Overview
This 15-day expedition combines Ethiopia’s most iconic historical sites with one of the planet’s most surreal landscapes—the Danakil Depression. Journey through the majestic castles of Gondar, the ancient ruins of Axum, and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Then venture deep into the Danakil, where volcanic craters, salt flats, and colorful sulfur springs create otherworldly scenery. This adventure offers an unforgettable blend of culture, history, and raw nature.
Highlights
- Discover Addis Ababa’s top cultural sites, including the National Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral
- Cruise Lake Tana and visit ancient monasteries
- Explore Gondar’s royal castles and Simien Mountains’ wildlife
- Visit Axum’s historic stelae and churches
- Tour Lalibela’s iconic rock-hewn churches and Yimrehane Kristos cave church Ask ChatGPT
- Experience the Danakil Depression’s volcanoes, salt mines, and Dallol geothermal fields
Itinerary
Meet and greet at Bole International Airport, followed by check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon:
✔ Panoramic views from Mount Entoto
✔ National Museum – See the famous fossil “Lucy”
✔ Holy Trinity Cathedral
✔ Ethnographic Museum (former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie)
✔ Merkato – Africa’s largest open-air market
Overnight: Nega Bonger Hotel or similar | Meals: Breakfast
Fly to Bahir Dar, on the shores of Lake Tana.
✔ Boat trip to Ura Kidane Mihret Monastery
✔ Short nature walk to Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat) (flow varies seasonally)
Overnight: Jacaranda Hotel or similar | Meals: Breakfast
Drive to Gondar, Ethiopia’s former imperial capital.
✔ Explore the Royal Enclosure (UNESCO)
✔ Visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church with its famous angelic ceiling
✔ Optional: Qusquam Monastery
Overnight: Goha Hotel or similar | Meals: Breakfast
Journey to the breathtaking Simien Mountains.
✔ Panoramic views of dramatic cliffs & valleys
✔ Spot endemic wildlife: Gelada baboons, Walia ibex (if lucky)
Overnight: Simien Park Hotel or lodge | Meals: Breakfast
Full-day drive through highlands & Tekeze River Gorge with photo stops.
Overnight: Sabean Hotel or similar | Meals: Breakfast
Explore the ancient city of Axum.
✔ Stelae Field with towering obelisks
✔ St. Mary of Zion Church – Ark of the Covenant site
✔ Queen of Sheba's Palace ruins & archaeological sites
Overnight: Sabean Hotel or similar | Meals: Breakfast
Drive via:
✔ Yeha Temple – Ethiopia’s oldest structure (5th century BC)
✔ St. Daniel’s Church near Adigrat
Overnight: Hawzen Community Lodge or homestay | Meals: Breakfast
✔ Hike to Abune Yemata Guh – Cliffside church with ancient paintings
✔ Visit Wukro Cherkos & Abrha We Atsbeha Churches
Overnight: Mekele Genfel Hotel or similar | Meals: Breakfast
Begin your Danakil adventure.
✔ Cross lava fields & remote Afar villages
✔ Evening hike to Erta Ale Volcano – Witness the active lava lake
Overnight: Camping at Erta Ale crater rim | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
✔ Early descent from Erta Ale
✔ Drive through Afar desert to Hamed Ela village
Overnight: Basic desert camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
✔ Visit Dallol’s colorful geothermal fields (one of Earth’s hottest, lowest points)
✔ See salt mining & camel caravans in the salt flats
✔ Drive to Mekele
Overnight: Genfel Hotel or similar | Meals: Breakfast
Scenic drive through Ethiopian highlands.
✔ Photo stops along the Sokota route
Overnight: Cliff Edge Hotel or similar | Meals: Breakfast
Discover Lalibela’s legendary churches.
✔ Explore Bet Medhane Alem & the northern church cluster
✔ Visit Bet Giyorgis (St. George’s), carved in the shape of a cross
Overnight: Cliff Edge Hotel or similar | Meals: Breakfast
✔ Excursion to Yimrehane Kristos Church (built in a mountain cave)
✔ Optional visit to Lalibela’s southern church cluster
Overnight: Homestay or hotel in Lalibela | Meals: Breakfast
✔ Morning flight to Addis Ababa
✔ Final shopping or optional museum visits
✔ Traditional farewell dinner with music & dance
✔ Transfer to the airport for international departure
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Includes/Excludes
Tour Inclusions:
- ✔ 3 Domestic Flights (Addis–Bahir Dar, Lalibela–Addis, Addis–Mekele)
- ✔ All ground transport in private 4WD vehicles
- ✔ 14 Nights accommodation (hotels, eco-lodges, desert camps)
- ✔ English-speaking guide throughout
- ✔ Entrance fees to all sites
- ✔ Camping gear for Danakil section
- ✔ Meals as specified (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Tour Exclusions:
- ✖ International flights
- ✖ Visa fees
- ✖ Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- ✖ Alcoholic beverages & personal expenses
- ✖ Tips for guides & drivers
