30 Days Combined Ethiopia Tours from Addis Ababa

Tour Name – 30 Days Combined Ethiopia Tour from Addis Ababa
Duration – 30 Days / 29 Nights
Mode of Transportation – Car and Domestic Flights

Day 01 – Sunday, Oct 04 | Drive Addis Ababa to Lake Hora for the Irreecha Festival

This morning you will drive from Addis Ababa to Lake Hora in Bishoftu to attend the Irreecha Festival. Irreecha is the most important annual thanksgiving and cultural festival of the Oromo people, Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group. The celebration expresses gratitude to Waaqaa (God) for the blessings received during the past year and welcomes the beginning of the sunny and fertile harvest season following the rainy months. Thousands of people gather around the lakeshore dressed in traditional attire to celebrate with prayers, songs, and cultural performances. Overnight at Noora Resort, Bishoftu.

Day 02 – Monday, Oct 05 | Drive to Abijatta–Shalla National Park

Today you will drive to Abijatta–Shalla National Park, which covers about 887 square kilometers and includes the two alkaline lakes of Abijatta and Shalla. The park habitat consists of open grasslands, dry savannas, and arid shrublands dominated by different species of acacia trees including umbrella thorn acacias, red acacias, and gum acacias. Wildlife commonly seen here includes Grant’s gazelles and common warthogs. The park is also an important bird habitat, hosting around 300 bird species including endemic, resident, and migratory birds. Common ostriches and Somali ostriches are frequently observed in the area. After the visit you will continue driving to Shashemene, known internationally as a Rastafarian cultural center. Overnight at Zion Train Lodge.

Day 03 – Tuesday, Oct 06 | Drive to Hare Shetan Crater Lake

After breakfast you will drive to Hare Shetan Crater Lake. On the way you will stop at Lephis Forest, a scenic highland forest known for its beautiful panoramic views. Here you can enjoy a short walk through the forest and, if time and conditions allow, take an optional hike toward the nearby waterfall before continuing to the crater lake area. Overnight at Fikado Asore Hotel, Butajira.

Day 04 – Wednesday, Oct 07 | Visit Adadi Maryam Rock-Hewn Church, Tiya Stele and Melka Kunture Archaeological Sites

After breakfast you will drive south of Addis Ababa. The first stop is Tiya, an archaeological site in central Ethiopia best known for its large stone pillars. Many of these monuments bear unique decorations and symbols. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 due to the unique nature of these monolithic structures. The monuments date to a period between the 11th and 13th centuries, and the site contains 36 monuments including 32 carved stelae.

The second stop will be Melka Kunture, a significant Paleolithic archaeological site in the upper Awash Valley. The area consists of valleys whose inner terraces resisted erosion and preserve important prehistoric evidence. Melka Kunture became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024.

The third stop will be Adadi Maryam Rock-Hewn Church. This church is believed to have been built in the 12th century and local tradition attributes its construction to King Lalibela of the Zagwe dynasty. According to the hagiography of Saint Lalibela, Adadi Mariam was one of the many rock-hewn churches he commissioned during his reign. Oral tradition also links the church to the arrival of the Ethiopian Orthodox saint Abune Gebre Menfes Kidus from Egypt. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 – Thursday, Oct 08 | Fly Addis Ababa to Gondar

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Gondar. Upon arrival you will begin visiting the historic royal capital of Ethiopia. Gondar was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasilides.

You will visit the Castle of Gondar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized in 1979 for its historical significance and architecture. The complex includes Fasilides’ Castle, the palace of Iyasu I, Dawit III’s Hall, Empress Mentewab’s Castle, a chancellery and library built during the reign of Yohannes I, and a banqueting hall from the time of Emperor Bakaffa.

You will also visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, founded in the late 17th century by Emperor Iyasu I. The church is famous for its richly painted walls and ceiling decorated with biblical scenes and the well-known angel-face ceiling paintings. Many churches in Gondar were destroyed during invasions by Sudanese Dervishes, but Debre Birhan Selassie survived, according to tradition, because it was protected by swarms of bees.

Another highlight is Fasilides’ Bath, a large square ceremonial pool surrounded by stone walls and a small two-story pavilion. The site plays an important role during the Timkat (Epiphany) festival celebrations. Overnight at Haile Resort Gondar.

Day 06 – Friday, Oct 09 | Drive Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park

After breakfast you will drive to Simien Mountains National Park, often called the “Roof of Africa.” This spectacular park is one of Ethiopia’s most impressive natural landscapes and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. After about two hours of driving from Gondar you will begin a short hiking experience while enjoying the dramatic mountain scenery and breathtaking landscapes. There will also be an opportunity to observe wildlife, particularly the endemic Gelada baboons. Later you will return to Gondar. Overnight at Haile Resort Gondar.

