Ethiopian Explorer – The Best of Ethiopia
A14-day journey through Ethiopia’s landscapes, cultures, and wildlife
Experience the very best of Ethiopia on this 14-day adventure, exploring its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures. From the bustling streets of Addis Ababa to the dramatic cliffs of the Simien Mountains, the mystical rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the ancient stelae of Axum, every day offers something unique. Encounter endemic wildlife, from Gelada monkeys to Mountain Nyala, and visit remote tribal villages in the Omo Valley, gaining insight into traditional ways of life. Enjoy carefully selected accommodations, authentic local cuisine, and expert guides who bring Ethiopia’s heritage to life. The Ethiopian Explorer is a seamless blend of culture, history, and nature — a journey designed for those seeking a deep and unforgettable immersion in one of Africa’s most remarkable countries.
Experience The Highlights
Itinerary Overview
|
Day |
Description |
Accommodation |
| Day 1 | Arrive at Addis Ababa – highlights of Addis Ababa | Hyatt Regency Hotel or Sheraton Hotel |
| Day 2 | Fly to Gondar – Royal Enclosure – drive to Simien Mountains | Limalimo Lodge or Simien Mountain Lodge |
| Day 3 | Full day in Simien Mountains National Park – Gelada monkeys, Walia Ibex, scenic cliffs | Limalimo Lodge or Simien Mountain Lodge |
| Day 4 | Return to Gondar – flight to Lalibela – Rock-Hewn Churches | Mazena Lodge or Maribela Hotel |
| Day 5 | Cave Church – Ashetan Monastery – Lalibela church clusters | Mazena Lodge or Maribela Hotel |
| Day 6 | Fly to Axum – Stelae field – drive to Gheralta – explore rock-hewn churches | Korkor Lodge |
| Day 7 | Gheralta – visit rock-hewn churches – Maryam Korkor and Abuna Gebre Mikhail | Korkor Lodge |
| Day 8 | Flight to Bale Mountains – Webb Plateau tented camp – wildlife viewing | Bale Tented Camp |
| Day 9 | Webb Valley Safari – looking for Ethiopian Wolves and endemic wildlife | Bale Tented Camp |
| Day 10 | Game drive – Sanetti Plateau and Gaysay Grassland | Bale Tented Camp |
| Day 11 | Charter flight to Omo Valley – arrival at Omo Camp | Omo Tented Camp |
| Day 12 | Hamar Village visit – Omo River boat cruise – Mursi Village | Mursi Fly Camp |
| Day 13 | Kara Village visit – traditional dance and cultural immersion | Omo Tented Camp |
| Day 14 | Return flight to Addis Ababa – final shopping and gastronomic experience | Hyatt Regency Hotel or Sheraton Hotel |
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa
Arrive Addis Ababa – highlights of Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa off international flight and transfer across to the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Transfer time from the airport to the hotel: 20 minutes.
Vehicle type in Addis: minivan
Breakfast in the hotel before starting a city tour at 09:00hrs.
Visit the Trinity Cathedral and learn about the more modern history of Ethiopia, the Orthodox Church and the role of prominent men and women who helped shape the development of the country.
Visit St George Cathedral and the museum. Visit the National Museum and learn about the archaeological finds that have shaped our perception of the evolution of man.
Evening at one of the many fine restaurants in Addis.
Daily Summary
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hotel or Sheraton Hotel
Full board and all non-alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Day 2 – Gondar & Simien Mountains
Simien Mountains
Fly from Addis to Gondar – Royal Enclosure – drive to Simien Mountains
Commercial flight:
Addis – Gondar
Depart: 08:10
The morning will be spent visiting the Royal Enclosure, including Fasilides Castle – the most impressive building in the complex. Founded in 1636 as the capital, Gondar is the site of numerous castle-like palaces dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The emperors used to rule from an area of the town known as Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure), and within this sector lie the most famous and impressive ruins of the city. Visit Debre Berhan Silassie Church.
After lunch at a delightful little restaurant in Gondar, it will be a 2-hour drive to reach Limalimo Lodge in the Simien Mountains.
