Duration
6-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Discover the highlights of Ethiopia on a 6-day tour. You'll visit the Blue Nile, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, Gonder Castle, and Debre Birhan Selasea, trek to Simien Mountain and the ancient city of Axum. You will enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Tana and explore ancient monasteries.
Plan snapshot
Duration
6-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
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
1 years
Activities
game drives
Accommodation
Tabor Hotel Lalibela - Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included; Breakfast & Lunch Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
EUR
Rates
EUR
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour uses hotels.
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 changes to this tour.
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 1 year.
Day 1
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3
Mid-range hotel 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 4
Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5
Budget hotel in Axum (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Addis Ababa – Lalibela Morning: You'll take an early flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and freshen up, and you will have a 'game drive'. Mid-Morning to Afternoon: You'll begin your exploration of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its monolithic rock-hewn churches. Visit the Northwestern Cluster, which includes Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and Bet Giyorgis, the latter being the iconic cross-shaped church. Evening: You'll enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner while experiencing a local cultural show featuring music and dance. Overnight stay: Lalibela. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Lalibela – Gondar Morning: You'll fly from Lalibela to Gondar, known as the “Camelot of Africa. You'll check into your hotel upon arrival. Late Morning to Afternoon: You'll visit Gondar Castle (Fasil Ghebbi), a World Heritage site featuring a complex of palaces and castles. You'll continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its stunning interior with a ceiling adorned by angelic faces. Evening: You'll stroll through Gondar’s local markets to explore traditional crafts and enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel. Overnight stay: Gondar. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Gonder – Simien Mountain Morning 7:00 AM: Depart from Gondar. You'll begin the journey with a scenic 3-hour drive to the entrance of Simien Mountains NP at Debark. You'll stop briefly to register and pick up a mandatory local guide and scout. You'll enjoy the changing landscapes and lush mountain views on the way. 10:00 AM: You'll arrive at Buyit Ras. Begin your trekking adventure at this scenic viewpoint. Trekking options typically cover areas between Buyit Ras and Sankaber. Afternoon 12:30 PM: Lunch in the mountains. You'll enjoy a packed lunch while surrounded by panoramic views of jagged cliffs and valleys. 1:30 PM: You'll continue exploring and trekking. You'll visit iconic landmarks like Jinbar Falls or Michibi viewpoints if feasible within the day’s schedule. You'll engage with stunning geological formations and endemic flora. Evening 3:30 PM: You'll depart from the Simien Mountains. 6:30 PM: You'll arrive back in Gondar. Mid-range hotel located 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Gondar – Bahir Dar Morning: You'll depart by car to Bahir Dar (approximately 3-4 hours). You'll enjoy the scenic countryside views along the way. Mid-Morning to Early Afternoon: You'll take a boat trip on Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the Blue Nile. You'll visit two significant island monasteries: Ura Kidane Mehret, Known for its vibrant frescoes and sacred artifacts. Azwa Mariam: Smaller but equally captivating with its peaceful surroundings. Afternoon: You'll drive to the Blue Nile Falls. Evening: You'll return to Bahir Dar for a relaxed dinner by the lakeside. Overnight stay: Bahir Dar. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Bahir Dar – Addis Ababa – Axum Morning: You'll fly from Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa and connect with a flight to Axum. Afternoon: Upon arrival, you will visit Axum’s ancient ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights include: The Obelisk of Axum, a towering granite stele. The Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. The Queen of Sheba’s Palace ruins. Evening: You'll relax at your hotel after a day of exploration. Overnight stay: Axum. Budget hotel located in Axum (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Axum – Addis Ababa Morning: You'll explore more of Axum, including King Ezana’s Stele, the tombs of kings, and the archaeological museum. You'll visit a local market to shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs. Afternoon: You'll fly back to Addis Ababa. Evening: Option to enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other 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)
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)
Drinking water (On all days)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
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
We always offer you an itinerary that is personally tailored to your needs at competitive prices. We are passionate about creating exciting and unique trips with our customers at the heart. Our specially crafted itineraries include historic routes, cultural tours, short holiday stays, business trips, one-day excursions, trekking and wildlife expeditions – according to your needs and budget.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2018)
Tour Types
Custom budget & 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
5.0/5Overall, my trip with this company was excellent. All the activities and sites listed were fully covered during the journey, and most importantly, they were very flexible with the traveler’s wishes—whether you want to change something or cancel an activity. They have excellent tour guides who speak fluent English, and the prices are suitable for all budgets. In the end, I highly recommend this company. Thank you.
Abdelaziz · United Arab Emirates
This is a great tour company! Tsahaynew knows so much and shares it easily with his guests. He is extremely friendly and accommodating. You won't regret using him for your tour!
Don · United States
Essence Ethiopia and Mr Tsechay referred by one of my friend ,But from the first WhatsApp Message to End other tour he did a greate coordination and Tension free travel. He was really concerned about the small things that could be missed from our side. Even reminder of early flights and time lines.i Strongly recommend this team if any of you planning to Visit Ethiopia. All the best Essence Ethiopia
Sanu Sivashankar · Qatar
The tour was well organized. Big pros: When any issues arose, the organizer immediately intervened and rectified the situation. Points: 3-star hotels. All were clean, with showers, breakfast included. Transfers: I was met and seen off everywhere, and they helped with our luggage. There was a slight hitch when we arrived in Ethiopia at the airport. I expected to be met at the arrivals exit (this is usually the case). It turned out I had to exit the airport and walk to the parking lot, which I should have mentioned in advance. Transportation: I had private tours around Addis Ababa. The vehicle was clean and good. Around the salt lake, we traveled in a large Land Cruiser, with a driver and three tourists. No problems at all. Guides: Guides with good English. Both the guides and drivers were friendly, helpful, informative, and answered questions. No tips were required. Everything was fine. Additionally: In the area of the volcano and salt lake, you have to sleep outside. I even liked it – the view of the star is stunning. Cons: no shower or proper toilet.
Evgeny · Russia
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in Euros (EUR).
This tour accepts children who are 1 year and older. Children under 9 are free.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request changes to this tour.
Tabor Hotel Lalibela - Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast 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 Essence Ethiopia 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.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Essence Ethiopia Tours.
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