Wildlife & Nature Tours of Ethiopia – 12 Days

Tour Overview

Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most extraordinary destinations, home to ancient civilizations, dramatic landscapes, and unique wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. This immersive journey combines UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spectacular mountain scenery, rich cultural traditions, and exceptional wildlife encounters from the Simien and Bale Mountains to the Rift Valley lakes and the remote wilderness of southwestern Ethiopia.

Tour Highlights

  • Visit Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region, with its historical castles and museums

  • Explore Axum, the legendary city of ancient kings and UNESCO World Heritage site

  • Discover stunning rock-hewn churches of Tigray, including Abreha wa Atsbeha, Wukro Cherqos, and Degum Selassie

  • Trek to the cliffside church of Abune Yemata, perched dramatically on a vertical rock face

  • Visit Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor churches with panoramic views of the Gheralta plains

  • Experience authentic local culture with village visits and traditional coffee ceremonies

  • Stay in scenic lodges and camping sites to immerse fully in the natural surroundings

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa – City Tour

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After a short refreshment break, enjoy a guided city tour of Addis Ababa, the political capital of Africa.
Visit the National Museum (home of Lucy), the Ethnological Museum, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral. End the day with a panoramic view from Mount Entoto.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 2: Addis Ababa – Gondar – Simien Mountains

Fly to Gondar, the former imperial capital. Explore the Royal Enclosure, including Fasilidas’ Palace, and visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for its ceiling of angelic faces.
After lunch, drive to the Simien Mountains National Park, enjoying breathtaking scenery en route.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 3: Simien Mountains National Park

Spend the day exploring one of Africa’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. Walk among large troops of Gelada baboons, spot endemic wildlife, and admire vast escarpments and deep valleys.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 4: Simien Mountains – Bahir Dar

Early morning wildlife walk before driving to Bahir Dar, passing fertile highlands and scenic countryside. Arrive at the shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 5: Lake Tana Monasteries & Blue Nile Falls

Morning boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit ancient island monasteries, including Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Mariam, renowned for their murals and manuscripts.
In the afternoon, visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat), known as the “Smoke of Water.”
Overnight: Hotel

Day 6: Drive and Trek to Abune Yemata

Drive 4 km from Megab, then trek 30 minutes to the base of the breathtaking Guh mountains. Climb to the spectacular Abune Yemata church, perched on a cliff face accessible only via rock footholds and handgrips. Enjoy a picnic lunch with panoramic views. Afternoon at leisure or visit the nearby village.
Overnight: Gheralta Lodge

Day 7: Sanetti Plateau & Harenna Forest

Full-day excursion to the Sanetti Plateau (4,000 m), home to Afro-alpine landscapes and the endangered Ethiopian wolf.
Descend into the lush Harenna Forest, one of Africa’s largest cloud forests.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 8: Bale Mountains – Senkelle Sanctuary – Sodo

Drive toward Sodo, stopping at Senkelle Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary. This small but important reserve protects the rare Swayne’s hartebeest and other wildlife such as oribi, jackals, and numerous bird species.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 9: Sodo – Chebera Churchura National Park
Journey southwest into one of Ethiopia’s least-visited regions, the Geba Basin. The changing scenery and untouched landscapes offer a true wilderness experience.
Overnight: Lodge
Day 10: Chebera Churchura National Park

Explore this remote and biodiverse park, famous for African elephants, buffalo, forests, savannahs, rivers, and hot springs. The park’s lush scenery and rich wildlife make it one of Ethiopia’s hidden gems.
Overnight: Lodge

Day 11: Chebera – Awassa
Drive to Awassa, located in the heart of the Rift Valley. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Awassa, one of the best places in Ethiopia to observe hippos and water birds at sunset.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 12: Awassa – Addis Ababa – Departure
Return to Addis Ababa via the Great Rift Valley, stopping at scenic lakes such as Lake Ziway, famous for birdlife.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner and traditional coffee ceremony with live Ethiopian music and dance.
Transfer to the airport for your international departure.
Includes:
  • Airport transfers and road transport by private car
  • Full board, including mineral water.
  • Full camping equipment including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags for camping and trekking.
  • Recommended to bring your own sleeping bag.
  • Fees for entrances, local guides, compulsory scouts/ security personnel for activities mentioned in the itinerary.
  • All government taxes for the services included in the tour price
Excludes:
  • Additional food and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Souvenirs

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