Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Ethiopia's vibrant capital and begin exploring its rich cultural heritage through museums and historic sites.
Morning
Start your Ethiopian journey at this essential museum housing Lucy, the 3.2 million-year-old hominid fossil, alongside artifacts spanning Ethiopia's long history. The exhibits provide crucial context for understanding the country's ancient civilizations and diverse cultural heritage. Allow time to explore the ethnographic sections showcasing traditional crafts and royal regalia.
2-3 hours
$5-8
Lunch
A traditional Ethiopian restaurant near the museum serving injera with various wot stews
Traditional Ethiopian
Budget
Afternoon
Visit this magnificent cathedral, one of the most important Orthodox churches in Ethiopia. The stunning stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and beautiful grounds create a serene atmosphere. The cathedral serves as the burial place of Emperor Haile Selassie and offers insight into Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity's central role in the nation's identity.
1.5-2 hours
$3-5
Evening
Welcome dinner with cultural show
Attend a traditional Ethiopian dinner featuring a cultural dance performance showcasing the diverse ethnic groups of Ethiopia, with coffee ceremony
Where to Stay Tonight
Bole district, Addis Ababa (Mid-range hotel near the airport area)
Central location with easy access to restaurants and proximity to airport for future domestic flights
Acclimatize to the 2,400m altitude by taking it easy today. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
Day 1 Budget: $90-120
Explore Ethiopia's recent history and contemporary cultural spaces, from sobering memorials to innovative museums.
Morning
Unity Park
Explore this recently opened park within the former imperial palace grounds, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, a zoo with endemic Ethiopian wildlife, and museums showcasing Ethiopian history and culture. The park offers panoramic views of
Addis Ababa and provides insight into the country's imperial past while celebrating its diverse present.
3-4 hours
$10-15
Arrive at opening time to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures
Lunch
A cafe within the park grounds or nearby serving Ethiopian and international cuisine
Ethiopian and Continental
Mid-range
Afternoon
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum የቀይ ሽብር መታሰቢያ ሙዚየም
This powerful museum documents the brutal Derg regime's atrocities during Ethiopia's Red Terror period of 1977-78. Through photographs, personal belongings, and survivor testimonies, it provides a sobering reminder of this dark chapter in Ethiopian history. The memorial serves as an important educational resource and tribute to the victims.
1.5-2 hours
$5-8
Evening
Explore the Bole neighborhood dining scene
Dinner at a modern Ethiopian restaurant offering contemporary takes on traditional dishes, followed by a stroll through the lively Bole area
Where to Stay Tonight
Bole district, Addis Ababa (Same hotel as Day 1)
Convenient base for early morning departure to Bale Mountains tomorrow
The Red Terror Museum can be emotionally intense; allow time afterwards for reflection before continuing your day.
Day 2 Budget: $85-110
Travel to the spectacular Bale Mountains, home to endemic wildlife and dramatic Afro-alpine landscapes.
Morning
Scenic drive to Bale Mountains National Park
Depart early for the 400km journey southeast to Bale Mountains National Park, one of Ethiopia's most biodiverse protected areas. The drive takes you through changing landscapes from the central highlands to the Bale massif. Stop at roadside viewpoints and small towns to experience rural Ethiopian life and witness the transition from farmland to wilderness.
7-8 hours including stops
$80-120 for private vehicle with driver
Arrange transportation through your hotel or a reputable tour operator in advance
Lunch
Pack a picnic lunch or stop at a local restaurant in a town along the route
Ethiopian basics or packed meal
Budget
Afternoon
Arrival and park orientation at Bale Mountains National Park
Check into your accommodation near the park and take an orientation walk in the Dinsho area. This lower elevation section offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities including mountain nyala, Menelik's bushbuck, and warthogs grazing in open grasslands. The afternoon light is perfect for photography against the backdrop of the Bale massif.
