Ethiopia’s Bale and Simien Mountains in Style
Addis Ababa, Bale Mountain Lodge & LimalimoCombine two of Ethiopia's most exciting national parks - Bale Mountains National Park and Simien Mountains National Park - experience the vibrant local culture and wildlife of each location while enjoying the spectacular views.
At a glance
Stay in the two best luxury lodges in Ethiopia, both with superb sustainable tourism practices
See the amazing wildlife on offer in the Bale and Simien Mountains from Ethiopian wolves, endemic monkeys and fantastic bird life
Spend longer in each destination ensuring you have time to immerse yourself in what is on offer
Also have time to visit local communities and markets, meet local people and try Ethiopian food and coffee
Journey highlights
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Stay in the two best luxury lodges in Ethiopia, both with superb sustainable tourism practices
-
See the amazing wildlife on offer in the Bale and Simien Mountains from Ethiopian wolves, endemic monkeys and fantastic bird life
-
Spend longer in each destination ensuring you have time to immerse yourself in what is on offer
-
Also have time to visit local communities and markets, meet local people and try Ethiopian food and coffee
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
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- M
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- J
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The best time to visit Ethiopia is from mid to late October until May. During this time the highlands are ideal for hiking especially after the rainy season has just finished as the landscape bursts into life.
Due to the high altitude of the country in comparison to its location conditions get quite cool at night. Temperatures generally can reach above 30°C in lowland areas, whereas the highland temperature can dip below 20°C. Addis Ababa has a relatively even temperature year-round.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | $6,700 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
| June | $6,700 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
| July | $6,400 | $1,600 | plan your trip |
| August | $6,400 | $1,600 | plan your trip |
| September | $6,700 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
| October | $7,100 | $1,800 | plan your trip |
| November | $7,100 | $1,800 | plan your trip |
| December | $6,700 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
| January | $7,100 | $1,800 | plan your trip |
| February | $7,100 | $1,800 | plan your trip |
| March | $7,100 | $1,800 | plan your trip |
| April | $6,700 | $1,700 | plan your trip |
-
May
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,700
Deposit from*$1,700
-
June
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,700
Deposit from*$1,700
-
July
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,400
Deposit from*$1,600
-
August
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,400
Deposit from*$1,600
-
September
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,700
Deposit from*$1,700
-
October
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,100
Deposit from*$1,800
-
November
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,100
Deposit from*$1,800
-
December
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,700
Deposit from*$1,700
-
January
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,100
Deposit from*$1,800
-
February
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,100
Deposit from*$1,800
-
March
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,100
Deposit from*$1,800
-
April
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$6,700
Deposit from*$1,700
- plan your trip
Itinerary
Fly to Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Arrive into Addis Ababa - Ethiopia's capital city, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on the time of your international flight you will have the opportunity to discover a melting pot of cultures and religions from all over this region of Africa.
Explore the main sights such as the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the main museums, but we love to go a little deeper than this and show you the Merkato - the main market, maybe stop for an Ethiopian coffee in Tomoca, or head to the Jazzamba Lounge in the evening to uncover the history behind Addis' music scene. You will have an amazing private guide and driver to ensure you have a fabulous time in Addis, it’s a great city just waiting to show itself off.
Accommodation: Sheraton Addis ( 1 night )Drive to Bale Mountains National Park
The next day your private driver will be waiting outside your hotel to take you on the 8-hour drive to Bale Mountains. You might be thinking that this is rather long, but the drive is absolutely worth the effort. Maybe stop to see the rock-hewn churches at Adadi Maryam or the ancient stelae at Tiya. Jaws will drop as you drive through the 'Dragons Pass', and the views all the way to Bale are thoroughly rewarding. As you approach the lodge, you might well catch sight of the Ethiopian Wolf, just a taster of the fantastic wildlife experience that is yet to come.
Right around the lodge you can find an amazing mix of habitats that support an array of wildlife, such as Bale monkey, wolves, mountain nyala and Menelik's bushbuck to name but a few. Wander up to the Sanetti Plateau to see wolves, fantastic bird life and stunning views given its 4000m altitude. If you are feeling adventurous, why not include a day-trip to the Central Rift Valley (en route we promise you will taste the best local coffee combined with honey in the small town of Dolo Mena). It is worth stopping at the local camel market, and wander through the main market where you will likely be the only tourists. The other option is to head north and see the Sof Omar Caves, and onto the Islamic city of Harar.
Accommodation: Bale Mountain Lodge ( 3 nights )Drive to Simien Mountains
After all the fun and excitement of the Bale Mountains, you can hop on your private charter and fly to the town of Gondar. Explore the ancient castles such as the impressive Royal Enclosure, before driving up to the Simien Mountains. Admire the jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys and endless views that go on for miles. If you can tear yourself away from the views, there are a range of day walks you can take into the Simiens to see the variety of wildlife on offer, from Gelada monkey, wolves, hyena and superb bird life. Visit the local villages where you can taste traditional Ethiopian cooking and meet the local community. For those who want to find their inner Mo Farah, you can head off on a run with the locals and see why they have won so many long-distance gold medals over the years. Or if you prefer, relax with a glass of wine by the fire-pit looking out at the views as the sun sets.
Accommodation: Limalimo Lodge ( 3 nights )Fly to Addis Ababa for your international flight
Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday.
Your Hotels
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
The best time to visit Ethiopia is from mid to late October until May. During this time the highlands are ideal for hiking especially after the rainy season has just finished as the landscape bursts into life.
Due to the high altitude of the country in comparison to its location conditions get quite cool at night. Temperatures generally can reach above 30°C in lowland areas, whereas the highland temperature can dip below 20°C. Addis Ababa has a relatively even temperature year-round.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday.
Why Scott Dunn?
At Scott Dunn, we live and breathe travel. An insatiable appetite to discover the world runs through everything we do. We relish the planning and revel in the detail. We know it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference, and we stop at nothing to make every trip not only exceptional but totally unique.
- Every itinerary is crafted from scratch, based around exactly what’s important to you
- Packed full of unique experiences, hand-picked by our journeys team
- Expert local guides enrich your experience in every destination
- Your own dedicated Travel Specialist who will take care of every detail of your trip
- We have a 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- We offer flexibility and financial protection to give you total peace of mind