Day 1: Gondar – Sankaber (3250m)
Begin with a scenic drive from Gondar to Debark for park permits, then continue into the Simien Mountains. An introductory 3–4 hour trek along the escarpment reveals stunning views and encounters with gelada baboons.
Day 2: Sankaber – Gich (3600m)
A 5–6 hour hike brings you to dramatic landscapes, passing through Kaba Valley and reaching the Gich Abyss. Enjoy a 500m waterfall plunge at Jinbar and spot lammergeyers near the Gich campsite.
Day 3: Gich Exploration
Explore three jaw-dropping viewpoints: Imet Gogo (3926m), Seha, and Kedadit. Walk through fields of Giant Lobelia and deep gorges. End the day watching sunset from Kedadit. Overnight again in Gich for acclimatization.
Day 4: Gich – Chennek (3600m)
Descend into the Jinbahir Valley and climb to a 4070m summit. The 7–8 hour hike showcases striking escarpments. Overnight in Chennek, home to the endemic Walia Ibex.
Day 5: Chennek – Buwahit – Debark
Ascend Buwahit Peak (4430m), the second-highest in Ethiopia, offering views of Ras Dashen and wildlife sightings. After descent, drive back to Debark.
Day 6: Debark – Axum
A full-day public bus journey (arranged in advance) through rough terrain toward Axum, transferring to a mini-van from Shire.
Day 7: Historic Axum
Explore ancient Axum, once capital of the Queen of Sheba’s kingdom. Visit the stelae fields, archaeological museum, and the Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Day 8: Axum – Yeha – Debre Damo – Gheralta (Hawzen)
Drive through Tigray to visit the 800 BC temple at Yeha and the cliff-top monastery of Debre Damo (rope access only). Continue through scenic landscapes to Hawzen.
Day 9: Gheralta – Herhale – Ahmed Ela
Descend from Tigray into the Afar region. Organize Danakil trek logistics in Herhale before reaching Ahmed Ela. Overnight under the stars.
Day 10: Dallol Excursion
Explore Dallol, one of Earth’s most surreal landscapes: colorful sulfur springs, salt formations, and Afar salt miners. Return to Ahmed Ela. Overnight in tents.
Day 11: Ahmed Ela – Erta Ale Trek
Drive to Kusrewad and trek to the active volcano Erta Ale (3–4 hours). Camp at the rim to witness the world’s only permanent lava lake.
Day 12: Erta Ale – Afdera
Descend early and drive to Afdera, home to a vast emerald salt lake and salt production facilities. Overnight camping.
Day 13: Afdera – Weldeya
A long driving day across the rugged landscape toward Weldeya.
Day 14: Weldeya – Lalibela
Arrive in Lalibela. If time allows, start exploring the famed rock-hewn churches. Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 15: Lalibela Churches
Spend the day discovering the UNESCO-listed rock churches of Lalibela, carved entirely from red volcanic rock. Walk through tunnels, courtyards, and chapels still used for worship.
Day 16: Lalibela – Addis Ababa
Fly or drive back to Addis. Afternoon city tour includes the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Ethnological Museum at the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Day 17: Addis – Arba Minch
Drive south through Shashemene (home of Rastafarians). Visit the Dorze people near Arba Minch, known for bamboo huts and weaving. Scenic views of Lake Abaya and Chamo.
Day 18: Arba Minch – Nech Sar NP – Lake Chamo
Morning safari in Nech Sar NP to see zebra, kudu, and more. Afternoon boat trip on Lake Chamo to observe crocodiles and hippos up close.
Day 19: Arba Minch – Jinka
Journey through Konso and Woyto. Visit the Konso tribe (UNESCO-listed for their agricultural terraces) and see the Tsemay people. Overnight in Jinka.
Day 20: Jinka – Mago NP – Mursi Village
Visit Mago National Park and meet the Mursi tribe, known for lip plates. Return to Jinka and explore Ari villages, renowned for pottery and blacksmithing.
Day 21: Jinka – Turmi via Key Afer & Dimeka
If it’s Thursday, visit the Bena market, where multiple tribes meet. Continue via Dimeka to reach Turmi, home of the Hamer people.
Day 22: Turmi – Konso – Arba Minch
Visit the Arbore tribe and the surreal rock formations of “New York” near Konso. See Waga sculptures and Konso village traditions. Overnight in Arba Minch.
Day 23: Arba Minch – Addis Ababa
Return to Addis via Butajira and Hossana. Enjoy scenic highlands before reaching the capital in the evening.
✅ Included Services
- 🚗 4W Drive Vehicle: with driver and fuel included
- 🎟️ All Entrance Fees: access to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- 💧 Bottled Water: stay hydrated during your tours
- ☕ Cultural Coffee: experience traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies
- 🗣️ English Speaking Guides: expert guidance throughout your journey
- 🍽️ All meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: enjoy delicious meals at selected locations
- 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: any unlisted or personal stays
- 👨🏫 Professional Guide Service: personalized assistance and local insights
📸 Camera & Video Charges: personal photography or filming with special fees
❌ Excluded Services
- 🍷 Alcoholic Drinks: not included in the package
- ✈️ Any Flight: international or extra flights are excluded
- 🛡️ Personal Insurance: travel or medical insurance not included
- 💰 Personal Tips & Gratitude: for guides, drivers, or staff
- 🛍️ Shopping Items: souvenirs or personal purchases
📝 SMT Tour – Cancellation Policy
🙋♂️ Cancellation by You (the Traveler)
- 📅 More than 30 days before the tour: Full refund minus a 10% administrative fee.
- 📅 15–30 days before the tour: 50% refund of the total booking amount.
- 📅 Less than 15 days before the tour: No refund.
🏛️ Cancellation by SMT Tour
In rare cases, if SMT Tour must cancel a tour, you will receive a full refund. Whenever possible, we will also offer alternative dates or similar tour options.
🔄 Changes to Your Booking
Changes such as dates or number of travelers are subject to availability and may incur additional charges. Please contact us as early as possible to make adjustments.
🌪️ Force Majeure
SMT Tour is not responsible for cancellations due to events beyond our control, including natural disasters, political unrest, or pandemics. We will assist with rescheduling or providing credit for future tours.
💳 Refund Process
Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 7–14 business days after cancellation confirmation.
💡 Travel Tip
We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected situations that may affect your travel plans.