12 Day North and South Tour
Explore Ethiopia’s 12-day adventure through Erta Ale, Dallol, Gheralta churches, Axum, Lalibela, and Omo Valley tribes. Discover history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
9 Day Danakil, Lalibela and Simien Mountains National Park
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day epic tour that unites three of Ethiopia’s most iconic landscapes and cultural treasures: the fiery salt flats and lava lakes of the Danakil Depression, the soaring escarpments and endemic wildlife of the Simien Mountains National Park, and the living marvel of the rock-hewn churches at Lalibela.
Starting in the arid heat of the Danakil, you’ll witness molten lava, salt caravans and surreal terrain. Next, you’ll transition into the high-altitude wilderness of the Simien Mountains with its dramatic cliffs, gelada baboons and sweeping vistas. Finally, you’ll descend into the spiritual heart of Ethiopia at Lalibela, where the medieval carved churches stand as enduring monuments to faith, history and craftsmanship.
This trail-blazing journey is crafted for travellers who want more than a sightseeing trip — you want to feel, explore, and return with memories that astonish.
What To Expect
1
Mekelle – Danakil depression
Early morning of day one we set off on 4WD to the abandon Danakil Depression departing from Mekelle – Erta Ale volcano. The 247 km drive takes 5 hours on drive passing through different landscapes of solidified lava rocks and sand dune. Passing several small hamlets scattered here and there in this deserted land, you will arrive at Erta Ale camping site. Then, at dusk we will start hiking to the top of the volcano. We spend few hours watching the flowing-lava gifs or actions of the boiling lava.
Erta Ale contains one of the world’s active lava lake with 613 meters above sea level. Besides, it is notable for being the longest existing lava lake present since the early years of the Twentieth century. Finally, descend back to basic camp to have a dinner and spend the night under stars or in shack. Overnight camping.
2
Erta Ale – Hamad Ela
Early morning of the day, we hike back to the top of the crater to visit the volcanic activities for the second time during sun rise. After that, descend once again from the top of the crater starting 7:00 am down to camp site for breakfast.
Subsequently, after breakfast start driving to Hamad Ela for about 5 hours and have your picnic lunch on the way under shed of palm tree. Then after, start visiting Hamad Ela village to see the life style of the local Afar people. Finally, proceed to Salt Lake Asale a huge salty lake where you will swim in a natural pool Salt Lake. Meanwhile, have a wine/beer while enjoying sunset reflections of the salty ground. Overnight camping in Hamed Ale.
3
Hamad Ela – Dallol – Mekelle
Waking up early morning, set off to dallol which is known for its various acidic colors with fumaroles, small spitting acid springs, and lakes. At the same time, dallol is also considered the hottest place on earth. Due to its incredible colors, you feel like you are in Mars. Visiting different terrestrial places formed by volcanic activity like salt mountain and the bubbling oily lake creates a different experience of your trip. Finally, drive back to Hamad Ela for lunch and proceed to Mekelle. Overnight in Mekelle (Hotel).
4
Mekelle – Lalibela
After breakfast embark on a full day of drive to Lalibela. On the way you will pass through several small villages, with typical sandstone homes of the Tigray people. Driving through those eye-catchy rural areas you will proceed to the stunning place known to be home for Ethiopia’s most prized destination – Lalibela. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).
5
Lalibela
In the morning, you will start by visiting the Northwestern cluster of churches – Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (where entry is not permitted for women). After lunch, continue with the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, constructed in honor of the patron saint of Ethiopia – Saint George. Overnight in Lalibela (hotel).
6
Lalibela – Gonder
On this day morning you will use local flight from Lalibela to Gonder for 3-days Simien Mountains trekking. After arriving in Gonder, we will visit the city of Gonder mainly the Fasil Castel and the Felasha Gimb. Overnight Gonder (hotel).
7
Gonder – Simien Mountains
Early morning drive from Gondar to Sankaber about 136km away. We will go via the park head office in Debark to register and pick up trek staff such as scout, guide and cook. After trekking for 3-4 hours we return to the Sankabar camp. Overnight open-air camping.
8
Sankaber – Geech
After breakfast, we start hiking from Sankaber to Geech which is 3600m above sea level and takes about 5 to 6 hours passing through ever more spectacular scenery and varying flowers and trees. There the possibility to see a klipspringer and minlik bushbuk as well as a leopard. The entertaining gelada baboons are always around.
Along the way we pass the 500m high Jinbar waterfall and stop for lunch on the banks of the Jinbar river. We pass through Geech village where we can have coffee with a local family in their traditional tukul hut which they share with their animals. This is a great way to glimpse the day-to-day life of the mountain people. Overnight at Geech camping.
9
Geech – Ambaras – Gonder
On the final day of our Simien Mountains trekking we will start by hiking to Ambaras for about 5 to 6 hours. On the way we will visit Imet Gogo, the single most spectacular spot in the whole of the Simien Mountains. Imet Gogo, at 3926m above sea level has 3600 views of canyons, cliffs and valleys that look as if they go on forever. Finally, drive back to Gonder from Ambaras. Late afternoon flight to Addis Ababa. Tour Ends!
What's Included
All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
All entrance fees according to the program
Accommodation while camping (or tent).
Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
Multilingual professional guide
What's Excluded
International and local flight tickets, visa and insurance
Pay the locals for photo and video
Alcoholic drinks
Any other expenses which are not mentioned
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