Duration
8-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Experience Ethiopia's highlights in a captivating journey. Discover the surreal Danakil Depression, explore the ancient rock-hewn churches of Tigray, trek the breathtaking Simien Mountains, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Gondar. A perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage awaits!
Plan snapshot
Duration
8-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Via Danakil Depression, Gheralta (Mountain Range), Simien Mountains NP
Country & park
Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park
Style
Shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Activities
nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included - Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This budget tour includes camping and hotels.
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 30 people per vehicle.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Single travelers can join this group tour.
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Day 1-2
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Mid-range hotel in Axum (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
(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
After breakfast, we will depart for Dallol. Our first stop will be at Ragad (Asebo) to observe traditional salt mining practices. You will witness local artisans expertly extracting salt and loading it onto camels. Continuing to Dallol, immerse yourself in stunning volcanic landscapes, vibrant salt formations, and the remarkable Lake Assal. Engage with the Afar people and observe camel caravans. We will then drive to Hamed Ela for an overnight stay at Hamadella. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
Your adventure continues with a drive to Erta Ale, known as the "smoky mountain." This shield volcano features the world’s only permanent lava lake. Departing at 9:00 AM, we will navigate one of the roughest roads over an 80 km route, taking approximately six hours. Enjoy breathtaking views of solidified lava and unique rock formations. Upon reaching Dodom, the base camp for Erta Ale, you will have dinner around 17:00. After a brief rest, we will trek to the summit at 20:00 to camp on the volcano's rim, witnessing the mesmerizing spectacle of bubbling lava throughout the night. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Awake early to witness a stunning sunrise over the main pit crater. After breakfast, we will descend from Erta Ale, aiming to return to Dodom by approximately 10:30. If time permits, we will visit Lake Giulietti (or Lake Afrera), where you can observe the Afar people harvesting salt. We will then drive to hawzen for an overnight stay. Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
We will begin with an early morning drive from Mekele to Gheralta, followed by a trek to Abune Yemata. This challenging hike offers breathtaking scenery and requires some climbing. We will also visit the Mariam Korkor and Daniel Koror churches before proceeding to Axum for an overnight stay. Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Tekeze Valley to Simien Mountains National Park. After registering at the park head office in Debark, you will set off on a 3-4 hour trek around the Sankaber campsite, located at 3,250 meters above sea level. Overnight at Sankaber Camp. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
We will depart early for the Jinbar waterfall and then take an easy trek to the Geech Abyss, known for its stunning views. This area is also a great spot for viewing the endemic Gelada Baboon and we can do game drive. After our exploration, we will drive to Gondar for an overnight stay. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and take you to explore the rock-hewn churches, including the cross-shaped St. George church. Lalibela is home to 11 remarkable churches, often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Overnight in Lalibela. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 8
After breakfast, we will visit more rock-hewn churches in Lalibela before transferring to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation. All meals 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)
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)
Sleeping bag
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
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
Discover Simien Tour is one of the premier tour companies in Ethiopia, founded by a dynamic team of young and energetic tourism professionals. Led by Sahlie Beza, a seasoned tour guide with years of experience, our company is dedicated to providing exceptional travel experiences that showcase the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality of Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2019)
Tour Types
Luxury tours that, when possible, use accommodations owned and operated by them
Destinations
Djibouti, Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Sensational. Breathtaking views. The staff is one of the highlights of the tour.
Raphael · Brazil
Fantastic day with an absolutely knowledgeable guide - Gondar is full of magic!
Janoa · Hungary
We just completed a 12 day Ultimative Ethiopian Wildlife Adventure with Discover Simien Tour and it was truly unforgettable from start to finish. From the very first day, our guide Sahile impressed us with his broad and deep knowledge, calm professionalism and genuine passion for Ethiopia. He made everything feel safe, easygoing, and yet so enriching – whether explaining the geology of the Simien mountains, pointing out gelada monkeys, or helping us understand local customs. Our driver Daniel, was equally fantastic; punctual, skilled, and navigating challenging terrain with ease, which even made long drives feel part of the adventure. The scenery across the trip was breath taking, whereas Simien mountains was the absolute highlight with its dramatic cliffs and astonishing flora and fauna. We stayed in a mix of comfortable lodges and hotels and the logistics were handled smoothly; transport, park fees, food and guides – everything as promised. Culturally, we visited traditional communities, explored the spiritual side of Ethiopian heritage, and felt welcomed everywhere. Sahile skilfully bridged us into these moments, making them feel authentic. In short; 5 stars for the excellent guides, the authentic cultural immersion, the stunning landscapes and the very professional and warm service. We felt like we did not just visited Ethiopia but also experienced it.
Daniela and Sina · Switzerland
I don’t even know where to start… Our 3-day trip to the Danakil Depression with Discover Simien Mountains was an absolutely unforgettable experience – not only because of the surreal landscapes but also thanks to the incredible people we got to meet and travel with. We chose a private tour, and during our journey, we were joined by Bahran (guide), Addis (driver), and Habtu (cook) – each of them was such a kind, warm, and genuine person. If you’re planning a trip to Danakil or any other part of Ethiopia with Discover Simien Mountains, I truly recommend asking for Addis – he’s an amazing person and an excellent driver. Our guide (Bahran) explained everything clearly and with great passion. We learned so much about Dallol, the salt lakes, and the volcanoes. The food was another highlight! Habtu somehow managed to cook fresh, tasty meals right in the middle of the desert. We always had enough water and soft drinks, and even got to enjoy some Ethiopian beer or wine while watching the sunset on the salt lake an unforgettable experience. We also really appreciated the small but thoughtful details, like the portable shower provided during the tour – in such hot conditions, it was a true blessing! What made this trip even more special was the planning: while most operators follow a similar route, the Discover Simien Mountains team made sure we could arrive early to the main sights and enjoy them in peace before other groups arrived. That sense of privacy and exclusivity was priceless. We cannot recommend Discover Simien Mountains highly enough – if you’re planning a trip to Danakil or any other region in Ethiopia, this is the team you want to travel with. We felt safe, well taken care of, and genuinely welcomed throughout the journey. We left with the most beautiful memories the kind that stay with you long after the trip ends. It’s hard to put it all into words… you simply have to experience it yourself!
Monika · Poland
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 accepts children of all ages. Children under 2 are free.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included - Danakil Depression (Highlight) – 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 Discover Simien Tour, 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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