14 Days Adventure Tour to Danakil Depression, Gheralta Mountains, 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.
Included in Danakil (Full Board)
- 4WD land cruisers with AC (4 clients per vehicle)
- All fuel expenses and driver allowances
- All required entrance fees and permits
- Accommodation and all meals throughout the tour
- Local Afar region guide service
- Cooking and camping equipment
- Experienced cook throughout the tour
Included in Simien Mountains (Full Board)
- Transportation in and out
- Food and mineral water
- Cook
- English-speaking guide
- Mandatory park ranger
- Park entrance fees
- Camping equipment including tents, mattresses, and sleeping bags
- Mules and mule handlers for luggage transport
Included in Other Destinations
- Car with driver
- Entrance fees
- Accommodation
- Guide service
- Bottled water during the tours
Destinations & Activities
2 Days Simien Mountains Trekking
Overview The Simien Mountains National Park in Northern Ethiopia is an exotic settingwith unique wildlife and breathtaking views of a landscape shaped by nature and traditional agriculture. The natural beauties of this region have always filled visitors from Ethiopia...
2 Days Awash National park
Overview The Simien Mountains National Park in Northern Ethiopia is an exotic setting with unique wildlife and breathtaking views of a landscape shaped by nature and traditional agriculture. The natural beauties of this region have always filled visitors from Ethiopia...
2 Days Tour to Danakil Depression
Overview The Danakil Depression is the northern part of the Afar Triangle or Afar Depression in Ethiopia, a geological depression that has resulted from the divergence of three tectonic plates in the Horn of Africa. A geological depression caused by the continental...
3 Days Geralta Mountains Trekking
Overview The Simien Mountains National Park in Northern Ethiopia is an exotic setting with unique wildlife and breathtaking views of a landscape shaped by nature and traditional agriculture. The natural beauties of this region have always filled visitors from Ethiopia...
3 Days Trek To Simien Mountains
Overview The Simien Mountains National Park in Northern Ethiopia is an exotic setting with unique wildlife and breathtaking views of a landscape shaped by nature and traditional agriculture. The natural beauties of this region have always filled visitors from Ethiopia...
3 Days Danakil Depression Tours
Day 1: Semera – Afdera Lake – Erta Ale Volcano After Breakfast you will fly to Semera, the capital of the Afar region, where you will be picked up at the airport by your expedition crew. From here it’s straight on to the Danakil Depression where you’ll reach the hot...