Duration
14-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
An authentic bike tour, spiced with a breeze of adventure! This trip to the northern and western highlands of the former Abyssinian Empire combines adventure, challenging bike days and fascinating cultural history. Join us on a one-of-a-kind journey through breath taking landscapes and an exciting everyday culture shaped by millennia-old traditions. Ethiopia is waiting for you!
Plan snapshot
Duration
14-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City) (Day 13-14)
Via Lalibela (Town), Gondar (City), Simien Mountains NP
Country & park
Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
nature hikes/walks & mountain bike safaris
Accommodation
Sunspot Hotel Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included +5 Photos +4 Photos - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour includes camping and lodges.
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 18 years.
Day 1
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2-3
Mid-range lodge in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5-6
Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
Budget lodge at Lake Tana – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9-10
Mid-range hotel in Waliso (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 11-12
Mid-range lodge outside Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 13
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 14
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Early morning arrival in Addis Ababa. Afterwards departure for an entertaining city tour through the capital of Ethiopia. In the National Museum we visit Lucy, with her 3.2 million years of age probably one of our oldest ancestors. From the Entoto Mountains we have a far-reaching view of the pulsating metropolis and from there we have a great view the city of Addis Abeba. then drive back to our hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
Travel: 45 min Biking: 10 km (difficulty: easy ↑200m, ↓200m) Morning flight to Lalibela (2500 m). The town is world famous for its unique churches carved out of the fields, often called the eighth wonder of the world. After visiting the rock churches, we will explore the village together by bike, including magnificent panoramas of the surrounding mountain ranges of the Amhara region and interacting with the locals before we get back to our hotel. Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Biking: 25 km (difficulty: difficult, altitude difference: ↑650m, ↓650m) Hiking: 1 km (difficulty: easy, altitude difference: ↑200m, ↓200m) In the morning a varied bike tour to the rock church Asheten Maryam at 3000m awaits us. A wide track leads through village settlements and fields up to the Asheten table mountain. The last 30 min to the monastery will be done hiking on a narrow path. From here we have a wonderful panoramic view of the Lalibela area. The location of the hidden church with its impressive and rustic atmosphere guarantees a goose bump atmosphere! Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
Flight time: 45 min Travel: 30 min Biking: 25 km (difficulty: easy, altitude difference: ↑200m, ↓700m) On a contemplative panoramic road we leave Lalibela and wind our way down a long descent into the Tekeze valley. A short domestic flight takes us to the old imperial city of Gondar, where we explore the mediaeval old town with its magnificently preserved fortress which we will visit in detail. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
Travel: 3 h; 120 km Biking: 25 km (difficulty: difficult, altitude difference: ↑700m, ↓450m) The high mountains are waiting! After a short transfer to Debark (2900 m) we will go by bike on a well developed track directly into the park. The endemic flora and fauna seems to increase with every step: Erika-vegetation, wide grass mats and beyond the tree line the bizarre beauty of the afro-alpine senecio's and lobelias. This flora and fauna can be spotted directly from the bike while entering and riding through the national park. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
Biking: 25 km (difficulty: difficult, altitude difference: ↑800m, ↓450m) Optional Bawit Pass: 15 km (difficulty: challenging, altitude difference: ↑600m, ↓600m) Hiking: 30 min (difficulty: easy) The animal world is a big hit in the national park. Unlimited stars are the large populations of the blood-breasted baboons (Geladas), from the bike of on a walk we can watch them eating, frolicking and lousing around. With a bit of luck we may also spot mighty lammergeier, graceful Ethiopian wolves or majestic ibex. In addition to all these unique experiences, the gigantic cliffs and steep cliffs offer us fantastic panoramic views. It is not for nothing that the Simien Mountains are also called the "Roof of Africa". Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
Travel: 2-3 h; 150 km Biking: 30 km (difficulty: medium, altitude difference: ↑400m, ↓400m) Hiking: 10 km (difficulty: difficult, altitude difference: ↑600m, ↓500m) In the morning we can hike and climb without bikes the mountain Inataye (4070 Hm) and then return to the roadside. Alternatively we cycle on the rough roads around Cheneck camp. Depending on the fitness and interest we’re flexible to find the best fit for you. Biking, hiking, amazement and enjoyment - this is probably the best way to describe the days in the Simien National Park! We can spot the wildlife both from the bike and on foot. In the afternoon we return back to Gondar by car. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 8
Biking: 70 km, (difficulty: medium, altitude difference: ↑700m, ↓1000m) With the bike we follow the tarmac road which crosses the flat plateaus and hills south-east of Gondar until we reach the northern shore of Lake Tana in Gorgora. Although with tarmac surface, the road has very light traffic. After the rough roads of the Simien Mountains we’ll enjoy a smoother surface. Once in Gorgora by lunchtime we still have time to enjoy the rest of the day with some walking around the lodge or kayaking on Lake Tana, trying to spot some water birds which are abundant around the shore of the lake. Budget lodge located at Lake Tana All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 9
