Duration
10-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
10-Day Short Classic Tour to Ethiopia's Highlights
Overview
This tour includes the monasteries of Lake Tana, former imperial city Gondar, Lalibela's unique rock-hewn churches, the stunning Simien Mountains, Langano, Abjatta and Shalla, and the Great Rift Valley. It is a photographer's paradise and a haven for many bird species. These group tours are carried out in different months and led by guides in different languages. We also offer discounted prices for low season. On the other side there is a supplement if the departure includes a special holiday.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Bahir Dar (City), Gondar (City), Lalibela (Town)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Mid-range shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
On request
Minimum age
16 years
Activities
boat trip
Accommodation
Sunspot Hotel Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included +5 Photos +4 Photos - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
EUR
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
Rates Per Person
EUR
Start datesSingle2+ people
Oct 4, 2026
€2.200 EUR
€1.980 EUR
Jan 14, 2027
€2.200 EUR
€1.980 EUR
Apr 25, 2027
€2.200 EUR
€1.980 EUR
Click a Rate to Request a Quote EUR
- EUR
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
A travel party of 1 or 2 people can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 4 people to run.
This tour is not available to groups larger than 12 people.
This tour is offered in Euros (EUR).
This tour accepts children who are 16 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
Bahir Dar (City)
Day 4-5
Gondar (City)
Day 6-7
Lalibela (Town)
Day 8-9
Lake Langano
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 10)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges and resorts.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 12 people per vehicle.
Scheduled departures
This tour starts on fixed start dates only.
Cannot be customized
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Suitable for single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 4 people to run.
16
Minimum age of 16 years
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: boat trip
Getting around: minivan, boat & 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
Sunspot Hotel Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included +5 Photos +4 Photos
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2-3
Abay Minch Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Bahir Dar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4-5
Herfazy Resort
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6-7
Lalibela Lodge Mid-range lodge in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included +3 Photos
Mid-range lodge in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8-9
Sabana Beach Resort
Mid-range resort at Lake Langano – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10
End of tour
(No accommodation)
All Meals 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
Discover the capital Addis Ababa
Travel: 1 h, 30 km After arrival, you will meet your guide at the airport and be transferred to your hotel for some refreshments. Depending on your arrival time, your guide will give you a city tour of Ethiopia's vibrant and bustling capital. In the National Museum you will discover the cradle of humanity where the skeleton of "Lucy" is preserved. Mount Entoto, with its eucalyptus forest, is a short escape from the city to visit Mariyam Church and Menelik's Palace, where emperors used to reside. Others may appreciate one of the city's weekly markets. You may choose your own itinerary with your guide. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Sunspot Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
Coffee forests and historic monasteries in the Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve
Flight time: 1 h Travel: 1 h, 30 km Hike: 1 h, 2 km (difficulty: easy, altitude difference: ↑100m, ↓100m) A domestic flight will take you to the lake town of Bahir Dar. Lake Tana is the largest lake in the country, and its tropical setting is the perfect escape to start your boat cruise, go bird watching, and finally reach the Zeghe Peninsula, where 700-year-old monasteries are hidden in the coffee groves. Discover the beauty of this natural and cultural heritage before boating back to town and your lodge. Mid-range lodge located in Bahir Dar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Stay: Abay Minch Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
The impressive waterfalls on the Blue Nile
Travel: 2 h, 80 km Hike: 2-3 h, 4-5 km (difficulty: moderate; altitude difference: ↑150m, ↓150m) Today we reach Tis Issat, just outside Bahir Dar, where the Blue Nile Falls are located. A 2-3 hour hike directly to the falls allows you to see the falls from different perspectives, cross two bridges (one of which is the historic Portuguese bridge), then cross the Blue Nile by boat and see sugar cane plantations. In the afternoon, reach the viewpoint of the Blue Nile Falls, where former Emperor Haile Selassie built his summer residential palace. Mid-range lodge located in Bahir Dar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Stay: Abay Minch Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
The Camelot of Ethiopia: The Castles of Gondar
The castles of Gondar, dating back to the 17th century, have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit the royal enclosure with its 5 palaces and then move on to the Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Church of the Holy Trinity), whose interior is beautifully decorated with 17th-century religious paintings. It is truly one of the most beautiful churches in Ethiopia. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Herfazy Resort Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
Natural beauty and views in the Simien Mountains National Park
Travel: 3-4 h, 130 km Hike: 1-2 h, 4 km (difficulty: easy/ altitude difference: ↓: 100m, ↓150m) This morning, you will continue your journey through the towering Simien Mountains. The National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site was established to protect endemic animals such as the Walia capricorn ibex, Ethiopian wolf, red-breasted baboons, and several bird species such as the big-billed raven and bearded vulture. The Roof of Africa is also home to Ethiopia's highest mountain, Ras Dashen, at 4,550 meters. On easy walks, you will discover changing and overwhelming landscapes, endless vistas, and jagged mountains at striking viewpoints. You will also learn about the already rare Afroalpine flora with juniper, St. John's wort, and heather, Kniepofia, a species of tree heather, and the Kosso tree. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Herfazy Resort Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
