Highlights of Ethiopia

14 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Take a journey through one of Africa's least explored countries - a true blend of natural wonders and ancient history. A visit to the dramatic, arid landscapes of the Danakil Depression kicks-off an adventurous fortnight of discovery, including Lalibela's rock-hewn churches and the rugged Simien Mountains. Lalibela - Explore the ancient monolithic churche...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Discover rock-hewn churches and ancient obelisks
    • Experience the natural wonders of the Danakil Depression and Simien mountains
    • Receive a warm welcome from the Ethiopian people

What's this trip about?

    Take a journey through one of Africa's least explored countries - a true blend of natural wonders and ancient history. A visit to the dramatic, arid landscapes of the Danakil Depression kicks-off an adventurous fortnight of discovery, including Lalibela's rock-hewn churches and the rugged Simien Mountains. Lalibela - Explore the ancient monolithic churches that have been so well preserved in this valley-hidden town Simien Mountains - Walk through the spectacular mountain scenery, home to the gelada monkey Dallol - See the unique geology of this acidic volcano's brightly coloured springs and geysirs Timkat Festival - Visit Ethiopia during one of the holiest times in the Orthodox calendar

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age range30 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityAddis Ababa
End CityAddis Ababa

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Activities

  • Hiking
  • History
  • Nature
  • Short Cruise
  • Trekking
  • Wildlife Viewing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Addis Adaba and spend the afternoon visiting the city's highlights

Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital city and the political capital of Africa. Barely more than a century old, the city is home to both the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission of Africa, playing a strategic role in the continents politics. As a b...

Meals Provided :
Lunch

Day 2 A guided visit to Unity Park in Addis before flying to Mekele in the country's historic north

This morning we will visit Unity Park. Newly opened in 2019, Unity Park is set upon the grounds of the old Grand Imperial Palace. The palace was originally constructed under the reign of Emperor Menelik, and has since been the decision-making seat of Ethiopia: success...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 3 Explore the other-worldly landscapes of the Danakil Depression

Waking before the sun rises, our Dallol National Park visit requires a very early start but it's guaranteed to be worth it. Prepared with day bags and packed lunches, we'll travel for four hours this morning by 4WD away from any populated areas into the vast Danakil D...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 Drive to Axum, along the way visit historic Negash Mosque and Ethiopia's oldest archaeological site, The Great Temple of Yeha

This morning we will depart Mekele to begin our journey around Ethiopia's 'Historical Route', first making our way to ancient Axum. Today's drive takes most of the day but will be broken up with plenty of stops along the way. We'll drive for about one hour before ...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 5 Discover Axum with a local guide, including the ancient obelisks and St Mary of Zion

After a relaxing breakfast, we will spend the day exploring Axum with a local guide. Evidence of the city's former glory as the capital of the Axumite Kingdom can be easily found in the ruins of palaces and churches, plus an abundance of giant obelisks that stand as m...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 6 Drive through the mountainous Tekeze Valley to Debark, the gateway to the Simien Mountains

We'll be up bright and early this morning for breakfast and to pack up the bus ahead of our long but incredible journey to Debark, the gateway to the Simien Mountains. The full day drive takes us high over the Simien Mountains and through the Tekeze Valley where gi...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 7 Walk in the awe-inspiring Simien Mountain National Park and search for gelada monkey grazing on the plateau

We'll have an early breakfast this morning before driving 45 minutes into the Simien Mountains National Park, where we will begin our walks. It is a rough road from our hotel up into the mountains but the scenery more than makes up for it. A UNESCO World Heritage S...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast & Lunch

Day 8 Drive to Gondar and explore the medieval castles and holy baths

Leaving Debark after breakfast this morning, we make our way towards medieval town of Gondar, located on the high plateau just north of Lake Tana. The drive will take all morning and we should arrive to our accommodation around lunchtime. Our hotel is located on a hil...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 9 A free morning to relax before an afternoon drive to the lakeside town of Bahir Dar

There's no rush this morning as we take some time to enjoy the relaxing setting of our hotel. Take a lazy breakfast on the terrace, have some time to swim or take a taxi into town for the chance to wander around the art-deco, Italian built town centre. Around midda...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 10 See the lake come to life on an optional sunrise boat trip, followed by a walk to Blue Nile Falls

