Duration
7-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
7-Day Historic Route & Simien Mountains Adventure
Overview
Discover the cultural and natural highlights of northern Ethiopia on this budget-friendly adventure. Explore Addis Ababa, the monasteries of Lake Tana, the castles of Gondar, the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains, and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. This tour combines history, mountain scenery, local culture, wildlife viewing, and authentic Ethiopian experiences with domestic flights, guided sightseeing, and comfortable budget accommodations included.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Bahir Dar (City), Gondar (City), Simien Mountains NP
Country & park
Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park
Style
Mid-range shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
8 years
Activities
game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide) & boat trip
Accommodation
Caravan Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included; Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
May 1, 2026 - Nov 30, 2026
$2,750 USD
$2,090 USD
Dec 1, 2026 - Apr 30, 2027
$2,750 USD
$2,090 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 8 years and older. Children under 14 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
Bahir Dar (City)
Day 3
Gondar (City)
Day 4
Simien Mountains NP
Day 5
Gondar (City)
Day 6
Lalibela (Town)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 7)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour includes camping and hotels.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 14 people per vehicle.
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 single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour.
8
Minimum age of 8 years
The minimum age for this tour is 8 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide) & boat trip
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: boat, 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
Caravan Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
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
Day 3
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Tabor Hotel Lalibela
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
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 & Addis Ababa City Tour
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be welcomed at the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, begin exploring Ethiopia’s vibrant capital city with a guided sightseeing tour. Visit the National Museum, home to the famous fossil “Lucy,” and continue to Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of the country’s most important religious landmarks. Experience the lively atmosphere of Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, before driving to Mount Entoto for panoramic views over the city. During the day, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee experience and learn about the country’s rich coffee culture. In the evening, relax at your hotel and prepare for the adventures ahead. Overnight at Caravan Hotel or a comparable budget hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Caravan Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Falls
In the morning, take a domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, a beautiful lakeside city located on the shores of Lake Tana. After arrival, enjoy a scenic boat trip on Lake Tana to visit some of the region’s ancient monasteries, known for their colorful religious paintings and historical treasures. Continue with an excursion to the Blue Nile Falls, one of Ethiopia’s most famous natural attractions, surrounded by lush greenery and local villages. The area offers excellent opportunities for photography and cultural interaction with local communities. In the evening, relax by the lakeside and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Bahir Dar. Overnight at Jacaranda Hotel or a comparable budget hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Stay: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Gondar Historical Castles Tour
After breakfast, drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, begin a guided historical tour of the city’s famous landmarks. Visit the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a fascinating complex of castles and royal residences built by Ethiopian emperors during the 17th century. Continue to King Fasil’s Bath, an important ceremonial site, and explore the beautiful Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its colorful murals and angel-covered ceiling. Gondar offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and Ethiopian culture. In the evening, enjoy free time to relax or explore the local atmosphere before overnight at Zobel Resort or a comparable budget accommodation. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Simien Mountains Excursion
Early morning departure from Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park. Enjoy scenic drives through dramatic highland landscapes and begin guided trekking inside the park. Experience breathtaking viewpoints, cliffs, and endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons. In the afternoon, continue exploring deeper sections of the park before settling into your accommodation inside or near the park (camp/lodge depending on budget option). Enjoy sunset over the Simien Mountains and an overnight stay surrounded by nature. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Simien Mountains & Return to Gondar
After breakfast, continue exploring the remaining rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, including some of the most architecturally impressive and spiritually significant sites. Visit the famous Church of St. George, carved in the shape of a cross, and learn more about the fascinating history and legends surrounding Lalibela. Depending on time and interest, enjoy a short walk through the local village to experience the daily life and traditions of the local community. In the afternoon, relax at the hotel or enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding highlands. Overnight at Tabor Hotel or a comparable budget accommodation. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches Exploration
After breakfast, continue exploring the remarkable rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, including the famous Church of St. George, one of the most iconic religious monuments in Ethiopia. Learn more about the history, symbolism, and architectural significance of these extraordinary churches while discovering hidden passageways, ancient carvings, and sacred ceremonial areas. You may also visit a traditional local village to experience the daily life and culture of the community surrounding Lalibela. In the evening, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the highlands before overnighting at Tabor Hotel or a comparable budget accommodation. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Tabor Hotel Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Lalibela to Addis Ababa & Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you will have some free time to relax, enjoy a café, or do last-minute shopping for souvenirs, coffee, and local handicrafts. Later in the day, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine, cultural music, and dance performances—offering a memorable final taste of Ethiopia’s rich heritage. After dinner, transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure, marking the end of your 7-day historic and mountain adventure through northern Ethiopia. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) 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)
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
Hidden Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
17 reviews
Hidden Ethiopia Tours is a locally owned Ethiopian tour operator offering authentic, customized travel experiences across Ethiopia. We specialize in cultural, historical, trekking, and nature tours, ensuring travelers discover the true hidden beauty of Ethiopia through professional and personalized service.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2017)
Member Of
ETOA & ETTA
Tour Types
Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5A great guide in Lalibela!
I visited Lalibela for two days and Ayaliwu, my guide, was arranged by my travel agent in Addis. He was a true expert on the history of this stunning site as well as its broader cultural context. Ayaliwu was able to provide detailed information about the history of the Rock-cut churches. He payed attention to the details and was very well-prepared. He was also very solicitous of my physical capabilities and always found solutions for me. My visit to the churches of Lalibela was unforgettable thanks to him! I definitely recommend Ayaliwu to anyone visiting Lalibela.
Stergios · Greece
Super knowledgeable and super funny!
I did a small private tour with Ayalew ! He is an experienced guide with a wealth of knowledge and an amazing sense of humour. He is fully accredited and I feel I walked away from my three days with him with a better understanding of the history and landscape of not just the churches, but also of Lalibela and Ethiopia . Despite the travel advisory, the town of Lalibela was very friendly and secure . There was a strong military presence in the town but very few tourists. Thanks hidden Ethiopia for such a lovely adventure !
June · Canada
Best Guide Possible in Lalibela
Our tour with Ayaliwu was arranged by our travel agent in Addis, and we could not have been better pleased. This guide was able to provide detailed information the history of the Rock-cut churches, the symbolic significance of architectural features, and also to field questions about unrelated matters, like the crops being grown. He was also very solicitous of our physical capabilities and always found places for us to sit. Ayaliwu ‘s English, too, is easily understood.
Mary · United States
local & porfesional
I took a half&half day Lalibela tour with airport pickup / dropoff, and everything went very smoothly. The service was professional from start to finish — communication was clear, timing was perfect, and everything was well organized. I also appreciated their agile problem-solving when small issues came. Ayalew handled everything quickly and efficiently. Overall, it was a great experience, and I can definitely recommend Ayalew to anyone visiting Lalibela.
Maja · 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 who are 8 years and older. Children under 14 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?
Caravan 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 Hidden 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.
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