Duration
12-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
12-Day Ethiopia Volcano Simien and Bale Safari Erta Ale
Overview
Enjoy Ethiopia's wild landscapes on this exciting safari adventure. Watch Erta Ale's dramatic volcanic activity, explore Dallol and surreal geothermal colors, hike through the Simien Mountains, then continue to the Bale Mountains for rare wildlife, birds, and unforgettable views.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Via Danakil Depression, Simien Mountains NP, Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Activities
game drives & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included - Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$3,732 USD
$3,300 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$3,732 USD
$3,300 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$3,732 USD
$3,300 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 of all ages.
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 1-3
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 4-7
Simien Mountains NP
Day 8-10
Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)
Day 11-12
Bale Mountains NP
End
Addis Ababa (Day 12)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and lodges.
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.
Suitable for all ages
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives & nature hikes/walks
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 1-2
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Homeland Hotel Mekelle
Mid-range hotel in Mekele (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4-6
Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Jano Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
Emerald Lodge Turmi Mid-range lodge in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included +11 Photos +10 Photos
Mid-range lodge in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9
Nasa Hotel Budget hotel in Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) – All Meals Included
Budget hotel in Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10
Jano Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 11
Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 12
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
Mekelle – Danakil Depression (Erta Ale)
Start with an early-morning 4WD transfer from Mekelle to the Danakil Depression, focusing on Erta Ale Volcano. Travel through remote terrain featuring solidified lava fields and sand dune passing small hamlets along the route. Upon arrival, check in at the Erta Ale camping site, settle in, and prepare for an evening hike. As dusk approaches, hike toward the crater and spend the night hours witnessing the dramatic lava activity, including the boiling lava lake (conditions permitting). Return to camp for dinner and overnight under the stars or in a basic shelter. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
Erta Ale – Hamad Ela
Wake early for a crater-edge hike to experience volcanic views illuminated by sunrise. Return to camp for breakfast, then travel to Hamad Ela by vehicle (approximately 5 hours). Include a picnic lunchen route in shaded palm areas. Visit Hamad Ela village and observe the lifestyle of the Afar people. Continue to Salt Lake Asale, enjoy the natural pool experience, and relax as the sunset reflects across the salt flat landscape. Overnight in Hamad Ela. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Hamad Ela – Dallol – Mekelle
Depart early for Dallol, famous for its surreal acidic colors, geothermal features, fumaroles, and acid springs—often described as one of Earth’s most bizarre landscapes. Explore the area’s unusual formations, including salt structures, bubbling geothermal areas, and brightly colored mineral landscapes. After lunch in the Hamad Ela area, drive back toward Mekelle. In the late afternoon, take a flight back to Addis Ababa and overnight in Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Homeland Hotel Mekelle Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
Addis Ababa – Gondar – Sankabar Camp (Trek Start)
Fly from Addis Ababa to Gondar. After arrival, transfer to Sankabar, the trek starting point. If time allows, enjoy an optional two-hour walk for panoramic views over the escarpment and opportunities to observe local wildlife, particularly Gelada monkeys. Camp at Sankabar(altitude approximately 3,250 m) for overnight. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
Sankabar – Gich Camp via Jinibar Falls Hike from Sankabar to Gich Camp
Sankabar – Gich Camp via Jinibar Falls Hike from Sankabar to Gich Camp (approximately 6 hours) with a stop at Jinibar Falls. Continue through the changing Simien landscapes, including greener patches, cliffs, and viewpoints. Arrive at Gich Camp(altitude approximately 3,600 m) and spend the evening relaxing at camp with dinner and overnight. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
Gich – Chennek via Imet Gogo
Continue the trek from Gich to Chennek (approximately 9 hours). En route, pass Imet Gogo, a major trekking highlight offering outstanding views of the Simien Escarpment. As you descend, you may encounter high-altitude endemic vegetation such as the Giant Lobelia. Reach Chennek(altitude approximately 3,620 m) for afternoon rest. Wildlife sightings may include Gelada monkeys, and with luck the Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf. Overnight at Chennek. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
Morning Around Chennek – Afternoon Descent to Gondar
Morning Around Chennek – Afternoon Descent to Gondar Enjoy a relaxed morning trek around Chennek to explore nearby viewpoints and search for additional wildlife. In the afternoon, begin the descent back toward Gondar, concluding the Simien trekking experience. Fly back to Addis Ababa in the late afternoon/evening and overnight in Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Jano Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 8
Addis Ababa – Jinka (via Turmi) – Turmi Overnight
Addis Ababa – Jinka (via Turmi) – Turmi Overnight Fly from Addis Ababa to the Jinka area, traveling via Turmi. En route, have breakfast and visit Karo tribe village. Continue back to Turmi for overnight. Include time for an additional cultural visit to a Hamer tribe village if included in the schedule. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) Stay: Emerald Lodge Turmi Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 9
Turmi to mursi and jinka
Turmi – Mursi – Jinka In the morning, drive toward Jinka, traveling through Mago National Parkto visit the Mursi tribe village. In the late afternoon, drive to Yetnebersh to visit the Ari tribe village (approximately 7 km from Jinka). Overnight in Jinka. Budget hotel located in Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) Stay: Nasa Hotel Budget hotel located in Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 10
