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 the National Museum of Ethiopia and the Ethnological Museum.
• Traditional Ethiopian dinner with live music and dance at a local restaurant.

Evening:

• Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Addis Ababa to Simien Mountains National Park

Morning:

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

Afternoon:

• Begin a scenic hike in Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Spot wildlife such as Gelada baboons, Walia Ibex, and Ethiopian wolves.
• Visit Sankaber and Geech viewpoints for breathtaking mountain views.

Evening:

• Overnight in the Simien Mountains (lodge or camping).

Day 3: Full Day in Simien Mountains

Morning:

• Continue hiking through Simien Mountains to the Imet Gogo viewpoint for spectacular panoramic views of the valleys.
• Explore Chenek Plateau, a high-altitude area with dramatic landscapes and wildlife sightings.

Afternoon:

• Hike through the rugged terrain to experience the beauty of the park.

Evening:

• Overnight in the Simien Mountains.

Day 4: Simien Mountains to Lalibela

Morning:

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

Afternoon:

• Visit the famous Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Giyorgis.
• These churches are carved into the rock, set in a dramatic natural landscape.

Evening:

• Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner.
• Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 5: Lalibela to Axum

Morning:

• Take a short flight to Axum (40 minutes).
• Explore the ancient Stelae Field, featuring monumental obelisks from the Axumite Empire.

Afternoon:

• Visit St. Mary of Zion Church, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
• Explore the Queen of Sheba’s Palace ruins and King Ezana’s Inscription.

Evening:

• Overnight in Axum.

Day 6: Axum to Danakil Depression

Morning:

• Take a flight to Mekele (1 hour).
• Drive to Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most extreme environments on Earth (5-6 hours).

Afternoon:

• Explore the Dallol Volcano and its surreal hot springs, sulfur pools, and colorful mineral deposits.
• Visit Erta Ale Lava Lake, known for its continuous volcanic activity (hike required).

Evening:

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

Day 7: Danakil Depression Exploration

Morning:

• Explore the Afar Salt Flats and Salt Mining Pits where locals harvest salt using traditional methods.
• Experience the harsh yet fascinating environment of the Danakil.

Afternoon:

• Continue visiting the Erta Ale volcano or nearby Lake Afdera for additional geological wonders.

Evening:

• Return to Mekele for overnight.

Day 8: Mekele to Bale Mountains National Park

Morning:

• Take a flight to Addis Ababa and then drive or fly to Bale Mountains National Park (6-7 hours by road or shorter flight).

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Bale Mountains National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems, from alpine meadows to tropical rainforests.
• Visit the Sanetti Plateau, a high-altitude area with wildlife such as the Ethiopian wolf and Bale monkey.

Evening:

• Overnight in the park.

Day 9: Bale Mountains Exploration

Morning:

• Continue exploring Sanetti Plateau for more wildlife sightings and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Afternoon:

• Explore the Harenna Forest, home to rare species and unique flora.
• Visit the Mendalo River Gorge for more stunning landscapes.

Evening:

• Overnight in Bale Mountains.

Day 10: Bale Mountains to Awash National Park

Morning:

• Drive to Awash National Park, located in the central Rift Valley (5-6 hours).

Afternoon:

• Visit Awash River and its beautiful waterfalls.
• Explore the wildlife-rich savanna, home to warthogs, baboons, gazelles, and antelope species.

Evening:

• Overnight in Awash National Park (lodge or camping).

Day 11: Awash National Park to Lake Langano

Morning:

• Drive to Lake Langano, a tranquil freshwater lake (3-4 hours).

Afternoon:

• Relax by the lake and explore the Abijatta-Shalla National Park nearby.
• Visit the Abijatta and Shalla lakes, known for their rich birdlife, including flamingos.

Evening:

• Overnight by Lake Langano, enjoying the lakeside setting.

Day 12: Lake Langano to Lake Tana and Bahir Dar

Morning:

• Drive to Bahir Dar on the shores of Lake Tana (3-4 hours).

Afternoon:

• Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the island monasteries, including Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam.
• Visit the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat), one of Ethiopia’s most famous natural landmarks.

Evening:

• Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 13: Bahir Dar to Lake Ziway and Rift Valley Lakes

Morning:

• Drive to the Rift Valley Lakes, visiting Lake Ziway, Lake Abijatta, and Lake Shalla (5-6 hours).

Afternoon:

• Visit Lake Ziway for birdwatching, as it’s home to many species of birds, including pelicans.
• Enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Rift Valley, one of the most fertile and diverse regions in Ethiopia.

Evening:

• Overnight near the Rift Valley Lakes or in Debre Zeyit.

Day 14: Drive back to Addis Ababa

Morning:

• Drive back to Addis Ababa (3-4 hours).

Afternoon:

• Visit Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa.
• Explore Shiro Meda market for traditional Ethiopian handicrafts.

Evening:

• Farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant with live music and dance.
• Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 15: Departure

Morning:

• Transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure flight.