Quick Summary
14-Days Ultimate Northern Ethiopia: Nature and Culture is a 14 days tour in Ethiopia via the Ethiopia route, starting from USD 2090. Below you'll find the latest itinerary, inclusions & exclusions, and how to book.
14 days
Ethiopia
USD 2090
Kitano Tours & Safaris
ABOUT 14-Days Ultimate Northern Ethiopia: Nature and Culture
Experience the Best of Northern Ethiopia! You'll uncover the ancient history in Lalibela, Axum, and Gondar, hike the breathtaking Simien Mountains, and explore the surreal landscapes of the Danakil Depression. Immerse yourself in rich culture, meet local Afar salt miners, visit sacred monasteries, and enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. This is a journey of history, adventure, and unforgettable discoveries!
- Duration: 14 days
- Route: Ethiopia
- Starts at: USD 2090
Highlights for 14-Days Ultimate Northern Ethiopia: Nature and Culture
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa and Explore City Tour
Day 2: Fly to Bahir Dar -Visit Lake Tana and Bule Nile Falls
Day 3: Drive to Gondar-Explore Castles and Churches
Day 4: Drive to Simien Mountain National Park
Day 5: Hike in Simien Mountains National Park and Return to Gondar
Day 6: Fly to Lalibela- Visit First group of Churches
Day 7: Lalibela - Second Group of Churches & Asheton Maryam
Day 8: Fly Addis Ababa- Experience the Art of Coffee Roasting
Day 9: Fly to Semera Gateway to the Danakil Depression
Day 10: Erta Ale - Hamad Ela- Dallol
Day 11: Afdera- Semera- Mekele
Day 12: Drive to Tigray Churches - Visit Abuna Yemata Guh
Day 13: Drive to Axum - Explore Ethiopia Ancient Capital
Day 14: Fly to Addis Ababa- Farewell Dinner
Itinerary Overview
| Day | Title |
|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrival in Addis Ababa and Explore City Tour |
| Day 02 | Fly to Bahir Dar -Visit Lake Tana and Bule Nile Falls |
| Day 03 | Drive to Gondar-Explore Castles and Churches |
| Day 04 | Drive to Simien Mountain National Park |
| Day 05 | Hike in Simien Mountains National Park and Return to Gondar |
| Day 06 | Fly to Lalibela- Visit First group of Churches |
| Day 07 | Lalibela - Second Group of Churches & Asheton Maryam |
| Day 08 | Fly Addis Ababa- Experience the Art of Coffee Roasting |
| Day 09 | Fly to Semera Gateway to the Danakil Depression |
| Day 10 | Erta Ale - Hamad Ela- Dallol |
| Day 11 | Afdera- Semera- Mekele |
| Day 12 | Drive to Tigray Churches - Visit Abuna Yemata Guh |
| Day 13 | Drive to Axum - Explore Ethiopia Ancient Capital |
| Day 14 | Fly to Addis Ababa- Farewell Dinner |
Day 01: Arrival in Addis Ababa and Explore City Tour
>> You'll arrive in Addis Ababa and meet your guide at the airport.
You'll enjoy a city tour, exploring the National Museum (home of the famous fossil “Lucy”), the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market.
Your overnight stay will be at Capital Hotel & Spa.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 02: Fly to Bahir Dar -Visit Lake Tana and Bule Nile Falls
>> You'll take a morning flight to Bahir Dar and meet your guide upon arrival.
You'll enjoy a scenic boat trip on Lake Tana, exploring ancient island monasteries, including Ura Kidane Mehret, renowned for its vibrant frescoes and historical significance.
In the afternoon, you'll embark on an excursion to the Blue Nile Falls, one of Ethiopia’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Your overnight stay will be in Bahir Dar.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 03: Drive to Gondar-Explore Castles and Churches
>> • You'll have a scenic 3-4 hour drive to Gondar, Ethiopia’s 17th-century royal capital.
• You'll visit the Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure), a UNESCO World Heritage Site with castles and palaces.
• You will explore Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its angelic ceiling paintings.
• Your overnight stay will be in Gondar.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: AG Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)
Day 04: Drive to Simien Mountain National Park
>> You'll drive (3 hours) to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO-listed natural wonder.
• After a short hike to Sankaber viewpoint, you'll spot wildlife like Gelada baboons and Walia ibex.
• You'll enjoy breathtaking landscapes of dramatic cliffs and valleys.
• Your overnight stay will be in Sankaber Campsite in the Simien Mountains.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Budget camping
Day 05: Hike in Simien Mountains National Park and Return to Gondar
>> You'll begin your day with a morning trek to Chenek Camp or Bwahit Pass (4,200m), offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Simien Mountains' rugged cliffs, valleys, and peaks.
Along the trek, keep an eye out for rare wildlife, including the elusive Ethiopian wolf, the endangered Gelada baboons, and majestic Lammergeier vultures soaring overhead.
After your trek, you'll enjoy a scenic drive back to Gondar in the late afternoon.
Your overnight stay will be in Gondar, where you can relax and reflect on your day of adventure.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: AG Hotel Mid-range hotel located 2-3hr drive from Simien Mountains NP
Day 06: Fly to Lalibela- Visit First group of Churches
>> You'll begin your journey with a morning flight from Gondar to Lalibela, renowned for its extraordinary rock-hewn churches. Upon arrival, you'll visit the first group of iconic churches, including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Golgotha, each a marvel of ancient architecture and spiritual significance. Afterward, you'll be immersed in the rich culture of Ethiopia by participating in a traditional coffee ceremony, a time-honored ritual that showcases the country’s deep coffee heritage. In the evening, you'll indulge in a delicious dinner at the renowned Ben Abeba restaurant, offering both a delightful menu and stunning views. You'll spend the night in Lalibela, soaking in the history and serenity of this fascinating destination.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Top Twelve Hotel Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)
Day 07: Lalibela - Second Group of Churches & Asheton Maryam
>> You'll begin the day with a morning hike or drive to Asheton Maryam Monastery, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
You'll visit the second group of remarkable rock-hewn churches, including Bete Gabriel-Rafael and Bete Abba Libanos.
You will explore the iconic Church of St. George (Bete Giyorgis), one of Ethiopia’s most famous and breathtaking rock-hewn churches.
You'll end the day with an optional cultural experience, featuring traditional Ethiopian music and dance.
You'll enjoy an overnight stay in Lalibela.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Top Twelve Hotel Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)
Day 08: Fly Addis Ababa- Experience the Art of Coffee Roasting
>> You'll start your day with a morning flight from Lalibela to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you'll take some time to refresh and unwind before embarking on a unique cultural experience. You will have the opportunity to learn the intricate art of Ethiopian coffee roasting, gaining insight into the traditional techniques that make Ethiopia’s coffee world-renowned. You will also participate in a hands-on session where you will learn how to prepare authentic Ethiopian coffee, as well as the process of baking traditional injera, an essential part of Ethiopian cuisine.
After an enriching experience, you'll enjoy an overnight stay in Addis Ababa.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 09: Fly to Semera Gateway to the Danakil Depression
>> Morning: You'll fly from Addis Ababa to Semera, the gateway to the Danakil Depression. You'll meet your local team, receive a briefing, and prepare for the expedition.
Afternoon: You'll drive through the otherworldly landscapes of the Danakil Depression, shaped by volcanic and tectonic activity. You'll stop at Lake Afrera, known for its salt flats, crystal-clear waters, and hot springs. Optionally, you can swim in the mineral-rich lake.
Evening: You'll camp in the nearby mountains, enjoy a simple dinner under a starlit sky, and rest for the next day’s adventure.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Budget camping
Day 10: Erta Ale - Hamad Ela- Dallol
>> You'll depart early for Hamad Ela, passing traditional camel caravans transporting salt. You'll visit Lake Assale at sunset, where the salt-crusted landscape reflects golden hues.
In the morning, you'll explore Ragad (Asebo) to witness Afar miners extracting salt using traditional methods. You'll continue to Dallol, known for its surreal mineral formations, sulfur springs, and salt canyons.
You'll conclude with a drive to Lake Afdera, a remote saltwater lake with hot springs, perfect for relaxation before an overnight stay.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Budget camping
Day 11: Afdera- Semera- Mekele
>> You'll begin your day with a breathtaking sunrise over Lake Afdera, a stunning saltwater lake nestled in the Danakil Depression. The early morning light reflecting off the water and surrounding salt flats creates a mesmerizing view, perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.
After soaking in the beauty of the sunrise, you'll embark on a scenic drive towards Semera, the capital of the Afar region. Along the way, you'll witness the unique landscapes of the region, characterized by volcanic formations, desert plains, and traditional Afar settlements. Depending on your schedule, you may stop for refreshments or explore local culture before continuing your journey. Your overnight stay will be in Mekele.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Planet Hotel Budget hotel located in Mekele (City)
Day 12: Drive to Tigray Churches - Visit Abuna Yemata Guh
>> You'll drive to the Tigray region, home to some of Ethiopia’s most stunning rock-hewn churches.
• You'll climb to Abuna Yemata Guh, a dramatic cliffside church with ancient murals.
• You'll visit Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, offering breathtaking views.
Your overnight stay will be in Hawzien
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Vision Hotel Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)
Day 13: Drive to Axum - Explore Ethiopia Ancient Capital
>> • You'll drive to Axum, the legendary capital of the ancient Aksumite Empire.
• You will visit the Axum Obelisks, towering stone monuments from Ethiopia’s early civilization.
• You'll explore St. Mary of Zion Church, where the Ark of the Covenant is believed to be kept.
• You'll visit the Queen of Sheba’s Palace and the Tomb of King Kaleb.
• Your overnight stay will be in Axum.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 14: Fly to Addis Ababa- Farewell Dinner
>> • You'll have a morning flight from Axum to Addis Ababa.
• You have the afternoon free to explore more of Addis or relax.
• You will enjoy a farewell cultural dinner with traditional Ethiopian music and dance.
• Your overnight stay will be in Addis Ababa or depart to the airport.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Inclusions
- 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)
- Sleeping bag
- Bath towels
Exclusions
- 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)