14 Days Northern Ethiopia Tour Package – Danakil Depression, Simien Mountains, Axum & Lalibela

Overview

Discover the dramatic landscapes, ancient history, and cultural treasures of Northern Ethiopia on this 14-day adventure. Explore the wildlife of Awash National Park, experience the surreal landscapes of the Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano, trek through the breathtaking Simien Mountains, and visit Ethiopia’s historic treasures including Axum, Gondar, and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. This journey combines nature, trekking, history, culture, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites into one unforgettable Ethiopian experience.

Day 1: Addis Ababa – Awash National Park

After breakfast, start the drive towards the east via Debre Zeit town, which is famous for its several crater lakes. Arrive at Awash National Park in the afternoon. After settling in, embark on an afternoon game drive to see the variety of wildlife inhabiting the park. You may see gazelles, baboons, warthogs, and other animals.

Overnight: Genet Hotel

Day 2: Awash National Park Trek – Semera

Start your day with a two-hour hike through Awash National Park. Located in Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley, Awash is home to beautiful landscapes and a wide variety of bird and animal species. Then drive to Semera via the Chercher Mountains.

Overnight: Ardi Hotel

Day 3: Semera – Hamed Ela

Drive to Hamed Ela via Berhale (639 meters above sea level). The Danakil Depression begins here and is one of the most inhospitable yet spectacular regions in the world, filled with colorful sulfur springs and dramatic landscapes. Pass through Berhale town where camel caravans stop before proceeding to the northern highlands. En route, see camel caravans transporting salt from the mines.

Overnight: Camping

Day 4: Hamed Ela – Dodom (Erta Ale)

Start early after breakfast and drive to Askoma at the base of Erta Ale Volcano. The journey passes through lava fields, rocky desert terrain, and occasional palm-lined oases. Camels transport camping materials and supplies to the volcano rim where you will spend the night watching the dramatic lava lake.

Overnight: Camping

Day 5: Hamed Ela – Mekele

Enjoy sunrise at Erta Ale Volcano and explore the volcanic craters. Afterwards, return to Askoma for breakfast before continuing to Lake Afdera, a saltwater lake located below sea level. Continue the drive back toward Semera.

Overnight: Homeland Hotel

Day 6: Mekele – Gheralta

After breakfast, continue trekking while admiring the spectacular scenery, wildlife, and traditional Tigray houses. Visit Mariam Papsite Church before trekking to the base camp.

Overnight: Vision Hotel

Day 7: Gheralta – Axum

Drive from Mekele toward the Gheralta Mountains and begin trekking to the mountain church of Yohannes Maqudi. Continue trekking to the beautifully decorated Abune Abraham Church, dating back to the 7th century AD, before descending to the base camp.

Overnight: Yared Zema International Hotel

Day 8: Visit Axum

After breakfast, visit Axum and explore its churches and historical attractions.

Overnight: Yared Zema International Hotel

Day 9: Axum – Debark

After breakfast, drive to Debark with sightseeing stops along the way.

Overnight: Debark

Day 10: Debark – Sankaber

Trek through the Simien Mountains via the spectacular Jinbar Waterfall. Continue to Geech village and enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and giant lobelia plants around the campsite.

Overnight: Campsite

Day 11: Sankaber – Gondar

Drive from Gondar to Debark to obtain permits and collect the obligatory scout before continuing to Sankaber for trekking. Along the route, there is a good chance of spotting Gelada baboons.

Overnight: AG Hotel

Day 12: Visit Gondar

Morning city tour of Gondar, the former capital of the Ethiopian Empire. Visit the Royal Enclosure, Debre Berhan Selassie Church, and the colorful Gondar market.

Overnight: AG Hotel

Day 13: Gondar – Lalibela

After breakfast, fly to Lalibela and visit Bet Golgotha, Bet Mikael, Bet Mariam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, and Bet Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world.

Overnight: Panoramic View Hotel

Day 14: Lalibela – Addis Ababa

Morning visit to the first group of Lalibela churches before flying back to Addis Ababa.