Domestic flight to Lalibela
Flight duration: 30 minutes Travel: 1 h, 30 km Today you will take the domestic flight to the holy city of Lalibela (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Its 11 rock-cut churches, dating back to the 12th century, are truly mysterious because they were carved into the rock. Legends claim that this miracle is the work of angels. You will arrive in Lalibela in the late morning to check into your hotel. After lunch you will have time for an first tour of the holy city of Lalibela. Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Lalibela Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
Lalibela's masterpieces—its eleven rock churches
Today you will enter the heart of the holy city. During your personal guided tour, you will walk through labyrinths of trenches and tunnels to discover Lalibela's eleven rock churches. Beta Medhane Alem ("Church of the Savior of the World") and Beta Gyorgis ("Church of St. George") are architectural masterpieces that rank among Ethiopia's greatest rock churches. Beta Mariam ("Church of St. Mary"), with its beautiful painted interiors and frescoes, is no less impressive than the churches in the southern group, which was an ancient fortress with narrow, confusing paths. You will have a full day to discover these churches in all their detail before dining at sunset with beautiful views of the Lasta Mountains. Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Lalibela Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 8
Flight back to Addis Ababa and transfer to Langano
Flight time: 1 h Travel: 3-4 h, 210 km After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, your driver will transfer you to Lalibela Airport in the late morning for your flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, our vehicle will transfer you to the south, in the so-called Great African Rift Valley, for 1-2 relaxing days at the end of the trip. Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lake Langano Stay: Sabana Beach Resort Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 9
The three lakes in the Rift Valley
Travel: 1 h, 30 km A few kilometers from Lake Langano are two other lakes, Abjatta and Shalla, which are part of the same-named national park. The two lakes are completely different, with the main attractions at the park entrance and in the first lake being ostriches and flamingos, and several hot springs on the shore of the second lake. Some of these have water so hot that local people use it to boil eggs, potatoes, or other foods. After a visit to these lakes, we will return to our lodge. Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lake Langano Stay: Sabana Beach Resort Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 10
Return to Addis Ababa and departure
Travel: 3-4 h, 210 km Today you will return to Addis Ababa. On the return trip, you will stop at Lake Ziway for a boat ride and to view various waterfowl. After a seafood lunch, you will return to the capital. If there is enough time before departure, you will visit a market or stores in Addis Ababa to buy souvenirs. Finally, a traditional Ethiopian dinner with music and dance performances is planned. Depending on the flight schedule, the trip will end and you will depart. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
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)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
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
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
SimienEcoTours
5.0 operator rating
46 reviews
We organise individual & group tours through whole Ethiopia in an ecologically & socially responsible & sustainable way. The founders of SimienEcoTours are manager Marco from Italy, who currently lives in Addis Ababa, Franziska from Germany, who lived in Ethiopia for more than 7 years, and Birhan, Tadele, Yirga and Solomon, four experienced Ethiopian tour guides. What brought us together is our social and ecological commitment in Ethiopia as well as our love for this country.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2014)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Very well organized tour !
Best way of visiting Ethiopia is a Tour organized by Simien Eco Tours. Our guide, David, spoke good French and was able to give us all explanations of the places we’ve been visiting.
Sandra · France
Meeting communities in harmony with nature.
I went on a 4 day trip with SimienEcoTours to the Guge Mountain near to Arba Minch. It was such a unique experience. Meeting communities on the way to the top, eating and participating in daily lifestyle and routines, crossing agricultural land in perfect harmony with nature and being accompanied by kind, knowledgeable, sensitive, amazing guides. It was a one-kind experience. My heartfelt thanks !! I will carry the memories fondly with me.
Bärbel · Netherlands
Experience Ethiopia's peoples
I had the pleasure of going on a group trip to southern Ethiopia in February and it was simply unforgettable! The insights into the lives of Ethiopians were impressive and gave me a whole new perspective on this wonderful country. The trekking tours through the remote villages allowed us to experience the incredible diversity and warm hospitality of the people at first hand. Every day was a new adventure and I am grateful for the many wonderful memories I was able to take home with me. Special thanks go to our guide Abebe, who inspired us with his knowledge and passion for the country. The entire team - from the cook to the driver - also did a great job and made sure that we felt comfortable and well looked after at all times. A big thank you also to Marco for organizing this fantastic trip. I highly recommend this experience!
Sandra · Germany
The best experience
Excellent expérience. Well balance itinerary. Reliable hotels. Most of all an outstanding guide who lead the entier trip
Frédéric Jochem · 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 Euros (EUR).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 16 years and older.
Can the itinerary be customized?
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Sunspot Hotel Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included +5 Photos +4 Photos - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals 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
How does the quote request work?
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators () Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by SimienEcoTours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
This group tour requires a minimum of 4 people to run.
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 SimienEcoTours.
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