Simien Mountains & Lalibela Cultural Safari — 7 Nights
Trek the roof of Africa with the geladas, then wander Lalibela's rock-hewn churches
Overview
This is Ethiopia's classic first journey — the dramatic Simien Mountains paired with the medieval wonder of Lalibela. Fly north to the old imperial capital of Gondar, climb into a UNESCO World Heritage range of jagged pinnacles and mile-deep gorges, and walk among troops of gelada monkeys that carpet the grassland by the hundred. Then step back a thousand years in Lalibela, where eleven churches were carved down into the living rock and are still living centres of Ethiopian Orthodox worship.
Seven nights blend gentle high-altitude trekking with deep cultural immersion. You stay two nights in Gondar and the Simien escarpment at Limalimo Lodge, perched on the edge of a 500-metre drop, and three nights at Sora Lodge above Lalibela, with a comfortable start and finish in Addis Ababa. All internal flights, park fees, scout and guide costs and daily game walks are included. Endemic wildlife — the gelada, the rare Walia ibex and, with luck, the Ethiopian wolf — meets the artistry of one of the world's great pilgrimage sites.
Who It's For
Curious travellers who want culture and scenery in equal measure — comfortable on their feet for half-day highland walks, fascinated by ancient history and living faith, and keen to see wildlife found nowhere else on earth.
Package Highlights
Trek the UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains along a 500-metre escarpment edge
Sit among huge troops of grazing gelada monkeys — found only in Ethiopia
Scan the cliffs for the endangered Walia ibex at Chennek
Explore the eleven rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, still in daily worship
Stand before Bet Giyorgis, the cross-shaped monolith carved into the earth
Tour the 17th-century castles of the Fasil Ghebbi royal enclosure in Gondar
Stay on the cliff edge at Limalimo Lodge and above Lalibela at Sora Lodge
All internal flights, park fees, scouts and guiding included
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Met on arrival at Bole International Airport and transferred to the Inter Luxury Hotel in the heart of Addis Ababa. Depending on your arrival time, visit the National Museum to meet Lucy, the 3.2-million-year-old hominid, or enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony. Overnight in the capital before flying north in the morning.
🏨 Accommodation: Inter Luxury Hotel, Addis Ababa
🍽️ Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Inter Luxury Hotel, Addis Ababa
📍 East Africa
Deluxe city room · Bed & Breakfast basis
From $170 per person per night
Limalimo Lodge, Simien Mountains
📍 East Africa
Escarpment-view room · Full board basis
From $340 per person per night
Sora Lodge Lalibela
📍 East Africa
Mountain-view chalet · Full board basis
From $260 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Classic Cultural Safari
(~$600/night)
Limalimo Lodge & Sora Lodge with all internal flights, park fees, scouts and guiding included
Get QuotePremium Cultural Safari
(~$771/night)
Upgraded suites, private guiding throughout and an extra night to slow the pace of the trek
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 1 night Inter Luxury Hotel, Addis Ababa (B&B)
- ✓ 3 nights Limalimo Lodge, Simien Mountains (FB)
- ✓ 3 nights Sora Lodge Lalibela (FB)
- ✓ All internal flights (Addis–Gondar–Lalibela–Addis)
- ✓ Simien Mountains National Park fees and mandatory scout
- ✓ Lalibela rock-hewn churches entrance fees
- ✓ Gondar castles and Debre Berhan Selassie entry
- ✓ Professional English-speaking guide throughout
- ✓ All ground transport in a private 4x4 vehicle
- ✓ All meals as specified and airport transfers
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights to and from Addis Ababa
- ✗ Ethiopia eVisa
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Drinks and personal expenses
- ✗ Mule hire at Asheten Maryam (optional)
- ✗ Camera and video fees at some sites
- ✗ Tips and gratuities
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
October to March is the dry highland season, with clear skies, wildflowers early on and superb trekking conditions in the Simien Mountains. The main rains fall June to September, when trails are muddy and views often clouded, though the highlands turn brilliantly green. January's Timkat (Epiphany) celebrations are spectacular in Gondar and Lalibela.
Why Choose This Package
Ethiopia's two greatest icons — the Simien Mountains and Lalibela — in one trip
Endemic wildlife: geladas, Walia ibex and a chance of the Ethiopian wolf
Living history — rock churches still central to Ethiopian Orthodox faith
Cliff-edge lodges and internal flights that cut out long road transfers
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Simien Mountains & Lalibela Cultural Safari — 7 Nights?
From $4,200 per person | 8 Days / 7 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates