Ethiopia – Land of Origins

6 Day Tour the Land of origins Ethiopia

Discover the extraordinary beauty of Ethiopia through ancient civilizations, breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, endemic wildlife, and unforgettable adventures.

6 DaysModerate Cultural Tours Approximately 125 meters below sea level to 4,550 meters above sea level, depending on destinations visited. Max 18 Guests

Route

Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar – Blue Nile Falls – Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park – Axum – Lalibela – Danakil Depression – Harar – Bale Mountains – Omo Valley – Arba Minch – Addis Ababa.

Trip Overview

Ethiopia is one of Africa's most extraordinary travel destinations, offering an unforgettable combination of ancient history, spectacular natural landscapes, diverse cultures, and unique wildlife.

With Simien Mountains Tour (SMT Tour), discover the wonders of this remarkable country on a journey through its most fascinating destinations.

Explore the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the medieval castles of Gondar, and the ancient archaeological treasures of Axum. Experience the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains, home to the endemic Walia ibex and Gelada baboons.

Discover the extraordinary Danakil Depression, with its colorful geological formations, salt lakes, and volcanic landscapes. Travel to southern Ethiopia to experience fascinating indigenous cultures, traditional villages, and beautiful Rift Valley lakes. Explore the Bale Mountains, home to the rare Ethiopian wolf, and discover the historic walled city of Harar.

From the birthplace of coffee to the breathtaking Ethiopian highlands, every destination offers a unique story, cultural experience, and unforgettable adventure.

SMT Tour offers professionally organized historical, cultural, wildlife, trekking, photography, and adventure tours throughout Ethiopia.

Trip Highlights

What You Will See

✓Discover the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
✓Explore Gondar's historic royal castles and palaces.
✓Visit the ancient obelisks and archaeological sites of Axum.
✓Trek through the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park.
✓Spot endemic Gelada baboons and the endangered Walia ibex.
✓Explore the colorful landscapes of the Danakil Depression.
✓Experience the active Erta Ale volcano.
✓Discover the unique cultures of the Omo Valley.
✓Explore the Bale Mountains and search for the Ethiopian wolf.
✓Visit the historic walled city of Harar.
✓Experience Ethiopian coffee culture and traditional ceremonies.
✓Enjoy authentic Ethiopian cuisine and local hospitality.

Trail Timeline • 6 Days

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Lalibela – First Encounter with the Rock-Hewn Churches

Stay: Hotel in LalibelaElevation: Altitude: Approximately 2,500–2,600 maslMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early in the morning, transfer to Bole International Airport for your domestic flight to Lalibela.
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. After lunch, begin exploring the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover the remarkable architecture, underground passages and fascinating religious history of these ancient churches.
Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela.

Day 02

LALIBELA – GONDAR

Stay: Haile resortElevation: around 2200Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy some additional time exploring Lalibela and its historical surroundings, depending on your flight schedule.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar, subject to flight availability. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel.
In the afternoon, explore the beautiful town of Gondar and enjoy its traditional atmosphere.
Overnight: Hotel in Gondar.

Day 03

GONDAR – SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Campsite: campingElevation: from 2200-3400Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive towards the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park, one of Ethiopia's most beautiful natural attractions.
Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, dramatic cliffs, deep valleys and panoramic views.
Visit selected viewpoints and enjoy opportunities to spot endemic wildlife, including Gelada baboons and, with luck, the rare Walia ibex.
Enjoy a short walk in the mountains and experience the natural beauty of the Ethiopian highlands.
Overnight: Lodge or guesthouse around Debark or within the park, subject to availability.

Day 04

SIMIEN MOUNTAINS – GONDAR – BAHIR DAR

Stay: sky ResortElevation: 34400-1500Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy an early morning breakfast surrounded by the beautiful mountain scenery.
Depending on your schedule, enjoy a short morning walk before driving back towards Gondar.
Continue your journey to Bahir Dar, a beautiful city located on the southern shore of Lake Tana.
Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax along the lakeside.
Overnight: Hotel in Bahir Dar.

Day 05

BAHIR DAR – LAKE TANA AND BLUE NILE FALLS

Stay: sky ResortElevation: around 1500Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake.
Visit some of the historic island monasteries, known for their ancient religious paintings, cultural treasures and fascinating history.
After lunch, drive to the spectacular Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Abay. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and explore the surrounding area.
Return to Bahir Dar in the afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel in Bahir Dar.

Day 06

BAHIR DAR – ADDIS ABABA

Elevation: 1500-2200Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore Bahir Dar town and its beautiful lakeside surroundings.
Transfer to Bahir Dar Airport for your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel or another preferred location.
End of the tour.
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TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES
Five nights' hotel and lodge accommodation.
Domestic flights as specified in the itinerary.
Airport transfers.
Private transportation throughout the tour.
Professional English-speaking local guides.
Simien Mountains National Park guide and scout arrangements.
Boat excursion on Lake Tana.
All scheduled sightseeing activities.
TOUR PACKAGE EXCLUDES
International flights.
Entrance fees to historical sites and national parks.
Meals and drinks not specified.
Personal expenses.
Tips and gratuities.
Travel insurance.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION
This itinerary is subject to flight availability, road conditions and local security conditions. All travel arrangements, especially access to the Simien Mountains, should be confirmed before departur

Included in This Package

9 Included Items

Private car with a professional driver and fuel included
All entrance fees and national park permits listed in the itinerary
Bottled water during treks and game drives
Ethiopian coffee ceremonies
English-speaking guides licensed for the parks you visit
All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner at the lodges or campsites
Accommodation in hotels and lodges, or full camping gear (tent, foam mattress, sleeping bag)
Park scouts and mule handlers for high-altitude treks
Camera and video permits for national parks and viewpoints

What to Pack

- Comfortable walking and hiking shoes. - Lightweight clothing for warm destinations. - Warm jackets and thermal clothing for highland areas. - Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. - Personal toiletries and basic first-aid supplies. - Reusable water bottle. - Camera and extra batteries. - Small backpack for daily excursions. - Rain jacket during rainy seasons. - Binoculars for wildlife observation. - Personal medications. - Passport and travel documents.