Ethiopia, Historic Route & Danikil Depression
21 days
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Group Tour
One of our most popular trips in Africa, this tour explores the seldom-visited Ethiopia. This journey has all the best of the country’s highlands and the north; the main highlights of the trip being the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, trekking in the Simien Mountains and an expedition into the wilds of the north to explore the Danakil Depression.
We also vi...
Overview
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
Highlights
- Guided tour of the fascinating ancient royal city of Gondar, Ethiopia
- 3 nights in the fabulously scenic Simien Mountains National Park
- Spot geladas, ibex, Ethiopian wolves and many other endemic species
- Guided tour of palaces and temples in historic Axum
- 2 day 4 x 4 adventure to the spectacular Danakil Depression
What's this trip about?
One of our most popular trips in Africa, this tour explores the seldom-visited Ethiopia. This journey has all the best of the country’s highlands and the north; the main highlights of the trip being the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, trekking in the Simien Mountains and an expedition into the wilds of the north to explore the Danakil Depression.
We also visit Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and the Blue Nile Falls where the great river cascades down into a massive gorge. Nestling on the bank of Lake Tana is the picturesque city of Bahir Dar, one the three great Ethiopian settlements we visit; the others are Addis Ababa and the historic city of Gondar, with its ancient castles and churches.
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Details
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityAddis Ababa
End CityGondar
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- All the accommodation
- Transport
- Use of the truck and its camping equipment, library, etc.,
- Camping meals
- Prices in the brochure are correct at the time of printing, but may vary during the year
- Up-to-date prices are on the website.
- All prices are listed on a per person basis, based on shared accommodation where applicable.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Addis Ababa (4th Nov 2019)
Border Information: If joining in Addis Ababa, you will most likely enter Ethiopia at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (IATA code: ADD).
There will be a group meeting at the joining hotel at 6:00pm. Please look out for a note from your tour leader at the receptio...
Day 2: Debre Markos (5th Nov 2019)
We will start our journey today with a drive to the small town of Debre Markos. En route we will drive to the bottom of the dramatic Blue Nile Gorge and up the other side!
In Debre Markos we will stay in a basic local hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours (please n...
Day 3-5: Bahir Dar (6th Nov 2019 to 8th Nov 2019)
Today we will complete our drive to Bahir Dar, a small town on Lake Tana, the source of the mighty Blue Nile.
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
On our first full day in Bahir Dar, we will have an included boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the famous old monastery of Ga...
Day 6-8: Lalibela (9th Nov 2019 to 11th Nov 2019)
Today we have a full day's drive through the beautiful scenery of central Ethiopia to reach the small medieval town of Lalibela.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-9 hours.
On our first day in Lalibela, we will have an included full-day guided tour of the world-famous 13th-cen...
Day 9: Mekele (12th Nov 2019)
Leaving Lalibela behind us, we have a full days drive through increasingly mountainous scenery to reach the town of Mekele.
We will stay in a decent local hotel in Mekele.
Estimated Drive Times - 9-10 hours
Day 10-11: Danakil Depression (13th Nov 2019 to 14th Nov 2019)
After breakfast meet your 4 x 4 vehicles and drive to Hamed Ella. On the way you will pass through the beautiful Tigre Villages and the escarpment of the Afar depression, this is commonly known as the cradle of mankind and is part of the Great East African Rift Valley. A...
Day 12: Mekele (15th Nov 2019)
Today we will make our way back to Mekele where we will stay in a basic hotel overnight.
Day 13-14: Axum (16th Nov 2019 to 17th Nov 2019)
Today we will visit one of the famous rock-hewn churches of Tigray (either the Abraha Atsbeha or Wukro Chirkos church), then continue through the increasingly breathtaking mountain scenery of the Adwa mountains to reach the ancient town of Axum in the far north of Ethiop...
Day 15: Debark (18th Nov 2019)
Leaving Axum behind us, we continue our journey with a full day of driving through the foothills of the Simien Mountains to reach the small village of Debark. The roads here are very tough, but we are rewarded with more truly breathtaking scenery!
Debark is the gateway...
Day 16-18: Simien Mountains National Park (19th Nov 2019 to 21st Nov 2019)
Today marks the start of our 3-day excursion into the Simien Mountains National Park. The area is home to some of Africa's most jaw-dropping mountain scenery and is a great opportunity to enjoy some incredibly beautiful treks and breathtaking views!
The area is also ho...
Day 19-20: Gondar (22nd Nov 2019 to 23rd Nov 2019)
Today we head back out to the mountains to Debark, and then finally join the tarmac road again to reach the ancient royal city of Gondar!
Estimated Drive Time - 4-6 hours.
On the next day, we will have an included half-day guided tour of the historical sites of Gonda...
Day 21: Gondar (24th Nov 2019)
Border Information: If you are finishing in Gondar, you will most likely exit Ethiopia at Gondar Atse Tewodros Airport (IATA code: GDQ).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Gondar. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonig...
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Dates & Availability
Price From $2,225
Price per day$106
Last Updated: 1/7/2022
Pricing details:
1. The Trip Price, which is payable to Dragoman or your travel agent before departure.
2. The Kitty Payment, which is payable to your tour leader in cash when you join your trip, or in advance via bank transfer.
The Trip Price covers the cost of all our operations, including the running of our trucks ,our staff, and the provision of local guides around the world where needed, plus local transport, if for some reason we can’t use our trucks.
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Dragoman.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Dragoman Reviews & Ratings
I very much enjoy exploring Ethiopia
I very much enjoy exploring Ethiopia with Dragoman. It was a well paced trip with various activities and opportunities to explore places on your own. Ethiopia is not...
The amazing and very diverse scenery
I had not researched too much into the trip but was drawn in by Lalibela and the Galeda monkeys. i loved travelling through the amazing and very diverse scenery plus...
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Our trip price and kitty do not include optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Connecting flights
- Airport transfers, border taxes or charges
- Transportation while not on the trip or while exploring a city, passports, visas, vaccinations, first aid kits or medicines
- Extra accommodation
- Upgrades
- Contingency route expenses in case of emergency or natural disaster
- Meals at restaurants or cafes or whilst staying in hotels, drinks, tips, or personal spending money.
Accommodation
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against
unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies.
It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before
or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements.
For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements,
please visit this link
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Meals Included
6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 5 Dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
dragom-ZGA
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