Early morning we drive from Gondar to the park headquarters in Debark. The 100 km journey will take around 2 hours. At the headquarters we will arrange our permits to the park and pick up our scout. After that we will drive for another hour before we start our first day introductory walk. This first hike is an easy one along the northern edge of the escarpment with a nice view points over the foothills and plains of northern Ethiopia. You will encounter gelada baboon along this hike.

We follow the northern escarpment eastward, before we descend a little into the Kaba Valley. After that we climb up before we reach Gich Abyss over a narrow ridge to a cliff where we have a spectacular view of the abyss towards the Simien foothills. We also find a large waterfall here, where the Jinbar River plunges 530 m into the abyss. We proceed for about two hours and have lunch at the Jinbar River. After lunch we walk to Gich camp which is a good area to look for lammergeyer and thick billed raven.

From Gich camp we stroll through endless fields of Giant Lobelia before we reach the towering cliffs of Imet-Gogo (3926 m). Here we will spend some time to absorb the superb views over the mountain valleys below and strange shaped domes in the distance, which we will see from up close at the end of the trip. After that we descend into the Jinbahir River Valley. The trail follows the edge of the escarpment, which is completely vertical here for several hundred meters. We climb to a summit of 4070 m where we will have lunch. After lunch we descend to Chennek for about two hours along a steep trail. From Chennek camp there are spectacular views in all directions. Sit down on a bench at the escarpment and try to spot Walia Ibex in late afternoon or early morning. Sometimes Walia Ibex visit the edges of the campsite.

Climb the second highest peak in the Simien Mountains, Buwahit (4430 m), rewarding with one of the endemic wild animals in Ethiopia particularly in the Simien Mountains called Walia Ibex (a goat family), in addition to the scenic views of surroundings including the chance to see the highest mountain peak in Ethiopia Ras-Dejen (4543 m), and back down to Chenek camp.

Drive to Gondar for Timket, we will see when the get out from the church taking the holy cross to Fasilides Bath. Then back to the hotel.

On the 20th early morning we will go to the place where the people baptize and stay for about 2 hours, then come back for breakfast. Later, return before noon to continue observing the ceremonies.

After breakfast sightseeing tour of Axum that includes: St. Mary church where the original Ark of the Covenant is housed, Archaeological Museum, Stelaes, tombs, and palace. The ancient city of Aksum marks the heart of ancient Ethiopia when the Kingdom of Aksum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. Overnight Sabian Hotel.

After breakfast drive through the historical town of Adwa, which is the major African battlefield, and continue to Yeha to visit the 5th century B.C. ruins of Yeha’s temple, believed to be the oldest standing building in Ethiopia. You will also visit the 6th century A.D. church of Aba Afse, sharing the same compound with the temple. Continue to Mekele – the capital of Tigray region. En route visit the rock churches of Wekro Cherkos and Abreha We Atsbeha. Overnight Mekele Axum Hotel.

On this day, you will have the longest drive through the rough but scenic landscape. You will have a chance to visit Lake Ashenge, ideal for birding. Proceed to Lalibela for dinner and overnight at Jerusalem Hotel.

Drive from Mekele to Hamedela via Berhale. In the afternoon, visit Lake Asale and enjoy a beautiful sunset by the lake. Night in open air on traditional beds at Hamedela.

Early morning drive to Dallol, a settlement known for its colorful salt formations and geological activity. Explore the mineral hills of different shapes and colors. Later, drive to Erta Ale, an active volcano known as the “smoking mountain.” It takes about 35 minutes to trek up to the top where you can observe the lava lake — one of the only four permanent lava lakes in the world. Spend the night camping.

Drive from the base camp to Lake Afdera, enjoy some time by the lake before continuing to Semera. Overnight at Kuriftu Hotel.

Fly from Semera to Addis Ababa and enjoy a city tour before your departure flight.