Duration
14-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia
14-Day All Inclusive Danakil, Northern Ethiopia
Overview
Begin in the surreal Danakil Depression, walking on the salt flats and witnessing the volcanic fury of Erta Ale and springs of Dalol. Ascend to the Simien Mountains, for breathtaking treks alongside Gelada monkeys and Walia Ibex. Explore the hidden cliff-carved churches of Tigray and the ancient stelae of Axum. Discover royal castles and the serene monasteries on Lake Tana. the spiritual heart of Lalibela, marveling at its rock-hewn churches. This adventure is one of our unforgettable trip.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Awash NP, Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression), Hamad Ela (Village)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Awash National Park
Style
Mid-range shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
12 years
Activities
game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide) & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Momona Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Meals
Lunch & Dinner Included; All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$4,010 USD
$3,582 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$4,010 USD
$3,582 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
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 12 years and older. Children under 18 receive a discount.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Ethiopia
Start
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 2
Awash NP
Day 3
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 4
Hamad Ela (Village)
Day 5
Gheralta (Mountain Range)
Day 6
Tigray
Day 7
Axum (City)
Day 8
Debark (Town)
Day 9
Simien Mountains NP
Day 10
Gondar (City)
Day 11
Lake Tana
Day 12-13
Lalibela (Town)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 14)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour includes camping and lodges.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 3 people per group.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Cannot be customized
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Suitable for single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour.
12
Minimum age of 12 years
The minimum age for this tour is 12 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide) & nature hikes/walks
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle & minivan
Getting around: minivan, bus, normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Momona Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2
Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort
Mid-range hotel in Semera (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Mid-range camping Hamad Ela (Village) – All Meals Included
Hamad Ela (Village) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Gheralta Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Tigray – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6-7
Brana Hotel Budget hotel in Axum (City) – Day 6: Meals at Own Expense – Day 7: All Meals Included
Budget hotel in Axum (City)
Day 6: Meals at Own Expense; Day 7: All Meals Included
Day 8
Ras Dejen Hotel Budget hotel in Debark (Town) – All Meals Included
Budget hotel in Debark (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10-11
Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – All Meals Included +3 Photos
Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 12-13
Mountain View Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 14
End of tour
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Arrival Addis Ababa
Following your morning arrival and hotel transfer, your exploration begins at the excellent Ethnographic Museum. Housed within Haile Selassie's former palace, its exhibits on traditional crafts, spiritual practices, and royal history provide a perfect introduction to Ethiopia's diverse cultures. Next, immerse yourself in the sensory spectacle of Mercato, one of Africa's largest open-air markets. Your guide will navigate you through its vibrant, bustling lanes, past aromatic spice stalls and artisans at work. Your final visit is to the serene and majestic Trinity Cathedral. This important spiritual site, with its striking architecture, beautiful stained glass, and murals, is the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie, offering a poignant look into modern Ethiopian history. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Momona Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Addis Ababa - Awash National Park - Semera
After an early breakfast and pickup from Momona Hotel, we begin our scenic drive eastwards, descending into the dramatic landscape of the Great Rift Valley. Our destination is the renowned Awash National Park, a vast savannah ecosystem defined by the Awash River and volcanic formations. Upon arrival, we embark on an exciting game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for the park's diverse wildlife, including the elegant, long-horned Beisa Oryx, the strikingly striped Lesser Kudu camouflaged in the acacia woodlands, and troops of animated baboons. A highlight of our exploration is a visit to the thunderous Awash Falls, where the river cascades into a dramatic gorge. After a picnic lunch in the park, we continue our journey north, witnessing the changing scenery as we drive towards the town of Semera, our gateway to the Afar Region. Check into your lodge for the evening to rest after a day of adventure. Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Awash National Park Stay: Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Semera - Lake Afrera - Ertale Volcano
Pickup from the resort and meet your specialized Afar guide and 4x4 vehicles to commence the expedition. The journey is an adventure in itself, driving across a surreal, sun-baked plain. You'll pass the shimmering, mineral-rich waters of Lake Afdera, a vast salt lake where local Afar people harvest salt, set against a dramatic volcanic backdrop. Arriving at the Ertale campsite in the afternoon, you'll prepare for the ascent. As the intense heat wanes, you begin the approximately 40-minute trek across the volcano's blackened basalt shield. Reaching the rim in the late afternoon is a moment of pure awe. Before you lies Erta Ale, one of the planet's few permanent lava lakes. The sight of the churning, incandescent magma in its caldera is an unforgettable, primordial spectacle. You will spend the evening on the summit, witnessing the lake's hypnotic activity intensify under the starry desert sky—a truly unparalleled experience. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
Erta'le Volcano - Lake Asale - Dalol
