Duration
10-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
You'll embark on a 10-day adventure through Northern Ethiopia and Awash National Park, uncovering ancient history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. You will explore UNESCO sites in Lalibela, Gondar, and Axum, wander Harar's vibrant alleys and markets, and enjoy wildlife encounters in Awash. With expert guides and comfortable stays, you will experience Ethiopia's perfect blend of history, culture, and nature.
Plan snapshot
Duration
10-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Bahir Dar (City), 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
game drives
Accommodation
Triple-E Hotel and Spa - Mid-range 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 hotels.
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 5 years.
Day 1
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2
Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3-4
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5-6
Budget hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 7
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 8
Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 9
Budget hotel in Harar (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 10
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
You'll arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you'll begin exploring Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. Visit the National Museum, home to the fossil remains of “Lucy,” the Holy Trinity Cathedral with its stunning stained-glass windows, or the colorful Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. In the evening, you'll relax and enjoy a traditional dinner. Your overnight stay will be in Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
You'll take a morning flight to Bahir Dar, a serene city on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a scenic boat ride across the lake to visit its ancient island monasteries, including Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam, adorned with colorful religious murals and rich history. In the afternoon, you'll drive to the majestic Blue Nile Falls, known locally as “Tis Issat” or “Smoking Water.” You will return to Bahir Dar for an evening by the lakeside. Your overnight stay will be in Bahir Dar. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
After breakfast, you'll drive through scenic highlands to Gondar, a historic city often called the “Camelot of Africa.” Upon arrival, you will visit the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring magnificent stone castles and palaces built by Emperor Fasilides and his successors. You'll continue to Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its beautifully painted ceiling of angelic faces. You'll stroll through the charming old town before settling in for the night. You'll stay overnight in Gondar. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
After breakfast, you will embark on a full-day excursion to the Simien Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. You'll enjoy panoramic views of rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and dramatic escarpments shaped over millions of years. You'll spot endemic wildlife such as the Gelada baboon, Klipspringer, and various bird species. You'll take short hikes around Sankaber for unforgettable scenery and photo opportunities. In the late afternoon, you will return to Gondar for dinner and an overnight stay. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
You'll take a morning flight to Lalibela, often called the “New Jerusalem” for its extraordinary 12th-century rock-hewn churches. After check-in, you will begin exploring the first cluster (Group A) of these architectural marvels, including Bet Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world, and Bet Maryam, known for its colorful frescoes and serene atmosphere. You'll learn about the town’s deep spiritual significance and local traditions. Your overnight stay will be in Lalibela. Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
You'll continue your exploration of Lalibela with visits to the second cluster (Group B) of rock-hewn churches, including Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Abba Libanos, and Bet Merkorios, each with unique architecture and legends. In the afternoon, you'll take an optional hike or mule ride up to Asheton Maryam Monastery, perched high in the mountains, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and villages. You'll return to town for a relaxing evening. Your overnight stay will be in Lalibela. Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
After breakfast, you'll take a morning flight from Lalibela to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel and relax. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the city’s highlights, such as the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, or the bustling Merkato market. You'll enjoy a leisurely evening and dinner in the capital as you prepare for the next leg of your Northern Ethiopia and Awash adventure. Your overnight stay will be in Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
After breakfast in Addis Ababa, you'll drive east toward Awash National Park, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. You'll arrive in the afternoon and embark on a game drive to spot wildlife such as Beisa oryx, kudu, Soemmerring’s gazelle, and a variety of bird species around the Awash River Gorge and waterfalls. You'll enjoy the park’s unique volcanic scenery and natural beauty. You'll relax at your lodge in the evening and stay overnight in Awash National Park. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
After breakfast, you'll drive to the historic walled city of Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing through Dire Dawa for a lunch stop. You'll arrive in Harar by the afternoon and begin exploring its vibrant alleys and colorful markets. In the evening, you'll experience the world-famous Hyena Feeding ritual, where locals hand-feed hyenas—a unique cultural tradition that has fascinated visitors for generations. You will return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay in Harar. Budget hotel located in Harar (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
You'll spend the morning exploring the historic alleys of Harar Jugol, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its colorful houses and lively markets. You'll visit traditional Harari homes, the Arthur Rimbaud Museum, and local shrines to experience the city’s rich culture and history. In the afternoon, you'll transfer to Dire Dawa Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy free time in the city or proceed directly to the airport for your onward departure. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
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)
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)
Offered by
At On The Go Ethiopia Tours, we specialize in immersive Addis Ababa city tours and unforgettable multi-day adventures across Ethiopia’s stunning historical, cultural, and natural landscapes. Whether you have just a few hours or several days, our tours are led by experienced, licensed local guides passionate about sharing the rich heritage of Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
20-50 employees (Founded in 2015)
Member Of
ETOA, ETGPA & ATOA
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5It was my first visit to Ethiopia. Very impressive to see around the historical area in Ethiopia. Additionally, a guide and a driver were friendly and I really enjoyed entire tour with them.
Masa · United States
We enjoyed a wonderful tour of the National Museum, Entoto, and a walking tour of Mercato. We also enjoyed the palace of Menelik II, very peaceful, and we had a delicious lunch on the way back to town. We also went to Shiromeda market for the best Ethiopian fabrics. Kena explained a lot of the culture and history as well. Great day seeing the sights.
Jim Friedericks · United States
Reta is a tour guide that is going to help you in everything you want. He has an spectacular spirit and is goimg to.help you with any concern you have about your trip.
Ignacio Bielma · Mexico
Great experience going to Merkato with Kenaw. He is very responsible and knows area and local merchants so can give you great advice where and what to buy for local prices.
Mislav · Croatia
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 5 years and older. Children under 6 receive a discount.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Triple-E Hotel and Spa - Mid-range 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 is included
Operator policy
This tour is offered by On the Go 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 On the Go Ethiopia Tours.
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