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6-Day Classic Northern Ethiopia Highlights

Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

6-Day Classic Northern Ethiopia Highlights

5.0 / 5 · 4 reviews Offered by Ethio Tours 6-Day

Overview

This tour is a journey through the rich culture and stunning nature of Ethiopia. Starting from the capital, Addis Ababa, you'll visit the country's largest lake, Lake Tana, and see the majestic Blue Nile waterfalls. Explore the historical Gondar Castle and the Debre Berhan Selassie Church before continuing to the breathtaking Simien National Park and the sacred churches of Lalibela. Along the way, you'll also discover remote countryside villages.

Plan snapshot

Quick Facts

Tour details

Duration

6-Day

Route

Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)

Via Blue Nile Falls, 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

4 years

Activities

game drives, nature hikes/walks & boat trip

Accommodation

Mado Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included

Meals

All Meals Included; Breakfast & Lunch Included

Pickup

Airport transfer included

Booking

Request quote

Currency

USD

6-Day Classic Northern Ethiopia Highlights
Simien Mountains National Park visual context for this itinerary.

Rates

Rates Per Person

USD

Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 $1,760 USD $1,650 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027 $1,760 USD $1,540 USD

Before booking

Important To Know

Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is not available to groups larger than 12 people.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 4 years and older. Children under 11 receive a discount.
Rates include a local payment. This means that part of the rate must be paid upfront and part on location during the tour. Move your mouse pointer over a rate to see the local payment.

Quote flow

Request Guidance

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Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Request a Quote

Route

Tour route map
country Ethiopia
Start Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 2 Blue Nile Falls (Highlight)
Day 3 Gondar (City)
Day 4 Simien Mountains NP
Day 5 Lalibela (Town)
End Addis Ababa (City) (Day 6)

Tour Features

Mid-range tour

This mid-range tour uses 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 changes to this tour.

Suitable for solo travelers

Solo travelers can book this private tour.

4
Minimum age of 4 years

The minimum age for this tour is 4 years.

Activities & Transportation

Activities: game drives, nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: minivan, boat & normal 4x4 vehicle
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

Mado Hotel

Day 1

Mado Hotel

Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Mado HotelMado HotelMado Hotel
Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – All Meals Included +3 Photos

Day 2

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

Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – All Meals Included +3 PhotosJacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – All Meals Included +3 PhotosJacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – All Meals Included +3 Photos
Goha Hotel

Day 3-4

Goha Hotel

Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Goha Hotel
Sora Lodge Lalibela

Day 5

Sora Lodge Lalibela

Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included

All Meals Included

Sora Lodge LalibelaSora Lodge LalibelaSora Lodge Lalibela

Day 6

End of tour

No accommodation

(No accommodation)

Breakfast & Lunch 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.

Addis Ababa

Day 1

Addis Ababa

Visit the National Museum, which showcases a vast collection of antiquities, historical relics, and archaeological and paleontological objects, including the 3.5-million-year-old “Lucy” skeleton. Explore one of the finest Ethiopian Orthodox Churches, St. George Cathedral, renowned for its fascinating modern paintings and mosaics. Experience Mercato, the largest open market of its kind in Africa, and enjoy the commanding, panoramic views from Mount Entoto. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Mado Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar

Day 2

Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar

Bahir Dar is a pleasant city situated on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. After checking into our hotel, we'll explore Lake Tana and its islands by boat. The lake is home to 37 islands, 30 of which house churches and monasteries of significant historical and cultural interest. We'll visit the monastery churches of Ura Kidane Mihiret and Azwa Mariam. Ura Kidane Mihiret is the most famous of the monasteries, known for its remarkable collection of religious icons from the 16th to 18th centuries. Azwa Mariam is celebrated for its exquisite paintings, and we'll also have time to visit the small museum there. In the afternoon, we'll drive to the Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tissisat (Smoking Water) Falls. These falls are 100 meters (328 feet) wide, with water plunging 45 meters (148 feet), creating steam clouds and rainbows. We'll descend to the base of the falls for an up-close view, then climb up the other side. Afterward, we'll cross the Blue Nile by boat. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Blue Nile Falls (Highlight) Stay: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Bahir Dar - Gondar

Day 3

Bahir Dar - Gondar

Today will be spent sightseeing in Gondar City. Gondar was the first capital city of the Ethiopian Empire, beginning in 1632 with the reign of Fasilidas. In Gondar, you'll find a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. The city has a European feel with Islamic influences. In the morning, visit Fasilidas' Palace, probably the most impressive and oldest of all the castles in the area! We then continue to the Bath of Fasilides and Quskuam Church. In the afternoon, we'll visit the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity). The interior of Debre Berhan Selassie is adorned with beautiful frescoes, cherubs, and paintings. It is rumored to have once been the proposed final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. We will also visit the colorful market of Gondar. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Gondar - Simien Mountains National Park

Day 4

Gondar - Simien Mountains National Park

After leaving Gondar and traveling about 3km, we'll make a stop to visit the village of Felasha. Then, we continue on to the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The road takes us through mountainous areas of wild beauty as we draw closer to the Simien Massif. In Amharic, "Simien" means "north." Many of the mountain peaks in this park exceed 4,000 meters (13,123 ft), with the highest being Ras Dejen at 4,543 meters (14,905 ft) above sea level. These mountains are composed of volcanic masses, eroded over centuries by rain, now featuring amethyst-colored peaks and deep gullies carved further by rivers. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Simien Mountains National Park - Lalibela

Day 5

Simien Mountains National Park - Lalibela

This morning is dedicated to visiting a set of churches known as the Northern Group of Churches. Lalibela contains 11 monolithic churches carved out of pink granite rock in the 12th century, and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each church (Bet) has a unique architectural style that is superbly carved, and many are decorated with well-preserved paintings. The entire city can be described as a sculpture dedicated to the glory of God. On the way back, if time allows, we will make stops at souvenir shops and the city center. Bet Medihanialem is the largest church, supported by 72 pillars, and houses the seven kg (15 lbs) gold Lalibela Cross. We will go through a tunnel from Bet Medihanialem to Bet Mariam, where there is a pillar said to have been leaned against by Jesus Christ when he appeared in a vision to King Lalibela. Bet Mariam also contains fabulous carvings of various birds and animals. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Sora Lodge Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Lalibela - Addis Ababa

Day 6

Lalibela - Addis Ababa

Entoto Natural Park is a wildlife sanctuary that towers high above Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. This historical protectorate resembles a cliff fortress, offering a canyon of breathtaking beauty and lush greenery. It serves as a tranquil resting place, filled with the fresh, fragrant air of the highlands. The park features clear and pleasant hiking trails that rise along the mountain’s massif, offering a spring water bath on the high plateau and a wild forest that has stood since ancient times, home to native wildlife with healing properties. At Entoto Maryam, you’ll find the site of the old capital, where both museums and historic buildings showcase unique architecture. This location provides an excellent opportunity for leisurely walks, surrounded by charming traditional buildings at the historic mountain crest and plateau, which once made up the heart of the capital. You can also go on an optional city tour today. Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinks not included

Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) 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 Taxes/VAT

Roundtrip airport transfer

Meals (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

Drinks

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
Ethio Tours
Ethio Tours logo

Offered by

Ethio Tours

5.0 operator rating 4 reviews

Ethio Tours managed by local professional group for the travel business. Our company managed to form strong and big team covers all Ethiopia tourist destinations. we afford the best vacation holidays in Ethiopia. We have the widest choices of well designed tour packages for groups and individuals throughout Ethiopia. Our package tours include: cultural tours, historical tours, festival tours, adventure tours, wildlife safari, trekking, business in Ethiopia, bird watching, car rental , Food Tour

Office In

Ethiopia

Size

5-10 employees (Founded in 2014)

Tour Types

Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day

Destinations

Ethiopia

Traveler feedback

Reviews

5.00 average

Overall

5.0/5

Communication

5.0/5

Accuracy

5.0/5

Value

5.0/5

Safety clarity

5.0/5

Cultural value

5.0/5
Verified

Wonderful tour, well organized

The tour was very well organized and a lot of fun. Hiking in Gondar and the churches in Lalibela were highlights.

