Day 1: Arrival in Gondar
Depart from Addis Ababa and fly to Gondar. Upon arrival, meet your guide and drive to Sankabar camp. Choose to be dropped off for a two-hour trek to take in stunning views of the escarpment, with possibilities of spotting Gelada monkeys. Camp at Sankabar, located at 3250 metres.
Day 2: Trekking to Gich
Depart from Sankabar to Geech camp, passing by Jinibar Falls. This trek lasts about 6 hours. Stay at Geech camp, situated at an altitude of 3600 metres.
Day 3: Journey from Gich to Chennek
Hike from Geech to Chennek (3620 metres) via Imet Gogo. Enjoy panoramic views of the Simien Escarpment and encounter the unique Giant Lobelia on the Gich plateau. Look out for Gelada monkeys, Walia ibex, and the Ethiopian wolf during this approximately 9-hour trek. Camp at Chennek.
Day 4: Ascent to Buwahit and Return to Debark
Take a morning hike to Mount Buwahit, the second-highest peak in Ethiopia at 4430 metres. After the hike, return to base camp. Drive back to Debark for the night. Stay in Debark.
Day 5: Debark to Axum
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Axum, travelling through the lowland regions of the park. Experience the historic road built by the Italians from 1936 to 1941, taking around 7-8 hours. Stay in Axum.
Day 6: Exploring Axum and Gehralta
En route to Gehralta, visit the Yeha Temple, one of Ethiopia’s oldest archaeological sites, dating back 2500 years. In the afternoon, see the stunning rock-hewn church of Abune Yemata in Tigray, considered one of the most beautiful in the area. Stay in Hawzen.
Day 7: Gehralta to Mekelle
Visit additional rock-hewn churches in Tigray before heading to Mekelle. Stay in Mekelle.
Day 8: Danakil Depression Adventure (Erta Ale)
Begin your adventure with a 4x4 trip from Mekelle to the Danakil Depression, focusing on the Erta Ale volcano. Travel through captivating landscapes of lava fields and sand dunes, passing by local villages. After arriving at the Erta Ale campsite, prepare for an evening hike up to the volcano to witness the mesmerising lava flow. Camp near Erta Ale, enjoying the stunning night sky.
Day 9: Dallol and Departure to Mekelle
Rise early to hike back to the crater's edge and enjoy the sunrise over the vivid volcanic activity. Journey to Dallol, famous for its vibrant colours, fumaroles, and geothermal springs. It is known as one of the hottest places on Earth. Discover unique salt formations, bubbling lakes, and surreal landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. After lunch in Hamad Ela, begin your drive back to Mekelle, cherishing the incredible memories of this extraordinary journey.