After an early breakfast at the campsite, we begin our drive across the otherworldly Danakil Depression. Our first stop is Lake Asebo, the primary salt mining area. Here, you will witness the ancient, back-breaking work of the Afar salt miners as they break the thick salt crust into large rectangular slabs, which are then loaded onto camel caravans for their long journey to the highlands. We then continue to Dallol, a place that feels like another planet. Situated over 130 meters below sea level, it is one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. An excursion on foot will lead you through an impossible landscape of neon-yellow, green, and orange hydrothermal fields, bizarre sulfur formations, and bubbling acidic ponds—a breathtaking display of geological forces. The day concludes with a visit to the vast, crystalline salt pans of Lake Assal before we set up our basic camping facilities for the night in the heart of this extraordinary desert, under an immense canopy of stars. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Hamad Ela (Village) Stay: Mid-range camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
Dalol - Tigray Churches
We begin before dawn, driving across the salt flats to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Dallol hydrothermal field. The low morning light sets the vibrant mineral deposits ablaze with color, creating an unforgettable photographic opportunity and a final farewell to this alien landscape. After returning to camp for breakfast, we commence our long but fascinating drive west, ascending dramatically from the searing lowlands of the Danakil to the cool, rugged highlands of Tigray. This journey is a study in contrasts, as the stark desert gives way to mountainous terrain. En route to our base in Hawzien, we will stop to visit one or more of the renowned Tigray churches. These remarkable sanctuaries, hewn directly into the faces of sheer sandstone cliffs, are accessible only by foot—sometimes involving a short, scenic hike or even a climb with rock-hewn steps. They offer a profound sense of peace, ancient history, and breathtaking views over the Gheralta plateau. Mid-range lodge located in Tigray All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range) Stay: Gheralta Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Tigray Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
Gheralta - Axum
After an early breakfast, we drive into the stunning Gheralta mountains. Here, we embark on a memorable adventure: the climb to Abune Yemata Guh. This unique church is perilously perched high on a vertical cliff face, requiring a final ascent using hand and foot holds carved into the rock. The effort is immensely rewarded with breathtaking views and the chance to see the church's magnificent, well-preserved 5th-century frescoes in a truly awe-inspiring setting. Descending, we begin the scenic drive towards the ancient city of Axum. En route, we step even further back in time with a visit to the Yeha Temple, a massive, pre-Christian structure dating to the 5th century BC, showcasing the sophistication of Ethiopia's earliest known civilization. We continue to the Debre Damo Monastery, accessible only by climbing a 15-meter rope up a sheer cliff. (Please note: This site is traditionally for male visitors only). Its secluded plateau houses one of Ethiopia's oldest existing churches. Budget hotel located in Axum (City) Meals at own expense Drinks not included
Destination: Tigray Stay: Brana Hotel Budget hotel located in Axum (City) Meals: Meals at own expense Drinks not included
Day 7
Axum City Tour
After breakfast, we begin our exploration of Axum, the once-great capital of a powerful empire Our first stop is the legendary Stele Field, where you will stand before towering, intricately carved obelisks dating back over 1,700 years. These monumental granite tombs are a testament to the incredible engineering and artistry of the ancient Aksumite kingdom. We will also explore the underground tombs of the Kaleb and Gebre Meskel sites. Next, we visit the sacred Church of St. Mary of Zion, a site of immense pilgrimage. It is within its complex that the Ark of the Covenant is believed to be housed. While the chapel containing the Ark is inaccessible to all but its guardian, the atmosphere of profound faith and mystery is palpable. We will tour the old church and the modern cathedral. Our historical immersion concludes at the Axum Archaeological Museum, which provides fascinating context with its rich collection of artifacts, including ancient inscriptions, royal crowns, and potteries. Budget hotel located in Axum (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Axum (City) Stay: Brana Hotel Budget hotel located in Axum (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 8
Axum - Debark
After breakfast and checkout, we begin our scenic drive south from Axum. The journey itself is a highlight, traversing the dramatic landscapes of the Tigray region before ascending into the breathtaking highlands. As we approach the Simien Mountains, the landscape transforms. You will be greeted by the majestic, jagged peaks and deep valleys of the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the "Roof of Africa." We will drive along one of the continent's most scenic roads, with opportunities to stop at viewpoints and soak in the stunning panoramas of this unique alpine environment. Our destination is the town of Debark, the gateway to the national park. Here, we will complete the necessary park formalities and your guide will provide a briefing for the adventures that await over the next two days. Budget hotel located in Debark (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Debark (Town) Stay: Ras Dejen Hotel Budget hotel located in Debark (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 9
Morning Trek in the Semein mountain NP - Gondar
We depart early to maximize our time in the stunning Simien Mountains National Park. After arriving at the park headquarters, we embark on a breathtaking short trek along the escarpment edge. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the park's iconic landscapes of deep valleys and jagged peaks. The highlight is an encounter with the charismatic Gelada baboons. These unique primates, found only in the Ethiopian highlands, are often seen in large troops grazing on the grassy plateaus. Unlike most baboons, they are peaceful and habituated, allowing for close and unforgettable observation and photography. After our trek and a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery, we begin our scenic drive back towards civilization, descending from the highlands to the historical city of Gondar. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to relax after a day of adventure. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 10
