Duration
11-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
11-Day Explore Gonder, Simien, Lalibela Danakil & Tigray
Overview
This package combined, an intense, diverse adventure blending Ethiopia's historic north (castles, churches) with extreme landscapes (volcanoes, salt flats, unique wildlife like Gelada monkeys). Expect a fast pace, combining domestic flights/long drives, trekking in Simien's dramatic scenery, exploring Gondar's royal sites, experiencing Lalibela's rock-hewn churches, and confronting the Danakil's otherworldly heat and geology.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Via Gondar (City), Simien Mountains NP, Lalibela (Town)
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
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Accommodation
Sun View Addis Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included; Breakfast & Lunch Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$2,145 USD
$1,870 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$2,145 USD
$1,870 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 5 years and older. Children under 6 receive a discount.
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
Gondar (City)
Day 3
Simien Mountains NP
Day 4-5
Lalibela (Town)
Day 6
Semera (Town)
Day 7-9
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 10
Hawzen (Town)
End
Addis Ababa (Day 11)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour includes camping and hotels.
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.
5
Minimum age of 5 years
The minimum age for this tour is 5 years.
Activities & Transportation
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
Sun View Addis Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2
HaZ Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3
HaZ Hotel
Mid-range hotel 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP – Breakfast & Lunch Included
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 4-5
Tabor Hotel Lalibela
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6
Dini Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Semera (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 7-8
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9
Homeland Hotel Mekelle
Mid-range hotel in Mekele (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10
Vision Hotel Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – Breakfast Included
Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast 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
Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional team and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time and energy level, you may begin exploring Ethiopia’s vibrant capital city. Optional visits include the National Museum (home of the famous fossil Lucy), Holy Trinity Cathedral, or a short city drive to experience daily life and local markets. Overnight: 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: Sun View Addis 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 Gondar | Historical City Tour
After breakfast, take a domestic flight to Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, begin your guided city tour with a visit to the Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring well-preserved castles built by 17th-century emperors. Continue to the stunning Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its iconic ceiling of angel faces and vibrant biblical murals. Overnight: Gondar. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: HaZ Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Visit Simien Mountains
Today, drive north to the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s most dramatic highland landscapes and a unesco World Heritage Site. Enjoy a scenic day trip with short walks along panoramic escarpments, offering views of deep valleys and jagged peaks. You may encounter endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons and various bird species. In the late afternoon, return to Gondar for relaxation. Overnight: Gondar. Mid-range hotel located 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: HaZ Hotel Mid-range hotel located 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Fly to Lalibela | Rock-Hewn Churches
Fly to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart and a major pilgrimage center. Upon arrival, begin exploring the remarkable rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved entirely out of solid rock in the 12th century. Visit the first cluster of churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and Bet Golgotha, each showcasing extraordinary engineering and religious significance. Overnight: Lalibela. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Tabor Hotel Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Asheton Maryam Trek & Remaining Churches
This morning, trek or drive up to Asheton Maryam Monastery, located high in the mountains above Lalibela, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Afterward, continue exploring the remaining rock-hewn churches, including the iconic Bet Giyorgis (St. George’s Church), considered the finest example of rock architecture in Ethiopia. Overnight: Lalibela. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Tabor Hotel Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Drive to Semera
Depart Lalibela and drive eastward through changing landscapes toward Semera, the capital of the Afar Region. The journey provides insight into Ethiopia’s diverse geography, transitioning from highlands to arid lowlands. Arrival in Semera in the evening for rest and preparation for the Danakil expedition. Overnight: Semera. Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Semera (Town) Stay: Dini Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Drive to Danakil Depression
Begin your adventure into the otherworldly Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. Drive across vast desert plains and volcanic terrain to reach the Danakil area. Experience the unique environment and enjoy a memorable night camping under the stars in the desert. Overnight: Camping. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Explore Dallol & Erta Ale
Early morning exploration of Dallol, famous for its surreal, colorful sulfur formations, salt pillars, and acidic pools. Continue to Erta Ale Volcano, home to one of the world’s few permanent lava lakes (conditions permitting). This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of Earth’s most extreme landscapes. Overnight: Camping. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Salt Mountains & Drive to Mekelle
Salt Mountains & Drive to Mekelle Visit the vast salt flats and salt mountains, where Afar people still extract salt using traditional methods. Observe camel caravans transporting salt slabs across the desert, a practice unchanged for centuries. Later, drive to Mekelle, the capital of Tigray Region. Overnight: Mekelle. Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Homeland Hotel Mekelle Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Drive to Mekelle | Fly Back to Addis Ababa
Travel to Hawzen to visit the extraordinary Abune Yemata Guh Church, dramatically perched on a sheer cliff. Reaching the church involves a short but adventurous climb, rewarded by breathtaking views and ancient frescoes dating back centuries. After the visit, return to Hawzen for rest. Overnight: 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 11
Drive to Mekelle | Fly Back to Addis Ababa
Drive to Mekelle | Fly Back to Addis Ababa After breakfast, drive back to Mekelle and catch your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your international departure or to your hotel if extending your stay. End of the Trip. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: No major destination visited 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)
Camping equipment
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)
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
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
Essence Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
80 reviews
We always offer you an itinerary that is personally tailored to your needs at competitive prices. We are passionate about creating exciting and unique trips with our customers at the heart. Our specially crafted itineraries include historic routes, cultural tours, short holiday stays, business trips, one-day excursions, trekking and wildlife expeditions – according to your needs and budget.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2018)
Tour Types
Custom budget & 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
5.0/5He is very helpful
Overall, my trip with this company was excellent. All the activities and sites listed were fully covered during the journey, and most importantly, they were very flexible with the traveler’s wishes—whether you want to change something or cancel an activity. They have excellent tour guides who speak fluent English, and the prices are suitable for all budgets. In the end, I highly recommend this company. Thank you.
Abdelaziz · United Arab Emirates
Exceptional
This is a great tour company! Tsahaynew knows so much and shares it easily with his guests. He is extremely friendly and accommodating. You won't regret using him for your tour!
Don · United States
Tension Free Travel
Essence Ethiopia and Mr Tsechay referred by one of my friend ,But from the first WhatsApp Message to End other tour he did a greate coordination and Tension free travel. He was really concerned about the small things that could be missed from our side. Even reminder of early flights and time lines.i Strongly recommend this team if any of you planning to Visit Ethiopia. All the best Essence Ethiopia
Sanu Sivashankar · Qatar
Well-organized tour
The tour was well organized. Big pros: When any issues arose, the organizer immediately intervened and rectified the situation. Points: 3-star hotels. All were clean, with showers, breakfast included. Transfers: I was met and seen off everywhere, and they helped with our luggage. There was a slight hitch when we arrived in Ethiopia at the airport. I expected to be met at the arrivals exit (this is usually the case). It turned out I had to exit the airport and walk to the parking lot, which I should have mentioned in advance. Transportation: I had private tours around Addis Ababa. The vehicle was clean and good. Around the salt lake, we traveled in a large Land Cruiser, with a driver and three tourists. No problems at all. Guides: Guides with good English. Both the guides and drivers were friendly, helpful, informative, and answered questions. No tips were required. Everything was fine. Additionally: In the area of the volcano and salt lake, you have to sleep outside. I even liked it – the view of the star is stunning. Cons: no shower or proper toilet.
Evgeny · Russia
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 5 years and older. Children under 6 receive a discount.
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?
Sun View Addis 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 Essence 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 Essence Ethiopia Tours.
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