Historic North Trekking Tour | 13-Day Ethiopia Adventure

Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy an introduction to Addis Ababa with visits to selected city attractions, including the National Museum and the lively Mercato area. Take time to enjoy traditional Ethiopian coffee and experience the atmosphere of the capital.

Overnight: Addis Ababa
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge

Take an early domestic flight toward Lalibela and begin exploring one of Ethiopia’s most remarkable heritage destinations. Visit the famous rock-hewn churches, including Bete Giyorgis and churches within the northern and eastern groups. Learn about the medieval kingdom of Ethiopia while exploring tunnels, courtyards, and sacred spaces carved from living rock.

Overnight: Lalibela
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge

Continue your Lalibela experience beyond the main church complex with an excursion into the surrounding highlands. Travel or walk toward Asheton Maryam, located high above Lalibela. The journey offers spectacular views over the town, valleys, and surrounding mountains. Depending on preference and conditions, part of the route can be completed by mule.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Lalibela
Accommodation: Mountain View Hotel or similar

Fly to Gondar and begin exploring the former imperial capital. Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its richly painted interior and distinctive ceiling. Later, discover the Royal Enclosure, a remarkable complex of castles, palaces, and historic buildings associated with Ethiopia’s imperial rulers.

Overnight: Gondar
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge

Leave Gondar and travel toward the Simien Mountains National Park. After completing the park formalities, continue to Michibiny and begin your trek toward Sankaber. The relatively short first walking stage provides time to adjust to the altitude while enjoying the spectacular mountain environment.

Walking: Approximately 2–3 hours
Overnight: Camping in the Simien Mountains

Continue deeper into the Simien Mountains along highland trails surrounded by grasslands, cultivated fields, and distinctive vegetation. Enjoy dramatic views from the escarpment and visit the spectacular Jinbar Falls. Gelada baboons are often seen along this section of the trail. Later, arrive near Geech village and experience the welcoming atmosphere of the highlands, including a traditional coffee experience.

Walking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Overnight: Camping near Geech

Today offers some of the most impressive scenery of the trek. Follow the highland trail toward Imet Gogo, one of the outstanding viewpoints in the Simien Mountains. Enjoy panoramic views across deep valleys and rugged escarpments while watching for highland birds and endemic wildlife. After the trek, continue by vehicle toward Debark or a nearby lodge.

Walking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Overnight: Debark or Limalimo Lodge

Travel north from the Simien region toward Axum, one of Ethiopia’s most historically significant cities. After arrival, explore the famous stelae field and learn about the ancient Axumite civilization. Continue to important religious and archaeological landmarks while discovering the city’s connection with Ethiopia’s early history and traditions.

Overnight: Axum
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge

Continue south toward the Gheralta region, passing through the dramatic landscapes of Tigray. Arrive around Hawzien and begin discovering the remarkable rock-hewn churches scattered across the surrounding mountains. Some churches require challenging climbs, so your guide will recommend suitable options according to conditions and your interests.

Overnight: Hawzien / Gheralta
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge

Spend another day exploring the extraordinary churches of the Gheralta mountains. Travel to selected sites with your local guide and experience the combination of ancient religious heritage, dramatic cliffs, and remote rural landscapes. The day allows a more relaxed pace while discovering the distinctive cultural heritage of Tigray.

Overnight: Gheralta
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge

Begin early with a transfer toward Mekele before continuing into the remote Danakil Depression. Change to specialized 4WD vehicles and travel through increasingly rugged desert landscapes toward the Erta Ale area. After dinner at the desert base camp, begin the evening hike toward the volcano. Reach the crater area after several hours of walking and settle into a simple desert campsite.

Walking: Approximately 3 hours
Overnight: Camping near Erta Ale

Rise early to descend from Erta Ale before the daytime heat becomes intense. After breakfast, continue across the vast Danakil desert toward Hamed Ela. Depending on conditions, visit Lake Asale and observe traditional camel caravans crossing the salt plains. Enjoy the striking desert scenery before spending the night in the remote Danakil area.

Activities: Desert drive, Lake Asale and camel caravan experience
Overnight: Hamed Ela

Complete your Danakil adventure with a visit to the traditional salt-mining area around Ragad before continuing to Dallol. Explore its extraordinary mineral formations and colorful volcanic landscape. Later, travel toward Lake Afrera, a highly saline lake surrounded by volcanic terrain and hot springs. Afterward, begin the return journey to Mekele for your onward flight to Addis Ababa or your next destination.

Activities: Salt-mining experience, Dallol, Lake Afrera and hot springs
Departure: Mekele / Addis Ababa