Kenya Safari and Ethiopia in One Holiday: Danakil, Lalibela and the Simien Mountains

In the morning you are watching lions in the Masai Mara. A week later you are standing on the rim of a volcano in the Danakil Depression, then walking through churches carved out of solid rock in Lalibela. Few holidays move between two worlds as completely as a Kenya safari combined with Ethiopia.

Our 14-day Kenya and Ethiopia journey pairs Kenya’s classic wildlife parks with northern Ethiopia’s extraordinary landscapes and ancient history. This guide explains what each part of the trip involves and who it suits.

Part One: Five Days of Kenyan Safari

The trip begins in Nairobi and heads straight into the wildlife:

• Masai Mara — an afternoon game drive on arrival, then a full day in the reserve with a packed lunch by the Mara River.
• Lake Naivasha — a boat trip among hippos and water birds.
• Hell’s Gate National Park — an early morning game drive in one of the few parks where you can cycle and walk among wildlife.
• Lake Nakuru — leopard, both black and white rhino, Rothschild’s giraffe and the birdlife of the lake, with lunch at the cliff viewpoint.

On the evening of day five you fly from Nairobi to Addis Ababa — and the second half of the holiday begins.

Part Two: The Danakil Depression

From Addis Ababa you fly north to Mekele and drive into the Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. This is the most adventurous part of the trip, and it is not for everyone — but for travellers who want something truly different, it is unforgettable.

• Erta Ale. You trek up the volcano in the evening to see its crater, one of the few places in the world where a lava lake has been visible. Volcanic activity changes over time, so what you see on the night varies.
• Hamad Ela and Lake Assale. Camel caravans, salt flats and a sunset over the shallow salt lake.
• Salt mining. Watch local miners cut slabs of salt from the ground and load them onto camels, as they have done for centuries.
• Dallol. A surreal landscape of coloured mineral pools, salt formations and volcanic features unlike anywhere else on the planet.

Be prepared: the roads are rough, the heat is intense and the camping is basic. Good health and a sense of adventure matter more here than anywhere else on the trip.

Part Three: Ethiopia’s Historic North

The final days follow some of Ethiopia’s most remarkable historic and natural sites:

• The rock-hewn churches of Tigray. Including Abune Yemata, reached by footholds and handholds in a cliff face, with a sheer drop beside the entrance ledge — and Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor in the afternoon.
• Axum. A short visit to see the ancient obelisks before the flight to Lalibela.
• Lalibela. A full day among the rock-hewn churches, carved downward into the rock, finishing with Bet Giyorgis, the cross-shaped church dedicated to Saint George. Lalibela is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and still an active place of worship.
• Gondar. The Royal Enclosure and its castles, Fasilidas’ Pool and the famous painted ceiling of Debre Birhan Selassie church.
• The Simien Mountains. A day trip into the national park for dramatic escarpment views, a walk to see Jinbar Waterfall and the chance to see gelada monkeys.
• Lake Tana and the Blue Nile Falls. A boat trip to island monasteries, then a short hike at the falls and sunset over the lake in Bahir Dar.

On the final day you fly from Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa to connect with your flight home.

Who Is This Trip For?

This itinerary suits travellers who want more than a wildlife holiday: people who enjoy history and culture, are comfortable with early starts and long travel days, and are excited rather than put off by the idea of camping in the desert. If the Danakil section sounds too demanding, tell us — we can tailor the Ethiopian part of the journey around the historic sites.

Safety and Travel Advice

Parts of northern Ethiopia have been affected by unrest in recent years, and government travel advice for the Afar and Tigray regions changes. Before confirming any Ethiopia itinerary we check the current situation and official advisories, and we will discuss them openly with you. Please also check your own government’s travel advice and make sure your travel insurance covers the regions you will visit — see our travel insurance information page.

Plan Your Kenya and Ethiopia Holiday

See the full day-by-day plan in our 14 Days Kenya and Ethiopia Combine itinerary. Send us your dates and group size and we will prepare a free, tailor-made quote — prices are on request.