Ethiopia: 23-Day Grand Tour with Trekking & Camping

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in Ethiopia’s diverse landscapes, from mountains to deserts
• Trek through the Simien Mountains and encounter gelada baboons
• Explore the ancient city of Axum and visit the Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion
• Witness the surreal landscapes of Dallol and the active volcano Erta Ale
• Discover the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the tribes of the Omo Valley

Description

Day 1: Gondar – Sankaber (3250m) Drive from Gondar to Debark for park permits, then continue into the Simien Mountains. hike with views and gelada baboons. Day 2: Sankaber – Gich (3600m) Trek 5–6 hours through Kaba Valley to the Gich Abyss. See the 500m Jinbar waterfall and spot lammergeyers. Day 3: Gich Exploration Visit Imet Gogo (3926m), Seha, and Kedadit viewpoints. Explore giant lobelia fields and deep gorges. Sunset at Kedadit. Day 4: Gich – Chennek (3600m) Descend into the Jinbahir Valley, then ascend to a 4070m summit during a 7–8 hour hike. Overnight in Chennek, habitat of the Walia Ibex. Day 5: Chennek – Buwahit – Debark Climb Buwahit Peak (4430m) for views of Ras Dashen. Spot wildlife, then descend and return to Debark. Day 6: Debark – Axum Travel by public bus and mini-van through rugged terrain to Axum. Day 7: Historic Axum Explore the ancient capital: stelae fields, archaeological museum, and St. Mary of Zion church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. Day 8: Axum – Yeha – Debre Damo – Gheralta Visit Yeha's 800 BC temple and the cliff-top Debre Damo Monastery (rope access). Continue to Hawzen in Tigray. Day 9: Gheralta – Herhale – Ahmed Ela Enter the Afar region. Organize Danakil trek logistics in Herhale, then overnight at Ahmed Ela under the stars. Day 10: Dallol Excursion Visit Dallol's colorful sulfur springs, salt formations, and Afar salt miners. Return to Ahmed Ela. Day 11: Ahmed Ela – Erta Ale Trek Drive to Kusrewad and hike to the active Erta Ale volcano. Camp near the lava lake. Day 12: Erta Ale – Afdera Descend and drive to Afdera, known for its salt lake and production sites. Camp overnight. Day 13: Afdera – Weldeya Long drive through rugged landscapes toward Weldeya. Day 14: Weldeya – Lalibela Arrive in Lalibela. Begin exploring the rock-hewn churches if time permits. Day 15: Lalibela Churches Full day at the UNESCO-listed rock churches. Explore tunnels, chapels, and active worship sites. Day 16: Lalibela – Addis Ababa Fly or drive to Addis. City tour includes Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Ethnological Museum. Day 17: Addis – Arba Minch Drive south via Shashemene. Visit the Dorze people, known for bamboo houses and weaving. Enjoy views over Lakes Abaya and Chamo. Day 18: Arba Minch – Nech Sar NP – Lake Chamo Morning safari in Nech Sar NP. Afternoon boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles and hippos. Day 19: Arba Minch – Jinka Drive through Konso and Woyto. Visit Konso terraces and meet Tsemay people. Overnight in Jinka. Day 20: Jinka – Mago NP – Mursi Village Visit Mago NP and the Mursi tribe, known for lip plates. Explore Ari villages near Jinka. Day 21: Jinka – Turmi via Key Afer & Dimeka If Thursday, visit Bena market. Continue to Turmi, home of the Hamer people. Day 22: Turmi – Konso – Arba Minch Visit Arbore tribe and “New York” rock formations. See Konso villages and Waga sculptures. Day 23: Arba Minch – Addis Ababa Return to Addis via scenic Butajira and Hossana. Tour ends in the capital.

Includes

Scenic drive from Gondar to Debark Introductory trek in Simien Mountains Visit to Gich Abyss and Jinbar waterfall Exploration of Imet Gogo, Seha, and Kedadit Hike to Chennek and Buwahit Peak Visit to ancient Axum and stelae fields Drive through Tigray and visit Yeha temple Dallol excursion Trek to Erta Ale volcano Visit to Lalibela rock-hewn churches Safari in Nech Sar National Park Boat trip on Lake Chamo Visit to Mago National Park and Mursi village Visit to Konso tribe and traditions domestic flights meals

Important Information

• The tour involves long hikes and treks, suitable for those with good fitness levels. Altitude sickness can be a concern; acclimatization days are included. Some areas require special permits, which are arranged in advance. Weather can vary greatly; pack accordingly. Cultural sensitivity is important when visiting tribal areas.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund