Duration
11-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Best Ethiopian Safari Tour and Highly rated Tour Company, Discover Ethiopia's wild side on this unforgettable 11-day journey through the country's most breathtaking national parks. Trek across the dramatic cliffs of the Simien Mountains, home to gelada monkeys and Walia ibex. Explore the volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife of Awash National Park. Then venture into the misty Bale Mountains to search for the rare Ethiopian wolf and wander through lush cloud forests.
Plan snapshot
Duration
11-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Simien Mountains NP, Awash NP, Bale Mountains NP
Country & park
Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
5 years
Activities
game drives & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included - Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included; Breakfast & Lunch Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This budget tour includes camping and hotels. Guests must assist with camp chores.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 5 years.
Day 1-3
Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Mid-range hotel 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 5-6
Mid-range hotel less than 1hr drive from Awash NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 7-10
Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP
Day 1-9: Breakfast Included; Day 10: All Meals Included
Day 11
(No accommodation)
Meals at Own Expense
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Fly from Addis Ababa to Gondar, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Afterward, enjoy a smooth drive along a well-paved road to the park headquarters in Debark. The journey covers about 100 km and takes approximately two hours. Upon arrival, we’ll arrange park permits and you’ll meet with your scout before continuing for another hour’s drive to begin your first introductory hike. This easy trek along the northern edge of the escarpment offers stunning views of the foothills and plains of northern Ethiopia. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to observe Gelada baboons and other wildlife. Your overnight stay will be at the camp. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
From Sankaber, you’ll begin your hike along the ridge, overlooking the foothills that drop about 800 meters below. Continue descending into the valley to witness the Jinbar River plunging into the Geech Abyss. Watch for wildlife such as the Walia ibex and other species along the way. After spending some time at the waterfall, proceed to Geech village, where you will set up your second campsite. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
After breakfast, you’ll begin a spectacular views in the Simien Mountains. Along the way, you will pass through Imet Gogo, reaching an altitude of 3,926 meters, where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the canyon below, distant ridges, and endless valleys. You may also encounter more than ten bird species along the trail, guided by a professional bird expert. After Imet Gogo, continue hiking to the Innateye Valley viewpoint at an altitude of 4,070 meters, where you’ll stop for lunch. Afterwards, descend to Chennek (3,600 meters) to your third campsite. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Today you will embark on an ascent to Buwahit, the second-highest peak in the Simien Mountains, standing at 4,430 meters. This trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the chance to spot the Walia ibex, a rare species native to this region of Ethiopia. Along the way, you’ll also have views of Ras Dejen, Ethiopia’s highest peak at 4,543 meters. After taking in the stunning scenery, you’ll descend back to Chennek Camp, where your vehicle will be waiting to take you on a four-hour drive back to Gondar. Your overnight stay will be at a hotel. Mid-range hotel located 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Fly from Gondar to Addis Ababa and depart from Addis Ababa around 10:00 am. The drive takes approximately four hours, passing through the scenic Ethiopian countryside. Arrive at Awash National Park and check into your lodge. Enjoy a hearty lunch featuring local and international cuisine before embarking on your first game drive through the park’s diverse ecosystems, including savannah, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests. Spot wildlife such as Beisa oryx, gazelles, baboons, and various bird species. In the evening you will return to the hotel for dinner and your overnight stay. Optional: Join a night safari to observe nocturnal animals and the starry African sky. Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Awash NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Start with an early morning game drive, the best time to spot predators such as lions and leopards, as well as a variety of bird species. You’ll then visit the spectacular Awash Falls, where the Awash River plunges into a deep gorge. Enjoy the scenic beauty and take photos. In the afternoon you will go on a guided hike along the park’s trails to explore its rich biodiversity and enjoy bird watching. Over 450 bird species have been recorded in the park. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel. Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Awash NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, then embark on a final game drive to capture any last wildlife sightings and scenic views. You will then make your way to Filwoha Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the natural thermal waters, surrounded by lush vegetation. Have lunch at the hotel before going on a drive to the Bale Mountains in the early afternoon. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Early in the morning you will drive to Bale Goba town for coffee. Continue to Dinsho National Park for a short hike, where you may spot endemic species such as the mountain nyala and Menelik's bushbuck. After the visit, drive back to Goba town for the night. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at the hotel. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
After breakfast, you'll drive to the starting point for the hike to Lake Geber-Guracha, which takes approximately four hours. During the hike, there is a high chance of spotting the endemic Ethiopian wolf. You'll enjoy a picnic lunch with breathtaking views of the 3,900m-high lake and visit local villages along the way. Continue driving to the Sanetti Plateau, with elevations ranging from 3,700m to 4,100m, making it the highest road in Africa. You'll hike around Tullu Demtu (4,377m), the second-highest peak in Ethiopia, before continuing to Harena Forest. On this day, you’ll see Mount Tullu Demtu along with endemic wildlife such as the Ethiopian wolf and various bird species. Expect about three hours of driving. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at the hotel. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic three-hour hike through Harena Forest. After the hike, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, take a shorter hike to visit the stunning Bale Waterfalls. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at the hotel. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11
After breakfast, you will enjoy a short hike. Afterwards, you will fly from Goba to Addis Ababa. This will conclude your tour. Meals at own expense Drinks not included
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Offered by
Ethio Backpacker Tours has established by young tourism professionals Gashaw Takele (CEO) who have excellent occurrence over decades.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2010)
Member Of
ASTA & ITAT
Tour Types
Small & medium group tours (Budget & mid-range)
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5We booked a four days activity to visit Addis Ababa and the Danakil Depression with Ethio Backpacker Tours, and it was an exceptional experience. The trip was impeccably organized, and the team was amazing. I loved every aspect of the service and highly recommend them for anyone looking to explore these incredible destinations.
Maria · Spain
I was able to get a spare time for few days in Ethiopia since I came for business, but thanks to my friend's recommendation I contact with Ethio Backpacker Tours and they provided an excellent city tour in Addis Ababa. I visit the important places such as national museum, entoto park and big market merkato. Thanks for the excellent hospitalities!
Yuli · China
I recently completed a week journey through Ethiopia with Ethio Backpacker Tours, and it was truly unforgettable. The first three days in the Danakil Depression showcased the extreme beauty of one of the hottest places on Earth. From there, we spent three days exploring the Omo Valley, experiencing the vibrant culture of its diverse tribes and finally a city tour of Addis Ababa. Thank you Gashaw for such an extraordinary adventure!
Ruzan · Belgium
My trip to Ethiopia was unforgettable, thanks to Ethio Backpacker Tours! With only six days off for my holiday, I was eager to explore this beautiful country that had long been on my bucket list. Gashaw organized everything perfectly, helping me prioritize what to see in such a short time. One of the most incredible experiences was witnessing the active volcano at Erta Ale. Seeing the lava exploding in the lava lake was beyond anything I had ever imagined. The raw power of nature was awe-inspiring, and I’m so grateful I had the chance to witness it.
Bahir · Turkey
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 5 years and older.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included - Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Ethio Backpacker 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 rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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