Ethiopia & East Africa · office in Gondar · Open daily · 8:00 - 18:00 (East Africa Time)
Multi-Region Grand
Every wonder of the north in one journey. The complete northern odyssey — Simien trekking, Gondar, Tana, Axum, the Tigray cliff churches, Lalibela and the Danakil in one grand loop.
From
From USD 2,400 per person
Indicative from price — your full quote is confirmed when you enquire.
For travellers with the time, this twelve-day route crosses the entire northern half of Ethiopia: a 4-day Simien trek, the castles of Gondar, the monasteries of Lake Tana, the stelae of Axum, the cliff churches of Gheralta, the rock churches of Lalibela and the volcanic Danakil Depression.
It is the fullest possible northern experience — grand in scope, carefully paced, and held together by a single guiding team from day one to the last.
Route difficulty
Longer, higher days for confident, well-conditioned hikers.
Best time to go
Trekking runs year-round with the right plan — ask us for the best window for your dates.
Read the season guide
Flight to Gondar, meet your team and a first look at the imperial city.
The Royal Enclosure, the Bath of Fasilides and Debre Berhan Selassie's painted ceiling.
Drive to Debark, park formalities, and an acclimatisation walk to Sankaber.
Escarpment traverse past Jinbar waterfall to the Gich camp beneath Imet Gogo.
Dawn at Imet Gogo, then the exposed traverse through the great gelada herds.
Descend from the park, drive to Gondar and on to Bahir Dar on Lake Tana.
Boat to island monasteries, then the Blue Nile Falls before driving toward Axum.
The stelae field, St Mary of Zion's compound and the archaeological museum.
Day among the sandstone mesas, including the climb to Abuna Yemata Guh.
Long scenic transfer through the highlands, relaxing riverside stops en route.
The full rock-hewn complex, plus the hidden cave-church in the mountains.
Morning at leisure, then transfer to Lalibela airport or continue to the Danakil extension.
Confident hikers comfortable with very high altitude and longer, tougher days on the trail.
Travellers who want a complete, in-depth journey across Ethiopia and beyond.
Run small-group or privately so the experience stays personal.
Not sure it's the right fit? We'll help you choose — see how we plan trips.
Indicative pricing
US$ 4,800
US$ 2,400 per person × 2
This tour is rated challenging. It involves long walking days at very high altitude, so a good level of fitness and some trekking experience are recommended.
The indicative price covers licensed guide throughout the whole journey, all park fees, entry tickets and camping costs and accommodation as per the itinerary. See the full "What's included" list above — your exact quote, and anything you'd like adjusted, is confirmed when you enquire.
Yes — this tour runs privately or for small groups, so you can travel solo, as a couple, or with friends on your own dates.
This tour reaches high altitude in the Simien Mountains. Routes are paced for acclimatisation, and good hydration and a measured pace make a big difference. For practical guidance on managing altitude, see the altitude section under travel information.
The complete Ethiopia
The definitive overland journey — northern castles and churches, the Simien trek, Danakil's volcanoes, Tigray's cliffs and Harar's alleys in one grand loop.
Highlands and holy rock churches
The classic combination: trek the Simien escarpment, then Lalibela's rock-hewn churches — history and highlands in one unforgettable journey.
The 'Camelot of Africa' — an imperial city of castles, churches and a rich royal history in Ethiopia's northwest highlands.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crown of the Ethiopian highlands — the 'Roof of Africa' — where sheer escarpments fall thousands of metres.
A pleasant lakeside town and gateway to Lake Tana — Ethiopia's largest lake and its historic island monasteries.
The ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire, famed for towering stelae, royal tombs and a history spanning nearly two millennia.
The dramatic sandstone mesas of Tigray, sheltering some of the world's most extraordinary rock-hewn churches in remote, climbable cliff faces.
Home to the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's great pilgrimage destinations.
One of the hottest, lowest and most surreal places on Earth — lava lakes, acid pools of screaming colour and vast white salt flats.
Send us an inquiry and we'll confirm availability, answer your questions and finalise every detail for you.
