English
FrenchSafari Tour: 14 Days Grand Historical & Simien Mountains Adventure SMT Tour - Ethiopia Safari Tour
14-Day Ethiopia Safari Tour by SMT Tour
Offered by - SMT Tour
Tour Features
Experience the very best of Ethiopia on this unforgettable 14-day adventure combining history, culture, nature, and trekking. This carefully designed journey takes you through Ethiopia’s most iconic destinations — from the ancient royal castles of Gondar and the island monasteries of Lake Tana to the breathtaking Simien Mountains and the world-famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. The tour begins in Addis Ababa, the lively capital city, before traveling north to Bahir Dar and the peaceful shores of Lake Tana, where centuries-old monasteries preserve Ethiopia’s rich religious heritage. Continue to Gondar, the former imperial capital known for its medieval castles and fascinating history. The highlight of the journey is an extraordinary multi-day trek through the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “Roof of Africa.” Trek along dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, waterfalls, and panoramic mountain landscapes while encountering endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons and the rare Walia Ibex. Along the way, enjoy authentic cultural experiences, traditional Ethiopian hospitality, and unforgettable camping under the stars. The adventu
| Mid-Range tour | This mid-range tour includes comfortable lodges and tented camps. |
| Can be customized | You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour. |
| Shared tour | This tour will be shared with other travelers. |
| Solo travel available | Solo travelers can book this tour. |
| Can start any day | If availability permits, this tour can start on any day. |
| No minimum age | There is no minimum age for this tour. |
| Transportation | This tour uses: Normal 4x4, Minivan, Bus, Walking, Air, Overland, Self-drive, Horse. |
Route & Activities
Ethiopia
Activities Included
Accommodation & Meals
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
| Day | Accommodation | Meals |
| 1-14 | Mid-Range Accommodation No images available | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks |
Arrival (See Getting There for more details)
- A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
- Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
- Day 1 - Arrival in Addis Ababa
Welcome to Addis Ababa, the vibrant capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. If you arrive in the morning, enjoy a city tour including visits to the National Museum of Ethiopia, home of the famous fossil “Lucy,” and Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 2 - Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar
Take a short domestic flight to Bahir Dar, located on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Enjoy a full-day boat excursion across the lake, visiting ancient island monasteries including Ura Kidane Mehret, famous for its beautiful frescoes, and Narga Selassie, set in a peaceful island environment where time seems to stand still. Continue to the northern shores to visit Debre Sina Church.
Overnight: Summerland Hotel or similar.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 3 - Bahir Dar – Gondar
Drive to the historic city of Gondar, Ethiopia’s former royal capital. Surrounded by mountains, Gondar was once an important trading center and later occupied by the Italians during World War II. Explore the famous Royal Enclosure, with its medieval castles and palaces, and visit the beautiful Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its iconic ceiling decorated with painted angels.
Overnight: Lodge du Château or similar.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 4 - Gondar – Sankaber (3,250 m) | 3–4 Hours Trek
Drive to Debark, the headquarters of the Simien Mountains National Park, where permits and scouts will be arranged. Continue driving to the trekking starting point before beginning your first hike along the dramatic escarpments of the Simien Mountains. Enjoy breathtaking views over the foothills and plains of northern Ethiopia while spotting Gelada baboons along the trail.
Camping overnight at Sankaber.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 5 - Sankaber – Gich (3,600 m) | 5–6 Hours Trek
Trek eastward along the escarpment before descending into the Kaba Valley. Continue climbing toward Gich Abyss, where spectacular panoramic views await. Visit the impressive Jinbar Waterfall, plunging 530 meters into the valley below. After lunch near the Jinbar River, continue gradually uphill to Gich Camp, an excellent area for spotting Lammergeyers and Thick-billed Ravens. In the evening, hike to Kedadit for a stunning sunset view.
Camping overnight at Gich.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 6 - Exploring Gich | 4–5 Hours Trek
Spend an additional day in Gich for acclimatization and to enjoy some of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Simien Mountains. Hike to Imet Gogo (3,926 m), one of the park’s most breathtaking viewpoints, offering dramatic views across deep valleys and cliffs. Continue to Seha and Kedadit viewpoints before returning to camp. In the late afternoon, enjoy another sunset walk to Kedadit.
Camping overnight at Gich.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 7 - Gich – Chennek (3,600 m) | 7–8 Hours Trek
Descend into the Jinbahir River Valley and experience dramatic volcanic landscapes and towering cliffs. The trail follows the edge of steep escarpments before climbing to a summit at 4,070 meters for lunch. Continue descending to Chennek Camp, famous for its spectacular scenery and opportunities to spot the rare Walia Ibex near the cliffs.
Camping overnight at Chennek.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 8 - Chennek – Sona (3,100 m) | 6–7 Hours Trek
Today’s trek leads to Mount Buwahit (4,430 m), one of the highest peaks in the Simien Mountains. Along the trail, enjoy incredible mountain scenery and opportunities to observe endemic wildlife, especially the Walia Ibex. Descend through rocky landscapes and scenic escarpments before reaching Sona Camp, located opposite the dramatic cliffs of Imet Gogo.
Camping overnight at Sona.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 9 - Sona – Mekarebia (2,200 m) | 6–7 Hours Trek
Trek downhill through beautiful villages and lush valleys toward the Insia River, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Experience local hospitality with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony hosted by villagers beside the river. Continue through scenic bush landscapes and rolling hills before arriving at Mekarebia Camp.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 10 - Mekarebia – Mulit (1,800 m) | 6–7 Hours Trek
Continue trekking toward Mulit Camp, crossing rivers several times and enjoying beautiful birdlife and natural swimming pools, including Derek Wonz. After lunch, continue uphill to the village of Awasza before reaching the final campsite. In the evening, celebrate the end of the trek with a traditional farewell ceremony featuring a campfire and Ethiopian shoulder dance (“Eskista”).
Camping overnight at Mulit.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 11 - Mulit – Adiarkay – Gondar
Take a short morning walk to Adiarkay before driving back to Gondar. Relax and enjoy the evening after your unforgettable Simien Mountains trekking adventure.
Overnight in Gondar.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 12 - Gondar – Axum – Lalibela
Travel to the ancient city of Axum, once the center of the Queen of Sheba’s legendary kingdom. Visit the Archaeological Museum, the impressive Stelae Field, and the historic Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed by many to house the Ark of the Covenant. Later, continue to Lalibela.
Overnight in Lalibela.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 13 - tour in Lalibela
Explore the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lalibela, often called the “Jerusalem of Africa.” Visit the famous rock-hewn churches carved directly into solid volcanic rock. Explore tunnels, hidden passageways, and beautifully carved sanctuaries. Later, visit Nakutoleab Church, built into a natural cave, and enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony in a local home.
Overnight in Lalibela.
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 14 - Lalibela – Addis Ababa
Fly back to Addis Ababa. Depending on your international departure schedule, enjoy some final sightseeing or shopping before transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Included in the Tour Price
♦️ All transportation and domestic flights
♦️ Accommodation in hotels and camps
♦️ All meals and mineral water during trekking
♦️ Professional English-speaking guide
♦️ Cook and full cooking equipment
♦️ Park ranger and scout fees
♦️ National park entrance and camping fees
♦️ Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, sleeping bags)
♦️ Mule and muleteers for luggage transport
♦️ One riding horse during trekking
♦️ Traditional cultural experiences and coffee ceremonies
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
End of tour (See Getting There for more details)
- Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
- A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
Includes
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Excludes
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- International flights (from/to the client's home country)
- Tips: tipping guideline of $6 per person per day for the guide and crew
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Rates Per Person
Jun 6, 2026 - Dec 12, 2028
*n/a = not available. This tour is unavailable for solo travelers.
Includes
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
- All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Excludes
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- International flights (from/to the client's home country)
- Tips: tipping guideline of $6 per person per day for the guide and crew
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Getting There
Ethiopia, situated in the famous Horn of Africa, is known as both the Land of Origins and the Land of a Thousand Smiles. Most of the visitors arrive at the Bole International Airport (ADD) in Addis Ababa. Usually, the Safari operator picks you up at the airport and takes care of any travel arrangements from there. If you are already in the region it’s possible to get in by land from Sudan, Kenya and Djibouti. It is best to stay away from the borders of South Sudan and Somalia. Drive-around tours are also available (especially in southern Ethiopia). Even when flying around, covering some distances by car can be very rewarding as you'll see some of the Ethiopian countrysides.
This tour starts in Addis Ababa and ends in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Travel Requirements
- All foreign visitors need a passport that is valid for at least six months
- Passports must have a clean and a full visa page for endorsement.
- Visitors can be obtain there Visas in advance from Ethiopian embassies or high commissions.
- You can also apply through the online visa-application portal, the official website of the Ethiopian Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs.
- For certain countries, A tourist visa can also be issued on arrival at Bole International Airport.
- When arriving from a country in Africa or the Americas where yellow fever is present, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
Getting There
Ethiopia, situated in the famous Horn of Africa, is known as both the Land of Origins and the Land of a Thousand Smiles. Most of the visitors arrive at the Bole International Airport (ADD) in Addis Ababa. Usually, the Safari operator picks you up at the airport and takes care of any travel arrangements from there. If you are already in the region it’s possible to get in by land from Sudan, Kenya and Djibouti. It is best to stay away from the borders of South Sudan and Somalia. Drive-around tours are also available (especially in southern Ethiopia). Even when flying around, covering some distances by car can be very rewarding as you'll see some of the Ethiopian countrysides.
This tour starts in Addis Ababa and ends in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Travel Requirements
- All foreign visitors need a passport that is valid for at least six months
- Passports must have a clean and a full visa page for endorsement.
- Visitors can be obtain there Visas in advance from Ethiopian embassies or high commissions.
- You can also apply through the online visa-application portal, the official website of the Ethiopian Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs.
- For certain countries, A tourist visa can also be issued on arrival at Bole International Airport.
- When arriving from a country in Africa or the Americas where yellow fever is present, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
Offered By
SMT Tour
Ethiopia
Kenya
Tanzania
Nurlign – Ethiopian Tour Guide & Tourism Professional
Nurlign is an experienced Ethiopian tour guide and tourism professional with nearly two decades of experience guiding travelers across Ethiopia. He has a deep passion for showcasing the country's rich history, diverse cultures, spectacular landscapes, and unique wildlife.
As the owner of �, Simien specializes in organizing customized tours throughout Ethiopia, including the renowned Simien Mountains National Park, which he considers one of the most beautiful mountain destinations in the world. Having worked as a guide in the Simien Mountains for approximately 17 years, he possesses extensive knowledge of trekking routes, local communities, wildlife, and mountain logistics.
simienmountainstour.com
Simien is actively involved in developing travel itineraries, trekking expeditions, cultural tours, and wildlife adventures. He is particularly interested in promoting Ethiopian tourism internationally and building partnerships with travel platforms, tour operators, and travelers worldwide.
He communicates confidently in English and continuously works to improve his language and professional communication skills. His approach to tourism emphasizes hospitality, cultural exchange, and creating memorable experiences for visitors.
Beyond tourism, Simien values cooperation and understanding among people and believes in peaceful collaboration to solve regional challenges. His dedication to Ethiopia's natural and cultural heritage is reflected in his commitment to helping travelers discover the country's remarkable destinations.
Key strengths:
Professional tour guiding and trekking leadership
Ethiopia travel planning and logistics
Simien Mountains trekking expertise
Cultural and historical tourism
Customer service and hospitality
Tourism business development and partnerships
Multiday expedition organization
This profile presents you as a knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated tourism professional committed to promoting Ethiopia to travelers from around the world.
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