Duration
7-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
7-Day Northern Ethiopia Historical & Scenic Discovery
Overview
Discover the rich cultural heritage and dramatic landscapes of Northern Ethiopia. You'll cruise Lake Tana to visit ancient island monasteries, marvel at the Blue Nile Falls, and step back in time at Gondar's medieval castles. You'll hike in the Simien Mountains, home to Gelada baboons and stunning highland vistas. You'll explore Lalibela's UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches and immerse yourself in Ethiopian traditions, local cuisine, and vibrant cultural life on this unforgettable journey.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Bahir Dar (City), 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
3 years
Activities
nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
Sky Resort - Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
n/a* USD
$1,485 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
n/a* USD
$1,485 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
This tour is not available to solo travelers.
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 3 years and older. Children under 15 receive a discount and children under 6 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 1-2
Bahir Dar (City)
Day 3
Gondar (City)
Day 4
Simien Mountains NP
Day 5-6
Lalibela (Town)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 7)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses hotels.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request changes to this tour.
Not for solo travelers
Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.
3
Minimum age of 3 years
The minimum age for this tour is 3 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Getting around: boat, 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 1-2
Sky Resort
Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-4
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5-6
Sora Lodge Lalibela
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
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 in Bahir Dar & Lake Tana Monasteries
You'll fly from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar in the morning. You'll take a scenic boat trip on Lake Tana to explore the ancient island monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret, Azwa Mariam, and Kibran Gabriel (men only). You'll admire the lake’s wildlife and learn about its cultural heritage. You'll spend the late afternoon relaxing on the lakeshore while enjoying a beautiful sunset over the water. Your dinner and overnight stay will be in Bahir Dar. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Stay: Sky Resort Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
Blue Nile Falls & Bahir Dar City Highlights
You'll begin the day with an excursion to the spectacular Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat), reached by a short drive and a scenic hike that offers great photo opportunities. You'll return to Bahir Dar for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a guided city tour including the bustling local market and the hilltop Bezawit Palace viewpoint for panoramic views of Lake Tana and the surrounding landscape. In the evening, you may join an optional traditional music and dance performance. Your dinner and overnight stay will be in Bahir Dar. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Stay: Sky Resort Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Scenic Drive to Gondar & Medieval Castles
You'll depart Bahir Dar in the morning for a scenic 3-hour drive through the Ethiopian highlands to the historic city of Gondar. After lunch, you'll explore the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring centuries-old castles and palaces. You'll continue to Fasilides’ Bath, renowned for its unique architecture and cultural significance, then visit the beautifully painted Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its angel-covered ceiling murals. Your dinner and overnight stay will be in Gondar. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
Simien Mountains Trek & Highland Wildlife
You'll set out in the morning on a 2-hour drive to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. You'll enjoy an easy guided trek in the Sankaber or Chenek areas, where you can spot endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons and possibly Walia ibex, along with spectacular mountain views. You'll have a picnic lunch surrounded by dramatic scenery. You'll return to Gondar in the late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay. 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 5
Flight to Lalibela & Rock-Hewn Churches
You'll take a morning flight from Gondar to Lalibela, the spiritual heart of Ethiopia. After settling in at your lodge, you'll begin exploring the first group of Lalibela’s remarkable rock-hewn churches, carved directly from solid rock in the 12th–13th centuries and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll marvel at the intricate architecture and learn about the region’s rich religious traditions. In the evening, you'll relax at your lodge and enjoy a stunning sunset over the surrounding highlands. Your dinner and overnight stay will be in Lalibela. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Sora Lodge Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
Asheten Mariam Hike & Lalibela Churches
You'll start the day with a scenic hike to the 13th-century Asheten Mariam Monastery, perched on a hilltop above Lalibela and offering panoramic views of the surrounding highlands. You'll return to town for lunch before visiting the second group of Lalibela’s renowned rock-hewn churches, each with unique architectural and historical significance. In the evening, you'll experience authentic Ethiopian hospitality with a local family, joining a traditional cooking lesson, enjoying a home-style dinner, and participating in a classic Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Your overnight stay will be in Lalibela. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Sora Lodge Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
Lalibela Highlights & Addis Ababa City Tour
You'll begin the day with a visit to Lalibela’s most iconic church, St. George (Bete Giyorgis). Transfer to the airport for a flight back to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, you'll explore the city’s highlights, including the National Museum, home to the famous Lucy fossil, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with music and dance before transferring to Bole International Airport for 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)
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)
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
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
Zagol Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
23 reviews
Zagol Ethiopia Tours is aLocally owned and operated, Zagol Ethiopia Tours specializes in providing once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences around Ethiopia. From cultural trips of historic ancient monuments to stunning nature expeditions and tribal safaris within the Omo Valley, we provide personalized, professional, and genuine tours. With expert local guides and extensive knowledge of Ethiopia's heritage, Zagol Ethiopia Tours provides secure, enriching, and memorable experiences for all travelers
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2013)
Member Of
ETOA & ETGPA
Tour Types
Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Our tour operator organized everything perfectly and was so friendly.
We were paired with two guides, Melaku and "Geech". Both of whom were amazing. Very friendly and knowledgeable about the areas we visited and the local flora and fauna. "Geech" is the best driver in the business and Melaku took us to his childhood home to have a coffee ceremony with his mom and his sister. Unforgettable additions to the trip. If Ethiopia is not on your list it should be. Timket is absolutely a must. But there is too much to see in one trip. Will definitely be going back for the Omo Valley.
Cory · United States
Weekend trip to Lalibela.
An amazing spiritual journey deep in the heart of Ethiopia. Lalibela was an absolute amazing trip so rich with culture and history thanks to our fabulous tour guide Muluye. He gave us a lot of intriguing information and he knew all the best spots for pictures. He also invited us to his humble home for a coffee cermony. Ansolutely amazing weekend trip and a must visit in Ethiopia
Hala Khaled · United Arab Emirates
Wonderful visit to Lalibela
Omg it was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life . Lalibela was an amazing spiritual trip. Our tour guide Muluye was absolutely fantastic. He gave us the best information and tour ever . Highly recommend it . The coffee ceremony was also wonderful
Lama Khaled · United Arab Emirates
[email protected]
The accommodation, the food, the sites visited in Lalibela, all ok The guide very frindly and hepful
Jose · Brazil
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 3 years and older. Children under 15 receive a discount and children under 6 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 changes to this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Sky Resort - Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals 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 Zagol 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.
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