Duration
9-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
9-Day Trekking Danakil–Gheralta–Simien
Overview
Embark on a thrilling 9-day journey from the surreal landscapes of the Danakil Depression to the ancient rock-hewn churches of Gheralta and the breathtaking cliffs of the Simien Mountains. Trek to active volcanoes, explore remote highland villages, witness unique wildlife, and experience Ethiopia's most dramatic natural and cultural wonders.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression), Mekele (City), Gheralta (Mountain Range)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
13 years
Activities
nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Caravan 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
$3,245 USD
$2,035 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$3,245 USD
$2,035 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 13 years and older.
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 2-3
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 4
Mekele (City)
Day 5
Gheralta (Mountain Range)
Day 6
Axum (City)
Day 7-8
Simien Mountains NP
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 9)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour uses lodges and hotels.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will 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.
13
Minimum age of 13 years
The minimum age for this tour is 13 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: nature hikes/walks
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
Caravan Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2-3
Ahmed Ela Camp Budget bush camp in Danakil Depression (Highlight) – Breakfast Included
Budget bush camp in Danakil Depression (Highlight) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 4
Planet Hotel
Budget hotel in Mekele (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5
Gheralta Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Tigray – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6
Sabean International Hotel Budget hotel in Axum (City) – Breakfast Included
Budget hotel in Axum (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 7-8
Simien Lodge
Mid-range lodge inside Simien Mountains NP – 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
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrive at Bole International Airport where your guide warmly welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel. After a short rest, start exploring Addis Ababa, a city rich in cultural heritage and modern vibrancy. Visit the National Museum, home to “Lucy,” the 3.2-million-year-old fossil. Continue to the Ethnological Museum or Holy Trinity Cathedral. End the day at Entoto Park for sweeping views of the city and refreshing mountain air. Overnight 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: Caravan 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 Mekele – Drive to Erta Ale Basecamp
Fly from Addis Ababa to Mekele and meet your Afar region expedition team. Begin the drive across dramatic desert landscapes, passing small salt-mining villages and camel caravans. After lunch en route, continue to Dodom, the base of Erta Ale volcano. Prepare for the evening trek with safety briefing and support camels. Begin hiking at sunset toward the crater rim, enjoying cooler temperatures and moon-lit surroundings. Overnight camping near the volcano. Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Ahmed Ela Camp Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Erta Ale Crater – Hamed Ela
Wake up early to visit the active lava lake, watching molten rock bubble and glow inside the crater. After sunrise photos, begin your descent from Erta Ale and drive back to Dodom for breakfast. Continue your journey toward the lowland salt plains of the Danakil Depression. Pass Afar nomadic settlements and vast desert landscapes. Arrive at Hamed Ela, the gateway to Dallol, where you settle into a simple desert camp. Enjoy a colorful sunset over the salt flats. Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Ahmed Ela Camp Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Dallol, Salt Mines & Camel Caravans – Drive to Mekele
Start early to explore Dallol, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. Walk among otherworldly landscapes of sulfur formations, neon-colored mineral pools, and steaming vents. Continue to the salt mines of Lake Asale, where Afar miners extract blocks of salt using centuries-old techniques. Watch long camel caravans transporting salt across the desert. After lunch, drive back through the highland escarpments to Mekele. Overnight in 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 5
Mekele to Gheralta – Rock-Hewn Churches Trek
Drive to the dramatic sandstone escarpments of the Gheralta Mountains, a region famous for its ancient rock-hewn churches and breathtaking scenery. Begin a trekking excursion to one of Gheralta’s iconic cliff churches such as Abuna Yemata Guh, Maryam Korkor, or Daniel Korkor, depending on difficulty preference. Climb through narrow paths and rock ledges to reach these centuries-old sanctuaries with panoramic views. Enjoy a peaceful evening 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 6
More Gheralta Treks – Drive to Axum
Spend the morning exploring another remarkable Gheralta church carved high into the sandstone cliffs, where ancient paintings and unique architectural styles tell the story of Ethiopia’s early Christian history. After your trek, continue driving toward Axum, the cradle of the Axumite Empire. Explore the town’s lively streets and enjoy the slow transition from the rugged mountains to historic highlands. Overnight in 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 7
Fly to Gondar – Drive to Simien Mountains
Begin your trekking adventure in the Simien Mountains, walking along spectacular escarpments with views stretching for miles. Spot large groups of Gelada baboons grazing on highland grasslands and learn about their unique social behavior. Continue toward Jinbar Waterfall, a dramatic drop into a deep canyon. Enjoy picnic lunch with panoramic landscapes. Trek through giant heather forests before returning to camp or lodge. Overnight in the 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 8
Simien Mountains Trek Jinbar Falls & Gelada Baboons
Begin your trekking adventure in the Simien Mountains, walking along spectacular escarpments with views stretching for miles. Spot large groups of Gelada baboons grazing on highland grasslands and learn about their unique social behavior. Continue toward Jinbar Waterfall, a dramatic drop into a deep canyon. Enjoy picnic lunch with panoramic landscapes. Trek through giant heather forests before returning to camp or lodge. Overnight in the 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 9
Simien Trek Continued – Return to Gondar – Fly to Addis
Spend your final morning with a relaxing hike or wildlife walk, often encountering Walia ibex or soaring Lammergeier vultures. After lunch, drive back to Gondar and board your flight to Addis Ababa. Depending on your schedule, enjoy a farewell dinner or souvenir shopping before transfer to the airport for your departure. End of the 9-day adventure through Ethiopia’s wildest and most beautiful landscapes. 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
Seven Days Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
5 reviews
Seven Day Ethiopia Tours is Ethiopian owned tour company that has been operating since 2015 offering wide selections of tour packages, tailor-made and customized tours
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2015)
Tour Types
Small & medium group tours (Budget)
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Above and Beyond Five-Star Service!
Seven Days Ethiopia Tours really went above and beyond for me!! I had been planning a trip to the Danakil Depression for months with a different tour company. When I arrived at the airport, the other tour company canceled my trip and left me stranded with no way to actually reach the Danakil Depression or do the tour at all. Sitting at the airport, I frantically contacted six other tour companies to see if anyone could put together a last-minute trip for the following morning. By then, the morning flight to Semera was completely sold out. The original company had promised they had booked my flights, but they never did. Every company I contacted told me the same thing: without a morning flight to Semera, there was no way to make the trip happen. Seven Days Ethiopia Tours was the only one that went above and beyond and said, “We’re going to get you there.” They put me on the afternoon flight and caught me up with the group. I was able to go to both the volcano and the colorful sulfur site. When I caught up with the group, I asked them what I had missed, and they said I didn’t miss anything. They had only been driving that morning. Thank you so much to Abere, Birhanu, and Seven Days Ethiopia Tours for going above and beyond for me and saving my trip. I’ll never forget my trip to Ethiopia because of you. If you want above-and-beyond customized service, where they literally treat you like royalty, I highly, highly recommend Seven Days Ethiopia Tours!
Amanda · United States
Amazing experience
I enjoyed my trip with Gashaw so much. He showed me all the major tourist sights of Addis Ababa. We visited Saint Trinity Church, and he talked about everything there. He also showed me amazing local cuisine. We visited non-touristic places and drank nice honey beer. And the price was very reasonable compared to the offers I had been provided by the hotel.
Ruslan Aliev · Russia
Honest, attentive, and a great person. 100% recommended.
Before I even set foot in Ethiopia, he had already taken care of everything: he found me a good, affordable hotel near the airport, he gave me a SIM card so I could call my family as soon as I landed, and he got me the best possible exchange rate. He's always careful about safety on the tours and suggests activities that match what I'm looking for.
Daniel · Spain
Best tour guide in Ethiopia
You are best tour guide in Ethiopia I remember you
Fiker Getachew · Ethiopia
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 13 years and older.
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?
Caravan 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 Seven Days 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 Seven Days Ethiopia Tours.
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