Duration
13-Day
Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Uncover Ethiopia's soul on this 13-day adventure. From the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to Gondar's castles, Rift Valley lakes, and the coffee highlands of Yirgacheffe, every stop reveals culture, history, and natural wonders. Explore tribal villages, spot wildlife in Bale Mountains, cruise Lake Chamo, and sip Ethiopia's world-famous coffee where it was first discovered. A journey blending history, culture, wilderness, and taste.
Plan snapshot
Duration
13-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Bahir Dar (City), Gondar (City), Axum (City)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Bale Mountains National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
17 years
Activities
Getting around: minivan & air transfer
Accommodation
Haile Grand Addis Ababa Hotel - Luxury hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour uses lodges and resorts.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will 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 17 years.
Day 1
Luxury hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2
Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3
Mid-range resort in Gondar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 4
Mid-range hotel in Axum (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5-6
Budget hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 7
Mid-range lodge at Lake Langano – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 8
Mid-range resort in Arba Minch (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 9
Budget lodge in Konso (Cultural Village) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 10-11
Luxury lodge inside Bale Mountains NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 12
Budget hotel in Yirga Chefe (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 13
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Tour step
A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Arrive at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, explore Addis Ababa’s highlights including the National Museum, home of Lucy, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Ethnographic Museum. Conclude the day with panoramic views from Entoto Hills, learning about the city’s history and culture. Overnight in Addis. Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Take a morning flight to Bahir Dar. Enjoy a scenic boat trip to Lake Tana’s island monasteries, seeing ancient frescoes and meeting local monks. In the afternoon, visit the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as “Tis Issat,” witnessing the dramatic cascade of water and surrounding lush landscapes. Overnight in Bahir Dar. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Drive to Gondar, exploring the medieval Fasil Ghebbi castles, royal bath, and palaces. Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for its angel-covered ceiling frescoes. Walk through Gondar’s charming streets and marketplaces, absorbing local life. Overnight in Gondar. Mid-range resort located in Gondar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Take a morning flight to Axum. Visit the famous obelisks, Queen of Sheba’s purported palace, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart. Learn about Axumite civilization and ancient inscriptions. Optional local encounters in the surrounding countryside. Overnight in Axum. Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Morning flight to Lalibela. Explore the first cluster of UNESCO rock-hewn churches including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and the iconic cross-shaped Bet Giyorgis. Witness local worship rituals and enjoy the dramatic surrounding hills. Overnight in Lalibela. Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Spend the day exploring Lalibela’s second cluster of churches and optionally visit the lesser-known Asheten Mariam Monastery. Learn about the legends of King Lalibela and the region’s deep religious traditions. Enjoy panoramic sunset views over the highlands. Overnight in Lalibela. Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Take a morning flight back to Addis Ababa, then set out by road through Ethiopia’s scenic Rift Valley. Along the way, stop at Ziway and other lakes, famous for birdlife and vibrant local markets. Enjoy the lush landscapes and rural villages that line the route. Arrive at Lake Langano, a popular lakeside retreat known for swimming, relaxation, and its golden shoreline. Spend the evening at leisure by the lake. Overnight in Langano. Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Drive south to Arba Minch, a scenic town in Ethiopia’s Southern Nations region. Visit Dorze village, renowned for its unique beehive-shaped bamboo huts, traditional weaving, and enset “false banana” bread preparation. Engage with local families, learn about their customs and daily life, and witness authentic cultural practices. Explore the surrounding landscapes, interact with villagers, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Overnight in Arba Minch. Mid-range resort located in Arba Minch (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to spot crocodiles and hippos, then continue to Konso, a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape. Explore terraced fields, unique sculptures, and engage with local communities to learn about Konso traditions. Overnight near Konso. Budget lodge located in Konso (Cultural Village) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Drive to Bale Mountains National Park and begin light to moderate trekking, surrounded by stunning highland scenery. Spot endemic wildlife like the Ethiopian wolf, watch for birds, and explore diverse habitats. Learn about local ecosystems, traditional highland culture, and conservation efforts. Return to your lodge in Bale for overnight stay. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11
Spend a full day in Bale Mountains National Park exploring its diverse landscapes. Hike the Sanetti Plateau, enjoying sweeping highland vistas and spotting endemic wildlife like the Ethiopian wolf and giant mole-rat. Continue into the lush Harenna Forest, discovering dense woodlands, rare plant species, and abundant birdlife. Immerse in the region’s natural beauty and local highland culture. Overnight in Bale Mountains lodge. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 12
Travel to Yirgacheffe, the birthplace of Ethiopia’s world-renowned coffee. Visit local coffee farms to see traditional cultivation methods and processing techniques. Participate in a cultural coffee ceremony, experiencing the art and rituals of coffee preparation. Taste freshly brewed coffee while learning about its deep cultural and economic significance. Enjoy the scenic highlands and local hospitality. Overnight in Yirgacheffe or nearby. Budget hotel located in Yirga Chefe (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 13
Drive back to Addis Ababa, stopping along the way for souvenir shopping and visits to local markets to experience Ethiopian culture firsthand. Enjoy leisure time exploring Unity Park, relaxing at your hotel, or strolling through the city. In the evening, transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your 13-day journey through Ethiopia’s history, culture, wilderness, and coffee regions with lasting memories. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
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
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
International flights (From/to home)
Roundtrip airport transfer
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
Experience Ethiopia Tours is well experienced travel and tour operator to Ethiopia’s cultural, historical, natural and wildlife attractions is a private fully Ethiopian owned and run by young, flexible, energetic, articulate tourism expertise and highly skilled and qualified personnel who knows and love Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2016)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
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 17 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.
Haile Grand Addis Ababa Hotel - Luxury hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast Included
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
A transfer from and back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Experience 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 Experience Ethiopia Tours.
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