Cultural · Trekking
Northern Ethiopia Grand Horizon
The north with time to breathe: three days in the Simien and a full day in Gheralta.
- Duration
- 15 Days / 14 Nights
- Start & Finish
- Addis Ababa – Lalibela
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- From
- $4,995
The Journey
The north with time to breathe: three days in the Simien and a full day in Gheralta.
This is not the 12-day journey with three empty days added. The extra time goes to Addis, a deeper day in Gondar, a third Simien day and a full church-and-mountain day in Gheralta.
Slower days mean longer walks in the Simien, time to understand each place, and room to adapt to weather and access.
- Who it is for
- Travellers who want walking in the mountains as well as the historic sites.
- Consider another itinerary if
- Travellers who also want the Danakil. Choose the 21-day Grand Horizon Ethiopia.
Places
- Addis Ababa
- Lake Tana
- Gondar
- Simien Mountains
- Aksum
- Gheralta
- Lalibela
Day by Day
The planned route
Exact timings, camp locations and access are confirmed for your dates.
Day 1
Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrival and orientation.
- Overnight
- Addis Ababa
Day 2
Addis Ababa
The National Museum or selected cultural sites, a coffee experience and a local neighbourhood.
- Overnight
- Addis Ababa
Day 3
Addis → Bahir Dar
Flight to Bahir Dar and an introduction to Lake Tana.
- Overnight
- Bahir Dar
Day 4
Lake Tana
A boat excursion and monastery visit, with an evening by the lake.
- Overnight
- Bahir Dar
Day 5
Bahir Dar → Gondar
The highland road to Gondar and the Royal Enclosure.
- Overnight
- Gondar
Day 6
Gondar
Fasilides’ Bath, Debre Birhan Selassie, local history and free time.
- Overnight
- Gondar
Day 7
Gondar → Simien Mountains
Into the Simien for the landscape and its wildlife.
- Overnight
- Simien Mountains
Day 8
Simien Mountains
A full trekking day.
- Overnight
- Simien Mountains
Day 9
Simien Mountains, second day
A longer trek or a photography-focused route.
- Overnight
- Simien Mountains
Day 10
Simien → Aksum
A highland journey to Aksum.
- Overnight
- Aksum
Day 11
Aksum
A full day of archaeology and history.
- Overnight
- Aksum
Day 12
Aksum → Gheralta
A scenic transfer into Gheralta.
- Overnight
- Gheralta
Day 13
Gheralta
A full church and mountain day, with the church chosen according to current access and your ability.
- Overnight
- Gheralta
Day 14
Gheralta → Lalibela
The journey to Lalibela and an evening orientation.
- Overnight
- Lalibela
Day 15
Lalibela
A full day at the rock-hewn churches, then an airport transfer.
- Overnight
- No overnight
Operating subject to current access and conditions
Aksum and Gheralta are in Tigray, where access can change. We confirm current conditions and the route before quoting your dates.
The Danakil is a remote expedition environment. While we follow the planned itinerary as closely as possible, route conditions, weather, access, security and local operational circumstances can occasionally require adjustments. Our experienced local team makes these decisions with safety and the quality of the experience in mind.
What Is Included
- Private transport with a professional driver
- English-speaking guide
- Local guides and scouts where required
- Accommodation as listed in your confirmed quotation
- Meals as stated in your confirmed quotation
- Park and route arrangements where applicable
- Airport transfers where stated
- Drinking water
Not Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights (quoted at the current fare)
- Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance
- Alcohol and laundry
- Camera fees where applicable
- Tips
- Extra hotel nights and activities not listed
Before you go
Questions travellers ask
- Are domestic flights included?
- They are quoted separately at the current confirmed fare, because flight prices and schedules change. We include them in your proposal so you see the full cost before booking.
- Which church will we visit in Gheralta?
- Your guide chooses with you according to current access, fitness, weather and local guidance. Some churches involve steep, exposed climbs; others are easy to reach.
- Can the route change?
- Yes. Flight schedules, road conditions and regional access can require adjustments. The itinerary is the framework of the journey, and we adapt it when we need to.
Enquire
Make Northern Ethiopia Grand Horizon yours
Send us your dates and group size. We will check current conditions, confirm the route and send a clear quotation before you commit to anything.
15 Days · Private, 2 – 8 · from $4,995 per person
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Questions before you enquire?
Heat, road time, how hard the walking really is, what camping means in the Danakil. Ask us anything and we will answer honestly.
Or call us directly on +251 956 61 6969