Ethiopia’s Historic North & the Danakil Depression – 15 Days / 14 Nights
About
Experience Ethiopia’s Historic North and the otherworldly Danakil Depression in this 15-day journey. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites — Gondar’s castles, Axum’s stelae, Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, and the Simien Mountains — before venturing into one of Earth’s most extreme landscapes.
Stand where emperors ruled, hike highland escarpments, and camp near the lava lake of Erta Ale. Witness the kaleidoscopic sulfur springs of Dallol, endless salt flats at Lake Asale, and camel caravans crossing centuries-old routes. Immerse yourself in history, culture, and Ethiopia’s raw natural beauty, all while traveling comfortably with expert guides who ensure a safe and enriching experience.
Addis Ababa • Bahir Dar • Gondar • Simien Mountains • Axum • Tigray • Mekele • Danakil Depression • Lalibela
Places You’ll See
- Accommodation in mid-range or premium hotels & lodges
- Domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines
- Private 4×4 vehicles & drivers
- Professional English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees to all parks, churches, museums, and sites
- Danakil camping equipment & support vehicles
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) throughout the tour
- Bottled water & snacks on drives
- Traditional farewell dinner with cultural show
- International flights to/from Addis Ababa
- Ethiopia entry visa fees
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs)
- Tips for guides, drivers, and camp staff
- Optional ceremonies/events (bull-jumping, private rituals, etc.)
- Travel insurance (mandatory for Danakil region)
- Activity level: Moderate to High (walking, trekking, camping)
- Suitable for culture, history, and adventure travelers
- Cultural sensitivity required at religious & heritage sites
- Booking closes 7 days before departure
- Minimum age: 12 years; Maximum age: no strict limit (good health required for Danakil trekking)
- Small-group departures (up to 12 travelers) recommended
Itinerary
Day 1 — Addis Ababa
Arrive → visit Ethnographic Museum, Mercato, Trinity Cathedral
Overnight: Addis Ababa hotel
Day 2 — Addis Ababa → Bahir Dar
Fly north → local marketplace visit
Boat cruise on Lake Tana → medieval monasteries (Ura Kidane Mihret)
Afternoon: Blue Nile Falls visit
Overnight: Bahir Dar
Day 3 — Bahir Dar → Gondar
Drive through countryside → Gondar Royal Enclosure & Emperor Fasilides’ castles
Debre Berhan Selassie Church visit
Overnight: Gondar
Day 4 — Gondar → Simien Mountains
Travel to Simien Mountains National Park
Light hiking → spot Gelada baboons, Walia ibex
Overnight: Simien lodge or camp
Day 5 — Simien Mountains → Axum
Scenic drive through Tekeze Gorge to Axum
Overnight: Axum
Day 6 — Axum
Explore Axum Stelae Park, ancient tombs, Church of St. Mary of Zion
Overnight: Axum
Day 7 — Axum → Hawzein (Gheralta)
Adwa battlefield → Temple of Yeha
Rock-hewn churches (Abba Gerima, Petros Paulos)
Overnight: Hawzein (Gheralta Lodge)
Day 8 — Hawzein → Mekele
Visit Abraha Atsbeha, Wukro Chirkos, Medhane Alem Kesho
Overnight: Mekele
Day 9 — Mekele → Ahmedela (Danakil Depression)
Drive → see salt desert & camel caravans
Overnight: Danakil camp
Day 10 — Lake Asale & Dallol Excursion
Salt workers → camel transport at Lake Asale
Explore Dallol sulfur springs
Overnight: Danakil camp
Day 11 — Trek to Erta Ale Volcano
Drive to Dodom → trek to Erta Ale lava lake
Overnight: near Erta Ale
Day 12 — Return to Mekele
Descend → drive back to Mekele
Overnight: Mekele hotel
Day 13 — Mekele → Lalibela
Scenic drive → Lalibela
Overnight: Lalibela hotel
Day 14 — Lalibela
Full-day tour of 11 rock-hewn churches (UNESCO)
Traditional coffee ceremony in evening
Overnight: Lalibela
Day 15 — Lalibela → Addis Ababa
Fly back → National Museum (Lucy) → souvenir shopping
Farewell dinner & airport transfer
Customer Reviews
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- Best Price Guaranteed
- No Booking Fees
- Professional Local Guide
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