Quick summary
9-Day Lalibela, Gonder, Simien, Bahir Dar & Danakil is a 9 days tour in Ethiopia via the Lalibela, Gonder, Simien, Bahir Dar & Danakil route, starting from USD 2555. See the latest itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, and secure booking options below.
9 days
Lalibela, Gonder, Simien, Bahir Dar & Danakil
USD 2555
Kitano Tours & Safaris
About 9-Day Lalibela, Gonder, Simien, Bahir Dar & Danakil
Begin your exploration of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site, often referred to as "New Jerusalem." Admire Ethiopia's dramatic highland scenery during the drive. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit historic monasteries. Join a guided group and drive towards the Danakil Depression, one of the Earth's most extreme environments.
- Duration: 9 days
- Route: Lalibela, Gonder, Simien, Bahir Dar & Danakil
- From: USD 2555
Highlights for 9-Day Lalibela, Gonder, Simien, Bahir Dar & Danakil
Day 1: Addis Ababa - Lalibela
Day 2: Lalibela - Gonder
Day 3: Gonder - Simien Mountains
Day 4: Trek in Simien Mountains - Return to Gonder
Day 5: Gonder - Bahir dar
Day 6: Blue Nile - Fly back to Addis ababa
Day 7: Addis Ababa - Semera - Danakil Depression
Day 8: Explore Dallol and Erta Ale Volcano
Day 9: Danakil - Mekelle - Addis Ababa
Itinerary overview
| Day | Title |
|---|---|
| Day 01 | Addis Ababa - Lalibela |
| Day 02 | Lalibela - Gonder |
| Day 03 | Gonder - Simien Mountains |
| Day 04 | Trek in Simien Mountains - Return to Gonder |
| Day 05 | Gonder - Bahir dar |
| Day 06 | Blue Nile - Fly back to Addis ababa |
| Day 07 | Addis Ababa - Semera - Danakil Depression |
| Day 08 | Explore Dallol and Erta Ale Volcano |
| Day 09 | Danakil - Mekelle - Addis Ababa |
Day 01: 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.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 02: 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.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
- Accommodation: HaZ Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)
Day 03: 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.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
- Accommodation: Budget camping
Day 04: Trek in Simien Mountains - Return to Gonder
>> Trek in Simien Mountains - Return to Gonder.
Embark 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.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
- Accommodation: HaZ Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)
Day 05: 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.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Bete Daniel Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)
Day 06: 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.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
- Accommodation: Caravan Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)
Day 07: 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.
- Time: 8-10 Hours
- Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
- Accommodation: Budget camping
Day 08: 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.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
- Accommodation: Budget camping
Day 09: 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.
- Time: 8-10Hrs
- Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
- 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)