Wildlife · Trekking
12-Day Ethiopian Safari
Gelada and walia ibex in the Simien, oryx in Awash, Swayne’s hartebeest and the Ethiopian wolf of Bale.
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Season
- October to April
- Group Size
- Private or group
- Starting from
- $3,200
The Journey
11 nights, designed around the hours that matter
Ethiopia’s endemic wildlife in one journey. Trek in the Simien Mountains to Chenek and the Buwahit Pass, track oryx and gazelle in Awash and Alledeghi, follow the Rift Valley lakes to the Senkelle sanctuary, then spend four days in the Bale Mountains searching for the Ethiopian wolf and the mountain nyala.
Day by Day
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is carefully planned, but minor adjustments may be made due to weather, local festivals, road conditions or your personal interests to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 1
Addis Ababa – Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park
Begin your Ethiopian safari adventure with a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Gondar, the historic city of castles and one of Ethiopia’s most important royal capitals. Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin the scenic drive toward the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famously known as the “Roof of Africa.” As you enter the park, enjoy your first views of the dramatic mountain landscapes, with towering cliffs, deep valleys, and endless highland panoramas unfolding along the escarpment. Begin exploring this remarkable wilderness area while searching for some of Ethiopia’s most fascinating endemic wildlife. Keep watch for large troops of Gelada baboons, often seen grazing on the grassy slopes and moving along the cliffs. These unique primates, found only in the Ethiopian Highlands, are one of the highlights of any visit to the Simien Mountains. The afternoon offers opportunities for scenic walks, wildlife viewing, and photography as you settle into the peaceful atmosphere of one of Africa’s most spectacular mountain landscapes. Overnight: Simien Mountains National Park.
Day 2
Trekking to Chenek Camp and Buwahit Pass
After breakfast, begin an unforgettable trek deeper into the dramatic landscapes of Simien Mountains National Park. Follow scenic mountain trails toward Chenek Camp, at approximately 3,620 meters, one of the most spectacular campsites in Ethiopia, surrounded by towering cliffs, open grasslands, and breathtaking escarpment views. Continue your ascent toward Buwahit Pass, at approximately 4,200 meters, enjoying some of the most impressive scenery in the Simien Mountains. The trail winds through rugged rock formations, high-altitude valleys, and dramatic mountain landscapes that showcase why the park is known as the “Roof of Africa.” Along the way, keep your eyes open for some of the region’s most remarkable wildlife. The endemic Walia ibex, Ethiopia’s iconic mountain goat, can often be seen navigating the steep cliffs and rocky slopes. With good fortune, you may also encounter the rare Ethiopian wolf, one of the world’s most endangered carnivores and a symbol of Ethiopia’s unique biodiversity. As you trek through this extraordinary wilderness, enjoy panoramic views of deep gorges, volcanic peaks, and endless highland scenery. The combination of wildlife encounters and dramatic landscapes makes this one of the most rewarding days of the safari. Overnight: Chenek Camp / Simien Mountains National Park.
Day 3
Simien Mountains – Addis Ababa – Awash National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Gondar Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in the capital, meet your driver and continue your journey east toward Awash National Park, one of Ethiopia’s oldest and most accessible wildlife destinations. The drive takes you through the changing landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, passing volcanic scenery, traditional villages, and vast open landscapes of eastern Ethiopia. As you approach the park, the scenery transforms into dry savannah, acacia woodland, and wildlife-rich plains. In the late afternoon, begin your first wildlife drive in Awash National Park, exploring the park’s diverse habitats in search of native species. Keep watch for Beisa oryx, greater kudu, warthogs, gazelles, baboons, and a variety of bird species that inhabit this unique ecosystem. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the park as the sun sets over the Rift Valley landscape, creating a beautiful introduction to Ethiopia’s eastern wilderness. Overnight: Awash National Park / Doho Lodge.