Day 07 – Saturday, Oct 10 | Gondar City Tour and Fly Back to Addis Ababa

After breakfast you will visit the Kuskuam Complex, an important historical site located about three kilometers west of central Gondar. The complex was built in the 1730s by Empress Mentewab, the influential wife of Emperor Bakaffa. After the emperor’s death she established Kuskuam as her personal palace compound, which later served as a royal residence, monastery, and political center during her regency. You will also visit the Haile Selassie Palace in Gondar, a residence constructed in the 20th century and used by Emperor Haile Selassie during visits to the city. Later in the afternoon you will fly back to Addis Ababa. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 – Sunday, Oct 11 | Fly Addis Ababa to Axum

After breakfast you will fly to Axum. Upon arrival you will begin exploring one of Ethiopia’s most ancient cities, with more than 2,500 years of history. Axum was once the center of a powerful empire and ancient civilization and is traditionally believed to be the home of the original Ark of the Covenant.

You will visit the Northern Stele Park where ancient Aksumite kings were crowned. The park contains towering granite stelae that mark royal tombs dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries CE. You will also visit the tombs of King Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel, impressive underground stone structures from the 6th century.

Another highlight is the famous Ezana inscriptions, written in Ge’ez, Sabaean, and Greek. These inscriptions commemorate the military victories of King Ezana and record his historic conversion to Christianity in the 4th century. Overnight at Sabean Hotel Axum.

Day 09 – Monday, Oct 12 | Axum

Today you will visit the site known as the Queen of Sheba’s Bath, locally called Mai Shum. This large reservoir is traditionally associated with the legendary Queen of Sheba and remains an important religious site.

You will also visit the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace, sometimes referred to as the Dungur complex, and the Axum Archaeological Museum where ancient coins, royal inscriptions, pottery, and other artifacts from the Aksumite Kingdom are displayed. Overnight at Sabean Hotel Axum.

Day 10 – Tuesday, Oct 13 | Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion

Today you will visit the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, one of the most sacred religious sites in Ethiopia and the spiritual center of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. According to Ethiopian tradition, the Ark of the Covenant is kept here and guarded by a single monk who is the only person permitted to see it.

The church complex includes the ancient church traditionally attributed to King Ezana, a 17th-century church built by Emperor Fasilides, and the modern cathedral constructed in the 1960s by Emperor Haile Selassie. Overnight at Sabean Hotel Axum.

Day 11 – Wednesday, Oct 14 | Drive Axum to Hawzen

After breakfast you will drive to Hawzen. On the way you will visit the Temple of Yeha, one of the oldest archaeological sites in Ethiopia. The temple is believed to have been built around the 8th century BCE and is associated with the pre-Aksumite civilization linked to South Arabian Sabean culture. The structure is made from carefully cut limestone blocks assembled without mortar. Overnight at Vision Hotel Hawzen.

Day 12 – Thursday, Oct 15 | Climb Abuna Yemata Guh Church and Drive to Mekelle

After breakfast you will visit the remarkable Abuna Yemata Guh Church. This monolithic church dates from the 6th century and is dedicated to Abuna Yemata, one of the Nine Syrian Saints. The church sits at an elevation of 2,580 meters and requires a climb on foot to reach it. Inside you will see beautifully preserved religious paintings and manuscripts.

Later you will continue to Mekelle, stopping on the way to visit the rock-hewn church of Abreha wa Atsbeha, believed to have been built between 335 and 340 AD. This church is associated with the twin kings Ezana and Sayzana, later known as Abraha and Atsbeha. Overnight at Planet Hotel Mekelle.

Day 13 – Friday, Oct 16 | Danakil Depression

After breakfast you will drive to Afdera, an area known for salt extraction from Lake Afdera. After lunch you will continue toward Erta Ale volcano. In the evening you will hike to the summit to observe the dramatic lava lake. Erta Ale is one of the few volcanoes in the world with a permanent lava lake and stands about 613 meters above sea level. Overnight camping at Erta Ale.

Day 14 – Saturday, Oct 17 | Danakil Depression

After breakfast you will drive toward Ahmed Ella, passing landscapes of solidified lava, sand, and small oasis settlements inhabited by Afar communities. You will visit Salt Lake Asale where salt is traditionally mined. The sunset reflections across the salt flats create an unforgettable experience. Overnight camping at Ahmed Ella.

Day 15 – Sunday, Oct 18 | Danakil Depression

In the morning you will visit the extraordinary hydrothermal fields of Dallol, located about 125 meters below sea level and known as one of the hottest places on Earth. The colorful mineral formations and bubbling pools create a surreal volcanic landscape. Later you will return to Mekelle Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 – Monday, Oct 19 | Fly Addis Ababa to Lalibela

After breakfast you will fly to Lalibela and begin exploring the famous rock-hewn churches carved directly into volcanic rock during the 12th century. Among the churches visited are Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Golgotha-Mikael, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagel, and the iconic Bete Giyorgis. Overnight at Maribela Hotel Lalibela.

