17 Days Exploring Northern Ethiopia Tours
17-Day Ethiopia Tour Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. Explore key landmarks and cultural sites. Day 2: Addis Ababa to Danakil Depression Drive to Ragad to witness salt mining activities. Visit Dallol's colorful landscapes, Lake Assal, and camel caravans. Overnight in Hamadella. Day 3: Dallol to Erta Ale Drive to Erta Ale, home to the world's only permanent lava lake. Trek to Dodom, then camp near Erta Ale. Day 4: Erta Ale to Mekelle Watch the sunrise over the crater. After breakfast, descend and visit Lake Giulietti before heading to Mekelle for the night. Day 5: Mekelle to Gheralta Explore Tigray's rock-hewn churches, including Abrha We Ashibha and Abune Yemata Guh. Overnight in Hawzen. Day 6: Hawzen to Axum Visit the ruins of Yeha and Debre Damo Monastery before returning to Axum for the night. Day 7: Exploring Axum Discover Axum’s historical sites like the obelisks, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath, and St. Mary of Zion Church. Overnight in Axum. Day 8: Axum to Simien Mountains National Park Drive to Sankaber, stopping at the park head office to register. Enjoy a short trek around the campsite. Overnight in Sankaber. Day 9: Trek from Sankaber to Gich Camp Hike to Gich Camp via Jinibar Falls, taking approximately 6 hours. Day 10: Trek from Gich to Chennek Trek to Chennek via Imet Gogo, observing stunning views and endemic wildlife. Overnight in Chennek. Day 11: Summit Ras Bwahit Trek to Ethiopia’s second-highest peak, Ras Bwahit (4,430m), then return to Chennek. Day 12: Morning Trek and Transfer to Gondar Explore Chennek in the morning, then transfer back to Gondar. Day 13: Historical Gondar Visit Fasilidas' Castle, Fasilidas Swimming Pool, and Debre Birhan Selassie Church. Overnight in Gondar. Day 14: Gondar to Bahir Dar Drive to Bahir Dar, then enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana, visiting historic monasteries and a local market. Day 15: Blue Nile Falls Visit the Blue Nile Falls in the morning, then return to Gondar for an overnight stay. Day 16: Gondar to Lalibela Fly to Lalibela and explore rock-hewn churches, including the Northwestern and Southeastern Clusters. Overnight in Lalibela. Day 17: Lalibela to Addis Ababa Attend early church services if applicable. After breakfast, fly back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy sightseeing and overnight stay in the city. This itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Ethiopia’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage.