Duration
16-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
16-Day Simien, Danakil, Lalibela & Omo Valleycombine Tour
Overview
You'll explore Ethiopia's rich diversity on this unforgettable journey--from the fiery landscapes of the Danakil Depression and soaring Simien Mountains to the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the colorful tribal cultures of the Omo Valley. You'll experience ancient history, dramatic nature, and living traditions in one extraordinary adventure.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Via Danakil Depression, Gheralta (Mountain Range), Simien Mountains NP
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 & boat trip
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
$3,465 USD
$3,135 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$3,465 USD
$3,135 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$3,465 USD
$3,135 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. Children under 2 are free.
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
Gheralta (Mountain Range)
Day 5-8
Simien Mountains NP
Day 9
Lalibela (Town)
Day 10-11
Arba Minch (City)
Day 12-14
Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)
Day 15-16
Awash NP
End
Addis Ababa (Day 16)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and lodges.
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.
Suitable for all ages
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives, nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle, hiking/walking & 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
Vision Hotel Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – All Meals Included
Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Hotel Lobelia
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5-7
Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9
Sora Lodge Lalibela
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10-11
Haile Resort Arba Minch
Mid-range hotel in Arba Minch (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 12
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 13
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 14
Hotel Lobelia
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 15
Doho Lodge & Hot Springs
Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 16
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
Fly Addis Ababa to Mekelle – Danakil Depression (Erta Ale)
You'll depart Mekelle by 4WD, heading toward the Danakil Depression and Erta Ale volcano. The 247 km journey takes around five hours, crossing dramatic terrain filled with solidified lava flows, desert plains, and scattered Afar settlements. Upon arrival at the base camp, rest and prepare for the hike to the summit of Erta Ale. As daylight fades, you'll begin the trek to the volcano’s crater. At the top, you'll take in the extraordinary sight of one of the world’s few permanent lava lakes. The lava shifts and bubbles in mesmerizing patterns, offering a rare natural spectacle. Later, you'll descend to the base camp for dinner and spend the night either under the stars or in a simple shelter. Overnight camping. 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
You'll return to the crater for a final look at the volcanic activity. The dramatic views from the top leave a lasting impression. After exploring, you'll head back down to camp for breakfast and rest. You'll continue the journey to Hamad Ela, a drive of about five hours. Along the way, you'll stop for a picnic-style meal in the shade of a palm tree, surrounded by desert landscapes. You'll arrive in Hamad Ela and explore the village to gain insight into the lives of the local Afar people. Then, you'll head out to the nearby Salt Lake Asale, a vast salt-covered expanse. You'll swim in a natural salt pool, and enjoy a cold drink while taking in the surreal reflections of the landscape as the light begins to fade. You'll camp overnight at Hamad Ela. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Danakil Depression to Hawzen
You'll begin the day with a drive to the Dallol region, one of the most extreme environments on Earth. The area is famous for its vibrant colors, acidic pools, and bizarre formations created by volcanic and geothermal activity. You'll walk among salt mountains, bubbling springs, and mineral formations that resemble an alien landscape. After exploring Dallol, you'll return to Hamad Ela for lunch. Then, you'll continue driving back to Mekelle, concluding the journey through one of Ethiopia’s most extraordinary regions. You'll stay overnight in Hawzen. Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Vision Hotel Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
Drive Hawzen to Gheralta Mountains
You'll start with a challenging hike to Abuna Yemata Guh, involving a steep climb and narrow ledges with dramatic drops. The church, carved into the cliff face, features stunning frescoes and a breathtaking setting. You'll continue to Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, known for their impressive rock-hewn architecture. Maryam Korkor stands out with its high ceiling and twelve stone pillars. After lunch, you'll trek to the Gheralta summit (2,700 m) for panoramic views. You'll descend to Hawzen (1-hour walk), then drive back to Mekelle (2 hours). In the evening, you'll fly back to Addis Ababa. Your overnight stay will be in Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range) Stay: Hotel Lobelia Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
Addis Ababa-Gondar – Sankaber (Simien Mountains)
You'll drive 130 km (3–4 hrs) from Gondar to Debark, the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park. After park registration and picking up support staff, you'll continue to Sankaber (3,250 m). You'll take a 2–3 hr acclimatization hike with views of dramatic escarpments and endemic plant life. You'll spot Gelada baboons along the way. Accommodation: Sankaber Campsite. Meals: Picnic / Dinner. 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
Sankaber Campsite – Gich Campsite
You'll begin a 6–7 hr trek (13 km) along scenic ridgelines with views of the Jinbar Waterfall and Simien gorges. Look out for vultures, ibex, and rare birds. You'll cross the Jinbar River and hike up through farmland to Geech Camp (3,600 m). Optional sunset hike to Kedadit viewpoint (3,760 m). Accommodation: Geech Campsite Meals: Breakfast / Picnic / Dinner. 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