2-3 hours
$20-30 park entrance
Evening
Dinner and early rest
Enjoy dinner at your lodge with views of the mountains, preparing for tomorrow's early wildlife trek
Where to Stay Tonight
Dinsho area, Bale Mountains (Mountain lodge or guesthouse near park headquarters)
Proximity to park entrance for early morning wildlife viewing and access to hiking trails
The temperature drops significantly at night in the mountains. Bring warm layers even if days are sunny.
Day 3 Budget: $120-160
Explore the otherworldly Sanetti Plateau, Africa's largest Afro-alpine habitat and home to the rare Ethiopian wolf.
Morning
Sanetti Plateau wildlife drive
Rise early for a drive to the Sanetti Plateau at over 4,000 meters elevation. This surreal landscape of giant lobelias and heather moorland is home to the critically endangered Ethiopian wolf, the world's rarest canid. The plateau also hosts endemic rodents, birds of prey, and stunning panoramic views. The morning hours offer the best chance to spot wolves hunting rodents in the frost-covered grasslands.
4-5 hours
$60-80 including guide and vehicle
Book through park headquarters or your lodge the previous evening
Lunch
Packed lunch enjoyed at a scenic viewpoint on the plateau
Packed meal
Budget
Afternoon
Harenna Forest exploration
Descend through the dramatic escarpment into the Harenna Forest, one of Ethiopia's largest remaining cloud forests. This biodiversity hotspot contrasts sharply with the plateau above, featuring dense vegetation, waterfalls, and different wildlife including endemic birds and forest mammals. The change in ecosystems within a single day showcases the park's remarkable ecological diversity.
3-4 hours
$30-40
Evening
Relaxation and stargazing
Enjoy dinner at your lodge followed by spectacular stargazing in the clear mountain air, far from light pollution
Where to Stay Tonight
Dinsho area, Bale Mountains (Same lodge as Day 3)
Central base for exploring different park zones
Altitude sickness can affect some visitors on Sanetti Plateau. Ascend slowly and inform your guide if you feel unwell.
Day 4 Budget: $110-140
Journey back to
Addis Ababa with time to explore cultural sites and prepare for the flight to Axum.
Morning
Depart Bale Mountains for the return journey to
Addis Ababa. The long drive offers opportunities to stop at local markets and towns, providing glimpses into rural Ethiopian life. Consider visiting roadside coffee stalls to experience Ethiopia's famous coffee culture at its most authentic, where beans are roasted and brewed using traditional methods.
7-8 hours including stops
$80-120 for vehicle
Lunch
Stop at a local restaurant in a town along the route for traditional Ethiopian dishes
Traditional Ethiopian
Budget
Afternoon
Zoma Museum
Visit this unique contemporary art and cultural space showcasing traditional Ethiopian architecture reimagined through modern design. The museum's gardens, galleries, and traditional tukul structures create an immersive experience celebrating Ethiopian heritage and creativity. It's a refreshing contrast to the natural landscapes of the past days and offers insight into Ethiopia's contemporary art scene.
1.5-2 hours
$8-12
Evening
Packing and early dinner
Prepare for early morning flight to Axum, enjoy dinner at a restaurant near your hotel
Where to Stay Tonight
Bole district, Addis Ababa (Mid-range hotel near airport)
Convenient for early morning domestic flight to Axum
Book your domestic flight to Axum for early morning to maximize your time in the historic north.
Day 5 Budget: $100-130
Fly to Axum and explore the archaeological treasures of this ancient kingdom, including the famous stelae fields.
Morning
Flight to Axum and Aksum Obelisk No-1
Take an early morning flight to Axum, the ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire. Begin exploring the Northern Stelae Field, where massive granite obelisks stand as monuments to this powerful civilization that flourished from the 1st to 7th centuries AD. Aksum Obelisk No-1, along with other towering stelae, showcases the remarkable engineering and artistic achievements of the Aksumite people. The site provides tangible connections to Ethiopia's pre-Christian and early Christian heritage.
3-4 hours including flight
$120-150 including flight and site entrance
Book domestic flights well in advance as they can fill up quickly
Lunch
A local restaurant in Axum town serving traditional Tigrayan cuisine with injera
Tigrayan Ethiopian
Budget
Afternoon
Archaeological sites tour
Continue exploring Axum's archaeological wonders including the Queen of Sheba's Bath, the ruins of ancient palaces, and the Tomb of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel. Visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, which according to Ethiopian tradition houses the Ark of the Covenant. The archaeological museum displays artifacts from excavations including ancient coins, pottery, and inscriptions.
