Duration
10-Day
Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Discover the wonders of an ancient land where nature, culture, and history blend beautifully. Ethiopia offers a rare experience in sub-Saharan Africa, combining breathtaking wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural traditions. Explore the magnificent Bale and Simien Mountains National Parks and lalibela home to unique species, spectacular scenery, and historic legacies of Ethiopian kings and emperors, creating a truly unforgettable and inspiring travel journey for every curious explorer.
Plan snapshot
Duration
10-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Bale Mountains NP, Lake Langano, Gondar (City)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Bale Mountains National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
6 years
Activities
game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide), specialized birding (with a professional birding guide) & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner Included; Meals at Own Expense
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour uses lodges and 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 minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 6 years.
Day 1
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 2-3
Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 4
Mid-range lodge at Lake Langano – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 5
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 6-7
Mid-range lodge inside Simien Mountains NP – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 8-9
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 10
(No accommodation)
Meals at Own Expense
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to our hotel. You will have some free time to rest up from jet-lag after checking in. This afternoon, enjoy a city sightseeing tour. First stop is at the magnificent Trinity Cathedral. Continue to the National Museum, close to the University of Addis Ababa Graduate School, which houses numerous antiquarian relics and archaeological artifacts showing the history of Ethiopia from prehistoric times to the modern day. Its most famous exhibit is a replica of the 3.5-million-year-old skeleton of 'Lucy', then drive to merkato to see the biggest open air market in east Africa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
After breakfast drive to Bale Mountains National Park. Ethiopia’s second-highest mountain range contains one of the richest habitats in the country's alpine heights. It is the best place for viewing a broad cross-section of Ethiopia's unique wildlife, including Ethiopian wolf, rare mountain nyala, giant forest hog. The park is home to more than 282 bird species, Bale was one of the last regions of Africa to attract serious scientific exploration, and it remains sufficiently out of the way even today that few travelers make it here in comparison with the Simien Mountains. The park’s main attractions are its wild alpine scenery, particularly on the Sanetti Plateau that rises more than 13,000 feet above sea level. Keep an eye out for our first glimpse of Ethiopian wolf en route to the lodge, as they are often seen from the road. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Spend the full days exploring the wild wonders of the Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest. This vast highland region is the world’s largest expanse of Afro-alpine moorland, a montane habitat with an average elevation above 13,000 feet. The plateau is renowned for supporting the largest remaining population of Ethiopian wolf, which we hope to spot on wildlife drives in 4x4 vehicles. A walk atop the plateau reveals exhilarating views all the way to the Harenna Forest, one of the most extensive natural forests remaining in Ethiopia. At the southern end of the plateau, the Harenna escarpment affords an astounding view over the forest well over a mile below us—deeper than the Grand Canyon. This forest, far denser and more varied than the juniper woodland around Dinsho, has a similar appearance and composition to the forests found in other East African mountain landscapes. Though we're unlikely to see them, lions live in this densely wooded region. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
Just south of Addis Ababa the road leads down to the bottom of the Great rift valley where a row of interesting lakes are found, the rift valley lake harbor a great natural diversity but are also very important for the local economy, the area is particularly interesting for bird watchers, en route visit lake koka and lake ziway, after lunch drive to Abijata-Shalla national park, a pleasant walk round the headquarter for some abundant wildlife. Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
This city in northern Ethiopia is famed for its 17th-century stone castles and fortresses that evoke the feel of an African Camelot. Founded in 1636 by the great Emperor Fassilidas, this UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the royal capital of Ethiopia enjoys a striking setting atop tree-studded hills. We visit various castles and churches built by Fassilidas and his descendants, including the emperor’s own palace.. Inside the stone walls and arched doors, the space is filled with biblical scenes, afternoon As we drive on to Simien Mountains National Park, the road winds through highland pastures and fields of grain, eventually reaching the top of a vast plateau. This wild high country known as the “Roof of Africa” holds some of the continent’s most dramatic scenery. The Simien Mountains, among the highest ranges in Africa, include Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s tallest peak at 15,157 feet. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
