14-Day Ethiopia Grand Expedition Through History Wildlife and Landscapes
Highlights
Addis Ababa, Gondar, Simien Mountains National Park, Lalibela, Abijatta-Shalla National Park
Locations Covered
Addis Ababa, Gondar, Simien Mountains National Park, Lalibela, Abijatta-Shalla National Park
nature, historical, Wildlife
Private Tour
14 Days
Medium
Dutch, English, French, Italian
Languages
Dutch, English, French, Italian
Description
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.
Itinerary
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Day 1: 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 acclimatisation or a light city walk depending on arrival time.
- Addis Ababa offers a gentle introduction to Ethiopian culture and hospitality.
Overnight at Best Western Plus Addis Ababa.
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Day 2: Fly to Gondar and Drive 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.
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Day 3: Simien Mountains Exploration
- 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.
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Day 4: Return to Gondar and Historical Exploration
- 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.
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Day 5: 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.
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Day 6: 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.
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Day 7: 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.
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Day 8: 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.
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Day 9: 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.
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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.
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Day 11: Full Day in 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.
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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.
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Day 13: Hawassa Experience 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.
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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 departure time.
- Conclude the journey with a farewell dinner featuring Ethiopian cuisine and cultural music.
- Transfer to the airport for international departure.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
| Adult | |
|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | /person |
| 4 to 5 | /person |
| Child | |
| 1 to 5 | /person |
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This is a private tour |
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