Duration
8-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
8-Day Classic Ethiopia –Culture, History & Adventure
Overview
Embark on a journey through Ethiopia, where ancient history, vibrant traditions, and breathtaking landscapes meet. Explore Lalibela's rock-hewn churches, Gondar's castles, and the peaceful shores of Lake Tana. Enjoy warm hospitality, authentic cuisine, and daily life in both lively cities and quiet highland villages. Highlights: UNESCO sites, guided cultural visits, scenic drives, and immersive local experiences.
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 safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
5 years
Activities
Getting around: minivan, normal 4x4 vehicle, hiking/walking & air transfer
Accommodation
Magnolia Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$2,464 USD
$1,815 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$2,464 USD
$1,815 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 5 years and older.
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 6-7
Lalibela (Town)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 8)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges and hotels.
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.
5
Minimum age of 5 years
The minimum age for this tour is 5 years.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: minivan, normal 4x4 vehicle, hiking/walking & 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
Magnolia Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 2
Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast & Dinner Included +3 Photos
Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 3
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 4
Simien Lodge
Mid-range lodge inside Simien Mountains NP – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 5
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 6
Soramba Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 7
Sora Lodge Lalibela
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast & Dinner Included
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day 8
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast & Dinner 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 in Addis Ababa and City Tour
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s vibrant capital, you will be transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we will explore some of the city’s highlights, including the National Museum, before taking a scenic drive around the city. Overnight in Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Magnolia Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Fly to Bahir Dar & Explore Lake Tana
Start your day with a morning flight to Bahir Dar, a beautiful city on the shores of Lake Tana, one of the main headwaters of the Blue Nile. After checking into the hotel, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the historic monasteries of the Zege Peninsula. Highlights include Ura Kidane Meret, renowned for its 16th-century religious murals, and Azwa Maryam, surrounded by tranquil gardens and presided over by a friendly young priest. In the afternoon, explore Bahir Dar city, including Bezawit Palace and nearby Weito village, home to local artisans who craft traditional papyrus boats. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not 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: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Drive to Gondar & Explore the Royal Castles
Drive three hours from Bahir Dar through picturesque villages and highland scenery to Gondar, often called Africa’s Camelot. Explore the Royal Enclosure, the ancient castles of King Fasilides, and the bathing pools used during traditional Timkat ceremonies. Visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its ornate ceiling featuring 80 angelic cherubs. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Simien Mountains National Park
After an early breakfast, journey into Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll experience some of Ethiopia’s most dramatic highland scenery, including jagged cliffs, deep valleys, and unique wildlife. Keep an eye out for endemic species such as the Gelada Baboon, also known as the bleeding-heart monkey. Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Simien Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Morning in Simien Mountains & Return to Gondar
Spend the morning exploring more of Simien Mountains National Park, often with few other visitors on the trails. Enjoy wildlife viewing, especially of the Gelada monkeys, who may approach closely while grooming or playing. After a rewarding morning, drive back to Gondar for an overnight. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Fly to Lalibela & Visit Rock-Hewn Churches
Take a short morning flight to Lalibela, a remote town in the Lasta Mountains. In the afternoon, explore three groups of rock-hewn churches, carved from massive red stone monoliths, some towering over 10 meters high with intricately detailed interiors. Wander through quiet courtyards, tunnels, and passageways, stepping deep into Ethiopia’s ancient past. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Soramba Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Asheton Mariam Church and Lalibela Churches
Begin early with an adventurous mule ride up the hillside to Asheton Maryam Church, perched 600 meters above Lalibela. After dismounting, enjoy a short hike with panoramic views of Lalibela. In the afternoon, return to explore the second and most famous group of rock-hewn churches, including Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George), a masterpiece of Ethiopian medieval architecture. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Sora Lodge Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Visit Nakutoleab Monastery & fly back to Addis Ababa and Departure
Visit Nakutoleab Monastery & Departure In the morning, visit Nakutoleab Monastery before transferring to Lalibela Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy a day room or overnight stay in the city. A farewell dinner featuring traditional music and dance can be arranged, offering a final immersive experience of Ethiopian culture before your journey home. Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch 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)
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
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
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
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
Ethiopian Expedition
5.0 operator rating
8 reviews
Ethiopian Expedition is a locally owned tour operator in Ethiopia offering cultural, wildlife, photographic, and adventure tours. Specializing in small-group and private journeys, the company delivers authentic experiences led by expert local guides. Each itinerary highlights Ethiopia’s landscapes, heritage, and living cultures with a strong focus on comfort and responsible travel.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2012)
Member Of
ETOA, ETGPA & TETOA
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & luxury 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
5.0/5Reliable and professionals!
We worked with Ethiopian Expedition and Tesfaw’s team for our MLab25 group in September. His team was with us throughout the entire week, driving our group as part of a tailor-made program, and everything ran perfectly smoothly. Tesfaw and his team demonstrated outstanding professionalism, reliability, and efficiency throughout the entire week. The transport services were perfectly organized, punctual, and smooth, even on Meskel Day, which is no small achievement given the scale of the celebrations. Their flexibility, attention to detail, and calm management made a real difference for our group experience. We felt well taken care of at all times. We highly recommend Tesfaw and Ethiopian Expedition for any group or individual travel needs in Ethiopia. A trustworthy partner you can rely on with complete confidence.
Geraldine TEXIER · France
Excellent service
We had an incredible one week trekking experience in the Simien Mountains. Everything was perfectly organized by Ethiopian Expedition, and the service was professional, well-planned, and excellent throughout the trip.
Solomon Afmasu · Ethiopia
Unforgettable trip to Ethiopia
Our visit to Ethiopia was a rich and memorable experience from culture historical religious and human perspectives as well as through its beautiful nature and landscapes.our excellent guide Tesfaw who accompanied us throughout the entire trip was outstanding and succeeded in giving us a genuine and authentic picture of Ethiopia. The organization and the supporting team contributed greatly to our sense of comfort which further enhanced our enjoyment of the journey.
Noga · Israel
Truly Unforgettable Trips
The Ethiopian Expedition Team made our 15-day trip to Ethiopia truly unforgettable. We explored the historic north, including the Simien Mountains and the Gheralta churches, as well as the Danakil Depression and the culturally diverse Omo Valley. Everything was well organized from start to finish. Communication was smooth and timely, and our drivers and guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and professional, both with us and with the local communities. We highly recommend this company to anyone planning a trip to Ethiopia.
Allen@rock · 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 accepts children who are 5 years and older.
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?
Magnolia Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast & Dinner Included. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner 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 Ethiopian Expedition, 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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