Duration
18-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
18-Day Northern Historical Route & Omo Valley Tour
Overview
Experience the best of Ethiopia on this unforgettable 18-day journey through the historic north and the cultural heart of the Omo Valley. Explore the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, ancient kingdoms of Axum and Gondar, the dramatic Simien and Gheralta Mountains, and encounter diverse tribal communities including the Mursi, Hamer, Kara, and Dasanech peoples. This tour combines history, culture, wildlife, landscapes, and authentic local experiences.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
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
3 years
Activities
game drives
Accommodation
Crescent International 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
$9,020 USD
$7,698 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$9,020 USD
$7,698 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$9,020 USD
$7,689 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 3 years and older. Children under 18 receive a discount and children under 8 are free.
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 2
Bahir Dar (City)
Day 3
Gondar (City)
Day 4
Simien Mountains NP
Day 5
Gondar (City)
Day 6-7
Lalibela (Town)
Day 8-9
Axum (City)
Day 10
Mekele (City)
Day 11
Hawzen (Town)
Day 12
Gheralta (Mountain Range)
Day 13
Addis Ababa (City)
Day 14
Arba Minch (City)
Day 15-16
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 17
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 18)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges and tented camps.
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 minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
3
Minimum age of 3 years
The minimum age for this tour is 3 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: 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
Crescent International Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2
Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast Included +3 Photos
Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 4
Simien Lodge
Mid-range lodge inside Simien Mountains NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6-7
Mountain View Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 8-9
Yared Zema International Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Axum (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 10
Planet Hotel
Budget hotel in Mekele (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 11
Vision Hotel Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – Breakfast Included
Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 12
Gheralta Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Tigray – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 13
Crescent International Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 14
Paradise Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Arba Minch (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 15-16
Paradise Lodge Turmi Budget tented camp near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included +4 Photos +3 Photos
Budget tented camp near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 17
Eco Omo Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 18
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
Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour
Welcome to Addis Ababa, the vibrant capital city of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided city tour including the National Museum, home of the famous fossil Lucy, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and panoramic views from Mount Entoto. You will also experience the lively atmosphere of Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. Overnight: Crescent Hotel 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: Crescent International Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Flight to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana Monasteries
Take a morning domestic flight to Bahir Dar, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Tana. After check-in, enjoy a relaxing boat trip across the lake to visit the historic Ura Kidane Mehret Monastery, famous for its colorful religious paintings and ancient manuscripts. Later, explore the lakeside city and local markets. Overnight: Jacaranda hotel 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: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Blue Nile Falls – Drive to Gondar
In the morning, visit the magnificent Blue Nile Falls, locally known as “Tis Issat,” meaning “Smoking Water.” Enjoy a short scenic walk around the falls before returning to Bahir Dar. After lunch, drive through the beautiful Ethiopian highlands to Gondar, the former royal capital of Ethiopia. Overnight: Goha Hotel-Gondar. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Gondar -Simien Mountains National Park
Drive to the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s most dramatic mountain ranges and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy spectacular scenery, deep valleys, cliffs, and unique wildlife. During the excursion, you may encounter Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and various endemic bird species while enjoying short hikes and panoramic viewpoints. Overnight: Lodge in Simien Mountains. Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Simien Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Simien Mountains – Gondar Historical Tour
Early in the morning, enjoy a short hike and sunrise views in the Simien Mountains before driving back to Gondar. In the afternoon, explore the famous royal enclosure of Fasil Ghebbi and visit the beautifully painted Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its angel-covered ceiling and religious artwork. Overnight: Goha Hotel Gondar. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Flight to Lalibela – First Cluster Churches
Take a morning flight to Lalibela, home to Ethiopia’s most famous rock-hewn churches. In the afternoon, visit the first cluster of churches carved directly into solid rock during the 12th century. Learn about the fascinating history, architecture, and spiritual importance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight: Mountain View Hotel Lalibela. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Mountain View Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Explore Lalibela & Yimrehane Kristos
Drive approximately 42 km through beautiful mountain scenery to visit Yimrehane Kristos Church, an impressive medieval church built inside a cave. Return to Lalibela in the afternoon to continue exploring the second cluster of churches, including the iconic Bete Giyorgis. Overnight: Mountain View Hotel Lalibela. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Mountain View Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Flight to Axum
Fly to Axum, the ancient center of the Axumite Kingdom and one of Africa’s oldest civilizations. Visit the impressive stelae field, archaeological sites, royal tombs, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed by many Ethiopians to house the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight: Yared Hotel Axum. Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Axum (City) Stay: Yared Zema International Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Around Axum – Yeha Temple
Today, drive to visit Yeha Temple, Ethiopia’s oldest standing structure dating back over 2,500 years. Continue exploring ancient churches and archaeological remains around Axum while learning about Ethiopia’s rich historical and religious heritage. Overnight: Yared Hotel Axum. Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Axum (City) Stay: Yared Zema International Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Axum – Mekele via Wukro