Day 4
Wildlife Safari in Awash National Park
Begin the morning with a guided wildlife drive through the diverse landscapes of Awash National Park, exploring its savannah plains, acacia woodlands, and volcanic terrain. The park’s varied ecosystems provide excellent opportunities to observe Ethiopia’s eastern lowland wildlife in its natural habitat. During the safari, search for species such as Beisa oryx, greater kudu, warthogs, gazelles, baboons, and other mammals that roam freely through the park. Bird enthusiasts can also enjoy the impressive variety of species found in the area, including raptors, waterbirds, and colorful desert-adapted birds. Continue exploring the scenic corners of the park, including viewpoints overlooking the dramatic Awash River Gorge and surrounding landscapes. Enjoy the peaceful wilderness atmosphere before returning to your lodge for relaxation. Overnight: Awash National Park / Doho Lodge.
Day 5
Awash – Alledeghi Wildlife Reserve
After breakfast, depart toward the Alledeghi Wildlife Reserve, a remote and beautiful wilderness area located northeast of Awash. The journey takes you through expansive landscapes of the Ethiopian lowlands, where wide-open plains, volcanic formations, and traditional pastoral communities create a unique safari environment. Upon arrival, begin exploring the reserve in search of its distinctive African plains wildlife. The open grasslands and semi-arid habitats provide opportunities to spot species adapted to this environment, including oryx, gazelles, kudu, and other antelope species, along with a variety of birdlife. Away from the more visited parks, Alledeghi offers a sense of untouched wilderness and a chance to experience Ethiopia’s eastern landscapes in a more remote and authentic way. Enjoy a scenic wildlife drive while taking in the vast horizons and peaceful atmosphere of this remarkable reserve. Overnight: Alledeghi / Afar region.
Day 6
Alledeghi Wildlife Reserve – Lake Ziway – Lake Langano
After breakfast, continue your journey toward the beautiful Great Rift Valley lakes region, driving to Lake Langano with a stop at Lake Ziway, one of Ethiopia’s important birdwatching destinations. Located along the Rift Valley, Lake Ziway is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering excellent opportunities to observe a wide variety of waterbirds and migratory species. During your visit, explore the lakeshore and look for birds such as pelicans, flamingos, herons, storks, and kingfishers. The lake is also known for its local fishing communities and scenic island landscapes. Continue the drive through the beautiful Rift Valley countryside toward Lake Langano, famous for its warm brown waters, peaceful beaches, and relaxing natural surroundings. After arriving at your lodge, enjoy time to unwind and take in the views of the lake and surrounding forest. In the evening, join a guided night forest walk to discover the hidden wildlife that becomes active after sunset. With the help of your guide, search for nocturnal creatures such as small mammals, owls, and other night-dwelling species while experiencing the unique sounds and atmosphere of the Ethiopian wilderness after dark. Overnight: Lake Langano.
Day 7
Lake Langano – Abijatta-Shalla National Park – Senkelle Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary – Hawassa
After breakfast, continue your journey through Ethiopia’s scenic Great Rift Valley, exploring some of the region’s most important wildlife and conservation areas. Begin with a visit to Abijatta-Shalla National Park, known for its beautiful Rift Valley lakes, volcanic landscapes, and rich birdlife. The park’s two lakes, Lake Abijatta and Lake Shalla, offer contrasting natural environments. Lake Abijatta is famous for its large concentrations of waterbirds, including flamingos and other migratory species, while Lake Shalla is one of Ethiopia’s deepest lakes, surrounded by dramatic volcanic cliffs and hot springs. Continue to the Senkelle Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary, a protected area established to conserve the endangered Swayne’s hartebeest, an endemic antelope found only in Ethiopia. During a guided wildlife drive, look for these rare animals grazing across the open grasslands, along with other species such as warthogs, oribi, and various bird species. The sanctuary provides an excellent opportunity to learn about Ethiopia’s conservation efforts and observe one of the country’s most important wildlife species in its natural habitat. In the late afternoon, continue to Hawassa, a beautiful lakeside city on the shores of Lake Hawassa. Relax at your lakeside resort and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, stunning sunset views, and natural beauty of the Rift Valley. Overnight: Hawassa lakeside resort.
