Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

Highlights:

• Arrive at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Addis Ababa.
• Explore Entoto Mountains for a panoramic view of the city.
• Visit Mount Entoto and Entoto Maryam Church for historical and natural insights.

Evening:

• Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Addis Ababa to Simien Mountains National Park

Morning:

• Take an early flight to Gondar, the gateway to the Simien Mountains National Park (about 1 hour).
• Drive to Simien Mountains National Park (2-3 hours).

Afternoon:

• Begin a scenic hike in the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic landscapes and endemic species.
• Spot wildlife such as Gelada baboons, Walia Ibex, and Ethiopian wolves.
• Explore the famous Sankaber and Geech viewpoints.

Evening:

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

Day 3: Full Day in Simien Mountains National Park

Morning:

• Continue your hike to Chenek and other scenic spots for breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.
• Hike to Imet Gogo, one of the highest points in the park, for panoramic vistas.

Afternoon:

• Visit Gich, another high-altitude plateau known for its dramatic cliff formations and deep gorges.
• Experience the beauty of Ethiopia’s wildlife and landscapes.

Evening:

• Return to your lodge for overnight.

Day 4: Simien Mountains to Lalibela

Morning:

• Drive or take a short flight back to Gondar and then take a flight to Lalibela (40 minutes).

Afternoon:

• Visit the famous Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, though known for their cultural significance, these churches are also set amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
• Explore the Yemrehanna Kristos Church, nestled in a cave, surrounded by forest and mountain landscapes.

Evening:

• Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 5: Lalibela to Axum

Morning:

• Take an early flight to Axum (40 minutes).
• Upon arrival, visit the ancient Stelae Field, famous for its towering obelisks, a symbol of the Axumite Empire.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Queen of Sheba’s Palace ruins and King Ezana’s Inscription.
• Visit Axum’s Archaeological Museum for a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history.

Evening:

• Overnight in Axum.

Day 6: Axum to Danakil Depression

Morning:

• Take an early morning flight to Mekele (1 hour).
• From Mekele, drive to Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most extreme environments on earth (5–6 hours).

Afternoon:

• Explore the Dallol Volcano, famous for its otherworldly sulfur springs and colorful mineral deposits.
• Visit Erta Ale, an active lava lake volcano, and hike to view the boiling lava (this requires an optional extended trip and additional time, depending on the tour arrangement).

Evening:

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

Day 7: Danakil Depression to Addis Ababa

Morning:

• Continue exploring the Danakil Depression, including the salt lakes and the Afar Salt Flats.
• Visit the Salt Mining Pits, where local Afar people harvest salt in the most challenging conditions.

Afternoon:

• Drive back to Mekele for your flight to Addis Ababa.
• Arrive in Addis Ababa by the evening.

Evening:

• Free time or relax at your hotel.
• Transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure, or overnight in Addis Ababa if your flight is the next day.