breakfast, you'll drive through scenic highlands to Gondar, a historic city often called the “Camelot of Africa.” Upon arrival, you will visit the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring magnificent stone castles and palaces built by Emperor Fasilides and his successors. You'll continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its beautifully painted ceiling of angelic faces. You'll stroll through the charming old town before settling in for the night. You'll stay overnight in Gondar. 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)

Simien Mountains National Park Excursion

Day 4Simien Mountains National Park Excursion Simien Mountains National Park Excursion After breakfast, you will embark on a full-day excursion to the Simien Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. You'll enjoy panoramic views of rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and dramatic escarpments shaped over millions of years. You'll spot endemic wildlife such as the Gelada baboon, Klipspringer, and various bird species. You'll take short hikes around Sankaber for unforgettable scenery and photo opportunities. In the late afternoon, you will return to Gondar for dinner and an overnight stay. 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: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly to Lalibela & Explore Rock-Hewn Churches (Group A)

Day 5Fly to Lalibela & Explore Rock-Hewn Churches (Group A) Fly to Lalibela & Explore Rock-Hewn Churches (Group A) You'll take a morning flight to Lalibela, often called the “New Jerusalem” for its extraordinary 12th-century rock-hewn churches. After check-in, you will begin exploring the first cluster (Group A) of these architectural marvels, including Bet Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world, and Bet Maryam, known for its colorful frescoes and serene atmosphere. You'll learn about the town’s deep spiritual significance and local traditions. Your overnight stay will be in Lalibela. Main Destination: Lalibela (Town) Accommodation: Zan-Seyoum Hotel - Lalibela Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) +8 Photos +7 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela (Group B Churches) & Optional Hike to Asheton Maryam

Day 6Lalibela (Group B Churches) & Optional Hike to Asheton Maryam Lalibela (Group B Churches) & Optional Hike to Asheton Maryam You'll continue your exploration of Lalibela with visits to the second cluster (Group B) of rock-hewn churches, including Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Abba Libanos, and Bet Merkorios, each with unique architecture and legends. In the afternoon, you'll take an optional hike or mule ride up to Asheton Maryam Monastery, perched high in the mountains, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and villages. You'll return to town for a relaxing evening. Your overnight stay will be in Lalibela. Main Destination: Lalibela (Town) Accommodation: Zan-Seyoum Hotel - Lalibela Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa

Day 7Fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa Fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa After breakfast, you'll take a morning flight from Lalibela to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel and relax. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the city’s highlights, such as the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, or the bustling Merkato market. You'll enjoy a leisurely evening and dinner in the capital as you prepare for the next leg of your Northern Ethiopia and Awash adventure. Your overnight stay will be in Addis Ababa. Main Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Accommodation: Triple-E Hotel and Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Awash National Park & Safari

Day 8Drive to Awash National Park & Safari Drive to Awash National Park & Safari After breakfast in Addis Ababa, you'll drive east toward Awash National Park, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. You'll arrive in the afternoon and embark on a game drive to spot wildlife such as Beisa oryx, kudu, Soemmerring’s gazelle, and a variety of bird species around the Awash River Gorge and waterfalls. You'll enjoy the park’s unique volcanic scenery and natural beauty. You'll relax at your lodge in the evening and stay overnight in 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'sGazelle Common HamadryasBaboon 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: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Harar via Dire Dawa

Day 9Drive to Harar via Dire Dawa Drive to Harar via Dire Dawa After breakfast, you'll drive to the historic walled city of Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing through Dire Dawa for a lunch stop. You'll arrive in Harar by the afternoon and begin exploring its vibrant alleys and colorful markets. In the evening, you'll experience the world-famous Hyena Feeding ritual, where locals hand-feed hyenas—a unique cultural tradition that has fascinated visitors for generations. You will return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay in Harar. Main Destination: Harar (Town) Accommodation: Harar Ras Hotel Budget hotel located in Harar (Town) +6 Photos +5 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Explore Harar & Return to Addis Ababa

Day 10Explore Harar & Return to Addis Ababa Explore Harar & Return to Addis Ababa You'll spend the morning exploring the historic alleys of Harar Jugol, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its colorful houses and lively markets. You'll visit traditional Harari homes, the Arthur Rimbaud Museum, and local shrines to experience the city’s rich culture and history. In the afternoon, you'll transfer to Dire Dawa Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy free time in the city or proceed directly to the airport for your onward departure. 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 Ethiopi