Ethiopia & East Africa · office in Gondar · Open daily · 8:00 - 18:00 (East Africa Time)
Trekking & Cultural
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.
From
From USD 2,000 per person
Indicative from price — your full quote is confirmed when you enquire.
For many, the heart of Ethiopia is a pairing of two wonders: the wild Simien Mountains and the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
This ten-day journey begins with a four-day trek through the Simien highlands, then carries you through the northern historical circuit — Gondar, Lake Tana and the fabled churches of Lalibela — with an expert local guide throughout.
It's the ideal itinerary for the traveller who wants both the natural drama of the highlands and the deep cultural history of Christian Ethiopia.
Route difficulty
Regular walking days at altitude at a measured pace.
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
Arrive in the northern highlands, meet your guide, and transfer to the park gateway at Debark for a briefing.
Begin the trek through the western arm of the park. The walk eases you into high altitude along the edge of the escarpment, with early views across the deep valleys below, ending at the Sankaber meadow camp.
A full traverse day along the northern escarpment, passing the Jinbar waterfall viewpoint and climbing through giant heather moorland to the Gich campsite on the shoulder of Imet Gogo.
Rise early for sunrise at the Imet Gogo viewpoint — a panorama of chasms and pinnacles dropping thousands of metres. After the viewpoint, descend from the park and transfer to Gondar for the night.
Explore the Royal Enclosure and Fasil Ghebbi, the walled citadel of 17th-century emperors, at a relaxed pace. The afternoon is free to wander the town and its markets.
Boat across Lake Tana to visit historic island monasteries, then drive on to Bahir Dar on the lake's southern shore, where you'll overnight.
Visit the thunderous Blue Nile Falls before driving east through the highlands toward Lalibela, arriving for the evening.
A full day exploring the astonishing rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, including the iconic cross-shaped Church of St George, carved entirely from a single block of living rock.
Visit the second cluster of churches with their labyrinthine trenches and tunnels, then enjoy the afternoon at leisure in this extraordinary mountain town.
Transfer to Lalibela airport or continue your journey. Your guide arranges flight or onward transport details for you before you leave.
A reasonable level of fitness — you'll walk 3–8 hours daily at high altitude.
Travellers who want a complete, in-depth journey across Ethiopia and beyond.
Available privately, so the pace and company are entirely yours.
Not sure it's the right fit? We'll help you choose — see how we plan trips.
Indicative pricing
US$ 4,000
US$ 2,000 per person × 2
This tour is rated moderate. Expect several hours of guided walking each day at altitude; a reasonable level of fitness will see you enjoy it comfortably.
The indicative price covers licensed guide throughout the trip, all park fees and entry tickets 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.
Castles, churches and Lake Tana
Journey the legendary northern circuit — Gondar's castles, the churches of Lalibela, the stelae of Axum and the monasteries of Lake Tana.
The classic escarpment traverse
Four days across the heart of the Simien Mountains: escarpments, Afromontane forests, gelada herds and dawn on the 'Roof of Africa'.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crown of the Ethiopian highlands — the 'Roof of Africa' — where sheer escarpments fall thousands of metres.
The 'Camelot of Africa' — an imperial city of castles, churches and a rich royal history in Ethiopia's northwest highlands.
Home to the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's great pilgrimage destinations.
A pleasant lakeside town and gateway to Lake Tana — Ethiopia's largest lake and its historic island monasteries.
Send us an inquiry and we'll confirm availability, answer your questions and finalise every detail for you.
