12 Days SIMIEN MOUNTAIN-LALIBELA-DANAKIL-TIGRAY CHURCHES

This 12-day small-group tour in Ethiopia promises an immersive exploration of the country’s captivating cultural and natural wonders. Visitors will trek through the Simien Mountains, marvel at the historic rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and venture into the otherworldly Danakil Depression. While the tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, the rewards of experiencing Ethiopia’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes make it a truly exceptional journey. Imagine standing before the ancient rock-carved churches, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Simien Mountains, and witnessing the surreal, lunar-like terrain of the Danakil Depression. This tour offers an immersive and unforgettable window into the diverse beauty of Ethiopia.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 12-day tour exploring Ethiopia’s cultural and natural wonders, including the historic rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the stunning Simien Mountains.
• Ventures to the otherworldly Danakil Depression, a surreal, lunar-like landscape, and visits to historic ruins.
• Includes domestic flights within Ethiopia, accommodations, most meals, and expert English-speaking local guides.
• Moderate level of physical fitness required, with hiking, navigating uneven terrain, and exploring rugged landscapes for 2-4 hours per day.
• Offers a cancellation policy with full refunds for cancellations up to 6 days in advance, but no refunds within 2 days of the start date.

Tour Overview

This 12-day small-group tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Ethiopia’s remarkable cultural and natural wonders, taking travelers from the capital Addis Ababa to the historic rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the stunning Simien Mountains, and the otherworldly Danakil Depression.

Led by professional English-speaking local guides, the tour includes visits to legendary sites like the ancient ruins of Gondar and the unique landscapes of the Danakil Depression.

With group size limited to 10 people, the experience provides an intimate and immersive journey through Ethiopia’s diverse heritage.

Domestic flights, comfortable accommodation, and most meals are included, ensuring a hassle-free and enriching adventure across this captivating East African destination.

Destinations Visited

The 12-day tour takes travelers on a captivating journey through Ethiopia’s diverse cultural and natural landscapes, including visits to the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the dramatic Simien Mountains, and the otherworldly Danakil Depression.

Highlights of the tour include:

• Exploring the intricate, 13th-century rock-cut churches of Lalibela, considered one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders.
• Trekking through the Simien Mountains National Park, home to the iconic Gelada baboons and breathtaking vistas.
• Venturing to the Danakil Depression, a surreal, lunar-like landscape featuring active volcanoes, sulfur springs, and salt flats.

The tour also includes visits to historic ruins and the opportunity to interact with local guides, providing an immersive experience in Ethiopia’s rich heritage.

Included in the Tour

Booking the 12-day Simien Mountain-Lalibela-Danakil-Tigray Churches tour includes a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enriching travel experience.

All entry fees to the destinations are covered, as are accommodations and most meals throughout the trip.

Domestic flights within Ethiopia on the national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, are included, as are transfers and sightseeing in tourist-standard vehicles.

Expert English-speaking local guides provide their services to enhance the educational and cultural aspects of the tour.

Taxes are also incorporated into the package price.

This comprehensive offering allows travelers to focus on seeing the remarkable history and natural wonders of this remarkable region of Ethiopia.

Meals Provided

With meals being an important aspect of any travel experience, the tour’s meal plan ensures that participants are well-fed throughout their journey. The package includes 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 4 dinners, providing a balanced and diverse culinary exploration of Ethiopian cuisine.

The meals are carefully curated to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and local flavors. Highlights of the dining experience include:

• Sampling traditional injera bread, a spongy flatbread that serves as the base for many Ethiopian dishes
• Tasting a variety of stews and curries, such as the famous doro wot, a spicy chicken dish
• Discovering unique local ingredients and cooking methods that contribute to the distinctive character of Ethiopian gastronomy.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can cancel their tour bookings up to 6 days in advance for a full refund, while a 50% refund is applicable if cancelling 2-6 full days before the start date.

However, no refund will be provided for cancellations made less than 2 full days before the tour begins.

This flexible cancellation policy allows customers to plan their travel with confidence, knowing they can receive a substantial portion of their payment back if their plans change.

It’s important to note that the tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour due to poor weather conditions, in which case travelers will be offered the option of a different tour date or a full refund.

Accessibility Considerations

This tour is generally not recommended for travelers with certain physical limitations.

Specifically, it isn’t wheelchair accessible and may pose challenges for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with heart/medical conditions, as it requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

The tour involves:

• Visiting rock-hewn churches, historic ruins, and exploring the rugged Simien Mountains and Danakil Depression, which can involve hiking and navigating uneven terrain.
• Domestic flights within Ethiopia, which may be difficult for those with mobility issues.
• Accommodation and transportation that may not be equipped to handle specialized needs.

Prospective travelers with any physical or medical concerns should consult with their healthcare provider and the tour operator to determine if this adventure is suitable for them.

Physical Requirements

The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, as it involves hiking, navigating uneven terrain, and exploring the rugged landscapes of the Simien Mountains and Danakil Depression. Travelers should be prepared for long days of walking and exposure to high altitudes. Those with back problems, heart conditions, or medical issues may find the tour challenging. Pregnant women are also advised against joining. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, a good level of overall health and fitness is recommended. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Physical Activity	Duration	Difficulty
Hiking	2-4 hours per day	Moderate
Navigating Uneven Terrain	Frequent	Moderate
Exploring Rugged Landscapes	Majority of Tour	Moderate

Additional Tour Details

The 12-day small-group tour from Addis Ababa covers a wide range of cultural and natural attractions across northern Ethiopia, including rock-hewn churches, historic ruins, the stunning Simien Mountains National Park, and the otherworldly Danakil Depression.

Local guides are provided, and the group size is limited to 10 travelers to ensure a more intimate experience. The tour package includes all entry fees, accommodations, most meals, domestic flights on Ethiopian Airlines, and transfers and sightseeing in tourist-standard vehicles. The tour is led by professional English-speaking local staff, and taxes are also covered.

However, the tour may be cancelled due to poor weather, with the option for a different date or a full refund.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with heart/medical conditions.

Travelers must have a moderate level of physical fitness to participate in the tour.

The maximum group size is 10 travelers per tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size on This Tour?

The tour limits its group size to a maximum of 10 travelers. This small group size allows for a more personalized and intimate touring experience.

Does the Tour Include Any Activities Beyond Sightseeing?

According to the tour details, the 12-day small-group tour includes more than just sightseeing. It provides visitors with opportunities to explore rock-hewn churches, historic ruins, national parks, and the Danakil Depression through guided excursions led by local experts.

Are Any Special Permits Required for This Tour?

The tour requires special permits to visit certain sites, such as the Simien Mountains National Park and the Danakil Depression. Travelers will be provided with the necessary permits as part of the tour package.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour operator may be able to customize the itinerary to the traveler’s preferences, subject to availability and additional costs. However, the core tour highlights and inclusions would remain the same across all tours.

Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond What Is Included?

The tour includes most major expenses, but there may be additional costs for optional activities, personal expenses, tips, and flights to/from Addis Ababa. Travelers should budget for these extra costs when planning their trip.

Recap

This 12-day small-group tour provides an immersive experience exploring Ethiopia’s cultural and natural wonders.

Travelers will trek through the stunning Simien Mountains, venture to the surreal Danakil Depression, and visit the historic rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.

While the tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, it includes all necessary accommodations, domestic flights, and expert local guides, making for an unforgettable journey through Ethiopia’s rich heritage.