Ethiopia 2026

Arrival:
Arrive at Addis Ababa International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Stay overnight and rest.

Accommodation: Hotel

Morning:
Flight ET 231 from Addis Ababa to Jimma (08:25–09:30).
Afternoon:
After pick-up at the airport, we head towards the Suri tribal region.

Accommodation: Camping in Kebesh

Morning:
Witness the unique ritual of the Suri tribe — drinking fresh bull’s blood for strength, a sacred tradition performed without harming the animal. This occurs early in the morning before the bulls are released to the field.

Afternoon:
Explore the beautiful region inhabited by the Surma people (also known as the Suri), an agro-pastoral group known for lip plates, scarification, and vibrant culture. The Suri identify as two main groups: Tirmaga and Chai.

Accommodation: Camping in Kebesh

Morning:
After early breakfast, we head to the airport for the flight.
Flight: ET 233 from Jimma to Addis Ababa (18:20–19:25).

Accommodation: Hotel in Addis Ababa

Morning:
After breakfast, we take flight ET 122 from Addis Ababa to Gondar (08:00–09:25). Upon arrival, we drop off the luggage at the accommodation and begin our exploration of the city.

Day:
Founded in 1636 as a permanent capital of the Ethiopian Empire, Gondar was strategically chosen for its fertile lands and location at the convergence of major trade routes. It is a city of fairy-tale medieval castles, surrounded by hills and rich in imperial history.

The emperors of Ethiopia selected Gondar as their capital for its natural defenses and resources. Today, the city is famous for its remarkable architecture — a blend of local, Portuguese, and Indian influences. The Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi) contains a complex of palaces, churches, and castles that reflect Ethiopia’s golden age.

One of the highlights is the Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its stunning ceiling adorned with angelic faces and some of the finest 17th-century murals in the country.

Accommodation: Haz Hotel

Morning:
After an early breakfast, we head to the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day:
The park is an exotic setting with unique wildlife and breathtaking views of dramatic landscapes shaped by nature. The main attraction of the Simien Mountains is its biosphere: steep cliffs, rugged terrains, and vast openness. With its undulating plateau and deep valleys, the region is often dubbed the Grand Canyon of Africa.

Simien is home to Ras Dashen (4,533m), the highest mountain in Ethiopia. In the afternoon, you'll have the chance to explore the natural beauty of the Sanakabar area. While out exploring, you are likely to encounter groups of Gelada Baboons, famous for the red, heart-shaped patch on their chest.

We'll explore the park’s many scenic vistas by driving to our favorite spots, with time to enjoy the landscape and wildlife. Expect unhurried moments near a large group of Gelada Baboons, perfect for observation and photography.

Evening:
In the late afternoon, we drive back to Gondar.

Accommodation: Haz Hotel

Morning:
Flight ET 122 from Gondar to Lalibela (09:55–10:25). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and take some time to rest and settle in.

Afternoon:
Around 3:00 PM, we begin our journey to visit the Asheten Maryam Monastery, a high-altitude, rock-hewn church located at 3,150 meters on Mount Abuna Yoseph, overlooking Lalibela.

This monastery is believed to be the earliest work of King Lalibela and is renowned for its spiritual significance, panoramic views, and remote location. Reaching it involves a scenic drive or hike, offering a rewarding experience for those seeking both history and nature.

Accommodation: Hotel

Morning:
After breakfast, explore the first cluster of churches of Lalibela – the crown jewel of Ethiopia’s Northern Circuit.

There are 11 monolithic churches hewn from the rock in this UNESCO site. Pilgrims and worshippers still journey to this 'New Jerusalem' today, especially during feasts in the Ethiopian Christian calendar.

We will take the churches at a slow pace, allowing for a full illustration of their significance, as well as time for photography.

Evening:
We recommend having dinner at a funky spot called Ben Abeba Restaurant.

Accommodation: Hotel

Morning:
After breakfast, you’ll start the drive to Semera.

Day:
This will be a full driving day, crossing varied landscapes as you make your way toward the Afar region and the edge of the Danakil Depression.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day:
Erta Ale is located in the Rift Zone and is Ethiopia's most active volcano. It is known as the “smoking mountain” and the “gateway to hell” in the Afar language. A lava lake in its summit crater has been active since at least 1967 and continues to this day.

This morning, we’ll begin our journey into the barren landscape of the Danakil Desert. Throughout the drive, we gradually descend in altitude, and by the time we reach Lake Afdera, we will be 100 meters below sea level. The road is rough and asphalted, as the lake is used for salt extraction. We will stop here for lunch and coffee.

In an Afar village, we will have lunch and pick up our local Afar guides. We then continue across the desert, passing through terrain shaped by ancient lava flows. A slow and bumpy drive brings us to the base of Erta Ale Volcano.

We’ll begin our trek to the rim of the volcano around sunset to avoid the daytime heat. The hike takes about 25 minutes, depending on the group’s pace, with the final part done after dark. It’s not a difficult hike, though a headlamp is helpful. We camp on the crater rim, at a safe distance from the lava.

Accommodation: Camping at Erta Ale

Morning:
After breakfast, continue the journey by driving to Dallol. The entire drive is off-road, through the remote desert landscape of the Danakil Depression.

Afternoon:
Lunch will be on the road as we make our way toward Hamedela, where we arrive in the evening.

Evening:
Visit Lake Assale in the late afternoon and enjoy a stunning sunset over the vast salt flats — a surreal and unforgettable experience.

Accommodation: Camping at Hamedela

Morning:
Early morning we wake, we drive to Lake Assale for sunrise. The Danakil Depression is in the Afar region of northeastern Ethiopia, near the border with Eritrea. One of the lowest places on Earth, with an elevation of around 125 meters (410 feet) below sea level.

The Danakil is renowned as one of the hottest, lowest, and driest places on Earth, characterized by extreme temperatures, volcanic activity, and unique geological features like salt flats and acidic springs.

Dallol is like nowhere else; a bizarre landscape of colorful mineral deposits, sulfur pools and geysers, where we’ll have the morning to explore this seemingly alien terrain. We will also visit the bizarre landscape of the salt canyons.

Afternoon:
After lunch we drive to Geralta Church.

Accommodation: Hotel

Morning:
After early breakfast we visit the Maryam Korkor Church, in Geralta. Although an unsightly green from the outside, this impressive, cross-shaped church is known for its architectural features (cruciform pillars, arches and cupolas), fine 17th-century frescos and church treasures. It's also one of the largest churches in the area.

Afternoon:
Flight to Addis Ababa.

Accommodation: Hotel in Addis Ababa

Morning:
After breakfast around 9:30 we start a city tour in Addis.

The city tour is an experience we recommend everyone do at the beginning of their trip as it is a great introduction to the country, its history and culture. We visit the National Museum, Shola Market and Holy Trinity Cathedral, and a visit to Entoto for views of the city.

Evening:
At night, traditional restaurant in Addis Ababa — and the end of the trip.