Duration
10-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
10-Day Best of Ethiopia to the North Including Danakil
Overview
In this trip visitors experience a dynamic blend of Hitorical, Cultural, and Adventure tours. The journey continues to Lalibela, Gonder, Simien Mountain, Blue Nile, and Danakil Depression. The journey continues to Lalibela, one of the most sacred sites in Africa, renowned for the remarkable Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches. Nature takes center stage in the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park and the extraordinary Danakil Depression.
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
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
5 years
Activities
Getting around: minivan, normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Accommodation
Sun View Addis Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included; Day 3: Breakfast Included; Day 4: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$3,299 USD
$2,970 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$3,299 USD
$2,970 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$3,299 USD
$2,970 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
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 5 years and older. Children under 6 receive a discount.
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
Simien Mountains NP
Day 5
Bahir Dar (City)
Day 6
Blue Nile Falls (Highlight)
Day 7-9
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
End
Addis Ababa (Day 10)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range 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.
5
Minimum age of 5 years
The minimum age for this tour is 5 years.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: minivan, 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
Sun View Addis 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 3-4
Haile Resort Gondar
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City)
Day 3: Breakfast Included; Day 4: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 5
Lake Avenue Hotel Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast Included +6 Photos +5 Photos
Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6
Sun View Addis Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 7-8
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9
Sun View Addis Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast & Lunch 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 Addis Ababa – City Tour
Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, begin your exploration of Addis Ababa. Visit the renowned Ethnological Museum, located within the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, offering deep insight into Ethiopia’s diverse cultures. End the day with a visit to Entoto Hill for panoramic views of 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: Sun View Addis 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 – Rock-Hewn Churches
Fly to Lalibela – Rock-Hewn Churches Take a morning flight to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most iconic destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the remarkable rock-hewn churches, carved directly into solid volcanic rock in the 12th century. Highlights include Bete Medhane Alem (the largest monolithic church in the world) and Bete Giyorgis, shaped like a cross. 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
Lalibela (Second Group) – Fly to Gondar
In the morning, visit the second cluster of Lalibela churches, including the famous Bete Gabriel-Rufael and Bete Abba Libanos. Later, fly to Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, explore the impressive Fasil Ghebbi, a UNESCO-listed royal enclosure featuring castles built by Emperor Fasilides and his successors. Continue to the beautifully decorated Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its angel-covered ceiling. 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
DayTrip to Simien Mountains National Park
Take a scenic drive to the Simien Mountains, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic landscapes. Enjoy a day of light trekking with breathtaking views of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and escarpments. Spot endemic wildlife such as gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and various bird species. Visit viewpoints like Sankaber for unforgettable panoramas. Return to Gondar in the afternoon. Overnight: Gondar. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Haile Resort Gondar Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Drive to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries
Drive through the scenic countryside to Bahir Dar, located on the shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit historic monasteries such as Ura Kidane Mihret, known for its vibrant religious paintings, and Azwa Maryam Monastery. You will also see the point where the Blue Nile begins its journey. Overnight: Bahir Dar. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Stay: Lake Avenue Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Blue Nile Falls – Fly to Addis Ababa
In the morning, visit the impressive Blue Nile Falls (locally known as Tis Issat, meaning “smoking water”). Enjoy a short walk to viewpoints offering spectacular views of the falls, especially during the rainy season. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Overnight: Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Blue Nile Falls (Highlight) Stay: Sun View Addis Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Fly to Semera – Drive to Danakil Depression
Fly to Semera and begin your adventure into the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most unique places on Earth. Drive across the Afar region to reach the desert landscapes of Danakil. Experience the vast salt flats and meet Afar communities along the way. Overnight: Camping under the stars. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Explore Dallol & ErtaAle
Visit Dallol, famous for its surreal, colorful mineral formations, sulfur springs, and salt deposits—one of the lowest and most otherworldly places on Earth. In the afternoon, drive to Erta Ale, one of the world’s few continuously active lava lakes. Trek to the summit at sunset and witness the mesmerizing glow of molten lava. Overnight: Camping near Erta Ale. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Return to Semera – Fly to Addis Ababa
Return to Semera – Fly to Addis Ababa At the morning, After having your breakfast, and morning visit, Continue driving back to Semera through the beautiful desert landscapes. Catch your return flight to Addis Ababa. Evening at leisure. Overnight: Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Sun View Addis Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Free Time & Departure
Free Time & Departure Enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation. Visit local markets or souvenir shops to pick up Ethiopian handicrafts, coffee, and traditional items. Later, transfer to the airport for your international 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 US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 5 years and older. Children under 6 receive a discount.
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?
Sun View Addis 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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