The holy city of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Type
Hike
Duration
11 Days & 10 Nights
Next Departure
21 Nov 2026
Status
Confirmed Departure
Price
4.375 EUR
Ethiopia Walking Adventure
This Ethiopia hiking holiday takes you through ever-changing terrain: high-altitude peaks, vast alpine plateaus, volcanic ridges, and the deep green canopy of the Harenna Forest. From the rock-carved churches of Lalibela to the dramatic ridges of the Simien Mountains and the wild beauty of the Bale Highlands, this active adventure is designed for hikers seeking more than just great views. You’ll walk ancient trails used by pilgrims and shepherds, explore mountain monasteries carved into the stone, and meet local communities living close to nature and tradition. Along the way, you’ll discover Ethiopia’s rare wildlife, from Gelada baboons grazing on the high plateaus to the elusive Ethiopian wolf roaming the Sanetti Plateau.
For travelers looking for an even deeper journey into Ethiopia’s landscapes, the Hiking Ethiopia Danakil and Erta Ale tour extends the adventure into the Danakil Depression and the volcanic world of Erta Ale, offering a raw and contrasting perspective of the country.
Highlights
Included
Excluded
- Tour Grade
Included and Optional Services
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival
Welcome to Ethiopia!
Your hiking adventure in Ethiopia begins in Addis Ababa, the country’s lively capital. Upon arrival, our tour leader will meet you and guide you to your hotel in the city centre. If time allows, we’ll enjoy a local lunch and get a first taste of Ethiopia’s unique flavours. In the afternoon, we visit the National Museum, home to the famous fossil “Lucy” and a great place to explore the country’s deep human history. To ease into the altitude and prepare for the days of walking ahead, we head to the Entoto Hills for a gentle acclimatization hike. This short walk offers fresh air, panoramic views, and a chance to stretch your legs after the journey. This is the first step of your active holiday
Transfer
00:30 h
Sheraton Addis Hotel
DAY 2
Addis to Lalibela
Fly from Addis to Lalibela
Today we fly to Lalibela (2,600 m), one of Ethiopia’s most iconic destinations and a highlight of any hiking tour in the country. Often called the “Second Jerusalem”, this holy city is famous for its eleven medieval churches, carved directly into volcanic rock. We spend the day walking through this unique religious complex, a true marvel of architecture and devotion. Discover hidden passageways, ancient chapels, and the world’s largest monolithic church, all etched into stone in the 12th century. As the day ends, we gather at the famous Bet Giorgis church, shaped like a cross and glowing golden at sunset, a magical moment that captures the spirit of Lalibela.
Included
Domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela
Mezena Lodge
DAY 3
Lalibela Mountains
Hike to Asheten Mariam Monastery, Highland Trek
After breakfast, we set out on a half-day hiking tour to the Asheten Mariam Monastery, a rewarding trek that showcases the natural and spiritual heart of Ethiopia. This mountain hike takes us to over 3,000 metres, with panoramic views over the rugged highlands. The trail passes through remote landscapes and leads to a monastery carved into the rock, a place still active after centuries. As part of your walking adventure, today’s route offers physical challenge, quiet reflection, and rich cultural insight, everything an active holiday should deliver. Your guide will share stories of the region’s history, making this more than just a walk, it’s a adventure into Ethiopia’s living heritage.
Hike Distance
10 km
Elevation Gain
+ 600 m
Mezena Lodge
DAY 4
Lalibela to Gondar
Discovering Gondar, a Cultural Walking Day
Your active holiday continues with a flight to Gondar, the former royal capital of Ethiopia, nestled in the highlands. Known as the “Camelot of Africa,” this city is a treasure for travellers seeking cultural depth and walking exploration. This walking tour through Gondar reveals a city filled with legends and imperial history. You’ll visit Fasiladas’ Castle and the historic Royal Enclosure, UNESCO-listed landmarks that take you back to Ethiopia’s golden age. Discover the Fasilides’ Bath, still used during the colourful Timkat Festival, and admire the heavenly frescoes inside Debre Berhan Selassie Church. Today’s adventure may be light on hiking, but rich in discovery. A sunset drink at a scenic viewpoint closes the day.
Included
Domestic flight from Lalibela to Gondar
Gondar Hills Resort
DAY 5
Chinquanit to Jinbar Waterfall
Hike from Chinquanit to Jinbar Waterfall
Today marks the beginning of your hiking tour through the Simien Mountains, one of Africa’s most dramatic trekking regions. After an early drive to Debark, the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park, we start our walking adventure in this UNESCO-listed wilderness. Our trail leads from Chinkanit to the stunning Jinbar Waterfall, a route that offers panoramic views over deep valleys and sharp cliffs. This is active travel at its best, vast plateaus, alpine flora, and a chance to spot wildlife like Gelada Baboons and Lammergeyers soaring overhead. The trail winds through dense bushes, rocky outcrops, and ancient heather trees, immersing you in Ethiopia’s unique highland ecosystem, ideal for hikers seeking both nature and adventure.
