Danakil Depression & Harar Trip

Day 1

Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by a representative from Enat Ethiopia Tours and transferred to your reserved hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a flexible sightseeing tour that may include Mount Entoto for panoramic views of the capital, the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, the National Museum (home to Lucy, the 3.5-million-year-old hominid fossil), the Trinity Cathedral with imperial tombs and stained glass art, or the vibrant Mercato—the largest open-air market in Africa.

Mount Entoto overlooks Ethiopia’s capital city from above 3,000 meters.

Day 2

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bahir Dar. On arrival, you’ll be taken to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Tana to explore the hidden monasteries of Zege Peninsula—especially Ura Kidane Mihret, known for its vivid 14th-century murals, thatched conical architecture, and ancient ecclesiastical treasures. As you walk through the lush forest, watch for monkeys and birdlife; you may also spot hippos in the shallows of the lake.

Day 3

In the morning, visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls, locally known as “Tis Issat” (Smoking Water), where water cascades 45 meters down into a rugged canyon. After returning to Bahir Dar and exploring the lively marketplace, drive north to Gondar—once the royal capital of Ethiopia and known for its impressive 17th-century castles and art-filled churches.

Day 4

Start the day visiting Gondar’s historical treasures, including the Royal Enclosure, Fasilides’ Bath, and Debre Berhan Selassie Church—famous for its painted ceiling of angel faces. In the afternoon, continue your journey to the Simien Mountains National Park, where you’ll reach one of Africa’s highest lodges and meet the friendly Gelada monkeys grazing near the escarpment. The area is recognized by UNESCO for its dramatic peaks and endemic wildlife.

The Gelada baboons of the Simien Mountains live in peaceful cliffside colonies.

Day 5

Spend the morning hiking through one of the park’s scenic trails—passing Ethiopia’s highest waterfall and spotting endemic flora and fauna in the deep valleys and gorges. The walk to the falls takes about two hours at a gentle pace. In the afternoon, return to Gondar for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 6

Today you’ll depart by road to Lalibela (approx. 7–8 hours), passing through rural highlands and scenic valleys. If timing allows, stop at Awra Amba—a unique, self-sustaining community that promotes gender equality and non-religious values. Arrive in Lalibela in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel.

Day 7

Enjoy a full day discovering the world-renowned rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved in the 12th century by King Lalibela. Begin with the first group: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Mariam, Bet Maskel, Bet Dangal, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha. After lunch, visit the second cluster, including Bet Giyorgis (St. George)—arguably the most iconic—and the southern churches like Bet Emanuel and Bet Gabriel-Rufael. These sacred spaces are connected by tunnels, courtyards, and passageways, offering a spiritual journey back in time.

Day 8

In the morning, attend an Ethiopian Orthodox mass service inside one of Lalibela’s illuminated cave churches—an intimate and moving farewell to your journey. Fly back to Addis Ababa and enjoy optional souvenir shopping or a stroll through the capital. In the evening, join a traditional Ethiopian dinner and dance performance before your airport transfer for international departure.