Gondar - Bahirdar
After breakfast, we begin our exploration of Gondar, the former imperial capital. Our first stop is the Royal Enclosure, a walled compound often called the "Camelot of Africa." Here, you will wander through a complex of majestic 17th-century castles and palaces built by a succession of Ethiopian emperors, each with its own unique architectural blend of Ethiopian, Arab, and European influences. Next, we visit the enchanting Fasilidas's Pool, a massive, sunken bathing complex surrounded by ancient stone walls and sycamore trees. While no longer filled with water year-round, its grandeur is still evident, and it remains a site for the annual Timkat (Epiphany) celebrations. In the afternoon, we bid farewell to Gondar and embark on a scenic drive through the beautiful Ethiopian countryside, arriving in the lively lakeside city of Bahir Dar in the early evening. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 11
Bahirdar
After breakfast, we begin our day with a drive to the legendary Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tis Issat—"Smoking Water." A scenic walk through a local village and across a historic 17th-century Portuguese bridge leads us to the thunderous spectacle of the falls, where the Nile plunges over a 45-meter basalt cliff, creating a permanent rainbow in the spray. We return to Bahir Dar for lunch before embarking on a serene afternoon boat trip on the vast expanse of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Our destination is the Zege Peninsula, a lush, forested sanctuary. Here, we will hike into the forest to visit one or two of its ancient and revered monasteries, such as Ura Kidane Mihret or Azwa Maryam. These circular churches, hidden for centuries, are famed for their vibrant, centuries-old wall paintings depicting biblical scenes and their tranquil, spiritual atmosphere. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lake Tana Stay: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 12
Bahirdar - Lalibela
After breakfast, we check out and begin our full-day drive to the legendary town of Lalibela. This journey is a spectacular traverse through the heart of the Ethiopian highlands, offering a continuous panorama of rolling hills, vast agricultural plateaus, and traditional Amhara villages. Our route takes us through Debre Tabor, a historic town that once served as a royal capital. We may stop here for a short break to stretch our legs and absorb the local atmosphere. The road winds through dramatic mountain passes and fertile valleys, providing countless opportunities for stunning photographs of rural Ethiopian life. We anticipate arriving in Lalibela in the late afternoon. After checking into your lodge, the evening is at your leisure to relax and anticipate the awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches you will explore tomorrow. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Mountain View Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 13
Lalibela
Today is dedicated to exploring the breathtaking rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's greatest architectural marvels. This complex of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic churches was carved vertically down into the pink volcanic rock in the 12th and 13th centuries. Your guide will lead you through a labyrinth of sacred tunnels and passageways connecting the two main church groups. You will witness the astonishing Bet Giyorgis (Church of St. George), a perfect cross-shaped church isolated in a deep trench, representing the pinnacle of this engineering feat. Inside the otherworldly complexes, you will discover dimly lit sanctuaries adorned with ancient, vibrant frescoes, intricate carved reliefs, and priceless religious artifacts. The experience is not merely historical; it is a living spiritual center, where you will observe pilgrims and priests in daily worship, feeling the profound faith that has animated this site for over 800 years. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Mountain View Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 14
Lalibela - Addis Ababa
Your final day offers an unforgettable, optional start: attending the early morning mass at one of Lalibela's rock-hewn churches. Experiencing the haunting chants and devout ceremonies in the cool, pre-dawn darkness, surrounded by the ancient stone, is a profoundly moving culmination of your journey. After breakfast, we drive to Lalibela Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, the afternoon is yours to explore. Options include souvenir shopping for traditional crafts or a final cultural immersion at the National Museum, home to the famous fossil "Lucy." In the evening, gather for a celebratory farewell dinner at a renowned cultural restaurant. Savor authentic Ethiopian cuisine while being captivated by a vibrant live performance of traditional music and dance from across the country, a final, joyful celebration of the rich heritage you've experienced. Afterwards, transfer to Bole International Airport for your late-night departure. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
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)
Bath towels
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Sleeping bag
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)
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Addis Ethiopia Tours
4.8 operator rating
Established in 2015. At Addis Ethiopia Tours, we believe that travel has the power to create meaningful connections, foster cultural understanding, and leave a positive impact on both travelers and the local communities they visit. We are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism practices, supporting local businesses, and engaging in community development initiatives. We also cooperate with other listing platforms and are represented on the online African tour marketplace SafariBookings.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2015)
Tour Types
Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
Destinations
Djibouti, Ethiopia
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 12 years and older. Children under 18 receive a discount.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Momona Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Lunch & Dinner Included. Meals: Lunch & Dinner Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Addis Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
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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