Jinka to Addis abeba
Fly back to Addis Ababa in the morning. After breakfast, visit the Jinka Museum (if included) to learn about local history and culture. Then transfer to the airport in time for your return domestic flight back to Addis Ababa, depending on flight schedules. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) Stay: Jano Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 11
Addis Abeba to Bale Mountains
Addis Ababa – Goba Airport – Dinsho (Bale Mountains Entry) Fly from Addis Ababa to Goba Airport. Meet your team on arrival and drive to Dinsho, the entry point to the Bale Mountains. Set up camp and begin a hike focused on wildlife and ecosystems, with chances to see Warthog, Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, and endemic birdlife. Overnight camping in the Dinsho area. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Bale Mountains National Park Stay: Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 12
Sanetti Plateau & Harenna Forest – Return
Sanetti Plateau & Harenna Forest – Return After breakfast, break camp and travel to the Sanetti Plateau. Spend time observing high-altitude wildlife and increasing the chance to see the Ethiopian wolf during the morning activity period. Explore unique Bale habitats, including giant mole rat areas, rare lichens, and highland bird species such as birds of prey (eagles, falcons, buzzards). Continue toward Tulu Dimtu (highest point in the park region) before descending into the Harenna Forest. Stop at Rira village for refreshments, then return to Goba townand transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Bale Mountains National Park 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)
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)
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
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
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
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
Discover Simien Tour
5.0 operator rating
24 reviews
Discover Simien Tour is one of the premier tour companies in Ethiopia, founded by a dynamic team of young and energetic tourism professionals. Led by Sahlie Beza, a seasoned tour guide with years of experience, our company is dedicated to providing exceptional travel experiences that showcase the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality of Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2019)
Tour Types
Luxury tours that, when possible, use accommodations owned and operated by them
Destinations
Djibouti, Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Breathtaking views
Sensational. Breathtaking views. The staff is one of the highlights of the tour.
Raphael · Brazil
Absolutely knowledgeable
Fantastic day with an absolutely knowledgeable guide - Gondar is full of magic!
Janoa · Hungary
Excellent & Unforgettable
We just completed a 12 day Ultimative Ethiopian Wildlife Adventure with Discover Simien Tour and it was truly unforgettable from start to finish. From the very first day, our guide Sahile impressed us with his broad and deep knowledge, calm professionalism and genuine passion for Ethiopia. He made everything feel safe, easygoing, and yet so enriching – whether explaining the geology of the Simien mountains, pointing out gelada monkeys, or helping us understand local customs. Our driver Daniel, was equally fantastic; punctual, skilled, and navigating challenging terrain with ease, which even made long drives feel part of the adventure. The scenery across the trip was breath taking, whereas Simien mountains was the absolute highlight with its dramatic cliffs and astonishing flora and fauna. We stayed in a mix of comfortable lodges and hotels and the logistics were handled smoothly; transport, park fees, food and guides – everything as promised. Culturally, we visited traditional communities, explored the spiritual side of Ethiopian heritage, and felt welcomed everywhere. Sahile skilfully bridged us into these moments, making them feel authentic. In short; 5 stars for the excellent guides, the authentic cultural immersion, the stunning landscapes and the very professional and warm service. We felt like we did not just visited Ethiopia but also experienced it.
Daniela and Sina · Switzerland
Passionate, kind, well-organized team that made our Danakil Tour safe & absolutely unforgettable!
I don’t even know where to start… Our 3-day trip to the Danakil Depression with Discover Simien Mountains was an absolutely unforgettable experience – not only because of the surreal landscapes but also thanks to the incredible people we got to meet and travel with. We chose a private tour, and during our journey, we were joined by Bahran (guide), Addis (driver), and Habtu (cook) – each of them was such a kind, warm, and genuine person. If you’re planning a trip to Danakil or any other part of Ethiopia with Discover Simien Mountains, I truly recommend asking for Addis – he’s an amazing person and an excellent driver. Our guide (Bahran) explained everything clearly and with great passion. We learned so much about Dallol, the salt lakes, and the volcanoes. The food was another highlight! Habtu somehow managed to cook fresh, tasty meals right in the middle of the desert. We always had enough water and soft drinks, and even got to enjoy some Ethiopian beer or wine while watching the sunset on the salt lake an unforgettable experience. We also really appreciated the small but thoughtful details, like the portable shower provided during the tour – in such hot conditions, it was a true blessing! What made this trip even more special was the planning: while most operators follow a similar route, the Discover Simien Mountains team made sure we could arrive early to the main sights and enjoy them in peace before other groups arrived. That sense of privacy and exclusivity was priceless. We cannot recommend Discover Simien Mountains highly enough – if you’re planning a trip to Danakil or any other region in Ethiopia, this is the team you want to travel with. We felt safe, well taken care of, and genuinely welcomed throughout the journey. We left with the most beautiful memories the kind that stay with you long after the trip ends. It’s hard to put it all into words… you simply have to experience it yourself!
Monika · Poland
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 of all ages.
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?
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included - Danakil Depression (Highlight) – 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
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Discover Simien Tour, 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.
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