Short walk onto the clifftops in front of the lodge in the evening.
Daily Summary
Accommodation: Limalimo Lodge or Simien Mountain Lodge
Full board and all non-alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Day 3 – Simien Mountains
Simien Mountains
A full-day excursion in Simien Mountains National Park
Leaving Limalimo Lodge relatively early, the drive into the park takes about 40 minutes.
The morning will be spent looking for and spending time with Gelada Monkeys. This most amazing experience is one of the top wildlife interaction experiences to be had in Africa.
Drive up towards Chenek, one of the higher sections of the park, to look for Walia Ibex. Have a picnic lunch on the clifftops, looking out on some of the world’s most spectacular views.
Return to Limalimo Lodge in the afternoon after another visit with the Gelada Monkeys.
Evening around the fire at the lodge.
Daily Summary
Accommodation: Limalimo Lodge or Simien Mountain Lodge
Full board and all non-alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Day 4 – Lalibela
Lalibela
Return to Gondar – Charter / Commercial flight to Lalibela – Rock Hewn Churches
Commercial flight:
Gondar – Lalibela
Depart: 10:30
This flight takes approximately 50 minutes.
After settling in to the Mazena Lodge for lunch, the afternoon will be spent visiting the first of 3 clusters of rock-hewn churches.
Built on a grander scale than Gheralta, these churches were constructed in the 11th century under the direction of King Lalibela.
An evening spent at Mazena Lodge or the chance to visit one or two of the restaurants in town.
Minivan used in Lalibela for all site visits.
Daily Summary
Accommodation: Mazena Lodge or Maribela Hotel
Full board and all non-alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Day 5 – Lalibela
Day 5 – Lalibela
Cave Church – Ashetan Monastery
Leaving after an early breakfast, the group will drive out of Lalibela to go and visit the cave church of Yemrehana Cristos.
This church pre-dates the construction of those built in town and is much more ornately decorated. The drive takes about an hour and the walk up to the cave takes about 20 minutes.
Return to Lalibela for lunch at Ben Abebe Restaurant, before visiting the last of the church clusters.
Driving 30 minutes up the hill out of Lalibela brings you to the start of a 20-minute walk to the Ashetan Monastery. This monastery is perched high above the surrounding countryside and on return from our visit there, we will stop to have evening sundowners watching the incredible sunset across the valleys below. A fitting end to any visit to Lalibela.
Evening meal in Mazena Lodge or one of the restaurants in town.
Minivan used in all site visits.
Accommodation: Mazena Lodge or Maribela Hotel
Full board and all non-alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Daily Summary
Accommodation: Mazena Lodge or Maribela Hotel
Full board and all non-alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Day 6 – Gheralta
Gheralta
Lalibela to Axum – Stelae – Gheralta Drive
Fly from Lalibela to Axum (45 mins)
Commercial flight:
Lalibela – Axum
Depart: 11:00
A quick look at the history of Axum and the impressive Stelae field before having lunch.
Drive to Gheralta and Korkor Lodge. This takes approximately 3 hours along a stunning Ethiopian back-country road.
Korkor Lodge is positioned beneath the beautiful Gheralta Mountains and all activities will take place from here in the next few days.
Afternoon spent exploring one of the many rock-hewn churches for which the area is renowned.
Accommodation: Korkor Lodge
Full board and all non-alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Daily Summary
Accommodation: Korkor Lodge
Full board and all non-alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Day 7 – Gheralta
Gheralta
Rock Hewn Churches
Visit a couple of the rock-hewn churches that are widespread in these mountains in the afternoon. Each usually takes a good uphill hike to get there, but the views and churches themselves are well worth the effort.
Dating from the 4th and 5th centuries, these ancient carved churches are still alive today. Although smaller than Lalibela, they are more impressive in that the work taken to access the cliff tops and dig away the sandstone to create them is simply amazing.
The views from the top of these sandstone cliffs across the northern Tigray countryside are simply stunning.
Maryam Korkor and Abuna Gebre-Michael are the two well worth the effort of walking up.
