5-Day Ethiopia Tour: Addis Ababa, Lalibela & Simien Mountains
Five days across Ethiopia's ancient kingdoms: royal castles, rock-hewn churches carved 800 years ago, and highland trekking
This 5-day tour of northern Ethiopia starts in Addis Ababa and moves through four regions (Bahir Dar, Gondar, Simien Mountains and Lalibela) with domestic flights, guided exploration of UNESCO rock-hewn churches, and a trek through highland countryside. You'll see Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls, walk through Gondar's royal enclosure and painted churches, trek the Kossoye Mountains, and explore Lalibela's monolithic churches carved into solid rock. All entrance fees, transport, guide and airport taxes are included.
Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1: Fly Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar
- Fly from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar
- Meet local guide in Bahir Dar
- Visit Lake Tana and surroundings
- Explore Blue Nile Falls
- Return to Bahir Dar for overnight
Day 2: Drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar
- Drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar
- Enjoy lunch in Gondar
- Tour Fasil Ghebbi Royal Enclosure
- Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church
- See Fasilides' Bath
- Relax at hotel in Gondar
Day 3: Trek Kossoye Mountains near Gondar
- Drive to Kossoye Mountains
- Meet trekking guide
- 3-4 hour guided trek in highlands
- Enjoy mountain and valley views
- Drive back to Gondar
- Relax at hotel in Gondar
Day 4: Fly Gondar to Lalibela and tour
- Fly from Gondar to Lalibela
- Meet local guide in Lalibela
- Explore northern rock-hewn churches
- Visit Bete Medhane Alem and Bete Maryam
- Return to lodge in Lalibela
Day 5: Explore Lalibela and fly to Addis Ababa
- Visit remaining Lalibela churches
- See Bete Giyorgis Church
- Explore additional southern churches
- Transfer to Lalibela Airport
- Fly back to Addis Ababa
What’s included
- Boat transport on Lake Tana.
- air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour.
- domestic flights between cities.
- all entrance fees to churches, national parks and historical sites.
- government tax and airport departure tax.
- live English-speaking guide for all five days.
Times
- Every day 09:00
Before you book
Operated by Danakil Depression Tours
Prices and times updated 8 days ago
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The experience
The tour opens with a flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, where you meet your local guide and spend the afternoon at Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake, and the Blue Nile Falls: locally called Tis Abay, meaning "Great Smoke." The falls' appearance shifts with the season and water levels. You overnight at Blue Nile Resort or similar accommodation.
Day two is a three- to four-hour drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar, one of Ethiopia's most historically significant cities. After lunch, your afternoon explores Fasil Ghebbi, the historic Royal Enclosure where Ethiopian emperors lived, then Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its interior ceiling painted with angel faces. You also visit Fasilides' Bath, a ceremonial site tied to Emperor Fasilides. The day ends at Goha Hotel or similar.
On day three, you drive about an hour from Gondar to the Kossoye Mountains for a three- to four-hour guided trek through highland terrain. The route adjusts to your fitness level and weather, offering panoramic views of mountains and valleys and a glimpse of traditional rural life. You return to Gondar in the afternoon and rest at your hotel.
Day four brings an early flight to Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide leads you through the northern group of rock-hewn churches, including Bete Medhane Alem, one of the world's largest monolithic churches carved from solid rock over 800 years ago, and Bete Maryam, known for its religious significance and traditional architecture. On day five, after breakfast, you explore the remaining churches: notably Bete Giyorgis, the Church of St. George, with its distinctive cross-shaped design carved into rock: before flying back to Addis Ababa around midday.
Is this one for you?The tour moves by flight and vehicle between regions, with one three- to four-hour mountain trek on day three that adjusts to your fitness level. Early starts are built into days with flights, and the pace of church exploration depends on your interests and available time at each site.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years); Child (1 to 6 years).
What are the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela?
Lalibela's churches are monolithic structures carved directly into solid rock more than 800 years ago. The site holds two main groups: the northern churches include Bete Medhane Alem, one of the world's largest rock-hewn churches, and Bete Maryam. The southern group features Bete Giyorgis, the Church of St. George, famous for its cross-shaped design. The entire complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ethiopia's most important religious and historical destination.
How long is the trek in the Kossoye Mountains?
The Kossoye Mountains trek lasts three to four hours. Your local trekking guide adjusts the route based on your fitness level, weather conditions and local recommendations, so the pace and distance can be modified to suit your needs.
What is the Blue Nile Falls and why does it matter to Ethiopia?
The Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Abay meaning "Great Smoke," is a spectacular natural landmark on the Blue Nile River. The river is of profound historical and cultural significance to Ethiopia, and the falls' appearance changes with the season and water levels, making each visit unique.
Does this tour include flights between cities?
Domestic flights are included from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, from Gondar to Lalibela, and from Lalibela back to Addis Ababa. All entrance fees, ground transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, your guide and airport taxes are also included. Gratuities are not.
What is Gondar known for?
Gondar is one of Ethiopia's most historically significant cities, famous for its royal castles, ancient churches and distinctive architectural heritage. The tour visits Fasil Ghebbi, the historic Royal Enclosure where emperors once ruled; Fasilides' Castle; Debre Berhan Selassie Church, with its beautifully painted interior and ceiling of angel faces; and Fasilides' Bath, a ceremonial site from Emperor Fasilides' reign.
Who is 'Lucy' and where do you see her?
Lucy is one of the oldest human skeletons found on earth. You'll meet her at the start of the tour in Addis Ababa, where she is housed, before traveling to the other historical sites across northern Ethiopia.
5-Day Ethiopia Tour: Addis Ababa, Lalibela & Simien Mountains
5d · EN
from US$ 1,100 per person
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