15 Days North & South Ethiopia Tour: Lake Tana, Gonder, Lalibela, Dallol, Arba Minch, Jinka & Turmi
Overview
Experience the best of Ethiopia on this 15-day combined north and south Ethiopia tour. Discover the historical wonders of Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela, and the Simien Mountains before venturing into the dramatic Danakil Depression and the fascinating tribal cultures of the Omo Valley. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of history, adventure, landscapes, wildlife, and authentic cultural encounters.
Day 1: Visit Addis Ababa
In the morning, visit Entoto Mountain, the National Museum, and the Ethnographic Museum. In the afternoon, visit Trinity Cathedral and Merkato, the biggest open-air market in Africa.
Overnight: Triple E Hotel, Addis Ababa
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar
Visit the island monasteries of Lake Tana including Kibran Gabriel, Entos Eyesus, Ura Kidane Mihiret, and Azwa Mariam. In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Nile Falls.
Overnight: Jacaranda Hotel
Day 3: Bahir Dar – Gondar
Drive to Gondar and visit the Royal Enclosure, Fasiladas Bath, Debre Berhan Selassie Church, and Kuskuam Complex.
Overnight: AG Hotel, Gondar
Day 4: Gondar – Sankaber
Drive to Debark and begin trekking in the Simien Mountains. Enjoy scenic landscapes and possible sightings of Gelada baboons.
Overnight: Campsite
Day 5: Sankaber – Gondar
Trek to Geech via Jinbar Waterfall before returning to Gondar.
Overnight: AG Hotel
Day 6: Gondar – Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela and visit the first group of rock-hewn churches.
Overnight: Panoramic View Hotel
Day 7: Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Semera
Visit Lalibela in the morning before flying to Addis Ababa and continuing to Semera.
Overnight: Ardi Hotel
Day 8: Semera – Erta Ale Volcano
Drive to Dodom and trek to Erta Ale Volcano to witness the famous lava lake.
Overnight: Camping
Day 9: Erta Ale – Hamad Ela
Descend from Erta Ale and continue to Hamad Ela while observing camel caravans and salt lakes.
Overnight: Camping
Day 10: Hamad Ela – Dallol – Semera
Visit the salt mining areas of Ragad and the colorful hydrothermal landscapes of Dallol before returning to Semera.
Overnight: Triple E Hotel
Day 11: Addis Ababa – Arba Minch
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles and hippos, then visit the Dorze people in the Gughe Mountains.
Overnight: Mora Height Hotel, Arba Minch
Day 12: Arba Minch – Jinka
Drive to Jinka via Weyto and Key Afer while visiting local cultural attractions.
Overnight: Jinka Resort
Day 13: Jinka – Turmi
Drive to the Hamer region, visiting colorful tribal markets along the way. Enjoy the traditional Evangadi dance in the evening.
Overnight: Emerald Lodge, Turmi
Day 14: Visit Turmi
Visit Omorate and cross the Omo River by local boat to meet the Dassanech tribe. If available, attend the Hamer bull jumping ceremony.
Overnight: Emerald Lodge, Turmi
Day 15: Turmi – Arba Minch – Addis Ababa
Drive back to Arba Minch and fly to Addis Ababa in the late afternoon. End of the tour.
Included in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar and Lalibela
- Car with driver and fuel
- Accommodation
- Guide service
- Entrance fees
- Boat trip on Lake Tana
- Domestic flights
Included in Simien Mountains
- 4WD transportation to and from Gondar
- Guide
- Scout
- Cook and cooking materials
- Mule and mule handler
- Tent or community house accommodation
- Sleeping bags and mattresses
- All park entrance fees
- Food and bottled mineral water
Included in Danakil
- 4WD land cruisers with AC
- Fuel expenses and driver allowances
- All entrance fees and permits
- Accommodation and meals throughout the tour
- Local Afar guide service
- Cooking and camping equipment
- Experienced cook throughout the tour
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...