Days 8 to 11
Bale Mountains National Park Expedition
## Day 8: Hawassa to Bale Mountains National Park After breakfast, drive toward the spectacular Bale Mountains, one of Ethiopia’s most important wildlife destinations. As you ascend into the highlands, enjoy changing landscapes ranging from open grasslands to mountain forests and dramatic valleys. Explore the surrounding areas and look for some of the region’s distinctive wildlife, including servals, caracals, mountain nyala, and Menelik’s bushbuck. The scenic drive and wildlife opportunities provide an exciting introduction to the extraordinary biodiversity of the Bale Mountains. ## Day 9: Sanetti Plateau Wildlife Safari After breakfast, set out to explore the breathtaking Sanetti Plateau, a vast high-altitude wilderness renowned for its spectacular Afro-alpine landscapes and unique wildlife. The plateau is one of the best places in Ethiopia to search for the endangered Ethiopian wolf, often seen hunting for giant mole rats across the open grasslands. Keep watch for other highland wildlife and enjoy the dramatic scenery of Bale’s mountains, valleys, and volcanic landscapes. Spend the day exploring this remarkable ecosystem and experiencing one of Ethiopia’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations. ## Day 10: Bale Highlands & Harenna Forest Continue exploring the diverse ecosystems of the Bale Mountains, traveling from the open highland grasslands toward the lush Harenna Forest. This dramatic change in altitude creates a remarkable variety of habitats and wildlife. Enjoy wildlife viewing and nature walks during the day while exploring the forest’s rich biodiversity. In the evening, embark on an exciting night game drive in search of nocturnal wildlife and experience the forest as it comes alive after sunset. ## Day 11: Harenna Forest to Goba After breakfast, continue exploring the lower-altitude forests and grasslands of the Bale region. Discover the area’s rich biodiversity while enjoying peaceful nature walks, scenic landscapes, and opportunities for wildlife observation. Later, begin your journey back toward Goba, taking in the changing scenery of the Bale highlands along the way. Enjoy a relaxing final evening in the region and reflect on the unforgettable wildlife and landscapes experienced throughout your Ethiopian safari. Overnight: Goba.
Day 12
Bale Mountains – Addis Ababa – Departure
After breakfast, travel back to Addis Ababa, enjoying the changing landscapes of the Ethiopian countryside along the way. Upon arrival in the capital, take some time to relax or complete any last-minute shopping before your departure. In the evening, celebrate the end of your Ethiopian safari adventure with a traditional farewell dinner featuring delicious local cuisine, live cultural performances, traditional music, and an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony. After this memorable celebration, you will be transferred to Bole International Airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of Ethiopia’s wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Thank you for traveling with Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours.
What Is Included
- Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and all transfers
- Domestic flights as shown in the itinerary
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
- Licensed English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
- 11 nights of accommodation: Lodges & Camping
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- National park fees, armed scout and local guides
- Camping equipment, cook and pack mules or porters
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Before You Book
Questions about this journey
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Guest reviews
What our guests say
Rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor and Google, and 4.9 on SafariBookings.
“My tour operator was very communicative even before the trip began and very responsive on WhatsApp. He booked all my domestic flights and arranged all my airport pick-ups and drop-offs. He had professional guides in all the regions I visited, the itinerary was clear, and he was flexible with any changes. There were no extra costs. He is reliable, communicative and well experienced. I will be back with the same company.”
Sarah · Kenya · August 2026
Read more reviews on SafariBookings“Excellent services provided by Maereg and his team. The local guides and the drivers – Geta (my fave) – were all great. They were patient, professional, knowledgeable and took great care of us. Everything was seamlessly coordinated and they were always on time for pickups and made sure we were briefed in advance of the itinerary and any changes. One of my top travel destinations in Africa, with some of the kindest and warmest people. Maereg went above and beyond! First-class service, always with a smile!”
D Thomas · Google review · May 2026
Read more reviews on GoogleEnquire
Make 12-Day Ethiopian Safari yours
Send us your dates and we will confirm availability, quote precisely, and suggest the two or three changes we would make if it were our own trip.
Runs October to April · Private or group · starting from $3,200 per person
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