Duration
13-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
13-Day Go Green and off the Beaten Track
Overview
This trip is mainly for those who want to get in-depth to view the Ethiopia's people and culture combined with the highlights of Northern Ethiopia which are inscribed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites in different times such as Gondar, Lalibela, the naturally spectacular Simien Mountains National Park & the Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Choke Mtn, Bahir Dar (City), Lake Tana
Country & park
Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
game drives, nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
Heyday Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – 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
$6,589 USD
$3,762 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 is unavailable for children.
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
Choke Mtn
Day 3-4
Choke Mtn
Day 5
Bahir Dar (City)
Day 6
Lake Tana
Day 7
Gondar (City)
Day 8
Simien Mountains NP
Day 9
Gondar (City)
Day 10-11
Lalibela (Town)
Day 12
Lasta Mtns
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 13)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges and guest houses.
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.
18
Minimum age of 18 years
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives, nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & 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
Heyday Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2-4
Mulu Eco Lodge
Mid-range lodge on Choke Mtn – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – All Meals Included +3 Photos
Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Awra Amba Community Guesthouse
Budget guest house outside Bahir Dar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
Simien Lodge
Mid-range lodge inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10-11
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 12
Hudad Lalibela Eco-Lodge & Retreat
Budget lodge near Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 13
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
Welcome to Ethiopia - discover Addis Ababa
After your arrival and immigration you will meet your guide at the airport and you will be transferred to your hotel for some refreshment. Depending on your arrival time your guide will take you for a city tour through Ethiopia’s vibrant and lively capital with you. In the National Museum you can discover the cradle of mankind where the skeleton of “Lucy” is kept. Entoto Mountain with its Eucalyptus forest is a nice short escape out of town to see Mariyam Church and Menelik Palace, the place where the Emperors resided. For arrivals on weekend your guide will bring you to see how silk and cotton turn into beautiful Ethiopian scarves in Sabahar textiles which is one of the first fair trade companies in Ethiopia that started producing high-quality fabrics focusing on fair working conditions for the weavers. You will visit their production site. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Heyday Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
Visiting the incredible Choke Mountains
Your driver picks you up at your accommodation in Addis Ababa. You will drive to Choke Mountains for a three nights stay in Mulu Eco Lodge. Imagine living for a week in a little Ethiopian cottage in the green highlands above 3,000 m.a.s.l. You will buy fresh vegetables from the farmer’s market every Saturday. Sip coffee made in a coffee ceremony by your new local friend and take leisurely day trips to neighboring villages and nature highlights, like waterfalls or mountain views and wild animals. It Sounds appealing, doesn't it? That’s the magic of slow travel where the emphasis is less on manic sightseeing and more on taking your surroundings at a relaxed place. This is no “four cities in seven days” tour — instead, you’ll see new places and explore new cultures in a way that’s less stressful for you, more respectful of the locals and easier on the environment. Mid-range lodge located on Choke Mtn All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Choke Mountain Stay: Mulu Eco Lodge Mid-range lodge located on Choke Mtn Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Visiting the incredible Choke Mountains
Your driver picks you up at your accommodation in Addis Ababa. You will drive to Choke Mountains for a three nights stay in Mulu Eco Lodge. Imagine living for a week in a little Ethiopian cottage in the green highlands above 3,000 m.a.s.l. You will buy fresh vegetables from the farmer’s market every Saturday. Sip coffee made in a coffee ceremony by your new local friend and take leisurely day trips to neighbouring villages and nature highlights, like waterfalls or mountain views and wild animals. Mulu Eco Lodge follows these principles. Therefore in the Mulu Eco Lodge a minimum stay of 3 nights is required. That is not only to guarantee an authentic once in a lifetime experience with local people for the guests but also to protect the locals and their traditions from mass tourism. Mid-range lodge located on Choke Mtn All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Choke Mountains Stay: Mulu Eco Lodge Mid-range lodge located on Choke Mtn Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
Visiting the incredible Choke Mountains
You will travel to the Choke Mountains to stay at Mulu Eco Lodge for three nights. Imagine spending a week in a small Ethiopian cottage in the green highlands above 3,000 meters above sea level. Every Saturday, you will purchase fresh vegetables from the farmer's market. Sip coffee made in a coffee ceremony by a new local friend and go on leisurely day trips to neighbouring villages and natural highlights such as waterfalls, mountain views, and wild animals. Doesn't it sound appealing? That is the magic of slow travel, where the emphasis is less on rushing around and more on taking in your surroundings in a relaxed manner. This isn't a "four cities in seven days" tour; instead. Mid-range lodge located on Choke Mtn All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Choke Mountains Stay: Mulu Eco Lodge Mid-range lodge located on Choke Mtn Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
Discovering Bahir Dar and resting at Lake Tana
A half-day drive will bring you to the lake town of Bahir Dar. Lake Tana is the biggest lake in the country and its tropical setting is the perfect contrast to the highlands where you just spent the last days. The next day excursion will lead you to the old coffee forest of the Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve, but for today you will have some free time either in your charming Lake lodge or discover the city on foot. You can take some to do the Lake walk and watch birds. A close-by resort also offers some spa options or a swimming pool for those who like (treatments & pool usage starting from 10 € per person). Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Stay: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
