1 week best itineraries to Northern Ethiopia including Simen mountains & Lalibela Churches

Overview

This one-week journey through Northern Ethiopia offers a perfect blend of breathtaking natural landscapes and ancient history. Explore the dramatic scenery of the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its towering peaks, deep valleys  and unique wildlife, including Gelada baboons and the endangered Walia ibex. Continue your adventure into Ethiopia’s rich spiritual heritage with a visit to Lalibela, home to the world-famous rock-hewn churches, carved from solid rock over 900 years ago. Often called the “Jerusalem of Africa,” Lalibela is one of the most extraordinary religious sites in the world. This itinerary combines trekking, history and culture to create an unforgettable travel experience.

Day 1: Lake Tana Monasteries (Boat Excursion)

Begin your journey with a scenic boat trip on Lake Tana, visiting ancient island monasteries known for their historic manuscripts, murals, and religious traditions.
Overnight: Bahir Dar

Day 2: Blue Nile Falls – Drive to Gondar

After an early breakfast, drive to visit the spectacular Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat). After the visit, continue driving to Gondar, arriving in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel, relax, and meet again for dinner.
Overnight: Gondar

Day 3: Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park

After breakfast, drive to the Simien Mountains National Park. Enjoy stunning views of dramatic escarpments and highland scenery upon arrival. Overnight: Sankaber Campsite

Day 4: Trekking Sankaber – Chenek

After breakfast, begin a 6-hour trek from Sankaber to Chenek Campsite through breathtaking mountain landscapes. Picnic lunch will be served en route. Excellent opportunities to spot endemic wildlife along the trail.
Overnight: Chenek Campsite
Dinner: At campsite

Day 5: Simien Mountains – Gondar (Fasil Castles)

After an early breakfast and short trek, return by vehicle to Gondar. If time allows, visit the historic Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 17th-century castles and palaces.
Overnight: Gondar Hills Resort

Day 6: Fly Gondar – Lalibela | Rock-Hewn Churches (First Group)

After breakfast, transfer to Gondar Airport for your flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and, in the afternoon, begin exploring the First Group of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, masterpieces of medieval engineering carved from single blocks of stone.
Overnight: Mountain View Hotel

Day 7: Lalibela – Second Group of Churches or Mountain Trekking

After breakfast, choose one of the following options:

• Continue exploring the Second Group of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, or

• Enjoy a full-day mountain trekking excursion around Lalibela (optional and at additional cost).

This flexibility allows you to balance cultural discovery with scenic adventure.
Overnight: Mountain View Hotel

Day 8: Fly Lalibela – Addis Ababa

Around midday, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Lobelia and enjoy free time.
Overnight: Addis Ababa