Duration
9-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
9-Day Lalibela, Harar, Gonder, Simien & Addis Ababa
Overview
In this tour, you have the chance to explore Lalibela, Gonder, Simien Mountain, Harar and Addis Ababa. Lalibela, often called the "New Jerusalem," is one of Ethiopia's holiest and most awe-inspiring sites. Harar - The Walled City of Color and Culture and one of Islam's most ancient cities in Africa. It's houses over 80 mosques and 100 shrines. Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, is a city of contrasts -- where modern skyscrapers stand beside historic churches and bustling markets.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Via Lalibela (Town), Gondar (City), Simien Mountains NP
Country & park
Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
1 years
Activities
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Accommodation
Trinity Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included; All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
EUR
Rates
Rates Per Person
EUR
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
€2.915 EUR
€2.530 EUR
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
€2.915 EUR
€2.530 EUR
Before booking
Important To Know
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 2 are free.
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
Lalibela (Town)
Day 3
Gondar (City)
Day 4-6
Simien Mountains NP
Day 7-8
Harar (Town)
End
Addis Ababa (Day 9)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and hotels.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
1
Minimum age of 1 year
The minimum age for this tour is 1 year.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Book your own international flights when using this operator
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Trinity Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2
Tabor Hotel Lalibela
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3
Haile Resort Gondar
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 4-5
Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Trinity Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7-8
Ferej Hotel Budget in Harar (Town) – Breakfast Included
Budget in Harar (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 9
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast 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
Arrive to Addis Ababa - City Tour
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your flight schedule, begin exploring Addis Ababa, the vibrant capital city that stands at the heart of Ethiopia’s political, cultural, and social life. Possible highlights include visiting the National Museum, home of the famous fossil “Lucy,” the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the bustling Mercato, Africa’s largest open-air market. You may also drive up to Mount Entoto for panoramic views over the city. Overnight: Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Trinity Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Fly to Lalibela – Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches
After breakfast, take a flight to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most iconic destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “New Jerusalem,” Lalibela is home to a remarkable complex of 12th-century rock-hewn churches carved directly into volcanic rock. Upon arrival, you’ll explore the First Group of Churches, which includes Bete Medhane Alem (House of the Saviour of the World), Bete Maryam (House of Mary), and Bete Golgotha. These masterpieces display extraordinary craftsmanship and devotion, making Lalibela a living center of worship and pilgrimage. Overnight: Lalibela. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Tabor Hotel Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Explore Remaining Churches of Lalibela – Fly to Gondar – City Tour
After breakfast, continue your exploration with the Second Group of Lalibela Churches, including Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Amanuel, and the monolithic Bete Giyorgis (House of St. George) — the most famous of them all, known for its striking cross-shaped design. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, visit the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring several medieval castles built by Emperor Fasilides and his successors. Continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its magnificent ceiling adorned with the faces of angels — one of the most beautiful examples of Ethiopian church art. Overnight: Gondar. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Haile Resort Gondar Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Drive to Simien Mountains National Park
After breakfast, depart for Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking scenery of dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and rugged peaks. On the way, enjoy stunning views of the countryside and make stops at scenic viewpoints. Upon arrival, set up camp and begin your first short acclimatization walk to enjoy the landscape and spot endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and various bird species. Overnight: Camping in Simien Mountains. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Full-Day Exploration of the Simien Mountains
Spend the day trekking through the spectacular highlands, exploring areas such as Sankaber and Geech, where you can admire the towering cliffs, waterfalls, and unique flora. The park offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Africa and is often compared to the Grand Canyon. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the breathtaking views before returning to camp for a cozy evening under the stars. Overnight: Camping in Simien Mountains. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Return to Gondar – Fly Back to Addis Ababa
After an early morning drive to the mountain air and final glimpses of the Simien landscape, drive back to Gondar. From there, you’ll catch a flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in the city. Overnight: Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Trinity Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Fly to Dire Dawa – Drive to Harar – City Exploration
In the morning, take a flight to Dire Dawa and continue your journey by road to the ancient walled city of Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest Islamic cities in Africa. In the afternoon, explore Harar’s labyrinthine alleys, colorful markets, and traditional Harari houses with their intricate interiors. Visit the Arthur Rimbaud Museum, dedicated to the French poet who lived here in the 19th century. Overnight: Harar. Budget located in Harar (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Harar (Town) Stay: Ferej Hotel Budget located in Harar (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Full-Day Exploration of Harar & Hyena Feeding
Spend the day delving deeper into Harar’s rich cultural heritage. Visit Harar Jugol, the old walled city with its 82 mosques and 102 shrines, as well as the Harar Market, famous for its spices, coffee, and woven baskets. In the evening, experience one of Harar’s most unique traditions — the Hyena Feeding Ceremony, where local men call wild hyenas by name and feed them by hand, a centuries-old ritual symbolizing coexistence between humans and nature. Overnight: Harar. Budget located in Harar (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Harar (Town) Stay: Ferej Hotel Budget located in Harar (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Explore Harar Market – Drive to Dire Dawa – Fly Back to Addis Ababa – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a final stroll through Harar’s lively markets and alleys. Later, drive back to Dire Dawa to catch your flight to Addis Ababa. Depending on your international flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a traditional Ethiopian farewell dinner before your departure. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: No major destination visited Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
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)
Drinking water (On all days)
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
Excluded
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)
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Book your own international flights when using this operator
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
Essence Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
80 reviews
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
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5He is very helpful
Overall, 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
Exceptional
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
Tension Free Travel
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
Well-organized tour
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
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 Euros (EUR).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 1 year and older. Children under 2 are free.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Trinity Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast 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 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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