Lake Tan Biosphere Reserve & stay at Awura Amba community
This morning you will have a boat cruise to do, some birdwatching while boating to Zeghe Peninsula, where 700 years old monasteries are hidden in the thickets of a coffee forest. Discover this nature’s beauty and its cultural heritage on a small 1 hour hike before you return back by boat to town. After lunch you set off to the little village of Awura Amba. About 500 people live here in a community that has renounced their faith in order to be happy together and follow their own community rules – by the way one is being vegetarian not to harm living creatures! You will get to know Zumra Nuru who is the founder of the community and visit the old people's home, the weaving mill, the library and the school of the village. Awura Amba is a cooperative project with a moving and poor past, which has now worked its way up to a certain level of prosperity. Budget guest house located outside Bahir Dar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lake Tana Stay: Awra Amba Community Guesthouse Budget guest house located outside Bahir Dar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
The ancient capital of Gondar
This morning you leave for the historic town of Gondar along the eastern shore of Lake Tana, you will travel through the Tara Gedam Mountains and its forests, then continue towards Gondar, often referred to as the 'Camelot of Africa'. Its 17th century castles are listed as UNESCO World Heritage. You will visit the Royal enclosure with its 5 palaces in the same compound and then move on to the Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Church of the Holy Trinity) which its interior is beautifully decorated with 17th century religious paintings. Truly one of Ethiopia’s most beautiful churches. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 8
Excursion and overnight at Simien Mountains National Park
This morning you will continue your journey into the impressive Simien Mountains National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was established to protect endemic animals such as the Walia Ibex (wild mountains Goats that is found only here is the world), Ethiopian Wolfs, Blood-breasted Baboons and several bird species such as the Thick-billed Raven and the Bearded Vulture. The roof of Africa is also home to the highest peak in Ethiopia - Ras Dashen, at 4.550 meters. On easy walks you will discover changing and overwhelming landscapes, endless views and rugged cliffs at striking vantage points. You will also get to know the rare afro-alpine flora with Juniper, Giant Lobelia and Giant Heather trees fully covered with St. John's wort hanging down like an old man’s beard. Overnight in a lodge inside the National Park. Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Simien Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 9
Dive deeper into the nature world of the Simiens
Today you have the time to drive deeper into the National Nark. Along the track there are always beautiful viewpoints as well as the Jinbar Waterfall which plunges over 400 meters into the depth. You will also take a hike off the road to the 4,200 meter high Bwahit viewpoint. If you are lucky, you will also be able to observe the park's wildlife more closely in this day. At the camping and around Chennek Campsite we often see the Walia Ibex ( Mountains Goats) which is the endemic mammals to this Park. In the afternoon you will return back to Gondar to your lodge. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 10
Enjoy the beauty of Lalibela
In the morning you will catch your domestic flight to the holy city of Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Its 12th century eleven rock-hewn churches are truly mysterious as they are chiselled out of solid rock. Legends claim this miracle as the work of angels. You arrive at Lalibela town in the afternoon for your check in at the hotel. In the late afternoon you will meet with an Ethiopian family for a cooking class. The Beyayenatu, a vegan platter, is a staple food in the fasting season in Ethiopia. You will have a delicious dinner with an Ethiopian family. 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 11
Exploring the rock churches of Lalibela
Today you are entering the heart of the holy city. On your guided personal tour you walk through the labyrinths of trenches and tunnels to discover the eleven rock churches of Lalibela. Beta Medane Alem (“Church of the World Saviour”) and Beta Giyorgis (“St. George Church”) are architectural masterpieces counting among the biggest rock churches in Ethiopia. Beta Mariam (“Church of St. Mary”) with its beautiful painted interior and its frescoes is not less impressive than the churches of the southern cluster which used to be an old fortress with narrow confusing pathways. You will have a full day to discover these churches in details. For lunch you return back to your hotel where fresh garden food and some time for relaxation is waiting before you set off for the second part of your church tour in the afternoon. A sunset dinner at the campfire with splendid views into the Lasta Mountains and into the endless skies will make it a memorable day! 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 12
Hiking in the Lasta Mountains
Today make an early start and after breakfast to drive up to the Mt. Abuna Yoseph Community Conservation Area. It is about a 2 hours drive to get up to the afro-alpine meadows where big tufts of Guassa grass and Giant Lobelia (like a massive cabbage on a stem) grow and Giant Heather trees grow on the slopes. Continue the walk along the southern side of the mountain, home to big troops of Gelada baboon (groups of least 200 can often be seen) and into the rangeland of the rare Ethiopian Wolf - you may hear their bark or be lucky and catch a glimpse of this most endangered canid. From here you will set off further southwest to the Hudad table mountain where you will stay in the community based Hudad Lodge a simple mountain retreat with spectacular panorama vistas over the Lasta Mountains. Budget lodge located near Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lasta Mountains Stay: Hudad Lalibela Eco-Lodge & Retreat Budget lodge located near Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 13
Goodbye beautiful Ethiopia
From Hudad mountain you descend down to the gravel road where you will meet your car to be transferred the airport in Lalibela. A domestic flight will take you then back to the capital Addis Ababa. After a nice traditional farewell dinner, you will be transferred to the airport. 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 US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour is unavailable for children.
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?
Heyday Hotel - 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
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.
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 SimienEcoTours.
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