Duration: 18 Days / 17 Nights
Dates: October 08–25, 2025
Embark on an unforgettable 18-day journey through Ethiopia, a land of ancient civilizations, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant cultures. This immersive tour combines the rich history of Ethiopia’s northern highlands with the exotic charm of Harar and the otherworldly terrain of the Danakil Depression—one of the hottest and most surreal places on Earth.
The tour begins in Addis Ababa, the bustling capital, before heading north to explore Ethiopia’s famed Historic Route. Walk in the footsteps of emperors and saints as you visit the medieval castles of Gondar, the island monasteries of Lake Tana, the towering Simien Mountains, and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, often called the “New Jerusalem.”
Your adventure continues eastward to the ancient walled city of Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colorful markets, Islamic shrines, and the legendary “Hyena Men.” From there, you journey to the Danakil Depression, a remote and extreme landscape of volcanic craters, salt flats, and acid lakes. Experience the raw power of nature at Erta Ale, an active lava lake, and witness the traditional salt caravans of the Afar people.
This carefully curated tour blends Ethiopia’s deep cultural roots with its natural wonders, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of Africa’s most diverse and awe-inspiring countries.
Lalibela:
Explore the world-famous rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including the iconic Church of St. George.
Experience the spiritual atmosphere and ancient Ethiopian Orthodox Christian traditions.
Gondar:
Discover the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), castles, and palaces from Ethiopia’s imperial past.
Visit the Debre Berhan Selassie Church with its stunning ceiling frescoes.
Axum:
See the ancient obelisks (stelae), the reputed Ark of the Covenant (at the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion), and other archaeological treasures.
Learn about Axum’s significance as the capital of an ancient African empire.
Trek or 4×4 adventure to the Dallol geothermal area, known for its vibrant sulfur springs, acid pools, and mineral formations in surreal colors.
Visit the Erta Ale volcano, one of the few continuously active lava lakes worldwide.
Explore salt flats where Afar tribes harvest salt using traditional methods.
Experience the stark, alien landscapes of the Danakil Depression, including the Yellow Lake (Gaet’Ale) and Black Lake.
Wander through Harar Jugol, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its walled old city.
Visit traditional harar houses, colorful markets, and mosques.
Participate in the famous Hyena Feeding ceremony at dusk with local “hyena men”.
Discover Harar’s rich cultural mix of African, Arab, and Islamic traditions.
Travel through Ethiopia’s rugged highlands with dramatic mountain vistas.
Visit traditional villages and markets in the Tigray and Amhara regions.
Interact with diverse ethnic groups and experience Ethiopian hospitality.
Optional visits to churches, monasteries, and cultural museums.
If time permits, a visit to Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile.
Boat trips to island monasteries and excursions to the spectacular Blue Nile Falls.
Drive to Harar and visit:
Arthur Rimbaud’s House
Harari Museums
Ras Mekonnen’s Residence
A traditional Harari home
Evening: Hyena feeding spectacle
Overnight: Royal Sunshine Hotel, Harar
Visit Awash National Park, known for its birdlife and views of the Awash River Gorge
Continue to Doho: relax in serene surroundings and swim in a natural palm-lined pool
Overnight: Doho Lodge
Drive to Bale Mountains National Park
Lunch stop in Dodola town
Afternoon hike near park HQ; spot endemic species
Evening arrival in Robe
Overnight: Nu Robe Hotel
Early departure with picnic lunch
Explore the Sanetti Plateau and hike Tullu Dimtu (second-highest peak in Ethiopia)
Scenic lunch stop
Afternoon drive to Lake Langano
Overnight: Hara Langano Lodge / Rozita Marina Beach Resort
Afternoon flight to Semera
Overnight: Dawud Hamelo Hotel (formerly Kuriftu Resort)
Sunset at Lake Asale; swim in salty pools
Overnight Camping: Hamedela Village
Drive to Erta Ale base camp; hike to the crater
Overnight Camping: Near the lava lake
Drive via Afdira to Mekele
Overnight: Amdina Hotel or Planet Hotel
Visit:
Abraha Atsbeha Church
Wukro Chirkos
Medhane Alem Kesho Churches
Overnight: Gheralta Lodge
Pass by the historic Adwa Battlefield
Explore the ancient Temple of Yeha
Overnight: Atrons Hotel / Sabian Hotel / Greener Boutique Hotel
Obelisks of Axum
Queen of Sheba’s Palace
Bath of Sheba
King Bazen’s Tomb
St. Mary of Zion Church (Ark of the Covenant)
Archaeological Museum
Lunch: Antica Restaurant
Overnight: Atrons Hotel
Short afternoon trek to view gelada baboons
Overnight: Simien Lodge
Afternoon drive to Gondar
Overnight: Gondar Hills Resort
Boat trip on Lake Tana to visit island monasteries
Lunch: Dessiet Lodge
Overnight: Kuriftu Resort
Visit:
Royal Enclosure (UNESCO site)
Debre Birhan Selassie Church (famous angel ceiling art)
Lunch: Four Sisters Restaurant
Overnight: Gondar Hills Resort
Visit the 11 rock-hewn churches, including Bet Giyorgis
Lunch: Ben Abeba Restaurant
Overnight: Mezena Lodge
Optional activities:
Hike or mule ride to Asheton Maryam Monastery
OR Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos cave church
Lunch: Seven Olives Hotel
Afternoon: Continue church tour
Overnight: Mezena Lodge
Visit: National Museum (home of “Lucy”)
Optional shopping
Farewell dinner with live traditional music and dance
Evening transfer to the airport for departure
FromPrice on Request
About
Serina hotel ( 4rth floor),
Bekelech St, 2Q4M+RV8,
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
+251 91 355 0959
+251 91 156 0986
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