14 Day Ethiopia Adventure Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

• Arrival: Meet at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel.

• City Tour: Visit the National Museum to see "Lucy," the 3.2-million-year-old ancestor, and other historical artifacts.

• Ethnological Museum: Explore exhibits on Ethiopia’s cultural heritage in Haile Selassie’s former palace, including his preserved private rooms.

• Mercato Market: Stroll through Africa’s largest open-air market, a bustling hub of activity with unique local goods.

• Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa.

 

Day 2: Lalibela Churches (Northwestern Cluster)

• Flight to Lalibela: Early transfer to the airport for your domestic flight.

• Rock-Hewn Churches: Explore the Northwestern Cluster, including:

  • Bet Medhane Alem: The largest monolithic church in the world.

  • Bet Maryam: A beautifully decorated church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

  • Other Churches: Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha.

• Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela.

 

Day 3: Lalibela Churches (Southeastern Cluster)

• Explore More Churches: Visit the Southeastern Cluster, including:

  • Bet Gabriel-Rufael: A unique twin church.

  • Bet Abba Libanos: A semi-monolithic church connected to legend.

  • Bet Giyorgis: The iconic, cross-shaped church dedicated to Saint George.

• Afternoon: Free time to relax or explore the town.

• Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela.

 

Day 4: Trek to Ad Medhane Alem Village

• Start Trekking: Depart from Lalibela, ascending the scenic Lasta Mountains.

• Stops Along the Way:

  • Merabarbu Plateau: Enjoy snacks and stunning views.

  • Ad Medhane Alem Plateau: A breathtaking lookout over the Ethiopian Highlands.

• Village Stay: Arrive at Ad Medhane Alem Village, meet your host family, and participate in daily activities like the Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

• Overnight: Traditional hut in the village.

 

Day 5: Trek to Abune Yosef Peaks

• Trek to Abune Yosef (4000m): Pass through villages and farms, greeted by local children.

• Highlights:

  • Zigit Peaks: Small and Big Zigits with panoramic mountain views.

  • Rim Gedel: Climb one of Ethiopia's highest peaks at 4284m.

• Cultural Activities: Participate in local life—milking cows, baking injera, or visiting a mountain school.

• Overnight: Zigit Eco Lodge.

 

Day 6: Return to Lalibela

• Trek Back: Pass by Asheten Maryam Monastery, a historic cave church with ancient crosses and manuscripts.

• Arrival: Return to Lalibela by mid-afternoon.

• Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela.

 

Day 7: Gondar City Tour

• Flight to Gondar: Morning flight from Lalibela.

• Tour Highlights:

  • Royal Enclosure: Explore castles and ruins from the Gondarine period.

  • Debre Birhan Selassie Church: Marvel at vibrant murals, including the iconic angel ceiling.

• Overnight: Hotel in Gondar.

 

Day 8: Simien Mountains Trekking Begins (Sankaber)

• Drive to Debark: Obtain Simien National Park permits.

• Hike to Sankaber: Begin with a short acclimatization hike amidst dramatic cliffs and valleys.

• Wildlife Spotting: Look for Gelada baboons and rare birds.

• Overnight: Camping at Sankaber.

 

Day 9: Trek to Geech

• Trek Duration: 5–6 hours along the escarpment.

• Highlights:

  • Genbar Falls: A stunning 500m waterfall.

  • Mount Kedadit: Enjoy a spectacular sunset from the peak.

• Overnight: Camping at Geech.

 

Day 10: Trek to Chenek & Return to Gondar

• Morning Trek: Descend through the escarpments to Chenek, with opportunities to spot wildlife like Walia ibex.

• Drive to Gondar: Return for an overnight stay.

 

Day 11: Free Day in Addis Ababa

• Flight Back: Return to Addis Ababa for a day of rest.

• Optional Activities: Explore local markets or visit additional landmarks.

• Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa.

 

Day 12: Dallol Exploration

• Flight to Semera: Transfer to the Afar region.

• Highlights:

  • Dallol: Witness colorful volcanic landscapes, salt formations, and sulfur springs.

  • Camel Caravans: Observe the traditional salt trade at Lake Assale.

• Overnight: Camping in Hamedela.

 

Day 13: Trek to Erta Ale Volcano

• Journey to Dodom: Drive through rugged desert terrain.

• Trek to Erta Ale: Evening hike to the summit to witness the world’s only permanent lava lake.

• Overnight: Camping at the volcano rim.

 

Day 14: Return to Addis Ababa

• Hike Down: Early descent to Dodom and drive to Semera.

• Flight Back: Return to Addis Ababa to conclude your journey.

• Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa or departure.