Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

13-Day Ethiopia Uncovered Ancient Wonders & Culture

5.0 / 5 · 80 reviews Offered by Essence Ethiopia Tours 13-Day

Overview

Experience the full spectrum of Ethiopia's beauty and diversity on this extraordinary. This 13-day journey is the ultimate Ethiopian experience--perfectly combining history, culture, adventure, and raw natural beauty. It's not just a trip, but a deep exploration into one of Africa's most fascinating and diverse destinations.

Plan snapshot

Quick Facts

Tour details

Duration

13-Day

Route

Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa

Via Lalibela (Town), Gondar (City), Simien Mountains NP

Country & park

Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park

Style

Mid-range shared 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; Breakfast & Lunch Included

Pickup

Airport transfer included

Booking

Request quote

Currency

USD

Solo travelers

Can join this group tour

Rates

Rates Per Person

USD

Start datesSingle2+ people

Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 $2,145 USD $1,980 USD

Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027 $2,145 USD $1,980 USD

Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028 $2,145 USD $1,980 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

Request a Quote

Route

country Ethiopia

Start Addis Ababa (Day 1)

Day 2 Lalibela (Town)

Day 3 Gondar (City)

Day 4 Simien Mountains NP

Day 5 Arba Minch (City)

Day 6-7 Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Day 8 Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Day 9 Addis Ababa (City)

Day 10-12 Danakil Depression (Highlight)

End Addis Ababa (Day 13)

Tour Features

Mid-range tour

This mid-range tour includes camping and lodges.

Shared tour

On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 4 people per vehicle.

Can start any day

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

Cannot be customized

The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.

Suitable for single travelers

Single travelers can join this group tour.

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

AG Hotel Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – Breakfast Included +3 Photos

Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – Breakfast Included

Breakfast Included

Day 4

AG Hotel Mid-range hotel 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP – Breakfast & Lunch Included

Mid-range hotel 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP – Breakfast & Lunch Included

Breakfast & Lunch Included

Day 5

Wubete Hotel Budget hotel in Arba Minch (City) – Breakfast Included

Budget hotel in Arba Minch (City) – Breakfast Included

Breakfast Included

Day 6-7

Emerald Lodge Turmi Mid-range lodge in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included +11 Photos +10 Photos

Mid-range lodge in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included

Breakfast Included

Day 8

Nasa Hotel Budget hotel in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included

Budget hotel in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included

Breakfast Included

Day 9

Sun View Addis Hotel

Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included

Breakfast Included

Day 10-11

Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included

Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Day 12

Sun View Addis Hotel

Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Day 13

End of tour

No accommodation

(No accommodation)

Breakfast 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

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Later, begin a guided city tour of Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. Highlights include the National Museum (home of the famous hominid “Lucy”), the Ethnological Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and a panoramic viewpoint of the city. You will also explore the bustling Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, offering insight into local daily life. Overnight at your hotel in 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 | Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches

This morning, fly to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, begin exploring the remarkable 12th-century rock-hewn churches, carved entirely from single blocks of stone. Visits include Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Golgotha, and other churches of the first cluster. Learn about the history, symbolism, and religious significance of these architectural masterpieces. Overnight in 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

Morning Visit in Lalibela | Fly to Gondar

Continue exploring Lalibela in the morning, including the second cluster of churches such as Bet Giyorgis (St. George’s Church), the most iconic of them all. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar, once the imperial capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, visit the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring medieval castles and palaces. Continue to Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its beautiful ceiling of angel faces. Overnight in Gondar. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: AG Hotel 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

Today you will take a full-day excursion to Simien Mountains National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes of deep valleys, jagged peaks, and dramatic escarpments. Short walks allow opportunities to spot endemic wildlife such as gelada baboons, bushbucks, and various bird species. After enjoying the scenery and fresh mountain air, return to Gondar in the late afternoon. Overnight in Gondar. Mid-range hotel located 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: AG Hotel Mid-range hotel located 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Fly Gondar – Addis Ababa – Arba Minch | Dorze Village Visit

Fly back to Addis Ababa and connect with your flight to Arba Minch, the gateway to southern Ethiopia. In the afternoon, drive to the Dorze villages, famous for their towering bamboo houses and traditional weaving techniques. Learn about the Dorze people’s lifestyle, agriculture, and cotton production. Overnight in Arba Minch. Budget hotel located in Arba Minch (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Arba Minch (City) Stay: Wubete Hotel Budget hotel located in Arba Minch (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Visit Konso & Hamer Villages | Drive to Turmi

Depart Arba Minch for the Konso cultural area, a UNESCO-listed landscape known for its terraced hillsides and wooden grave markers (waka). Continue south into the Omo Valley to visit the Hamer people, renowned for their distinctive hairstyles, body adornments, and rich traditions. Proceed to Turmi, the heartland of the Hamer culture. Overnight in Turmi. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Emerald Lodge Turmi Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Explore Dassanech & Karo Peoples

Today’s exploration includes visits to the Dassanech people near the Omo River, who rely on flood-retreat agriculture, fishing, and pastoralism. Later, visit the Karo tribe, known for their elaborate body painting and scenic riverside villages. Enjoy cultural interactions and photography opportunities. Overnight in Turmi. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8

Visit Local Market & Mursi People | Drive to Jinka

In the morning, visit a local tribal market (depending on market day), where various ethnic groups gather to trade goods and livestock. Continue to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people, famous for their lip plates and strong cultural identity. After the visit, drive to Jinka, the administrative center of the South Omo Zone. Overnight in Jinka. Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Nasa Hotel Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Fly Back to Addis Ababa

Fly from Jinka back to Addis Ababa. At the morning after breakfast, depend on your flight time, you can visit the market at jinka and later Fly back to Addis Ababa, In this day, you can rest and have leisure for relaxation, shopping, or optional cultural activities. In the evening, you may enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with music and dance. Overnight in Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10

Fly to Semera | Drive to Danakil Depression

Early morning flight to Semera, followed by a 4WD drive into the Danakil Depression—one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. Travel across volcanic landscapes, salt flats, and desert terrain to reach the camping area. Enjoy sunset views over the surreal environment. 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 11

Explore Dallol & Erta Ale Volcano

Visit Dallol, a unique geological wonder featuring colorful sulfur pools, salt formations, and acidic hot springs. Continue to Lake Assale (salt lake) to observe traditional salt mining. In the evening, hike to the summit of Erta Ale volcano to witness its active lava lake, a truly unforgettable natural spectacle. Overnight camping. 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 12

Visit Salt Mountains | Drive to Mekelle | Fly to Addis Ababa

Visit Salt Mountains | Drive to Mekelle | Fly to Addis Ababa In the morning, visit the salt mountains and observe Afar salt caravans transporting salt by camel. Drive to Mekelle and catch your flight back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a farewell evening in the capital. Overnight in 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 13

Departure

This day is your final day of the trip and depend on your flight time, you can go out for shopping in Addis Ababa and then, Transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure, marking the end of an extraordinary journey through Ethiopia. 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

View operator profile

Traveler feedback

Reviews

5.00 average

Overall

5.0/5

Communication

5.0/5

Accuracy

5.0/5

Value

5.0/5

Safety clarity

5.0/5

Cultural value

5.0/5

Verified

He 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

Verified

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

Verified

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

Verified

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

8 answers

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?

The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.

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

Booking terms

Disclaimer

This tour is offered by Essence Ethiopia Tours, 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.

This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Essence Ethiopia Tours.

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