3-4 hours
$15-25
Evening
Sunset views and traditional dinner
Watch the sunset over the stelae fields, then enjoy dinner featuring local specialties at a traditional restaurant
Where to Stay Tonight
Axum town center (Mid-range hotel within walking distance of archaeological sites)
Central location allows easy exploration of the compact archaeological zone
Hire a knowledgeable local guide at the stelae field to fully appreciate the historical significance and stories behind the monuments.
Day 6 Budget: $140-180
Travel overland through the dramatic Tigray highlands to reach Lalibela, the Jerusalem of Ethiopia.
Morning
Scenic mountain drive departure
Embark on one of Ethiopia's most spectacular drives through the Tigray highlands toward Lalibela. The journey winds through dramatic mountain scenery, passing traditional villages where life continues much as it has for centuries. Stop at viewpoints to photograph terraced hillsides and distant peaks. The route offers glimpses into rural highland life and stunning vistas.
4-5 hours of driving
$100-150 for private vehicle
Arrange a reliable 4WD vehicle with experienced driver through your hotel
Lunch
Stop at a small town restaurant along the route for simple, fresh Ethiopian food
Traditional Ethiopian
Budget
Afternoon
Continue journey to Lalibela
Complete the journey to Lalibela, arriving in the late afternoon. The final approach offers views of the town nestled in the mountains. Check into your accommodation and take a short orientation walk through the town, visiting local craft shops where you can see artisans creating traditional crosses, woven baskets, and textiles. The evening atmosphere in this highland town is peaceful and spiritual.
4-5 hours including arrival activities
$20-30
Evening
Rest and acclimatization
Enjoy dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant, preparing for intensive church exploration tomorrow
Where to Stay Tonight
Lalibela town (Traditional hotel with views of the surrounding mountains)
Central location for exploring the rock-hewn churches over the next two days
The drive is long but spectacular. Start early and bring snacks and water as roadside facilities are limited.
Day 7 Budget: $130-170
Explore the first group of Lalibela's extraordinary rock-hewn churches, carved from solid rock in the 12th century.
Morning
Northern church cluster exploration
Begin early at the Northwestern cluster of rock-hewn churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world, and Bet Maryam with its intricate carvings. These 12th-century churches were carved downward from solid rock, creating architectural marvels that continue to function as active places of worship. Watch priests in white robes conducting services and pilgrims praying in the dim, incense-filled interiors.
4-5 hours
$50 entrance ticket
Purchase the combined ticket valid for all churches; hire a guide at the entrance for deeper understanding
Lunch
Return to town for lunch at a restaurant with views of the surrounding landscape
Ethiopian with some international options
Mid-range
Afternoon
Continue northern churches and cultural exploration
Visit Bet Golgotha and Bet Mikael, churches with restricted access but remarkable frescoes and carvings. Explore the tunnels and passages connecting the churches, experiencing the mysterious atmosphere that makes Lalibela so unique. Spend time observing the daily life of priests and worshippers, and visit the nearby traditional village to understand how the local community maintains these sacred sites.
3-4 hours
Included in morning ticket
Evening
Traditional tej house experience
Visit a local tej house to sample Ethiopia's honey wine and mingle with locals in an authentic setting
Where to Stay Tonight
Lalibela town (Same hotel as Day 7)
Convenient base for continuing church exploration tomorrow
Wear sturdy shoes with good grip as the rock surfaces can be slippery, and bring a flashlight for darker church interiors.
Day 8 Budget: $90-120
Visit the iconic Bet Giyorgis and explore the southeastern church cluster, completing your Lalibela experience.