Day 17 – Tuesday, Oct 20 | Visit Na’akuto La’ab and Asheton Maryam

After breakfast you will visit Na’akuto La’ab Monastery, founded by the successor of King Lalibela. The monastery contains sacred relics including crowns, drums, crosses, and illuminated manuscripts. Later you will visit Asheton Maryam Church, located high in the surrounding mountains and known for its collection of ancient crosses and manuscripts. Overnight at Maribela Hotel Lalibela.

Day 18 – Wednesday, Oct 21 | Drive to Yemrehana Kristos Church

Today you will drive to Yemrehana Kristos Church, an ancient Ethiopian Orthodox church built inside a natural cave on the slopes of Mount Abune Yosef. The church dates to the 11th–12th centuries and is a remarkable example of Aksumite-style architecture built from alternating layers of wood and stone. Overnight at Maribela Hotel Lalibela.

Day 19 – Thursday, Oct 22 | Fly Lalibela to Arba Minch via Addis Ababa

In the morning you will visit the remaining southeastern group of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches including Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Marqorios, Bete Emmanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos. Later you will fly via Addis Ababa to Arba Minch. Overnight at Haile Resort Arba Minch.

Day 20 – Friday, Oct 23 | Visit the Dorze People

After breakfast you will drive to visit the Dorze people who are known for their traditional weaving of cotton cloth called shamma. Their distinctive bamboo houses resemble the shape of elephant heads. Enset, also known as the false banana plant, is a staple food for the Dorze community. Overnight at Haile Resort Arba Minch.

Day 21 – Saturday, Oct 24 | Nechisar National Park

Today you will visit Nechisar National Park located between Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo in the Great Rift Valley. The park covers about 1,030 square kilometers and protects diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Overnight at Haile Resort Arba Minch.

Day 22 – Sunday, Oct 25 | Boat Trip on Lake Chamo and Drive to Konso

After breakfast you will take a boat cruise on Lake Chamo, the third largest lake in Ethiopia. The northern shores are famous for their large Nile crocodiles and hippos. After the excursion you will drive to Konso. Overnight at Kanta Lodge Konso.

Day 23 – Monday, Oct 26 | Visit Konso Village and the Pinnacles (“New York”)

Today you will explore the Konso Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impressive stone-terraced agriculture designed to prevent soil erosion. You will also visit the nearby natural formation of earth pinnacles near Gesergiyo village, often nicknamed “New York” because the tall formations resemble a skyline of skyscrapers. Overnight at Kanta Lodge Konso.

Day 24 – Tuesday, Oct 27 | Drive Konso to Turmi

Today you will drive toward Turmi with a visit to the Arbore people near Lake Chew Bahir. The Arbore are pastoralists who speak an Omotic language and maintain distinctive cultural traditions. Overnight at Paradise Lodge Turmi.

Day 25 – Wednesday, Oct 28 | Visit Nyangatom, Karo and Hamar Tribes

You will travel through the savannah to visit the Nyangatom people in Kangaten. Later you will visit Kolcho village of the Karo people along the Omo River, famous for elaborate body painting and hairstyles. You will also experience the culture of the Hamar people who are known for traditional ceremonies such as the bull-jumping initiation ritual. Overnight at Paradise Lodge Turmi.

Day 26 – Thursday, Oct 29 | Visit Dassanech Tribe in Omorate

Today you will drive to Omorate, crossing the Omo River to visit the Dassanech people. The Dassanech are traditionally pastoralists who practice cattle herding and live a semi-nomadic lifestyle. Overnight at Paradise Lodge Turmi.

Day 27 – Friday, Oct 30 | Drive Turmi to Jinka

After breakfast you will drive to Jinka with a stop to visit the Banna people. The Banna practice agro-pastoralism and maintain cultural traditions including body decoration, scarification, and bead jewelry. Overnight at Eco Omo Lodge Jinka.

Day 28 – Saturday, Oct 31 | Visit Mago National Park and the Mursi Tribe

After breakfast you will drive to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. Mursi women are famous for wearing large lip plates and the community is also known for intricate scarification traditions. Overnight at Eco Omo Lodge Jinka.

Day 29 – Sunday, Nov 01 | Visit Ari Tribe and Fly to Addis Ababa

After breakfast you will visit the Ari people who live in the fertile highlands around Jinka. They are primarily farmers growing crops such as sorghum, maize, barley, coffee, and enset. The Ari are also known for their traditional crafts including pottery, weaving, blacksmithing, and wood carving. Later you will fly to Addis Ababa. In the evening you will attend a folkloric dinner with traditional Ethiopian dishes, cultural dances, and the Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 30 – Monday, Nov 02 | Departure

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight back to the United States.

Price includes

•  Hotel accommodation with breakfast
• Car with professional drivers
• English speaking professional guides
•  All entrance and scout fees
•  Boat trip on Lake Chamo
•  Daily unlimited bottle of water
•  Camping Materials with meals at Danakil Depression ONLY

Price excludes

• Lunch and Dinner
•  Alcohol drinks
•  Hotels at Addis Ababa
•  Video and photographing fees
•  Gratitude and personal expense