Addis Abeba-Lalibela-Gondar-Simien Mountains-Addia abeba-Hawasa =Dorzie- Arbaminch-Abijata Shala National park-Langano
About this trip
“We grew up on these ridges. We will show you the routes we know, introduce you to the people we work with, and keep the trip safe.”
11-Day Ethiopia Grand Discovery Tour
Organized by Ethiopian Trails
Explore Ethiopia – Discover Its History, Culture, Nature and Wildlife.
Day-by-Day Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour
Arrive at Bole International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your Ethiopian Trails representative and transferred to your hotel.
After some relaxation, enjoy a guided city tour of Addis Ababa, visiting the National Museum of Ethiopia, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Ethnological Museum, Mount Entoto, and Mercato, time permitting.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Fly to Lalibela – First Exploration
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin exploring the magnificent rock-hewn churches, including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Meskel, and other nearby churches.
Discover the remarkable history, architecture, and religious traditions of Lalibela.
Overnight: Lalibela.
Day 3: Full-Day Historical and Cultural Tour of Lalibela
Enjoy a full day exploring the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Amanuel, Bete Abba Libanos, and Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George).
Learn about the history, religious traditions, and architectural significance of these remarkable monuments.
Overnight: Lalibela.
Day 4: Fly to Gondar – Historical City Tour
After breakfast, fly to Gondar, historically known as the Camelot of Africa.
Upon arrival, explore Fasil Ghebbi Royal Enclosure, Fasilides' Bath, Debre Berhan Selassie Church, and the historic town.
Discover the fascinating history of Ethiopia's former emperors and royal heritage.
Overnight: Gondar.
Day 5: Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park – Sankaber Camp
After breakfast, drive from Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy spectacular mountain landscapes, deep valleys, dramatic escarpments, and opportunities to observe endemic wildlife.
Highlights include Gelada baboons, scenic mountain viewpoints, panoramic landscapes, and short guided walks around Sankaber.
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Ethiopian highlands.
Overnight: Sankaber Camp.
Day 6: Sankaber – Gondar – Fly to Addis Ababa
Wake up early and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
After breakfast, take a short morning walk around Sankaber, depending on weather and available time.
Later, drive back to Gondar and transfer to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.
Day 7: Addis Ababa – Drive to Hawassa
After breakfast, drive south through the beautiful Ethiopian Great Rift Valley towards Hawassa.
Enjoy scenic landscapes, traditional villages, and local roadside markets along the way.
Upon arrival, visit Lake Hawassa, Amora Gedel Fish Market, and the lakeside walking areas. Enjoy opportunities to observe hippos and different bird species.
Overnight: Hawassa.
Day 8: Hawassa – Dorze Village – Arba Minch
After breakfast, drive towards Chencha to visit the Dorze people, famous for their traditional bamboo houses, weaving, and unique cultural heritage.
Experience traditional Dorze houses, local weaving traditions, enset food preparation, and the community's traditional lifestyle.
Enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding highlands before continuing to Arba Minch.
Overnight: Arba Minch.
Day 9: Lake Chamo Boat Trip – Forty Springs
Enjoy a morning boat excursion on Lake Chamo, famous for its large Nile crocodiles, hippos, and rich birdlife.
Look out for Nile crocodiles, hippos, African fish eagles, pelicans, and other waterbirds.
Later, visit the beautiful Forty Springs of Arba Minch, known for their natural freshwater springs and lush vegetation.
Overnight: Arba Minch.
Day 10: Arba Minch – Abijata-Shalla National Park – Lake Langano
After breakfast, drive north through the Ethiopian Rift Valley towards Lake Langano.
En route, explore Abijata-Shalla National Park, known for its beautiful lakes, volcanic landscapes, and diverse birdlife.
Highlights include Lake Abijata viewpoints, Lake Shalla scenery, flamingos and other waterbirds depending on the season, and beautiful Rift Valley landscapes.
Continue to Lake Langano for relaxation.
Overnight: Lake Langano.
Day 11: Lake Langano – Drive Back to Addis Ababa – Departure
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the beautiful surroundings of Lake Langano.
Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy some relaxation or a short lakeside walk before driving back to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, transfer to Bole International Airport for your onward international flight.
End of Ethiopian Trails Adventure.
Tour Information
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Tour Organizer: Ethiopian Trails
Tour Type: Historical, Cultural, Nature and Wildlife Tour
Tour Route: Addis Ababa – Lalibela – Gondar – Simien Mountains – Addis Ababa – Hawassa – Dorze – Arba Minch – Abijata-Shalla – Lake Langano – Addis Ababa.
ETHIOPIAN TRAILS
Every Trail Tells a Story, Every Journey Creates a Memory.
Discover Ethiopia. Experience Its Beauty. Create Unforgettable Memories.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
11 Days Trail Log
Trail Timeline • 11 Days
Day-by-Day Expedition Itinerary
1
Day 01
Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour
Stay: Triple E hotelElevation: 2200Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive at Bole International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your Ethiopian Trails representative and transferred to your hotel.
After some relaxation, enjoy a guided city tour of Addis Ababa, visiting the National Museum of Ethiopia, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Ethnological Museum, Mount Entoto, and Mercato, time permitting.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.
2
Day 02
Fly to Lalibela – First Exploration
Stay: sora LodgeElevation: 2500Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin exploring the magnificent rock-hewn churches, including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Meskel, and other nearby churches.
Discover the remarkable history, architecture, and religious traditions of Lalibela.
Overnight: Lalibela.
3
Day 03
Full-Day Historical and Cultural Tour of Lalibela
Stay: sora LodgeElevation: 2500Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a full day exploring the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Amanuel, Bete Abba Libanos, and Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George).
Learn about the history, religious traditions, and architectural significance of these remarkable monuments.
After breakfast, drive south through the beautiful Ethiopian Great Rift Valley towards Hawassa.
Enjoy scenic landscapes, traditional villages, and local roadside markets along the way.
Upon arrival, visit Lake Hawassa, Amora Gedel Fish Market, and the lakeside walking areas. Enjoy opportunities to observe hippos and different bird species.
After breakfast, drive towards Chencha to visit the Dorze people, famous for their traditional bamboo houses, weaving, and unique cultural heritage.
Experience traditional Dorze houses, local weaving traditions, enset food preparation, and the community's traditional lifestyle.
Enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding highlands before continuing to Arba Minch.
Overnight: Arba Minch.
9
Day 09
Lake Chamo Boat Trip – Forty Springs
Stay: Haile ResortElevation: 1500
Enjoy a morning boat excursion on Lake Chamo, famous for its large Nile crocodiles, hippos, and rich birdlife.
Look out for Nile crocodiles, hippos, African fish eagles, pelicans, and other waterbirds.
Later, visit the beautiful Forty Springs of Arba Minch, known for their natural freshwater springs and lush vegetation.
Overnight: Arba Minch.
10
Day 10
Arba Minch – Abijata-Shalla National Park – Lake Langano
Stay: Afrika hotelElevation: 2000Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive north through the Ethiopian Rift Valley towards Lake Langano.
En route, explore Abijata-Shalla National Park, known for its beautiful lakes, volcanic landscapes, and diverse birdlife.
Highlights include Lake Abijata viewpoints, Lake Shalla scenery, flamingos and other waterbirds depending on the season, and beautiful Rift Valley landscapes.
Continue to Lake Langano for relaxation.
Overnight: Lake Langano.
11
Day 11
Lake Langano – Drive Back to Addis Ababa – Departure
Elevation: 2200Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the beautiful surroundings of Lake Langano.
Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy some relaxation or a short lakeside walk before driving back to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, transfer to Bole International Airport for your onward international flight.
End of Ethiopian Trails Adventure.
What's Included & Excluded
Transparent Pricing
Included in This Package
9 Included Items
4WD Drive Vehicle: with professional safari driver and fuel included
All Entrance Fees: access to all attractions and national park permits mentioned in the itinerary
Bottled Water: stay hydrated throughout daily treks and game drives
Coffee: take part in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony
English-speaking guides: licensed local guides for the whole trip
All Meals: fresh breakfast, lunch, and dinner at selected lodges/campsites