Morning
Bet Giyorgis and southeastern churches
Visit the stunning Bet Giyorgis, the most famous and photographed of Lalibela's churches, carved in the shape of a perfect cross. This architectural masterpiece stands alone in its own courtyard, accessed by a tunnel carved through rock. Continue to the southeastern cluster including Bet Gabriel-Rufael and Bet Abba Libanos, each with unique architectural features and spiritual significance. The morning light illuminates these structures beautifully.
4-5 hours
Included in previous day's ticket
Lunch
Lunch at a restaurant offering traditional fasting food, which is vegan and showcases Ethiopian culinary creativity
Ethiopian fasting dishes
Budget
Afternoon
Asheton Maryam Monastery hike
Take a mule or hike up to Asheton Maryam Monastery, perched high on a mountain above Lalibela. The climb takes about an hour and offers spectacular panoramic views of the town and surrounding highlands. The monastery itself contains ancient religious artifacts and manuscripts, and the peaceful setting provides a contemplative end to your Lalibela experience. The descent offers different perspectives and photo opportunities.
3-4 hours round trip
$15-25 including mule and guide
Evening
Farewell dinner with traditional music
Enjoy a special dinner at a restaurant featuring live traditional music and dancing
Where to Stay Tonight
Lalibela town (Same hotel as previous nights)
Final night before departing for Addis Ababa
If visiting during a religious festival, the churches come alive with elaborate ceremonies and thousands of white-robed pilgrims.
Day 9 Budget: $85-115
Fly back to
Addis Ababa and explore additional cultural sites before preparing for the journey to Harar.
Morning
Take a morning flight back to
Addis Ababa. Visit the Ethnological Museum, housed in Emperor Haile Selassie's former palace on the university campus. The museum provides comprehensive insights into Ethiopia's diverse ethnic groups, traditional lifestyles, religious practices, and cultural artifacts. The Emperor's former bedroom and bathroom are preserved, offering a glimpse into royal life.
3-4 hours including flight
$120-150 including flight and entrance
Lunch
A cafe near the university campus popular with locals and students
Ethiopian and light meals
Budget
Afternoon
Lion of Judah Statue and city exploration
Visit the Lion of Judah Statue, an important national symbol that was looted by Italy in 1935 and returned in 1968. The statue represents Ethiopian resistance and national pride. Spend time exploring nearby areas, shopping for souvenirs at local markets, or visiting the Merkato, Africa's largest open-air market, where you can find everything from spices to traditional clothing.
2-3 hours
$10-20
Evening
Preparation for Harar journey
Enjoy dinner and pack for the eastern journey to Harar, Ethiopia's ancient walled city
Where to Stay Tonight
Bole district, Addis Ababa (Mid-range hotel)
Convenient location for early departure to Harar
If you have extra time, visit the Merkato market with a guide for safety and to help navigate the vast complex.
Day 10 Budget: $130-160
Travel to the ancient walled city of Harar, a UNESCO World Heritage site and spiritual center of Ethiopian Islam.
Morning
Drive to Harar
Embark on the scenic 525km drive east to Harar, passing through the Great Rift Valley with its stunning lakes and changing landscapes. The journey takes you from highland plateaus down to the eastern lowlands, with stops at viewpoints overlooking Rift Valley lakes. The changing scenery and climate zones make this one of Ethiopia's most interesting overland journeys.
8-9 hours including stops
$100-150 for private vehicle
Arrange reliable transportation in advance; consider breaking the journey with an overnight stop if preferred
Lunch
Stop at a restaurant near one of the Rift Valley towns for lunch with lake views
Ethiopian with fresh fish options
Budget
Afternoon
Arrival and old town orientation
Arrive in Harar and check into your accommodation. Take an initial walk through the old town's narrow alleyways within the ancient walls, getting a feel for this unique city with its distinct Islamic architecture and culture. Visit local craft shops and observe the colorful houses and bustling street life. The late afternoon light creates beautiful shadows in the winding lanes.
2-3 hours
$15-20
Evening
Hyena Feeding Site
Experience the famous hyena feeding ceremony where local hyena men feed wild hyenas by hand just outside the city walls, a tradition spanning generations
Where to Stay Tonight
Inside or near Jugol (old walled city), Harar (Traditional guesthouse in a restored Harari house)
Immersive experience in the heart of the historic city with authentic architecture
The drive is long; start very early or consider flying to Dire Dawa and driving the final 50km to Harar.