Accommodation: Korkor Lodge
Full board and all non-alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Daily Summary
Accommodation: Korkor Lodge
Full board and all non-alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Day 8 – Bale Mountains
Bale Mountains
Depart Gheralta for an early connecting flight to the Bale Mountains
From the airport in Bale, it is about a 1.5-hour drive up to the Webb Plateau, where we have our tented camp. The last half hour of the drive is really down a bumpy goat track, but well worth the effort when reaching camp.
The camp sits at 3450 metres and overlooks a beautiful waterfall and pond with many endemic birds. From the dining room here, you can sit and watch Mountain Nyala, Ethiopian Wolves and warthogs amongst others.
It is truly stunning walking country, and activities here are geared towards looking for and spending time with the wolves.
The tents are A-frame with en suite bathrooms. Showering is best done in the daytime, as it does get cold at night. Hot water is provided for all the showers, and the loo is flush.
Professional guide, 4 x 4 vehicles – local guide/interpreter
Daily Summary
Accommodation: Bale Tented Camp
Full board and all alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Day 9 – Bale Mountains
Bale Mountains
Webb Valley Safari
Explore the Webb Valley looking for wolves and endemics. With the massive biodiversity of rodents, the birdlife is fantastic.
Vehicles and walking are both used when looking for the wolves. The walking underfoot is generally flat and easy.
Daily Summary
Accommodation: Bale Tented Camp
Full board and all alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Day 10 – Bale Mountains
Bale Mountains
Game Drive – Sanetti Plateau
Visit Gaysay Grassland on a bit of a game drive. Great herds of Mountain Nyala and Reedbuck as well as plenty of warthog, olive baboons and duiker.
You can also see serval, jackals, monkeys and occasionally hyena down here. If the timing works out, it is worthwhile visiting a market day in Dinsho.
The option of doing a drive across the Sanetti Plateau is also there. This is a stunningly scenic drive across the highest commercial road in Africa. The bulk of the plateau sits above 4000 metres.
Daily Summary
Accommodation: Bale Tented Camp
Full board and all alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Day 11 – Omo Valley
Omo Valley
Charter flight from Bale Mountains down to the camp in the Omo Valley
We’ll arrive at the Omo Camp in the evening. This beautiful camp is set alongside the Omo River under a grove of fig and mahogany trees. It is a truly remarkable experience.
Daily Summary
Accommodation: Omo Tented Camp
Full board and all alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Day 12 – Omo Valley
Omo Valley
Hamar Village – Boat Cruise – Mursi Village
An early morning visit to a nearby Hamar village is the ideal start to the day in the Omo Valley. Learning about the basics of life for these communities which inhabit a very remote and demanding environment in Ethiopia.
After breakfast, it is a 3-hour boat cruise up the wild Omo River with plenty of opportunities to see crocodiles, monkeys, baboons and superb birdlife.
The journey comes to an end on the banks of the river in Mago National Park, where the Mursi villagers will come and visit our camp. They stay the night, which is often filled with impromptu dance and fireside storytelling.
Daily Summary
Accommodation: Omo Tented Camp
Full board and all alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Day 13 – Omo Valley
Omo Valley
Kara Village
Returning to the Omo Camp, the afternoon will be spent with the Kara. The smallest of the tribal groups, but one that plays a significant role in the settlement of the lower Omo Valley.
Evening dance in the Kara village of Dus before returning to camp and watching the sun set over a beautiful Omo River scene. A fitting way to end a safari of Ethiopia.
Daily Summary
Accommodation: Omo Tented Camp
Full board and all alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes.
Day 14 – Addis-Ababa
Addis-Ababa
Charter or commercial flight back to Addis Ababa
On reaching Addis, you will transfer back to your hotel to prepare for your departure flight or a final shopping and gastronomic experience at one of the many fine restaurants in the city.
Transfer to the airport for all flights out.
Daily Summary
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hotel or Sheraton Hotel
Full board and all non-alcoholic drinks. All private guide fees, entrance fees, private vehicles and all taxes
Do You Have Questions About This Tour?
