Ethiopia · Wildlife

14-Day Ethiopia History and Wildlife Expedition with Lalibela and Simien

14 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Moderate pace
Ethiopia Grand Expedition
Ethiopia Grand Expedition
Ethiopia Grand Expedition
rock-hewn churches in Lalibela

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the dramatic landscapes and wildlife of the Simien Mountains National Park
  • 02 Discover the royal castles and historic heritage of Gondar
  • 03 Visit the world-famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
  • 04 Experience Ethiopia's biodiversity in the Bale Mountains and Rift Valley lakes

Explore Ethiopia on a comprehensive 14-day journey through its most iconic cultural and natural highlights. Discover the dramatic Simien Mountains, explore Gondar's royal castles, and visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Experience Rift Valley lakes rich in birdlife, search for rare wildlife in the Bale Mountains, and connect with living traditions. This immersive private expedition blends history, spirituality, landscapes, and biodiversity across Ethiopia.

Visit the iconic Bete Giyorgis, carved in the shape of a perfect cross.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 14 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Addis Ababa, Gondar, Debre Zeyit, Awassa, Lalibela, Simien Mountains National Park, Bale Mountains National Park, Lake Langano, Abijatta-Shalla National Park, Ziway
Languages Dutch, English, French, Italian

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Addis Ababa

  • Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and meet your guide.
  • Transfer to your hotel for check-in.
  • Enjoy rest and acclimatization or a light city walk, depending on your arrival time.
  • Addis Ababa offers a gentle introduction to Ethiopian culture and hospitality.

Overnight at Best Western Plus Addis Ababa.

2
Day 02

Fly to Gondar and Continue to the Simien Mountains

  • Take a morning flight to Gondar.
  • Drive towards the Simien Mountains National Park.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of highland plateaus, deep valleys, and dramatic escarpments.
  • Spend time enjoying the mountain scenery and sunset views.

Overnight at Simien Lodge, Simien Mountains National Park.

3
Day 03

Explore the Simien Mountains

  • Explore one of Africa's most majestic mountain landscapes.
  • Walk along escarpment trails revealing vast canyons and dramatic cliffs.
  • Encounter Gelada baboons, known for their gentle behaviour and social nature.
  • Observe birdlife including lammergeyer vultures, thick-billed ravens, and eagles.
  • Balance scenic walking, wildlife encounters, and time to absorb the landscape.

Overnight at Simien Lodge, Simien Mountains National Park.

4
Day 04

Return to Gondar and Discover Its Historic Sites

  • Return to Gondar after breakfast.
  • Visit the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with castles and banquet halls.
  • Explore Fasilides Bath, still used for the Orthodox Timket celebration.
  • Visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its ceiling of angelic faces.

Overnight at Gondar Hills Resort, Gondar.

5
Day 05

Fly to Lalibela

  • Take a morning flight to Lalibela.
  • Begin exploring the first cluster of rock-hewn churches.
  • Walk through narrow passages, tunnels, and hidden courtyards.
  • Learn about churches carved from volcanic tuff during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
  • Observe active places of worship still in use today.

Overnight at Sora Lodge, Lalibela.

6
Day 06

Full Exploration of Lalibela

  • Explore the remaining churches, monasteries, and sacred spaces of Lalibela.
  • Visit the iconic Bete Giyorgis, carved in the shape of a perfect cross.
  • Learn about one of the world's most remarkable monolithic structures.
  • Experience Ethiopian hospitality through cultural interaction and traditions.

Overnight at Sora Lodge, Lalibela.

7
Day 07

Fly to Addis Ababa and Drive to Debre Zeit

  • Fly back to Addis Ababa in the morning.
  • Drive south to Debre Zeit in the central Rift Valley.
  • Enjoy a peaceful lakeside retreat surrounded by volcanic crater lakes.
  • Observe rich birdlife around the lakes.

Overnight at Haile Resort Ziway.

8
Day 08

Lake Langano and Abijatta-Shalla National Park

  • Continue the journey to Lake Langano.
  • Visit Abijatta-Shalla National Park in the afternoon.
  • Observe flamingos, pelicans, hornbills, and ostriches.
  • Experience soda lakes, open plains, and wildlife-rich landscapes.