Drive south toward Mekelle through spectacular mountain scenery and traditional villages. Along the route, stop to visit the remarkable Wukro Chirkos Church, one of Tigray’s famous rock-hewn churches carved into sandstone cliffs. Overnight: Planet Hotel Mekele. Budget hotel located in Mekele (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Mekele (City) Stay: Planet Hotel Budget hotel located in Mekele (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11
Mekele – Hawzen – Gheralta Mountains
Depart Mekele and journey toward the dramatic Gheralta Mountains, known for their rugged sandstone formations and ancient cliff monasteries. After lunch, visit churches such as Abuna Yemata Guh or Mariam Korkor, famous for their challenging climbs, ancient frescoes, and spectacular panoramic views. Overnight: Vision Hotel-Hawzen. Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Hawzen (Town) Stay: Vision Hotel Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 12
Exploring Gheralta Monasteries
Spend the day exploring additional hidden monasteries and rock churches across the Gheralta region. Visits may include Abreha we Atsbeha, Debre Tsion, and Petros and Paulos. Enjoy cultural encounters with local priests and villagers while photographing the dramatic mountain landscapes. Overnight: Lodge in Gheralta. Mid-range lodge located in Tigray Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range) Stay: Gheralta Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Tigray Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 13
Gheralta – Mekele – Addis Ababa
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning in the mountains before driving back to Mekele. Along the way, stop for scenic photography opportunities and local village visits. In the afternoon, take a domestic flight back to Addis Ababa. Overnight: Crescent International Hotel 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: Crescent International Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 14
Addis Ababa – Arba Minch
Take a morning flight to Arba Minch. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic boat excursion on Lake Chamo to visit the famous “Crocodile Market,” where large Nile crocodiles, hippos, and abundant birdlife can be seen. Later, continue to Nechisar National Park for a game drive before visiting the Dorze people in the Guge Mountains, known for their bamboo houses and weaving traditions. Overnight: Paradise Lodge Arba Minch. Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Arba Minch (City) Stay: Paradise Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 15
Arba Minch – Konso – Turmi
After breakfast, drive through scenic Rift Valley landscapes toward Turmi. En route, visit the UNESCO-listed Konso Cultural Landscape, famous for its stone terraces and traditional villages. Continue to Turmi, home of the Hamer people, recognized for their colorful clothing, unique hairstyles, and cultural traditions. Overnight: Paradise Lodge Turmi. Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Paradise Lodge Turmi Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 16
Kara & Nyangatom Tribes
Today, explore the rich tribal cultures of the Omo Valley. Visit the Kara (Karo) people along the Omo River, famous for elaborate body painting and scarification traditions. Continue to meet the Nyangatom tribe, semi-nomadic pastoralists with a strong traditional identity. Along the route, enjoy beautiful landscapes, birdlife, and cultural photography opportunities. Overnight: Paradise Lodge Turmi. Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Paradise Lodge Turmi Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 17
Dasanech or Arbore Tribe – Jinka
After breakfast, visit either the Dasanech tribe near the Omo River or the Arbore tribe depending on local accessibility and conditions. Learn about their pastoral lifestyle, traditions, and unique cultural identity. Afterwards, drive to Jinka through scenic landscapes. If your visit falls on Thursday, stop at the colorful Key Afer tribal market where different ethnic groups gather for trade. Overnight: Omo Eco Lodge. Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Eco Omo Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 18
Mursi Tribe – Fly Addis Ababa – Departure
Early in the morning, drive into Mago National Park to visit the famous Mursi Tribe, known for the women’s clay lip plates and strong cultural traditions. Enjoy authentic cultural interaction and photography opportunities before returning to Jinka Airport for your afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a traditional farewell dinner with Ethiopian music and dance performances before your international departure flight. 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
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
Ethiopian Photography Tours
5.0 operator rating
6 reviews
We are a private Ethiopian tour company, established in October 2015, specializing in personalized and unforgettable travel experiences. With an experienced and friendly team, we design seamless journeys tailored to your interests, bringing Ethiopia’s rich history, culture, and landscapes to life.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2015)
Tour Types
Specialized photographic safaris (Mid-range & luxury)
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Ethiopian Safari at its best
I can highly recommend Ethiopian Photography Tours. I’ve travelled with them three times over the years, and each experience has been consistently excellent. They are trustworthy and very flexible when it comes to designing tailored private itineraries, and they provide a high level of service throughout. Their experience in organising photography-focused trips really shows. If you’re considering a trip, I suggest contacting Mulie directly.
JB F · Switzerland
Excelent guide
I loved how Mule showed me around. He is very kind, professional, well prepared, and honest guide. I really recomand him!
Alexandru Petolescu · Romania
Wonderful
Beautiful experience with Mulei We travel to south to see the tribes and to north. I recommend Mulei because every is safe with him. He understood what you want to do. Everything was good. The tour as we ask. He knows a lot of things and the price for the car with the driver and mulei is ok And the more important thing it is safety
Myriam Benhayon · Spain
Great knowledge of egions, ethnic groups, culture, food, music and more.
Great operation. Mulugeta (Mulu) seamlessly handled my air travel and lodging accommodations at nice places with reduced rates. He has an impressive breadth of knowledge of the various regions, ethnic groups, culture, food, music and more. Highly recommend using him and his team for making this trip and my last one providing unforgettable experiences that Ethiopia has to offer.
Ramalaka · Greece
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 accepts children who are 3 years and older. Children under 18 receive a discount and children under 8 are free.
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 minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Crescent International 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
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Ethiopian Photography 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 Ethiopian Photography Tours.
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