Day 11 Budget: $110-145
Discover Harar's rich Islamic heritage, colorful markets, and unique cultural traditions within the ancient walled city.
Morning
Jugol old town exploration
Spend the morning exploring Harar's Jugol, the fortified historic town with 82 mosques and 102 shrines packed within its walls. Visit the colorful markets selling spices, coffee, and traditional handicrafts. Explore traditional Harari houses with their distinctive interior designs and vibrant colors. Learn about the city's unique basket-weaving tradition and watch artisans at work. The maze-like streets reveal surprises at every turn.
4-5 hours
$20-30 including guide
Hire a local guide to navigate the complex alleyways and access private Harari houses
Lunch
Try local Harari specialties at a traditional restaurant inside the old city
Harari cuisine with unique spice blends
Budget
Afternoon
Rimbaud House and cultural sites
Visit the house where French poet Arthur Rimbaud lived during his time in Harar, now a museum dedicated to his life and work. Explore additional mosques and shrines, and visit the tomb of Emir Nur, who built the city walls in the 16th century. Stop at viewpoints offering panoramas of the old city and surrounding countryside. The afternoon provides opportunities for photography and deeper cultural immersion.
3-4 hours
$10-15
Evening
Coffee ceremony and sunset
Participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at a local home, then watch sunset from the city walls
Where to Stay Tonight
Jugol, Harar (Same guesthouse as Day 11)
Continue experiencing traditional Harari hospitality
Respect local Islamic customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting mosques and residential areas.
Day 12 Budget: $75-100
Travel back to
Addis Ababa with time for final explorations and shopping for souvenirs.
Morning
Begin the return journey to
Addis Ababa, taking a different route or making alternative stops to experience new scenery. Consider stopping at Awash National Park briefly if time permits, or visit roadside craft markets selling locally made goods. The journey provides final opportunities to observe rural Ethiopian life and landscapes before returning to the capital.
8-9 hours including stops
$100-150 for vehicle
Lunch
Stop at a restaurant along the route, perhaps trying dishes you haven't sampled yet
Regional Ethiopian
Budget
Afternoon
Friendship Park and relaxation
After the long drive, unwind at Friendship Park, a pleasant green space in
Addis Ababa perfect for relaxing and people-watching. Take a gentle walk through the park, observing local families and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Use this time to reflect on your journey and rest before final evening activities.
1-2 hours
$5
Evening
Souvenir shopping and farewell dinner
Visit craft markets or shops for last-minute souvenirs including coffee, spices, traditional clothing, and handicrafts, followed by a special farewell dinner
Where to Stay Tonight
Bole district, Addis Ababa (Mid-range hotel near airport)
Convenient for departure day with easy airport access
Leave extra time for souvenir shopping as bargaining can take time, and shops may close earlier than expected.
Day 13 Budget: $110-140
Final morning in
Addis Ababa for any remaining sights before departure.
Morning
Gulele Botanical Garden or Ethiopian Science Museum
Depending on your flight time, visit the peaceful Gulele Botanical Garden featuring indigenous Ethiopian plants and offering views over the city, or explore the Ethiopian Science Museum for a different perspective on the country's contributions to science and technology. Both options provide relaxing, educational experiences before departure. The botanical garden is particularly pleasant for a final peaceful morning.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Lunch
Final Ethiopian meal at a restaurant near the airport or your hotel
Ethiopian favorites
Mid-range
Afternoon
Airport departure
Transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure flight. Allow extra time for check-in and security, and consider purchasing last-minute coffee or spices at airport shops. Reflect on your incredible journey through one of Africa's most historically and culturally rich nations, from ancient civilizations to stunning natural landscapes.
Varies by flight time
$20-30 for airport transfer
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (Departure day)
End of journey
Many international flights depart late evening, giving you most of the day for final activities. Store luggage at your hotel if you've checked out.
Day 14 Budget: $60-90