Essence Ethiopia Tours

5.0/5 – 6 Reviews

$2,253 pp (USD)
This tour is offered in EUR. Show rate in EUR

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Breakdown of Costs
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Start Date
Age at the end of the tour
*This tour does not accept children under 17.
Travelers

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • You'll be collected from the airport.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Addis Ababa - Lalibela

Addis Ababa - Lalibela

Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela in the morning.
Begin your exploration of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site, often referred to as "New Jerusalem."
Visit key sites such as:
Bet Giyorgis (St. George's Church): Known for its cross-shaped design.
Bet Medhane Alem: The largest monolithic church in Lalibela.
Bet Maryam: Famous for its rich frescoes and inscriptions.
Learn about the history, legends, and religious significance of these ancient sites.
Overnight: Lalibela.

Main Destination:
Lalibela (Town)
Accommodation:
Tabor Hotel Lalibela
  • Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2

Lalibela - Gonder

Lalibela - Gonder

Spend the morning exploring additional churches or visit a local village to experience the lifestyle and culture of the Lalibela community.
Fly to Gonder in the afternoon.
Tour the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), an impressive complex of castles and palaces built by Ethiopian emperors.
Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its ceiling covered in vibrant angelic faces and beautiful frescoes.
Overnight: Gonder.

Main Destination:
Gondar (City)
Accommodation:
HaZ Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Gonder - Simien Mountains

Gonder - Simien Mountains

Drive to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Admire Ethiopia’s dramatic highland scenery during the drive.
Arrive at the campsite and explore the area's unique ecosystem.
Highlights include steep escarpments, jagged peaks, and the chance to spot wildlife such as:
Gelada monkeys grazing in large groups.
The endangered Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf.
Overnight: Camping in Simien Mountains.

Main Destination:
Simien Mountains National Park
Best Time To Visit September to December (Beautiful scenery)
High Season October to April (Lodges are busy)
Best Weather October to April

Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP

Accommodation:
Budget camping
  • Inside Simien Mountains NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Trek in Simien Mountains - Return to Gonder

Trek in Simien Mountains - Return to Gonder

Trek in Simien Mountains - Return to Gonder.
Embark on a trek to fully experience the beauty of the Simien Mountains.
Enjoy panoramic views from Imet Gogo and visit Jinbar Falls, a breathtaking waterfall plunging into a deep gorge.
Return to Gonder in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Gonder.

Main Destination:
Simien Mountains National Park
Accommodation:
HaZ Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Gonder - Bahir dar

Gonder - Bahir dar

Drive to Bahir Dar, a vibrant city located by Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile.
Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit its famous island monasteries, including:
Ura Kidane Mihret: Known for its vivid frescoes and ancient manuscripts.
Azwa Mariam: A peaceful monastery featuring impressive artwork and historic relics.
Spend the evening relaxing in Bahir Dar.
Overnight: Bahir Dar.

Main Destination:
Bahir Dar (City)
Accommodation:
Bete Daniel Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Blue Nile - Fly back to Addis ababa

Blue Nile - Fly back to Addis ababa

In the morning, drive to the Blue Nile Falls, also known as "Tis Issat" or "The Smoke of Fire," and take a short hike to the viewpoint for incredible views.
Return to Bahir Dar in the afternoon for your flight back to Addis Ababa.
Spend the evening in Addis Ababa exploring local restaurants or resting.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:
Bahir Dar (City)
Accommodation:
Caravan Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Addis Ababa - Semera - Danakil Depression

Addis Ababa - Semera - Danakil Depression

Fly to Semera in the morning and join a guided group tour to the Danakil Depression, one of the Earth's hottest and most inhospitable regions.
Begin exploring surreal landscapes such as:
Sulfur springs with vibrant hues.
Expansive salt flats used by locals for salt mining.
Overnight: Danakil group camp.

Main Destination:
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Accommodation:
Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8

Explore Dallol and Erta Ale Volcano

Explore Dallol and Erta Ale Volcano

Visit Dallol, known for its otherworldly geothermal landscapes with vivid green, yellow, and orange formations created by sulfur and mineral deposits.
Travel to Erta Ale, an active shield volcano.
Begin a late-afternoon hike to the summit for a once-in-a-lifetime experience viewing the molten lava lake.
Camp near the volcano for the night.
Overnight: Danakil group camp.

Main Destination:
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Accommodation:
Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Danakil - Mekelle - Addis Ababa

Danakil - Mekelle - Addis Ababa

Leave Danakil Depression in the morning and drive back to Mekelle.
Enjoy scenic views of the barren yet stunning desert terrain on your way.
Fly from Mekelle to Addis Ababa in the afternoon.
End the trip with last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Addis Ababa before your departure.

Main Destination:
No major destination visited
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • You'll be dropped off at the airport.

Interested in This Tour?

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  • Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Essence Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • 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.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Essence Ethiopia Tours.