From Sacred Highlands to Earth's Hottest Places

Flight : 1.5hr

Travel time: Travel: 1 h, 30 km

Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, where your SimienEcoTours guide welcomes you. After a short refresh, begin a guided introduction to Ethiopia’s political, cultural, and historical heart. Visit the National Museum, home to the 3.2-million-year-old fossil Lucy, offering context to Ethiopia’s place in human history. Drive up to Entoto Hills for panoramic views and insight into the city’s origins. Enjoy lunch at a selected local restaurant. In the afternoon, return to the airport for your domestic flight to Semera, capital of the Afar Region. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and attend a detailed briefing about the Danakil expedition, safety procedures, and extreme climate conditions ahead.

Meals: B/L/D

Accommodation: Ruftana Hotel or similar

Travel time: 6-7h,

After an early breakfast, depart Semera by 4WD vehicles heading north into the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. The road gradually drops below sea level as volcanic landscapes, salt flats, and mineral-stained terrain dominates the horizon. Along the way, encounter Afar nomadic communities, whose livelihoods depend on resilience and adaptation to extreme environments. Arrive at Ahmed Ela, a vast salt-mining area, in the late afternoon. Walk across the shimmering salt pans during sunset and observe traditional salt extraction techniques. Dinner is prepared by the expedition crew in this stark, otherworldly setting.

Meals: B/L/D

Accommodation: Ahmed ela camping

Driving time: ~5–6 hrs | Hike: ~1 hr

Today, head out for an exciting exploration of Dallol, one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth. With vibrant hues of yellow, green, and red created by the unique sulfur and mineral deposits, Dallol is a photographer’s dream and an adventurer’s paradise. After exploring Dallol, continue your journey to Erta Ale, an active volcano known for its active lava lake. Walk to the summit in the evening and marvel at the molten lava, a once-in-a-lifetime sight. Witness the power of nature as the glowing lava creates a mesmerizing display under the stars.

Meals: B/L/D

Accommodation: Erta ale camping

Flight: ~1 hr 15 min

Driving time: ~6–7 hrs 

Take one last walk to the summit in the early morning to admire the volcano before descending back to the camp. After breakfast, begin the long drive through the Danakil’s volcanic desert, passing lava fields and ash plains shaped by ongoing geological activity. Arrive in Semera in the afternoon and transfer directly to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, moving from one of the world’s most extreme landscapes to Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. The evening is free for rest and recovery after the expedition.

 Meals: B/L/D

Accommodation: Hayes Hotel or similar

Flight time: ~1 hr 10 min

Take a morning flight north to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, begin exploring the Northwestern Group of Rock-Hewn Churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world. Learn about the extraordinary 12th-century engineering techniques and the spiritual vision behind these churches, still active places of worship today.
Meals: B/L/D

Accommodation: Tukul village or similar

Travel time: 3-4 h,

Spend the day immersed in Lalibela’s sacred landscape. Visit the Southeastern Group of Churches, including Bet Gabriel–Rufael and Bet Amanuel, noted for their architectural precision and symbolism. In the afternoon, walk to Bet Giyorgis, the iconic cross-shaped church carved entirely from a single block of rock. Optional village walk offers insight into daily life in the highlands and the enduring role of faith in the community.

Meals: B/L/D

Accommodation: Tukul village or similar

Flight time: ~1 hr

Fly to Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia. After lunch, explore the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a UNESCO-listed complex of castles and palaces built in the 17th century. Continue to Fasilides’ Bath, still used during major religious festivals. If time allows, visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its ceiling painted with angelic faces.

Meals: B/L/D

Accommodation: Goha Hotel or similar

Driving time: ~4–5 hrs

Hike: 2-3 h, 4-5 km (difficulty: moderate; altitude difference: ↑150m, ↓150m)

Drive north into the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic escarpments and deep valleys. Stop at scenic viewpoints and enjoy short walks along the cliffs. Spot Gelada baboons, endemic bird species, and expansive highland scenery. In the afternoon drive back to Debark, the administrative gateway to the park.

Meals: B/L/D

Accommodation: Ras Dejen Hotel or Similar

Travel time: 6-7h,

After breakfast, depart Debark and drive south through fertile highlands, crossing rivers and agricultural landscapes. Observe rural Ethiopian life along the way. Arrive in Bahir Dar in the afternoon and check in at your lakeside hotel. Time to relax and enjoy views over Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile.
Meals: B/L/D

Accommodation: Jacaranda Hotel or similar

Travel time: 5-6 h,

Morning boat excursion on Lake Tana, visiting island monasteries such as Ura Kidane Mehret, known for its vibrant murals and religious artifacts. Return to Bahir Dar for lunch. In the afternoon, drive to the Blue Nile Falls, where a short walk leads to viewpoints overlooking the gorge (water flow seasonal). Evening free at leisure.

Meals: B/L/D

Accommodation: Jacaranda Hotel or similar

Flight time: ~1 hr

Morning flight back to Addis Ababa. Depending on international departure time, enjoy optional shopping or rest before transfer to Bole International Airport for onward departure.

Meals: B/L

Accommodation: Departure

• All domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines (tourist class; extra USD 270 if international flight not booked with Ethiopian airlines)
• All accommodations in double rooms with private toilet/shower in hotels or lodges; supplement for single room € 220 
• All transfers and travels in Ethiopia with private car
•  Full board (1 drink per meal included, alcoholic drinks excluded)
• All entrance fees and permissions at tourist attractions, churches, museums and national parks
• For the trekking: entrance and camping fees, guide, scouts and rangers,
• All persons for safety and security (when prescribed)
• All tips for meals
• All (mandatory) local guides in the single destinations
• Local guides and scouts
• Experienced SimienEcoTours guide (fluent in Amharic and Eglish)

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Visa for Ethiopia;
• Alcoholic drinks
• Tipping
• Photo and video fees (if any)
• All extras and personal expenditures