Duration
11-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
11-Day Ethiopia History Culture Rift Valley & Coffee Tour
Overview
Experience Ethiopia's soul through history culture and tradition This 11 day journey combines the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela the castles of Gondar and the ancient stelae of Axum with the vibrant culture of Addis Ababa the serene Rift Valley lakes, and Ethiopias world famous coffee heritage Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites witness colorful traditions enjoy a Lake Tana boat trip, and visit the birthplace of coffee in Sidamo and Yirgacheffe A perfect blend of heritage landscapes and flavors.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa (Day 1-2) 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
10 years
Activities
Getting around: minivan & air transfer
Accommodation
Triple-E Hotel and Spa - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Meals
Breakfast & Lunch Included; 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
$4,752 USD
$3,575 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$4,752 USD
$3,575 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$4,752 USD
$3,575 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 10 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 1-2)
Day 3
Bahir Dar (City)
Day 4
Gondar (City)
Day 5
Simien Mountains NP
Day 6
Axum (City)
Day 7-8
Lalibela (Town)
Day 9
Lake Langano
Day 10
Yirga Chefe (Town)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 11)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range 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 minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
10
Minimum age of 10 years
The minimum age for this tour is 10 years.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: minivan & air transfer
Book your own international flights when using this operator
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1-2
Triple-E Hotel and Spa
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 3
Blue Nile Resort Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 4
Gondar Plaza Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 5
Limalimo Lodge
Mid-range lodge just outside Simien Mountains NP – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 6
Consolar Hotel Aksum
Mid-range hotel in Axum (City) – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 7-8
Zan-Seyoum Hotel - Lalibela
Budget hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 9
Africa Vacation Club Ethiopia
Mid-range hotel at Lake Langano – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 10
Amnen Hotel Budget hotel in Yirga Chefe (Town) – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Budget hotel in Yirga Chefe (Town) – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 11
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 and meet your guide. Begin your exploration with a visit to the National Museum, home to the famous hominid fossil “Lucy.” Continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an architectural treasure and spiritual center, then stroll through Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. Experience the city’s vibrant rhythm before settling into your hotel. 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: Triple-E Hotel and Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Addis Ababa Coffee Tour
Start the day immersed in Ethiopia’s coffee culture. Visit a local coffee house to learn about the beans, roasting, and brewing traditions, followed by participating in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. In the afternoon, drive to the Entoto Hills for panoramic views over Addis and visits to historic churches. Conclude with dinner at a cultural restaurant. 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: Triple-E Hotel and Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar (Lake Tana)
Take a morning flight to Bahir Dar, gateway to Lake Tana. Embark on a scenic boat trip to explore the lake’s island monasteries, including Ura Kidane Mehret with its vibrant murals. After lunch, visit the famous Blue Nile Falls, locally known as “Tis Issat” (the Smoking Water), a breathtaking cascade depending on the season. Enjoy lakeside sunset views. Overnight in 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: Blue Nile Resort Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Bahir Dar – Gondar
Drive to Gondar, the former royal capital known as the “Camelot of Africa.” Explore the UNESCO-listed Fasil Ghebbi, a fortress-city with 17th-century castles and palaces. Later, visit the beautifully decorated Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for its ceiling adorned with 80 angel faces. In the evening, stroll the cobbled streets of Gondar town. Overnight in Gondar. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Gondar Plaza Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Gondar – Simien Mountains
Journey into the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, and high plateaus on a short hike. Spot endemic wildlife including Gelada baboons, klipspringers, and numerous bird species. Relax at a lodge with sweeping mountain views. The cool air and vast landscapes offer a perfect retreat. Overnight in the Simien Mountains. Mid-range lodge located just outside Simien Mountains NP Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Limalimo Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Simien Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Simien Mountains – Axum
Drive north through scenic highlands and mountain passes to Axum, Ethiopia’s ancient capital and religious center. Visit the UNESCO-listed stelae field, featuring colossal obelisks carved from single granite blocks. Explore archaeological sites including the Queen of Sheba’s palace and tombs of ancient kings, immersing in Ethiopia’s millennia-old legacy. Overnight in Axum. Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Axum (City) Stay: Consolar Hotel Aksum Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Axum – Lalibela
Take a morning flight to Lalibela, often called the “New Jerusalem.” Spend the day visiting the northern cluster of rock-hewn churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, the world’s largest monolithic church, and the iconic cross-shaped Bet Giyorgis. Learn about their history, symbolism, and living religious traditions that continue today. Overnight in Lalibela. Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Zan-Seyoum Hotel - Lalibela Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Lalibela Full Day
Continue your exploration with the eastern group of churches, such as Bet Gabriel-Rufael and Bet Mercurios, believed to have once served as royal residences. Journey to the cave church of Yemrehanna Kristos, a masterpiece built within a limestone cavern. In the evening, enjoy an optional visit to a traditional cultural house with music and dance. Overnight in Lalibela. Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Zan-Seyoum Hotel - Lalibela Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Rift Valley Lakes
Fly back to Addis Ababa and drive south into the Great Rift Valley. Stop at Lake Ziway, home to diverse bird species and hippos, and continue to Abijatta-Shalla National Park, a haven for flamingos and pelicans. Arrive at Lake Langano, known for its safe swimming waters and golden beaches. Relax by the lakeside. Overnight in Langano. Mid-range hotel located at Lake Langano Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Langano Stay: Africa Vacation Club Ethiopia Mid-range hotel located at Lake Langano Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Coffee Region Sidamo & Yirgacheffe
Travel deeper into Ethiopia’s coffee heartland. Visit Sidamo and Yirgacheffe, regions producing some of the world’s most sought-after Arabica beans. Meet local farmers, tour coffee farms, and learn about cultivation, harvesting, and drying methods. Enjoy tastings of freshly brewed coffee at its birthplace. Overnight in Yirgacheffe. Budget hotel located in Yirga Chefe (Town) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Yirga Chefe (Town) Stay: Amnen Hotel Budget hotel located in Yirga Chefe (Town) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11
Return to Addis Ababa & Departure
Drive northward back through the Rift Valley, with stops at cultural villages and scenic viewpoints along the way. Return to Addis Ababa for last-minute shopping or relaxation. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional dishes and live dance performances. Transfer to the airport for your international departure. 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
Experience Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
10 reviews
Experience Ethiopia Tours is well experienced travel and tour operator to Ethiopia’s cultural, historical, natural and wildlife attractions is a private fully Ethiopian owned and run by young, flexible, energetic, articulate tourism expertise and highly skilled and qualified personnel who knows and love Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2016)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
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 10 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 minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Triple-E Hotel and Spa - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast & Lunch Included. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 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 Experience 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 Experience Ethiopia Tours.
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