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Connect with an Africa Specialist to discuss this Signature Experience.
Accommodation on This Tour
Accommodation overview: Where you will be staying on this tour.
Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The hotel sits at the heart of Ethiopia’s vibrant capital, offering a refined blend of contemporary comfort and warm Ethiopian hospitality. Just minutes from major business, cultural, and diplomatic districts, the hotel features stylish guest rooms and suites with panoramic city views, modern amenities, and thoughtful design that invites relaxation after a busy day. Guests can enjoy a variety of on‑site dining options — from relaxed outdoor seating beside a tranquil pond to elegant indoor spaces framed by floor‑to‑ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline. The outdoor pool and terrace provide a serene urban oasis, ideal for unwinding under the Ethiopian sun. Whether you’re in Addis Ababa for business or leisure, the Hyatt Regency delivers exceptional service, comfort, and convenience, all within easy reach of key attractions, shopping, and cultural experiences. Its blend of modern luxury and local character makes it a top choice among travelers exploring Ethiopia’s capital.
Korkor Lodge
Gheralta Mountains, Ethiopia
This is a rustic, eco-friendly lodge nestled in the heart of the Gheralta Mountains, near Megab Village, Tigray. It offers visitors direct access to the region’s spectacular rock-hewn churches, including the famous Abuna Yemata Guh. The lodge blends traditional Tigrayan architecture with modern comforts, featuring stone and thatch bungalows, cozy terraces, and panoramic views of the dramatic sandstone cliffs.
Guests at Korkor Lodge can enjoy hiking, guided tours to remote churches, birdwatching, and cultural experiences with local communities. The lodge serves as a tranquil base for exploring the Gheralta massif, known for its towering cliffs, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking sunsets over the rugged Ethiopian highlands. Its location combines seclusion, authenticity, and convenience, making it ideal for travelers seeking adventure and cultural immersion.
Location Tip: About 100 km from Mekelle, the nearest major city, and reachable via 4x4 vehicles over rugged mountain roads.
Mezena Resort Lodge
Near Lalibela, Ethiopia
This lodge is a scenic lodge set on a hillside overlooking the fertile valleys and breathtaking landscapes of Lalibela, Ethiopia. Ideally positioned just outside the historic town, the lodge offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and convenient access to the region’s famed rock‑hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The property features 30 spacious stone-and-thatched bungalows, each with its own private veranda offering serene vistas and a tranquil atmosphere for guests.
Visitors can relax in the lodge’s restaurant and bar, enjoy refreshing dips in the outdoor pool, or indulge in rejuvenating treatments in the full‑service spa. Mezena also provides modern amenities such as Wi‑Fi access, on‑site dining with Ethiopian and international cuisine, and eco‑friendly design elements that blend harmoniously with the natural setting.
Perfect for cultural explorers and leisure travellers alike, Mezena Resort & Spa delivers a peaceful retreat with authentic Ethiopian hospitality and easy access to Lalibela’s iconic attractions
Limalimo Lodge
Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
is a boutique eco‑lodge perched on the edge of the dramatic escarpment in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia — a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its jagged peaks, deep valleys, and endemic wildlife. Opened with a vision of sustainable tourism and community partnership, the lodge blends elegant, minimalist design with natural materials like rammed earth, wood, and thatch to harmonise with its stunning surroundings.
With just a small number of well‑appointed rooms scattered across ten hectares, each accommodation offers sweeping vistas of the mountains and valleys. Guests can unwind on the terrace or around the fire pit, enjoy international and Ethiopian cuisine at the restaurant, and spot wildlife such as gelada monkeys, eagles, and ibex right from the communal spaces.
LimaLimo Lodge also focuses on responsible tourism, working closely with neighbouring villages to support local employment and cultural engagement while promoting conservation within the park
Tented Camps in Ethiopia
What to expect from our tented camps
Our camps provide access to remote, off-the-beaten-path locations, allowing you to experience the wilderness like never before. Depending on your itinerary and the environment, you will either stay in one of our luxurious tented camps or simpler, mobile camps designed for overnight journeys between destinations.