Overnight at Sabana Beach Resort, Langano.

9
Day 09

Drive to Bale Mountains National Park

  • Travel deeper into the Ethiopian highlands.
  • Arrive at Bale Mountains National Park.
  • Visit Dinsho headquarters for wildlife viewing.
  • Observe Menelik's bushbuck, mountain nyala, and warthogs.
  • Learn about the Bale Mountains' high-altitude ecosystems.

Overnight at Nurobe Hotel, Bale Robe.

10
Day 10

Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest

  • Explore the Sanetti Plateau, home to the rare Ethiopian wolf.
  • Admire volcanic plains dotted with giant lobelia plants.
  • Descend into the lush Harenna Forest.
  • Observe wild coffee forests, endemic birds, and moss-draped trees.

Overnight at Nurobe Hotel, Bale Robe.

11
Day 11

Full Day in the Bale Mountains

  • Explore the Bale Mountains at a relaxed pace.
  • Walk forest trails and enjoy birdwatching opportunities.
  • Photograph wildlife and landscapes.
  • Visit traditional mountain villages.

Overnight at Nurobe Hotel, Bale Robe.

12
Day 12

Drive to Hawassa

  • Leave the Bale Mountains and descend into the Rift Valley.
  • Arrive in the lakeside city of Hawassa.
  • Enjoy free time to relax by the lake.
  • Watch for hippos near the shoreline at sunset.

Overnight at Haile Resort, Hawassa.

13
Day 13

Hawassa and Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Visit Hawassa fish market and observe daily fishing activities.
  • Learn about traditional fish preparation methods.
  • Travel to Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Observe the endemic Swayne's hartebeest, gazelles, and savanna wildlife.

Overnight at Haile Resort, Hawassa.

14
Day 14

Return to Addis Ababa and Departure

  • Travel back to Addis Ababa after breakfast.
  • Enjoy a short city visit or last-minute shopping, depending on your departure time.
  • Conclude the journey with a farewell dinner featuring Ethiopian cuisine and cultural music.
  • Transfer to the airport for your international departure.
Simien Mountains National Park escarpments, Bete Giyorgis rock-hewn church, Sanetti Plateau volcanic plains

Where this trip takes you

Simien Mountains National Park escarpments, Bete Giyorgis rock-hewn church, Sanetti Plateau volcanic plains

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Addis Ababa 10 cities · 14 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 13 nights' accommodation in hotels, lodges, and resorts (single room)
  • 3 domestic flights: Addis Ababa - Gondar, Gondar - Lalibela, Lalibela - Addis Ababa (with Ethiopian Airlines)
  • Private air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle with professional driver
  • All airport transfers
  • All meals during the tour
  • 2 litres of bottled water per person per day
  • English-speaking professional local guide
  • Scout and park ranger fees where required
  • All park entrance fees and community fees
  • All sightseeing and activities mentioned in the itinerary

What's Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Accommodation on the final day in Addis Ababa
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal drinks
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
  • Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
  • Any services not clearly mentioned in the "What's Included" section

What to bring

  • Valid passport and travel documents
  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Light jacket or warm clothing for highland areas
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Personal toiletries and medications
  • Camera or smartphone for photography
  • Small daypack for daily excursions
  • Reusable water bottle

Know before you go

  • This is one of our signature programmes, designed with a sense of luxury and carefully selected high-end accommodation.
  • This is a private tour designed for flexibility and comfort.
  • Domestic flights are subject to schedule changes.
  • Some destinations are located at high altitude, and acclimatization is recommended.
  • Weather conditions vary by region, so packing layers is advised.
  • Respect local customs, especially at religious sites.
  • Modest clothing is required when visiting churches and monasteries.
  • The tour order may change due to weather conditions or operational reasons.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Meet and greet at the arrivals hall by your guide or company representative.
Tour start
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 14 days finish where they began, in Addis Ababa.

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Starting from

USD 2,540 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $2,540.00 — $2,890.00
Double Sharing $2,540.00 — $2,890.00

When

Travellers

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