16-Days Simien, Danakil, Lalibela & ...

>> Depart Mekelle by 4WD, heading toward the Danakil Depression and Erta Ale volcano. The 247 km journey takes around five hours, crossing dramatic terrain filled with solidified lava flows, desert plains, and scattered Afar settlements.
Upon arrival at the base camp, rest and prepare for the hike to the summit of Erta Ale. As daylight fades, begin the trek to the volcano’s crater. At the top, take in the extraordinary sight of one of the world’s few permanent lava lakes. The lava shifts and bubbles in mesmerizing patterns, offering a rare natural spectacle.
Later, descend to the base camp for dinner and spend the night either under the stars or in a simple shelter. Overnight camping.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Budget camping

>> Return to the crater for a final look at the volcanic activity. The dramatic views from the top leave a lasting impression. After exploring, head back down to camp for breakfast and rest.
Continue the journey to Hamad Ela, a drive of about five hours. Along the way, stop for a picnic-style meal in the shade of a palm tree, surrounded by desert landscapes.
Arrive in Hamad Ela and explore the village to gain insight into the lives of the local Afar people. Then head out to the nearby Salt Lake Asale, a vast salt-covered expanse. Swim in a natural salt pool, and enjoy a cold drink while taking in the surreal reflections of the landscape as the light begins to fade.
Camp overnight at Hamad Ela.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Budget camping

>> Begin the day with a drive to the Dallol region, one of the most extreme environments on Earth. The area is famous for its vibrant colors, acidic pools, and bizarre formations created by volcanic and geothermal activity. Walk among salt mountains, bubbling springs, and mineral formations that resemble an alien landscape.

After exploring Dallol, return to Hamad Ela for lunch, then continue driving back to Mekelle, concluding the journey through one of Ethiopia’s most extraordinary regions. Stay overnight in Hawzen.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Vision Hotel Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

>> Start with a challenging hike to Abuna Yemata Guh, involving a steep climb and narrow ledges with dramatic drops. The church, carved into the cliff face, features stunning frescoes and a breathtaking setting.

Continue to Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, known for their impressive rock-hewn architecture. Maryam Korkor stands out with its high ceiling and twelve stone pillars.

After lunch, trek to the Gheralta summit (2,700 m) for panoramic views. Descend to Hawzen (1-hour walk), then drive back to Mekelle (2 hours). In the evening, fly back to Addis Ababa. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Hotel Lobelia Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

>> Drive 130 km (3–4 hrs) from Gondar to Debark, the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park. After park registration and picking up support staff, continue to Sankaber (3,250 m).

Take a 2–3 hr acclimatization hike with views of dramatic escarpments and endemic plant life. Spot Gelada baboons along the way.

Accommodation: Sankaber Campsite
Meals: Picnic / Dinner.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP

>> Begin a 6–7 hr trek (13 km) along scenic ridgelines with views of the Jinbar Waterfall and Simien gorges. Look out for vultures, ibex, and rare birds.
Cross the Jinbar River and hike up through farmland to Geech Camp (3,600 m). Optional sunset hike to Kedadit viewpoint (3,760 m).
Accommodation: Geech Campsite
Meals: Breakfast / Picnic / Dinner.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP

>> Full-day trek (7–8 hrs, 15 km) to Imet Gogo (3,926 m) and Inatye (4,070 m) for panoramic views of Ras Dashen and nearby valleys.
Descend to Chennek Camp (3,620 m), known for sightings of Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and possibly Ethiopian wolves.
Accommodation: Chennek Campsite
Meals: Breakfast / Picnic / Dinner.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP

>> Climb up to Bwahit Pass (4,200 m) and optionally summit Ras Bwahit (4,430 m), one of Ethiopia’s highest peaks (5–6 hrs trek, 12 km).
Return to Chennek, then drive back to Gondar via Debark (170 km, approx. 4 hrs).
Meals: Breakfast / Picnic
Accommodation: hotel.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

>> Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. On arrival, meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the town of Lalibela. Spend the day visiting the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, including the cross-shaped St. George Church.

There are no fewer than 200 churches in the Lasta region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves, but it's exceptional to find 11 churches of such master craftsmanship in one location. These brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World."

The churches are said to have been constructed during King Lalibela’s reign in the 12th and 13th centuries, when Lalibela (then known as Roha) was the capital of the Zagwe dynasty.

Overnight in Lalibela.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Sora Lodge Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

>> Fly back to Addis Ababa and connection flight to arbaminchi

After breakfast, visit more rock hewn churches in Lalibela. Then transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. then catch the flight to arbaminchi in the after and overnight arbamich.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Haile Resort Arba Minch Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

>> Depart from Arba Minch and drive to Chencha, set high in the Gughe Mountains, to visit the Dorze people, known for their towering beehive-shaped huts and rich weaving traditions.
After exploring the village, enjoy a nature walk through lush forest trails to Nechisar’s 40 Springs, a peaceful area rich in flora and fauna. Return to Arba Minch for the night.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Haile Resort Arba Minch Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

>> Begin the day with a boat trip on Lake Chamo, where you’ll observe massive crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species.

Continue south to the Konso village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its terraced hillsides, traditional architecture, and wooden ancestral statues.

En route to Turmi, stop by a Bana village, where you’ll meet semi-nomadic communities recognized for their unique clay hair designs and traditional customs. Arrive in Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe. Overnight in Turmi.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Emerald Lodge Turmi Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

>> Travel to Omorate, located near the Omo River, to visit the Dassanech people, known for their rich culture and distinctive body adornments.
Return to Turmi, then drive to Jinka, stopping on the way to visit the Ari people, the largest ethnic group in the Omo Valley. The Ari are skilled in pottery and wear traditional clothing made from enset (false banana) fibers.

Overnight in Jinka.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Nasa Hotel Budget hotel located in Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

>> Drive to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people, famous for their lip plates, ear ornaments, and elaborate scarification. Learn about their customs and lifestyle during your visit.
Return to Jinka and take a flight back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy cultural activities such as traditional music, dance performances, and a coffee ceremony before heading to the airport for departure.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Hotel Lobelia Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

>> Depart Addis Ababa at 7:30 AM, traveling via the expressway to Adama (Nazret). Stop at Lake Beseka for birdwatching, spotting herons, ducks, and cranes.
Continue to Awash National Park, where you may see Beisa Oryx, Hamadryas and Anubis Baboons, Salt’s Dik-dik, and Grivet Monkeys. Visit Awash Falls, where you can observe crocodiles basking near the water.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a game drive as temperatures cool.
Overnight stay at Doho Lodge, a hot spring resort with lake views and thermal pools.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: Doho Lodge & Hot Springs Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

>> Start with an early morning game drive in Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve, an open grassland known for Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, olive baboons, and waterbucks. Birdwatchers may spot kori bustards and Arabian bustards. Leopards and lions are rarely seen here.
Return to Doho Lodge for lunch before driving back to Addis Ababa, marking the end of the tour.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

•  Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)