Flight time: 1 h Travel: 4 h; 170 km In the morning we still have some time to enjoy the peaceful ambient of the lodge. Then we’ll make our way back to Gondar by car to catch a domestic flight which brings us back to Addis Ababa. From here we’ll be transferred about 110km to Wolisso where we take our rooms in a resort with a swimming pool, spa and a big garden full of monkeys, and different species of the area. Mid-range hotel located in Waliso (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 10
Travel: 1 h; 40 km Biking: 45 km (difficulty: difficult, altitude difference: ↑500m, ↓1600m) The first part of the ride follows the Wenchi crater rim, with smooth trails on volcanic ash and beautiful vistas down into the crater. An exhilarating downhill stretch through Oromo villages and farmlands will bring you to Wolisso for your second overnight stay at the green gardens of Negash Resort. Mid-range hotel located in Waliso (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 11
Travel: 1.5 h; 60 km Biking: 30 km (difficulty: moderate/medium, altitude difference: ↑400m, ↓100m) After breakfast at the resort we depart by car, leave the Oromia Region and make our way into Gurage Zone, which is one of the greenest places in Ethiopia. Muslims and Christians live together peacefully and follow century old traditions. As our first bike trip in this area we have a moderate one starting from Wolkite University to reach the lodge we’re using for the next 2 days: Desalegn Lodge in Agenna. Mid-range lodge located outside Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 12
Biking: 45 km (difficulty: difficult, altitude difference: ↑800m, ↓800m) A challenging but rewarding and very scenic day trip through the typical Gurage landscape awaits us. The beauty of the scenery is matched by the warmth and hospitality of the local people. This tour gives you the chance to visit the homes of these people whose only complaint when we visited before was “Why didn’t you tell us in advance so that we could prepare a ceremony for you!”. Gurage is also famous for some of the unique and special Ethiopian food like kitfo or kocho. Mid-range lodge located outside Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 13
Travel: 4 h; 170 km Biking: 30 km (difficulty: moderate, altitude difference: ↑300m, ↓1300m) After breakfast we check out from the lodge and make our way home to Addis. On partly asphalt roads you will be able to cycle part of the way before the highlight of the day: we say goodbye to Gurage with a fast descent from 3350 to 2050m altitude. This breathtaking downhill ride into the Great African Rift Valley will be one of the last rides of your holiday. After some lunch near Butajira we will drive back to Addis Ababa (3 hrs.) where we checked into a hotel near the airport. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 14
Biking: 40 km (difficulty: easy, altitude difference: ↑200m, ↓600m) The final ride of your two-week tour is about 40 kilometers long, suitable for both intermediate and advanced cyclists, with the second half almost entirely downhill. The starting point in Lagodedi is around 2,500m, and we'll arrive in Bishoftu at 1,900m. We cross the Ethiopian highlands, which are mostly fertile farmland, with some ups and downs in the beginning. At halfway, where we'll stop for lunch, there's a lake, a reservoir that supplies water to the farmland below, where onions, garlic, and other vegetables are grown. Finally, a steeper descent brings us to Bishoftu, where we will stop for a well-deserved cold drink on the shores of one of the crater lakes, capping off a memorable bike trip. Then we return to Addis Abeba, pack the bikes, rest in a hotel dayroom, and go out for a farewell dinner. Transfer to the airport in the evening for your flight back to your home Country. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
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
Offered by
We organise individual & group tours through whole Ethiopia in an ecologically & socially responsible & sustainable way. The founders of SimienEcoTours are manager Marco from Italy, who currently lives in Addis Ababa, Franziska from Germany, who lived in Ethiopia for more than 7 years, and Birhan, Tadele, Yirga and Solomon, four experienced Ethiopian tour guides. What brought us together is our social and ecological commitment in Ethiopia as well as our love for this country.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2014)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Best way of visiting Ethiopia is a Tour organized by Simien Eco Tours. Our guide, David, spoke good French and was able to give us all explanations of the places we’ve been visiting.
Sandra · France
I went on a 4 day trip with SimienEcoTours to the Guge Mountain near to Arba Minch. It was such a unique experience. Meeting communities on the way to the top, eating and participating in daily lifestyle and routines, crossing agricultural land in perfect harmony with nature and being accompanied by kind, knowledgeable, sensitive, amazing guides. It was a one-kind experience. My heartfelt thanks !! I will carry the memories fondly with me.
Bärbel · Netherlands
I had the pleasure of going on a group trip to southern Ethiopia in February and it was simply unforgettable! The insights into the lives of Ethiopians were impressive and gave me a whole new perspective on this wonderful country. The trekking tours through the remote villages allowed us to experience the incredible diversity and warm hospitality of the people at first hand. Every day was a new adventure and I am grateful for the many wonderful memories I was able to take home with me. Special thanks go to our guide Abebe, who inspired us with his knowledge and passion for the country. The entire team - from the cook to the driver - also did a great job and made sure that we felt comfortable and well looked after at all times. A big thank you also to Marco for organizing this fantastic trip. I highly recommend this experience!
Sandra · Germany
Excellent expérience. Well balance itinerary. Reliable hotels. Most of all an outstanding guide who lead the entier trip
Frédéric Jochem · United States
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 is unavailable for children.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Sunspot Hotel Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included +5 Photos +4 Photos - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – 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 SimienEcoTours, 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.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of SimienEcoTours.
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