Hike Distance
12 km
Elevation Gain
+ 600 m
Simien Lodge
DAY 6
Hike Ayna Meda – Enatye – Chenek
Conquering Enatye and Bwahit
This is one of the most memorable days of your hiking holiday in Ethiopia. Starting from Ayna Meda, we ascend towards Enatye (4,070 m), a panoramic viewpoint that reveals the full glory of the Simien Mountains, jagged cliffs, deep gorges, and raw wilderness. The trail continues across a rugged plateau before reaching Bwahit (4,330 m), the second-highest peak in Ethiopia. This high-altitude hike is a true walking adventure, challenging but deeply rewarding, with unforgettable views that stretch all the way to Ras Dashen, the country’s tallest mountain. As part of this guided tour, you’ll be supported throughout and given time to enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and peaceful isolation of this highland paradise. After a full day on the trail, a gentle descent leads you back to the vehicle for the return to the lodge.
Hike Distance
15/21 km
Elevation Gain
+ 1.200 m
Simien Lodge
DAY 7
Addis Ababa
Gondar to Addis Ababa – From Mountains to Capital Life
After a final morning walk around the lodge, a gentle farewell to the Simien Mountains, we begin our scenic drive back to Gondar, passing through highland plateaus and valleys carved by time and nature. Upon reaching Gondar, we catch a domestic flight back to Addis Ababa, returning from the wild majesty of Ethiopia’s mountains to the vibrant rhythm of its capital. Addis Ababa is the perfect contrast to the past days of hiking: colorful markets, rich history, modern cafés, and cultural landmarks all come together in one high-altitude metropolis. Depending on arrival time, enjoy optional city walks, a visit to the National Museum (home of Lucy), or a coffee tasting at one of Addis’s iconic roasters. This day seamlessly blends active travel with urban culture
Included
Domestic flight from Gondar to Addis Ababa
Ethiopian Skylight Hotel
DAY 8
Addis – Bale Mountains – Bale Robe
Hiking in the Afro-Alpine Highlands
This morning, your active adventure continues with a flight to Bale Goba, gateway to the majestic Bale Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s best-kept secrets for hiking holidays and wildlife exploration. Our first walk begins in the Gaysay Grasslands, a vast open space teeming with life and framed by dense juniper forests. This gentle hike offers the perfect introduction to the park’s biodiversity. Along the trail, you may spot endemic species such as the graceful Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, and countless rare birds that make this region a top destination for walking tours with wildlife experiences. Rising in the background is Mount Tullu Dimtu (4,377 m), a dramatic highland peak and symbol of the untamed Bale wilderness that awaits in the days ahead.
Hike Distance
10 km
Elevation Gain
+ 500 m
Included
Domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Bale Goba
Nurobe Hotel
DAY 9
Bale Mountains- Sennati Plateau
Trek the Sanetti Plateau
Today’s trek takes you across the dramatic Sanetti Plateau, the highest road-accessible plateau in Africa and a highlight for anyone on a trekking tour in Ethiopia. As you walk across this remote Afro-alpine landscape, the silence and stillness of the environment make for an immersive walking adventure. Surrounded by towering lobelias and endless wildflowers, this plateau feels like a world apart. Keep your eyes open for the Ethiopian wolf, the rarest wild canid on Earth. With some luck, you may see one gracefully moving across the open moorland. We end the hike at Mount Tullu Dimtu, the park’s highest peak, where sweeping views open over the entire Bale Highlands.
Hike Distance
12 km
Elevation Gain
+ 500 m
Bale Mountain Lodge
DAY 10
Bale Mountains – Harenna Forest
Hike Bale Mountains – Harenna Forest
Our hiking tour continues into the lush and mystical Harenna Forest, one of Ethiopia’s most biodiverse and atmospheric walking destinations. Today’s long but rewarding hike takes you through a rich jungle landscape where ancient trees tower overhead and wildlife thrives. Watch for Bale monkeys, Colobus monkeys, and olive baboons as you walk through mossy paths and dappled sunlight. But Harenna is more than just wilderness, it’s also a cultural heartland. During your hike, you’ll visit a traditional coffee farm and discover Ethiopia’s wild coffee heritage. This is the birthplace of coffee, and here, the experience goes far beyond the cup.
Hike Distance
10 km
Elevation Gain
+ 500 m
Bale Mountain Lodge
DAY 11
Departure
A Last Walk in Nature, A Final Taste of Ethiopia
Before saying goodbye to Ethiopia, we begin the day with a relaxed nature walk in the Bale Mountains, soaking in the quiet beauty and fresh forest air one last time. This peaceful farewell walk highlights the eco-tourism character of the region and reconnects you with the slower rhythm of nature.The drive back to Robe offers a final panoramic journey through rolling highlands and valleys, before boarding your flight to Addis Ababa.Back in the capital, there’s time to explore local markets or pick up final souvenirs, handmade crafts, wild coffee, or woven treasures that capture the spirit of your walking adventure.
In the evening, we gather for a celebratory farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant, complete with live music and a dazzling shoulder dance performance. It’s the perfect cultural send-off, a last taste of Ethiopia’s warmth, flavor, and joy. After dinner, airport transfers will be arranged to suit each departure.
For those who wish to continue exploring beyond the highlands, the Hiking Ethiopia Danakil and Erta Ale tour opens the door to a strikingly different landscape, where volcanic craters, salt flats, and the fiery glow of Erta Ale offer a powerful contrast to the mountain trails.
Included
Domestic flight to Addis Ababa