This morning we take a walk to see geladas, a gregarious species of Old World monkey found only in the Ethiopian Highlands. Geladas are the only primates that are exclusively grazers, living on the grasses of the central plateau. Large and robust, males weigh up to 60 pounds, with a heavy cape of dark hair down their back. Little known and little studied, geladas live in huge troops of several hundred individuals. They are highly social, often rambunctious, and comfortable allowing us to approach at close range. At night, they sleep on cliff ledges out of range of nocturnal predators like hyena, leopard and jackal. Drink in the vast scale of the highland landscape, with magnificent views for miles, and keep an eye out for possible sightings of walia ibex, klipspringer, jackal and fox. Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 8
Today we will depart from semien lodge very early to catch our flight to laliblela, Ethiopia’s cultural crown jewel. A cradle of Ethiopian Christianity, Lalibela is renowned for its magnificent ancient churches and is the scene of many major religious ceremonies. Christianity in Ethiopia dates to the 1st century A.D., the only pre-colonial Christian presence in sub-Saharan Africa and one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Today, about 60 percent of Ethiopia’s people are Christian, with most part of the Orthodox tradition. late afternoon, cup for you to enjoy. Coffee has long been a hallmark of Ethiopian culture, and the coffee plant originated in Ethiopia. Ethiopia today is Africa's top coffee consumer and producer, and coffee exports currently constitute about 10 percent of GDP and 60 percent of Ethiopia's foreign income. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 9
Lalibela’s mystical rock-hewn churches evoke a profound sense of awe and admiration. Churches below ground level are carved straight from the rock, ringed by trenches and subterranean courtyards and connected by a maze of stone tunnels and passages. Of these, Bete Giyorgis is most famous and most photographed, as it is unobscured by any shelters erected over the site. The churches above ground are equally wondrous feats of engineering, built out of a single hunk of rock using no blocks, bricks, joints, seams or mortar. While individual churches are often built in the shape of a cross, multiple churches together also form a larger cross. We'll spend several hours walking among the churches this afternoon, with Bete Amanuel a highlight. This 36-foot-high monolith is considered by architectural historians to exhibit the finest and most precise workmanship in Lalibela. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 10
Fly back to Addis. On arrival in Addis, before checking in to day rooms at our hotel leisure afternoon and shopping, offering a chance to refresh and relax before evening transfers to the airport, in the evening fare well dinner then drop off at the airport for departure! Meals at own expense 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)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
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
Ethiopian Expedition is a locally owned tour operator in Ethiopia offering cultural, wildlife, photographic, and adventure tours. Specializing in small-group and private journeys, the company delivers authentic experiences led by expert local guides. Each itinerary highlights Ethiopia’s landscapes, heritage, and living cultures with a strong focus on comfort and responsible travel.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2012)
Member Of
ETOA, ETGPA & TETOA
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & luxury 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
5.0/5We worked with Ethiopian Expedition and Tesfaw’s team for our MLab25 group in September. His team was with us throughout the entire week, driving our group as part of a tailor-made program, and everything ran perfectly smoothly. Tesfaw and his team demonstrated outstanding professionalism, reliability, and efficiency throughout the entire week. The transport services were perfectly organized, punctual, and smooth, even on Meskel Day, which is no small achievement given the scale of the celebrations. Their flexibility, attention to detail, and calm management made a real difference for our group experience. We felt well taken care of at all times. We highly recommend Tesfaw and Ethiopian Expedition for any group or individual travel needs in Ethiopia. A trustworthy partner you can rely on with complete confidence.
Geraldine TEXIER · France
We had an incredible one week trekking experience in the Simien Mountains. Everything was perfectly organized by Ethiopian Expedition, and the service was professional, well-planned, and excellent throughout the trip.
Solomon Afmasu · Ethiopia
Our visit to Ethiopia was a rich and memorable experience from culture historical religious and human perspectives as well as through its beautiful nature and landscapes.our excellent guide Tesfaw who accompanied us throughout the entire trip was outstanding and succeeded in giving us a genuine and authentic picture of Ethiopia. The organization and the supporting team contributed greatly to our sense of comfort which further enhanced our enjoyment of the journey.
Noga · Israel
The Ethiopian Expedition Team made our 15-day trip to Ethiopia truly unforgettable. We explored the historic north, including the Simien Mountains and the Gheralta churches, as well as the Danakil Depression and the culturally diverse Omo Valley. Everything was well organized from start to finish. Communication was smooth and timely, and our drivers and guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and professional, both with us and with the local communities. We highly recommend this company to anyone planning a trip to Ethiopia.
Allen@rock · 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 accepts children who are 6 years and older.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast & Dinner Included. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner 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 Ethiopian Expedition, 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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