Aaron · United States

Verified

Awesome

I landed on November 4th without any luggage. Car and guide Yihun were at airport and drove me to the hotel. Melese met me at the hotel and immediately took me shopping for bag clothes etc. he even negotiated the price for me. It was to be a group tour but due to political problems I got a personally guided tour at the group price. I appreciated the fact that Melese hadn’t cancelled the tour. Next day we toured Addis. Yihun and the driver were excellent and we even had a traditional injera, raw meat, BBQ chicken and local beer lunch. Melese and I flew to Bahar Dar and spent two nights at a decent hotel. First day lake and monasteries. We talked about if there was any chance I could spend time with a local Bahar Dar family Next lunch was at his sisters with coffee home made beer araki injera meat and vegetables. It was simply amazing as the kids were there as well. I really felt at home. By organizing the get together Melese surpassed all of my expectations. Fighting broke out that day in Lalibella and we had to reschedule with Melese help. Manuel was my guide in Gander. Sightseeing and Ethiopian lunch. Made local friends at the airport. Ethiopians are friendly and young people approached me so as to practice their English. Lalibela trip was memorable. Muchuw was my guide. We visited the rock churches met drank and ate with locals at an outdoor bar. Children with smiling innocent faces crowded around and it was amazing. This was innocence in the face of war. I was the Only guest at hotel with bullet holes in some rooms due to fighting near by. Next day attended church with the locals. Muchuw and I stopped at a shop and bought a proper football for a group of 10 children who were playing without a proper ball. Met the ringleader at the rock church. Will never forget the look on his face when we gave him the ball. Got back to Addis and flew to South Africa the next day I travel because I want to meet people and learn about their life, aspirations, likes and dislikes. Melese and his team made sure that all my requirements were exceeded and I left Addis with wanting to go back some day. Friends I made there are in touch frequently thru WhatsApp and some have agreed to watch over the lalibela children. Even got another guide to agree to teach the kids to play football. Have travelled everywhere, but this trip I will fondly remember and cherish thanks to Melese and his team.

Narayan · Canada

Verified

Unforgettable cultural experience and tour

I decided only a few weeks in advance to book a tour in Ethiopia for holiday and I am so glad I found Ethio tours! Melese organised everything really well and was in communication to check on things when I was with local guides. The use of local guides is amazing and I learned so much from them. Muchaw in Lalibela was especially great and he knew a lot about the area and just about everyone in the city. It was interesting to see a mix of city and countryside in just four days. The hotels were all excellent, clean and comfortable. Gondar and Lalibela hotels also had beautiful views! Airport transfers worked well. All of the restaurants for lunch and dinner were very good and I enjoyed the traditional music and dance show in Addis. I would definitely recommend this company! My one recommendation is to put a little more detail in the daily itinerary. Thank you!

Lianna · United Kingdom

Verified

Reliable and efficient, Ethio Tours provided knowledgeable guides and safe drivers.

The weeklong tour satisfied expectations of a safe and interesting experience in exploring northern Ethiopia. Communications with the tour operator, Melese Aychew, were timely and all arrivals and departures, accommodations, and day tours were met and delivered as promised.

Mary Allard · United States

Practical answers

Tour FAQs

8 answers

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 4 years and older. Children under 11 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 changes to this tour.

Where do travelers stay during this tour?

Mado 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

Booking terms

Disclaimer

This tour is offered by Ethio 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.

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 Ethio Tours.

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From

$2,079 pp (USD)

From

$1,540.00