Gich Campsite – Imet Gogo – Chennek campsite
Full-day trek (7–8 hrs, 15 km) to Imet Gogo (3,926 m) and Inatye (4,070 m) for panoramic views of Ras Dashen and nearby valleys. You'll descend to Chennek Camp (3,620 m), known for sightings of Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and possibly Ethiopian wolves. Accommodation: Chennek Campsite Meals: Breakfast / Picnic / Dinner. 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 8
Chennek Campiste– Ras Bwahit – Gondar
You'll climb up to Bwahit Pass (4,200 m) and optionally summit Ras Bwahit (4,430 m), one of Ethiopia’s highest peaks (5–6 hrs trek, 12 km). You'll return to Chennek, then drive back to Gondar via Debark (170 km, approx. 4 hrs). Meals: Breakfast / Picnic Accommodation: Hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 9
Fly Gondar to Lalibela
You'll transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. On arrival, you'll meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the town of Lalibela. You'll spend the day visiting the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, including the cross-shaped St. George Church. There are no fewer than 200 churches in the Lasta region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves, but it's exceptional to find 11 churches of such master craftsmanship in one location. These brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." The churches are said to have been constructed during King Lalibela’s reign in the 12th and 13th centuries, when Lalibela (then known as Roha) was the capital of the Zagwe dynasty. Overnight stay will be in Lalibela. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Sora Lodge Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 10
Fly back to Addis Ababa and Connection Flight to Arba Minch
You'll fly back to Addis Ababa and connect to a flight to Arba Minch. After breakfast, visit more rock-hewn churches in Lalibela. Then, you'll transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Then, you'll catch the flight to Arba Minch in the afternoon and stay overnight in Arba Minch. Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Arba Minch (City) Stay: Haile Resort Arba Minch Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11
Arba Minch – Chencha – Dorze Villages
You'll depart from Arba Minch and drive to Chencha. Set high in the Gughe Mountains, you'll visit the Dorze people, known for their towering beehive-shaped huts and rich weaving traditions. After exploring the village, you'll enjoy a nature walk through lush forest trails to Nechisar’s 40 Springs, a peaceful area rich in flora and fauna. You'll return to Arba Minch for the night. Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Arba Minch (City) Stay: Haile Resort Arba Minch Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 12
Arba Minch – Konso – Turmi
You'll begin the day with a boat trip on Lake Chamo, where you’ll observe massive crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species. You'll continue south to the Konso village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its terraced hillsides, traditional architecture, and wooden ancestral statues. En route to Turmi, you'll stop by a Bana village, where you’ll meet semi-nomadic communities recognized for their unique clay hair designs and traditional customs. You'll arrive in Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe. Your overnight stay will be in Turmi. 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 13
Turmi – Omorate – Jinka
You'll travel to Omorate, located near the Omo River, to visit the Dassanech people, known for their rich culture and distinctive body adornments. You'll return to Turmi, then drive to Jinka, stopping on the way to visit the Ari people, the largest ethnic group in the Omo Valley. The Ari are skilled in pottery and wear traditional clothing made from enset (false banana) fibers. Your overnight stay will be 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 14
Jinka – Mago National Park – Addis Ababa
You'll drive to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people, famous for their lip plates, ear ornaments, and elaborate scarification. You'll learn about their customs and lifestyle during your visit. You will return to Jinka and take a flight back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, you'll enjoy cultural activities such as traditional music, dance performances, and a coffee ceremony before heading to the airport for departure. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) Stay: Hotel Lobelia Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 15
Addis Ababa – Awash National Park (211 km)
You'll depart Addis Ababa at 7:30 AM, traveling via the expressway to Adama (Nazret). You'll stop at Lake Beseka for birdwatching, spotting herons, ducks, and cranes. You'll continue to Awash National Park, where you may see Beisa Oryx, Hamadryas and Anubis Baboons, Salt’s Dik-dik, and Grivet Monkeys. You'll visit Awash Falls, where you can observe crocodiles basking near the water. In the late afternoon, you'll enjoy a game drive as temperatures cool. Your overnight stay will be at Doho Lodge, a hot spring resort with lake views and thermal pools. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Awash National Park Stay: Doho Lodge & Hot Springs Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 16
Awash National Park – Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve – Doho Hot Springs – Addis Ababa
You'll start with an early morning game drive in Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve, an open grassland known for Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, olive baboons, and waterbucks. Birdwatchers may spot kori bustards and Arabian bustards. Leopards and lions are rarely seen here. You'll return to Doho Lodge for lunch before driving back to Addis Ababa, marking the end of the tour. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Awash National Park Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals 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)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Sleeping bag
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
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. Children under 2 are free.
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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