Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

9-Day Historical Trip to the North Including Simien

5.0 / 5 · 80 reviews Offered by Essence Ethiopia Tours 9-Day

Overview

Lalibela is world-famous for its rock-hewn churches carved directly into stone in the 12th century, remaining an active pilgrimage site. Gonder Known for its castles and churches, Gondar reflects Ethiopia's royal past and unique architectural heritage. The Simien Mountains boast dramatic scenery, endemic wildlife, and some of Africa's best trekking landscapes. Bahir Dar is known for Lake Tana's island monasteries. Axum is an ancient kingdom known for its towering obelisks.

Plan snapshot

Quick Facts

Tour details

Duration

9-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 safari

Group size

1-12 travelers

Starts

Any day if available

Minimum age

2 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

Pickup

Airport transfer included

Booking

Request quote

Currency

USD

Rates

Rates Per Person

USD

Start datesSingle2+ people

Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 $2,860 USD $2,640 USD

Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027 $2,860 USD $2,640 USD

Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028 $2,860 USD $2,640 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 2 years and older. Children under 3 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 2-3 Lalibela (Town)

Day 4 Gondar (City)

Day 5 Simien Mountains NP

Day 6 Bahir Dar (City)

Day 7 Blue Nile Falls (Highlight)

Day 8 Axum (City)

End Addis Ababa (Day 9)

Tour Features

Mid-range tour

This mid-range tour uses 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 changes to this tour.

Suitable for solo travelers

Solo travelers can book this private tour.

Minimum age of 2 years

The minimum age for this tour is 2 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 2-3

Tabor Hotel Lalibela

Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included

Breakfast Included

Day 4-5

Haile Resort Gondar

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

Breakfast Included

Day 6

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 7

Sun View Addis Hotel

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

Breakfast Included

Day 8

Sabean International Hotel Budget hotel in Axum (City) – Breakfast Included

Budget hotel in Axum (City) – Breakfast Included

Breakfast Included

Day 9

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 and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, begin your exploration of Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. Visit the Ethnological Museum, offering insight into Ethiopia’s diverse cultures and history. Explore Mercato, Africa’s largest open-air market, full of color and local life. End the day with a scenic drive to Entoto Hill for panoramic views. 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 – Explore Rock-Hewn Churches

Fly to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the first group of churches, including Bete Medhane Alem and Bete Maryam, connected by narrow tunnels and passageways carved from solid rock. Experience the sacred atmosphere as priests and pilgrims conduct daily rituals. 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

Trek to Asheton Maryam Monastery – Second Group of Churches

After breakfast, trek or ride mules to Asheton Maryam Monastery, perched high in the mountains overlooking Lalibela. The journey offers breathtaking views and cultural encounters. At the monastery, explore ancient relics and enjoy the peaceful setting. In the afternoon, visit the second group of churches, including the iconic Bete Giyorgis, carved in the shape of a cross. Overnight: Lalibela. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Fly to Gondar – Royal Heritage

Fly to Gondar – Royal Heritage Fly to Gondar, known as the “Camelot of Africa.” Visit the UNESCO-listed Fasil Ghebbi, a complex of castles built by Emperor Fasilides. Continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for its ceiling decorated with angelic faces. 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 5

DayTrip to Simien Mountains

Drive to the Simien Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes. Enjoy a scenic walk along the escarpments, with spectacular views of deep valleys and jagged peaks. Spot endemic wildlife such as the Gelada baboon and possibly the Walia ibex. 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 6

Drive to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries

Drive through scenic highlands to Bahir Dar, a lakeside city on the shores of Lake Tana. Take a boat excursion to visit historic monasteries including Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery, known for its vibrant murals, and Azwa Maryam Monastery, surrounded by forest. Also view the source of the Blue Nile as it begins its journey from the lake. 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 7

Visit Blue Nile Falls – Fly to Addis Ababa

Visit Blue Nile Falls – Fly to Addis Ababa Visit the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat), meaning “Smoking Water,” where the river cascades dramatically over a basalt cliff. After the visit, transfer to the airport for your return flight 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 8

Fly to Axum – Explore Ancient Civilization

Fly to Axum, one of Africa’s oldest civilizations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Axum Stelae Field, featuring towering granite obelisks carved over 1,700 years ago. Continue to the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed by many to house the Ark of the Covenant. Explore the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace and other archaeological sites. Overnight: Axum. Budget hotel located in Axum (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Axum (City) Stay: Sabean International Hotel Budget hotel located in Axum (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Explore Axum – Fly to Addis Ababa

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Axum, with optional visits to additional archaeological sites or local markets. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. Depending on your departure schedule, enjoy last-minute shopping or a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony before 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)

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)

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 2 years and older. Children under 3 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 changes to 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

Booking terms

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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