Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

Highlights:

• Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel.
• Explore Entoto Mountains for panoramic views of the city.
• Visit National Museum and Ethnological Museum for cultural insights.

Evening:

• Traditional Ethiopian dinner at a local restaurant with music and dance.
• Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Addis Ababa to Simien Mountains National Park

Morning:

• Early flight to Gondar (about 1 hour).
• Transfer to Simien Mountains National Park (2-3 hours drive).

Afternoon:

• Begin a scenic hike through Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.
• Spot endemic animals like the Gelada baboon, Walia Ibex, and Ethiopian wolves.
• Visit Sankaber and Geech viewpoints for incredible mountain views.

Evening:

• Overnight at a lodge in the Simien Mountains or camping in the park.

Day 3: Simien Mountains Exploration

Morning:

• Continue hiking in Simien Mountains, exploring higher altitudes and unique geological formations.
• Trek to Imet Gogo for panoramic views over the valleys and deep gorges.

Afternoon:

• Explore Chenek Plateau, a stunning area known for its wild beauty and wildlife, including the Ethiopian wolf.

Evening:

• Overnight in the Simien Mountains.

Day 4: Simien Mountains to Lalibela

Morning:

• Drive or take a flight to Lalibela (around 1 hour by plane or 6 hours by road).

Afternoon:

• Visit the famous Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, including the iconic Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Giyorgis. These churches are carved directly into the rock, set against a beautiful mountainous backdrop.

Evening:

• Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant.
• Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 5: Lalibela to Axum

Morning:

• Take a short flight to Axum (40 minutes).
• Upon arrival, explore the historical Stelae Field, home to massive obelisks from the ancient Aksumite civilization.

Afternoon:

• Visit St. Mary of Zion Church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
• Explore the Queen of Sheba’s Palace and the ruins of ancient Axumite structures.

Evening:

• Overnight in Axum.

Day 6: Axum to Danakil Depression

Morning:

• Take a flight to Mekele (about 1 hour).
• From Mekele, drive to the Danakil Depression (5-6 hours), one of the hottest and most extreme places on Earth, known for its otherworldly landscape.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Dallol Volcano with its multi-colored hot springs and salt deposits.
• Explore the Erta Ale Lava Lake, known for its constant volcanic activity (a hike may be required depending on the tour schedule).

Evening:

• Overnight in the Danakil Depression (basic accommodation or camping).

Day 7: Danakil Depression Exploration

Morning:

• Visit the Salt Flats and Afar Salt Mining Pits, where locals harvest salt using traditional methods in the extreme heat.
• Explore the Afar People’s unique lifestyle in this challenging environment.

Afternoon:

• Continue to Lake Afdera, a saltwater lake that adds to the otherworldly feel of the area.
• Explore the dramatic geological formations and experience one of the most isolated and extreme environments on Earth.

Evening:

• Return to Mekele for overnight.

Day 8: Mekele to Bale Mountains National Park

Morning:

• Take a flight to Addis Ababa and connect with a flight or drive to Bale Mountains National Park (6-7 hours by road, or a shorter flight if available).

Afternoon:

• Arrive at Bale Mountains National Park, a high-altitude park known for its diverse ecosystems, including alpine meadows, bamboo forests, and deep valleys.
• Visit the Sanetti Plateau and enjoy wildlife sightings, including the rare Bale monkey.

Evening:

• Overnight in the park, either in a lodge or camping.

Day 9: Bale Mountains Exploration

Morning:

• Explore Bale Mountains National Park on foot, focusing on Sanetti Plateau, one of the highest points in Ethiopia.
• Spot wildlife such as Ethiopian wolves, Bale monkeys, and various bird species.

Afternoon:

• Explore the Harenna Forest, one of the last remaining tropical rainforests in Ethiopia, known for its unique flora and fauna.
• Visit the Mendalo River Gorge for more incredible landscapes.

Evening:

• Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Return to Addis Ababa and Departure

Morning:

• Drive or fly back to Addis Ababa (if by flight, it’s about 1.5 hours).

Afternoon:

• Depending on your flight schedule, visit the National Museum or Merkato for final souvenirs and cultural experiences.

Evening:

• Transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure flight.