Duration
9-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
9-Day Visit Erta Ale Volcano, Lalibela, Simien Mountain
Overview
This tour includes Dallol the lowest place in earth Ertal, Gonder, Lalibela, the Simien Mountains, and Addis Ababa. Gonder has ancient castles and churches, Lalibela is famous for its rock-hewn churches, the Simien Mountains offer breathtaking scenery, and Addis Ababa is the bustling capital with numerous museums and cultural sites. This itinerary will give you a well-rounded experience of Ethiopia's rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Lalibela (Town), Addis Ababa (City), Semera (Town)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Tabor Hotel Lalibela - Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – 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
n/a* USD
$1,980 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
This tour is not available to solo travelers.
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour is unavailable for children.
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 1-2
Lalibela (Town)
Day 3
Addis Ababa (City)
Day 4
Semera (Town)
Day 5
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 6
Addis Ababa (City)
Day 7
Gondar (City)
Day 8
Simien Mountains NP
End
Addis Ababa (City) (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.
Not for solo travelers
Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.
18
Minimum age of 18 years
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: nature hikes/walks
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle, hiking/walking & air transfer
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1-2
Tabor Hotel Lalibela
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3
Best Western Plus Pearl Addis
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 4-5
Erta Ale Motel Budget hotel in Semera (Town) – Breakfast Included
Budget hotel in Semera (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6
Hotel Golden Tulip Addis Ababa
Luxury hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 7-8
Haile Resort Gondar
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 9
End of tour
(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
Fly to Lalibela and visit the churches of Laliebal
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be met by Inward Ethiopia Tours representative then after breakfast you will be flying to Lalibela to explore Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. Lalibela is the most famous of all of Ethiopia's historic cities and contains the most stunning Christian architecture in Africa. Often referred to as ‘New Jerusalem’ and ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’, the town’s eleven beautiful rock-cut churches draw pilgrims from all over the world. Built during the 12th and 13th centuries, these religious monoliths are carved from the red volcanic rock. The 11 rock churches of Lalibela are grouped into two parts and each church has a unique architectural style and all are superbly carved. This afternoon, we will discover the Northwestern group of churches, Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet. 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 2
Guide tour around lalibela
After morning breakfast, set off by car or Mule to Asheten Mariam, a monolithic church, beautifully perched at an altitude of 3,000 m. near the summit of Asheten, which dominates the entire Lalibela region. Back to the town of Lalibela for lunch. In the afternoon proceed to visit the second group of the rock-hewn churches, you will visit Bete Amanuel, Bete Merkorios, Bete Abba Libanos, and Bete Gabriel- Rafael (possibly a former royal palace). Finally, discover Bete Giyorgis, often. 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
Fly back to addis and city tour
This morning, you will be flying back to Addis Ababa. When you arrive in Addis Ababa, our guide will greet and take you a guided city tour of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital and the third-highest capital in the world. Head to the National Museum, home to one of the world's most important paleontological exhibits in the world; 'Lucy'. Then visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral Church. As the final resting place of muchloved Emperor Haile Selassie, Holy Trinity Cathedral is one of the country's most sacred places of worship. Then Mount Entoto, the highest peak in the city. Entoto Mountain was the site of a palace and the royal court to Emperor Menelik in the 1800s. Here you will visit the palace of the Mighty King Menelik II and the Natural Park of Entoto. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Best Western Plus Pearl Addis Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
DIscovery of Dallol, the lowest surface on the planet
In the morning, take a flight to mekele, meet with the group then head to the famous Dallol Depression - the hottest place on earth located in the Ethiopian Denakil Desert. Dallol is the result of changing geological activity. Before sunset, you will travel a short distance to Lake Karum to watch the sunset from the salt flats on the lake. The water level on the lake is very shallow so it’s easy to walk out and around the lake. There might be a chance to watch the camel caravans of the Afar people who live in this inhospitable place. Then you will return to Hamed Ela for an overnight stay. Budget hotel located in Semera (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Semera (Town) Stay: Erta Ale Motel Budget hotel located in Semera (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Visit one of the worlds permanent lava lake
You'll have an early start today, as you will be descending to the lowest point on the planet, Dallol. With its uniquely colorful volcanic terrain and its ridiculously high temperature, Dallol Depression is known around the world as the 'hottest inhabited place on the planet. When you will arrive, there will be plenty of time to walk around and admire the colorful pools, learn about the unique geology, and of course, take photos of the spectacular scenery. The visit to Dallol also gives you the chance to visit the grueling local salt mines. Then you will drive to the Dodom campsite the foot of the Erta Ale (Smoking Mountain) Volcano. In the evening, trek up the volcano and appreciate its spectacular lava. Once you reach the top of the crater, you will get time to relax and admire the amazing sight of the lava lake. Finally, walk the short distance back to the camp for dinner. Budget hotel located in Semera (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Erta Ale Motel Budget hotel located in Semera (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Visit the Salt Lake of Afdera and fly back to addis abeba
Early in the morning, wake up and walk a short distance to the volcano. Stay some time by the lava lake until sunrise to see the change in the flow of the lake. After sunrise, hike back down to the camp for breakfast. Depart the campsite and drive back to Semera. On your way to Semera you have a stop at lake Afdera. Semera is the capital city for the Afars. Late in the afternoon fly back to Addis Ababa. Then transfer to your hotel. Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Hotel Golden Tulip Addis Ababa Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Fly to Gonder and visits the medieval royal castle
Welcome by our Gondar representative and check-in to your hotel, then you will visit Gondar, Ethiopia’s capital during medieval times and often referred to as the ‘Camelot of Africa’. This city is famed for its medieval castles and churches. First, you will discover the complex of medieval castles and ruins in the Royal Enclosure, a testament to the majesty of the Ethiopian Empire. Afterward, visit the peaceful Bathing Pool of Emperor Fasilidas. Then explore the famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie, one of the finest in Ethiopia with walls and ceilings covered with stunning murals of angels. Then Set off towards Bahir Dar, passing through picturesque farmlands and highland mountains. 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 8
Simien Mountains National Park
We take a full-day outing to Simien Mountains National Park to enjoy the striking scenery and heather-like Afroalpine moorland characteristic of Africa's fifth-highest mountain range. The park is also home to an array of rare animals – notably Walia ibex, Ethiopian wolf and gelada monkey – that are totally unique to Ethiopia. Birdwatchers should keep their eyes peeled for the spectacular lammergeier, which can be seen here along with other heavyweights including the endemic thick-billed raven. 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 9
Fly back to addis abeba
Morning fly back to Addis Ababa then you will have shopping to buy souvenirs. In the evening, before your international flight, farewell dinner at Ethiopian Cultural Restaurant. We're sure it really has been a wonderful trip, but sadly, it's time for it to end. It has been an honor to look after you and hopefully provide you with many safari memories. We hope to see you again next time you go on tour. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) 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
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
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
Inward Ethiopia Tours
4.5 operator rating
4 reviews
At Inward Ethiopia Tours, we believe travel is more than just visiting new places—it's about meaningful connections, cultural immersion, and discovering the soul of a country. Based in the heart of Ethiopia, we specialize in curated travel experiences that take you beyond the typical tourist trail and deep into the rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cultures of this extraordinary land.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2025)
Member Of
lalibela guide associations, addis abeba guide associations & Ethiopia tourism associations
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
4.5/5Communication
4.5/5Accuracy
4.5/5Value
4.5/5Safety clarity
4.5/5Cultural value
4.5/5The true essence of Addis ababa
I’m a solo female traveller, and I really enjoyed this tour with Saleamlak. I felt completely safe the entire time; he’s very knowledgeable, approachable, and flexible. He shared many stories about his country, it’s clear he knows a lot and has a wealth of experience. It’s a shame I already had the rest of my trip planned; otherwise, I would have taken another tour with them. Good price as well .
Alessandra · Italy
Well-organized tour to Debre Libanos
My tour to Debre Libanos and Blue Nile Gorge was wonderful. This excursion was a first in my trip to Ethiopia, and it was a good first impression. Our guide was exceptional. He explained everything clearly, answered all our questions with patience, and ensured everyone in the group felt included and comfortable throughout the day. Everything was interesting and well-organized. From the ancient church and museum to the Portuguese Bridge and the panoramic views. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the region.
Vladislav · Russia
I’m very happy having a good tour guide Saleamlak, he is nice and knowledgeable.
During the holiday seasons,we encountered some non-human-caused problems, but the tour guide resolved them promptly, allowing us to complete the trip smoothly.
Angela · United States
OUr tour guide Saleamlak is a knowledeable, willing to learn, helpful and service-oriented person.
The tour was great, but the qeuipments provided were not that great, especially the vechicle was broken during the trip. Well the 3 days volcano trip with 4x4 was fatastic, the food, the service are also great. It wasw a wonderful experiecce.
Jennifer · United States
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 is unavailable for children.
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?
Tabor Hotel Lalibela - Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – 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 Inward 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 Inward Ethiopia Tours.
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