Luxury tented camps
These combine comfort with adventure, offering large, walk-in safari tents complete with twin beds, en-suite facilities, and hot water for showers and wash basins. Each camp is hosted by a professional guide, supported by a skilled camp team and top chef, ensuring your stay is both comfortable and memorable. Guests can enjoy delicious three-course meals prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and vegetarian options are available upon request. Evenings are enhanced by sundowners around the campfire, under the vast African skies.
Mobile camps:
These provide a simpler but very comfortable experience, often in walk-in dome tents with camp cots or, when conditions allow, under the stars with mosquito nets. Al fresco dining and immersive natural settings make these camps a magical way to connect with the environment, while our experienced staff take care of every detail, ensuring you feel well-catered for, safe, and inspired by your surroundings.
Price N/A
Sample Itinerary Note
This itinerary is provided as a sample of what Ethiopia has to offer.
Ethiopia is vast and diverse, with a wide range of attractions, landscapes, and accommodation types to suit different interests.
Whether you are drawn to wildlife photography, adventure camping, cultural experiences, or luxury stays, your journey can be tailored to your preferences.
If you would like to book this itinerary, we can create it exactly as shown, or adapt it to spend more time in certain locations, shorten stays, or focus on specific activities.
We recommend contacting us to discuss your ideal experience and allow us to design a personalised itinerary that perfectly suits your travel style.
Price Excludes
International flights
Visa fees
Optional Activities
Personal expenses
Premium drinks
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
All items not listed as specifically included
All rates will be based on current taxes, fees, and costs. We reserve the right to change our rates without prior notice if base fees, taxes, and expenses change.
Why African Signature
Curated Destinations
The Right Place We don’t do "everywhere." We focus on the corners of Africa where the fences are down and the wildlife is still truly wild. From the floodplains of the Zambezi to the dry pans of the Kalahari, we only send you to regions where the land is vast enough to get lost in and the sightings are worth the journey.
Tailored Experiences
The Ground Level Safari isn't just about sitting in a vehicle. It’s about the crunch of grass under your boots on a walking safari, the silent glide of a boat through a reed bed, or the patience of sitting at a waterhole for three hours. We design your days around the rhythm of the animals, not the schedule of a hotel.
Sustainable Stewardship
The Real Impact Travel here has to mean something. We partner with people who are actually on the front lines—the ones running anti-poaching units, protecting habitat, and ensuring local communities see the value in keeping these lions and elephants alive. Your trip is what keeps those boots on the ground.
Do You Have Questions About This Tour?
We Are Here To Help
Connect with an Africa Specialist to discuss this Signature Experience.
Travel Insurance
Protect your investment and don’t forget Travel Insurance! This is mandatory for all our bookings.
In addition to trip cancellation and interruption, most travel insurance plans include coverage for trip delay, missed connection, lost or delayed baggage, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation with repatriation of remains. 24-hour assistance services are included to help the traveller with things such as emergency medical assistance, lost baggage tracking, emergency cash transfer, emergency or last-minute travel arrangements, assistance with replacing lost travel documents and much more.
Why Buy a Travel Insurance Plan? Because Travel Mishaps Occur Every Day! No matter how hard you try, there are some things you just can’t plan for:
If a family member gets sick. If your baggage is lost. If your trip is delayed. Your passport is lost or stolen. If the weather prevents your travel. You need to see a doctor for a sudden injury – your health insurance may not be valid overseas, and medical evacuations can be really expensive. If you miss a flight connection (- e.g. only 80% of US flights arrive on time) You don’t want to lose all your money if you have to cancel your trip. Sometimes, even expert travellers need a little help.
Whilst we will provide you with a Temporary Membership to the Flying Doctor’s Emergency Evacuation scheme in Tanzania, this has to have a corresponding international insurance to cover hospital and emergency cover when you land at the nearest available medical facility.
Please be sure that the travel insurance that you have is right for you!
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Our Concierge Is Here To Help
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our concierge in the bottom right corner. They will assist you or put you in contact with one of our African Specialists.
