English
FrenchSafari Tour: 9 Day Northern Ethiopia tour - Ethiopia Safari Tour
9-Day Ethiopia Safari Tour by nigatethiopiatours
Offered by - nigatethiopiatours
Tour Features
Your journey begins in Addis Ababa with a city tour visiting the National Museum of Ethiopia (home of the famous fossil Lucy), Holy Trinity Cathedral, the bustling Mercato, and the panoramic viewpoints of Mount Entoto.On the second day you fly to Bahir Dar to explore the island monasteries of Lake Tana and visit the spectacular Blue Nile Falls.The tour continues to Gondar where you discover the medieval castles of the Fasil Ghebbi and the famous mural-filled Debre Berhan Selassie Church.Next, fly to Lalibela to explore its remarkable rock-hewn churches including Bete Giyorgis and other sacred monuments carved directly into the rock. After visiting Lalibela’s third group of churches, you travel to Semera, the gateway to the dramatic landscapes of the Afar Depression.From there the adventure continues through Hamedella to see the salt fields of Lake Asale, the hot waters of Lake Afdera, and hike to the active lava lake of Erta Ale.Finally, you visit the cliff-top church of Abuna Yemata Guh near Hawzen before traveling to Mekelle and flying back to Addis Ababa to conclude your unforgettable northern Ethiopia adventure.
| Budget tour | This budget tour includes camping and tented camps. |
| Can be customized | You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour. |
| Private tour | This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others. |
| Solo travel available | Solo travelers can book this tour. |
| Can start any day | If availability permits, this tour can start on any day. |
| Minimum age required | The minimum age for this tour is 5 years. |
| Transportation | This tour uses: Normal 4x4, Walking, Boat, Overland. |
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 | Triple E Hotel No images available | Breakfast Included |
| 2 | Jacaranda Hotel No images available | Breakfast Included |
| 3 | Gondar Plaza Hotel No images available | Breakfast Included |
| 4-5 | sora Lodge No images available | Breakfast Included |
| 6-7 | Erta Ale camp No images available | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks |
| 8 | Wabe Sheble Hotel No images available | Breakfast Included |
| 9 | Triple E Hotel No images available | Breakfast Included |
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 - Addis Ababa City Tour
Start your Ethiopian adventure with a city tour of Addis Ababa, visiting key historical and cultural sites such as the National Museum, which houses the famous fossil Lucy, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Explore the vibrant Mercato, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from Mount Entoto. Wrap up your day with a traditional Ethiopian dinner at a local restaurant, accompanied by cultural music and dance.
Main Destination: Addis Ababa
Accommodation: Triple E Hotel
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast Included
- Day 2 - Fly from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana & Blue Nile F
Fly from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar, a city on the shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake. Take a boat ride to explore the island monasteries on Lake Tana, home to ancient Christian treasures, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Blue Nile Falls, locally known as "Tis Issat" (Waterfall of Smoke). Spend the evening relaxing by the lake or exploring the local markets for unique handicrafts.
Main Destination: Gondar
Accommodation: Jacaranda Hotel
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast Included
- Day 3 - Fly from Bahir Dar to Gondar – Castles & Churches
Fly from Bahir Dar to Gondar, known for its medieval castles and historical significance. Visit the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the famous castles, including the Fasilides Castle. Also, visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famous for its well-preserved murals depicting biblical scenes.
Main Destination: Gondar
Accommodation: Gondar Plaza Hotel
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast Included
- Day 4 - Fly from Gondar to Lalibela – Visit First & Second Group Ch
Fly from Gondar to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most iconic destinations, famous for its rock-hewn churches. Begin your tour by visiting the First and Second Group of churches, including the remarkable Church of St. George, carved entirely from rock. Lalibela’s spiritual ambiance and architectural wonders make it a highlight of your journey.
Main Destination: Lalibela
Accommodation: sora Lodge
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast Included
- Day 5 - Visit the Third Group of Churches in Lalibela & Fly to Semer
Continue your exploration of Lalibela with a visit to the Third Group of churches, including the spectacular Bete Amanuel and Bete Abbo. Afterward, fly from Lalibela to Semera, the gateway to the Afar region, where you’ll begin your desert adventure. Upon arrival, prepare for an exploration of the unique geological and cultural features of this remote area
Main Destination: Eastern Highlands
Accommodation: sora Lodge
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast Included with Drinks
- Day 6 - : Drive from Semera to Hamedella – Lake Asale & Afdera
Embark on a scenic drive from Semera to Hamedella, passing through the arid, stark landscapes of the Afar Depression. Visit Lake Asale, known for its salt mining operations, and then proceed to the salty Lake Afdera, which is a unique and atmospheric location. Experience the traditional lifestyle of the Afar people, who have adapted to life in this extreme environment.
Main Destination: Awash National Park
Accommodation: Erta Ale camp
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 7 - : Drive to Ert Ale – Visit Active Volcano
Drive from Hamedella to Ert Ale, one of the few active volcanoes in the world, and one of the most fascinating destinations in Ethiopia. Hike up to the summit of the volcano, where you can witness the incredible sight of a lava lake bubbling within the crater. Spend the night at the volcano’s base, experiencing one of nature's most dramatic displays.
Main Destination: Hazyview
Accommodation: Erta Ale camp
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included with Drinks
- Day 8 - Morning Drive to Hawzen – Visit Abune Yemata Guh
After descending from Ert Ale, drive to Hawzen in the Tigray region, known for its unique rock-hewn churches. Visit the extraordinary Abune Yemata Guh Church, which is perched high on a cliff, offering spectacular views and a glimpse into Ethiopia’s ancient Christian heritage. The church's murals and remote location make it a must-see for adventurous travelers.
Main Destination: Aberdare National Park
Accommodation: Wabe Sheble Hotel
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast Included
- Day 9 - Drive from Hawzen to Mekele – Fly Back to Addis Ababa
Drive from Hawzen to Mekele, the capital of the Tigray region, where you can visit the local markets and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Afterward, take a flight back to Addis Ababa, where you’ll conclude your Ethiopian adventure. Depending on your flight time, you can explore more of the city or relax before your onward journey.
Main Destination: Addis Ababa
Accommodation: Triple E Hotel
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast Included
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
- All Taxes/VAT
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Excludes
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- International flights (from/to the client's home country)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- 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)
Rates Per Person
Mar 7, 2026 - Mar 7, 2027
*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
- All Taxes/VAT
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Excludes
- All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
- International flights (from/to the client's home country)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- 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)
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
nigatethiopiatours
Ethiopia
Nigat Ethiopia Tours is a locally owned and passionately run travel company dedicated to showing the true beauty, depth, and diversity of Ethiopia. “Nigat” means dawn a symbol of new beginnings, new experiences, and new perspectives. That is what we give every traveler who journeys with us: a fresh, authentic encounter with Ethiopia
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