Duration
9-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
9-Day Ethiopian History and Cultural Tour
Overview
Ethiopia has a character unlike any you'll find on the planet. The only African nation to have avoided European colonialism, it retains a strong cultural identity that can be felt everywhere you go. The amazing people, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife are just some of the things that make Ethiopia so magnificent. Ethiopia is a country rich in history, diverse in culture, with breathtaking views and awesome geology.
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
game drives
Accommodation
Hotel Lobelia - 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
$3,190 USD
$2,640 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$3,300 USD
$2,860 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
Lalibela (Town)
Day 6
Addis Ababa (City)
Day 7
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 8
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 9)
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
Activities: game drives
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
Hotel Lobelia
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 3-4
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Sora Lodge Lalibela
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Hotel Lobelia
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Nasa Hotel Budget hotel in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
Budget hotel in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
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 9
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
Addis Ababa
Come to Abyssinia, the land of origins! You will be taken off in a modern air-conditioned vehicle to your 3 or 4-star accommodation in the heart of Addis Ababa. You'll visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to visit the long age history of Ethiopia and the oldest human ancestor, Lucy. Set within Haile Selassie’s former palace, Addis Ababa University’s main campus is the Enthralling Ethnological Museum. It’s easily one of the finest museums in Africa. Before lunch, you'll drive to Holy Trinity Cathedral Church which has a unique architectural style. Immediately after a relaxed lunch, you'll drive up to the Entoto Mountains, the best location to observe the panoramic view of the capital. It is also a historical place where Menelik II resided and built his palace. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Hotel Lobelia Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Addis Ababa- Bahir Dar
You will fly by Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, meet the driver and the guide at the airport, and drive to the hotel. After check-in, you will have your breakfast drive to Blue Nile Falls {Tis Issat}, the power station, and an easy hike to the Portuguese bridge and the Area. You will return to Bahir Dar for lunch. In the afternoon, you will explore Lake Tana and its monasteries hidden on the shores and islands of Lake Tana. This is a boat trip. You will see different birds, hippos, and also the source of the Blue Nile. 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
Bahir Dar-Gondar
After breakfast, you'll drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar which is 110km. This road trip will blow your mind with stunning landscapes. You'll have lunch at the hotel. After lunch, you will visit Gondar, the first capital city with the reign of Fasilides. In Gonder, there are a dozen castles built by various emperors over 236 years. The city seems more of European than African origin. You'll visit Fasiladas' Palace, probably the most impressive of all the castles found in the area and the oldest one. You will continue going to the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity). The interior is decorated with beautiful frescos, cherubs, and paintings. Debre Berhan Selassie is rumored to once have been the proposed final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant of the Ethiopian Empire, which began in 1632 continue visiting the bathing pool of Fassiledes. 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
Trip to Simien Mountains National Park
After breakfast, you will drive 3 hours one way to see the only natural world heritage site in Ethiopia, SMNP. This national park is located in the north Ethiopia round debark area, and it is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. You will see also wild endemic animals like Gelada Baboons and birds. You'll have lunch at Siemen Lodge. You will return for dinner and an overnight stay in Gondar. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Gondar-Lalibela
You'll fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines from Gondar to Lalibela and have lunch at the hotel. You'll tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in the afternoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of ten monolithic and semi-monolithic structures was carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 900 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings. On this day, you will see the first group of churches called Bete Medehanialem, Bete Maryam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagil, and Debre Sina we Golegot and the third group which is only St’ George. Ethiopian Coffee ceremony You'll have dinner at Kana restaurant. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Sora Lodge Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Lalibela-Addis Ababa
After breakfast, you will see the second group of churches which includes, Bete Emanual, Bete Gabriel, Bete Merkorious, and Aba Libanos. After finishing the second group churches, you will return to the hotel for check out and drive to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Hotel Lobelia Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Addis Ababa-Jinka
You will fly from Addis to Jinka by Ethiopian Airlines, after checking in to the hotel, visit Jinka’s museum or Ari Village in the afternoon and be ready for the next day. Jinka is a market town in southern Ethiopia. Located in the hills north of the Tama Plains, this town is the capital of the Ari Zone of the South Ethiopia Regional State. Currently, Jinka is the center of Jinka town administration. Jinka has a latitude and longitude of 5°47′N 36°34′E and an elevation of 1490 meters above sea level. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country. It is also an important center for at least sixteen indigenous ethnic groups as well as others from the rest of the country. Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Nasa Hotel Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Jinka-Turmi
After breakfast, you will drive to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi village, who are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates. Afterward, you will continue driving to Tumi, home of the Hamer people. On the way, you'll stop in Dimeka for the local market, which is on Tuesdays and Saturdays. This is one of the most colorful markets in the South Omo and is visited by neighborhood Hammer, Benna, Karo, Tsemai, and Ari tribes. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Emerald Lodge Turmi Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Turmi -Jinka-Addis Ababa
You'll wake up early morning and will drive from Turmi to Jinka. You will have breakfast at Jinka. After breakfast, you'll drive to Jinka Airport, then fly from Jinka to Addis Ababa. In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner with a cultural dinner and traditional special buffet and local drinks to experience Ethiopia’s cultural meals and drinks. After the farewell party, you will transfer to Bole International Airport for international departure. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) 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)
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$15.00 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
Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours
4.9 operator rating
35 reviews
Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours is one of the leading tour operators in Ethiopia, providing comprehensive services with variety of tours that highlight the country’s indigenous cultures, fascinating history, and natural wonders. Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours organizes custom tours for groups of any size and pre-set itineraries that individuals may join also. We are also specialized in organizing package and tailor made tours to Axum, Lalibela, Gondar Castles, Bahir Dar & Lake Tana, Tigray rock-hewn
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2019)
Member Of
ETOA & Lalibela & Surrounding Guide association
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
5.0/5Go the extra mile!
Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours was a wonderful tour operator during my time in Lalibela. The guide, Ermiyas, was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. His love and passion for the town and especially the churches shines through. When some activities did not work out as planned, EET went out of their way to find alternative options for me. Great experience for a solo traveller!
Tamryn · South Africa
Professional, ambitious and energetic
Choosing a tour operator is a risky business. You pay thousands of dollars in advance and you will experience the service only afterwards. I can guarantee on my behalf, that doing business with Extraordinary Ethiopia tours and Mareg is absolutely a safe business from the first step of communication until the very end of the journey. After having followed an itinerary of 15 nights and 16 days in Ethiopia I am more than grateful to Maereg and his team, that I had a truly great, a sort of a once-in-a-lifetime tour. Everything worked perfectly. There wasn't any issue, that I felt sorry of. To be honest: I fell in love with Ethiopia. I had s solo safari to Bale mountains, Omo Valley tribes, Gondar and Lalibela. All the arrangements were better than expected: In Addis Abeba I was welcomed by the efficient "liaison officer" Habtu. In my safari journey driver BK was just brilliant, Toyota Landcruiser wonderful, accommodation exceeding all the expectations, meals great and Maereg kept on following all my moves daily. I felt that I was in safe hands all the time. Ethiopia is an amazing country. Ethiopians are incredibly kind and nice. I wish I could have stayed longer. But decided already to return. I can warmly recommend Maereg and his mates to any type of traveller. His team is professional, energetic and ambitious and do not leave even the slightest detail unchecked. They do want to introduce and show their country to you, and they do it with love!❤️
Eeva · Finland
Ethiopia trip was seamless, enriching, and unforgettable thanks to Maereg’s expert planning and care
My 10‑day journey through Ethiopia was nothing short of extraordinary, and I owe so much of that experience to my tour planner, Maerag. The itinerary he prepared was thoughtful, seamless, and incredibly rich I t was a perfect balance of history, culture, and unforgettable encounters. From the moment I arrived in Addis Ababa, everything was organized with care. Gondar was another highlight. Walking through the castles and learning about their connection to the Egyptian empress felt like stepping into a living story. My guide’s knowledge brought every stone and corridor to life. Celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Lalibela at Saint Mary’s Church was a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience. The atmosphere, the devotion, and the beauty of the rock‑hewn churches were unforgettable, and I’m grateful for how smoothly everything was arranged. The Omo Valley was where the trip became truly immersive. Meeting tribes who walk on stilts, seeing intricate body‑painting traditions, dancing with community members, and witnessing a bull‑jumping ceremony were moments I will carry with me forever. These experiences were only possible because of my guide’s deep connections and respect for the communities we visited. On my 2 last days, I explored the city, visiting the cultural centre, and learning at the Addis Ababa University Ethnographic Museum gave me a strong foundation for understanding Ethiopia’s depth and diversity. Throughout the entire trip, flying from city to city, navigating different regions, and engaging with so many cultures. I felt supported, informed, and inspired. My guide’s professionalism, warmth, and expertise elevated every moment. I wholeheartedly recommend Maereg and some of his team to anyone considering a tour of Ethiopia. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll be in excellent hands, and you’ll experience Ethiopia in a way that is authentic, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.
Karen St Clare · United Kingdom
Knowledgeable and professional tour guide and incredibly beautiful UNESCO site
Highly recommend this tour. Our guide, Maereg, and driver, Gashaw, were incredibly professional. The tour was very informative and Lalibela is incredibly beautiful. A must visit!
Rita J · 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?
Hotel Lobelia - 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 Extraordinary 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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