This morning there is the chance an optional sunrise boat trip on the lake. The trip requires a very early start as we head out before the dawn, but the sunrise makes it worth it! Armed with cameras and a warm jumper we'll be taken out on the lake with a local guide w...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 11 Cruise out across Lake Tana to Zeghie Peninsular visit 13th century Bet Maryam

We will walk down the hotel's dock again after breakfast to join our local guide on a cruise across the lake to the Zeghie Peninsular. Set at the southern end of Lake Tana, this headland is home to ancient monasteries hidden among lush forest that buzzes with bird lif...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 12 Take a morning flight to Lalibela, ready to spend an afternoon exploring the ancient rock-hewn churches

This morning we depart the shores of Lake Tana and take a short flight to Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most remarkable historic sites. Upon landing at Lalibela's tiny airport, we will meet our driver for the next two days and take t...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 13 Meet the resident monks and take in the panoramic views from sacred Asheton Maryam Church

It's an early start this morning to meet our mules and muleteers for an adventurous and authentic journey up the hillside to Asheton Maryam Church, 600m above Lalibela. The going is steep in places and we need to hang on, but its great fun and the views across Lalibel...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 14 Fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa where the trip ends

This morning we fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa where the trip ends. Ethiopian Airlines confirm our internal flights timings from Lalibela to Addis Ababa four weeks before departure and internal flights can be subject to last minute changes. Therefore, the official e...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast & Dinner

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,060
Price per day$290
Last Updated: 4/10/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,321
Great
3,322
Average
522
Disappointing
158
Terrible
79
G

Giles

Apr 2020

Written on

Overall it was a great trip. Thanks

Overall it was a great trip. Thanks

G

Giles

Apr 2020

Written on

Great trip

Overall it was a great trip. Thanks

S

Siv

Apr 2020

Written on

This was a very good trip

This was a very good trip and above my expectations. A hectic two weeks but we saw and did so many different things. The highlight for me was seeing the Danakil Depr...

S

Siv

Apr 2020

Written on

This was a very good trip and

This was a very good trip and above my expectations. A hectic two weeks but we saw and did so many different things. The highlight for me was seeing the Danakil Depr...

S

Susan

Apr 2020

Written on

This trip was a perfect

This trip was a perfect Christmas treat - lots to see and do in Sr...

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Efficient and easy to navigate online booking

Booked online. Very easy to do with full information abou...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat, Flight,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat, Flight
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew, Driver(s), Local Guide(s), Muleteer(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Ethiopia: Visas for UK nationals can be obtained on arrival, although this can change at short notice, and you should be prepared to queue on arrival. Please ensure you have 2 recent passport sized photos with you when applying on arrival, these may or may not be asked for. For a single entry visa you can apply via the e-visa website: https://www.evisa.gov.et/#/home. You will need to print a copy of your evisa approval letter and present this with your passport at immigration upon your arrival. The approval letter will take a minimum of 3 days to be processed so we strongly advise for you to apply within plenty of time before your departure. You will be permitted to stay within Ethiopia for upto 30 days or upto 90 days depending on which single entry visa you request. We strongly recommend for you to read the Help section on the e-visa website before applying. You will receive a visa information letter that will state the trip's first night's hotel details for completing your visa application. If you are arriving into Ethiopia on the first day of the trip please enter the details for the Harar hotel advised on the visa information letter. If you are arriving into Ethiopia before the first day of the trip and you have booked pre trip accommodation with Explore please enter the details for the Addis Ababa hotel detailed on the visa information letter. If you have booked your pre trip hotel independently, please use the details for the hotel you have booked. Should you wish to apply for a visa prior to departure via the consulate in the UK, please note that a single entry visa is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, so you must submit your application no more than two weeks prior to departure. It is also possible to apply for a multi-entry visa which is valid for 3 months from issue. Important Information for Land Only Customers: In order for your domestic flight tickets to be issued for your trip, they must be allocated to an international flight ticket. If you have booked your trip on a land only basis, please contact us at least 60 days prior to your departure with the name of your airline and airline reference details for your international flights.
Health & Safety
A Yellow Fever vaccination and certificate maybe required when travelling to Ethiopia, please check with your doctor/travel health centre. We recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, diphtheria, tetanus, typhoid and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on the Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Although the risk is low you may also consider immunisation against rabies and meningococcal meningitis. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against Malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 13
  • Dinner : 1
  • Lunch : 3
Age Requirements
30 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-ET

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