Addis - Lalibela

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela - Begin the day with a flight north to Lalibela, followed by a transfer to your hotel. After enjoying lunch, explore the first group of Lalibela Churches situated north of a small stream called the Jordan River. These remarkable Churches were carved during the reign of King Lalibela (1181 – 1221) and are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

In Lalibela, you will discover approximately eleven rock-hewn churches, organized into three groups:

• Biete Medhanealem
• Biete Maryam
• Biete Golgotha Mikael
• Biete Maskal (House of the Cross)
• Biete Denagel (House of Virgins)
• Biete Giyorgis
• Biete Amanuel
• Biete Qeddus Merkoreos
• Biete Abba Libanos (House of Abba Libanos)
• Biete Gabriel-Ruphael
• Biete Lehem (Bethlehem Hebrew: בֵּית לֶחֶם, House of Holy Bread).

Lalibela to Mekele (Drive)

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela - Travel by road from Lalibela to Mekele, a journey that takes approximately 7 to 8 hours.

Start Danakil tour

Erta Ale - Begin the day with a drive to Erta Ale, which means “smoky mountain” in the Afar language. Erta Ale is one of Ethiopia’s most captivating and physically demanding natural wonders. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and a 1 km square caldera at its peak. Erta Ale is home to the world’s only permanent lava lake. Standing at 613 meters, it features a lava lake, one of only five globally, at its summit. It is renowned for being the longest-existing lava lake, present since the early 20th century.

The day starts early at 9:00 AM with a drive to Dodom, located at the base of Erta Ale. This route is considered one of the roughest roads worldwide. The 80 km journey may take about 6 hours, traversing landscapes of solidified lava, rock, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. After passing several small hamlets scattered across this barren land, you will reach the Dodom camping site, approximately 17 km from Erta Ale.

Dinner is served around 5:00 PM. After a brief rest, embark on a trek to Erta Ale at 8:00 PM. Camels will transport all camping gear and some provisions (such as light mattresses, mats, and water) to the volcano’s rim, where you will spend the night observing the dramatic spectacle of the boiling lava. Overnight stay will be at the mountain’s summit, at the volcano’s rim.

Hamed Ela

Danakil to Mekele

Erta Ale - In the morning, drive to Ragad (Asebo), where locals mine salt. Observe workers breaking salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it onto camels. Continue driving to Dallol to witness the diverse landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, including Dallol, Lake Assal, and camel caravans. Take an excursion to Dallol (116 meters below sea level, one of the world’s lowest points) to see colorful salt mining, visit Lake Assal, follow camel caravans (note: no camel caravans in July, August, and early September), and walk with the Afar people. Return to Hamedela and proceed to Mekele.

End of Danakil tour

19:50 Fly to Addis Ababa

• In-vehicle air conditioning
• English speaking Guide and Driver
• Two domestic flights with Ethiopian Air Lines
• Accommodation throughout the tour
• All Entrance fees and licenses as per the program
• Scout and police service in Afar Region
• Local guide service for the Afar region
• Camel and camel tires in Afar Region
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Bottles of water for the trip in Danakil

• Lunch and dinner in Lalibela
• International flights
• Any alcoholic drinks
• Any videographer or camera fee needed
• Laundry service
• Any expense of Personal items like internet, fax, telephone
• Services which are not mentioned in the above section

The Danakil region is a hotspot of geological activity, where three tectonic plates converge at the Afar Triple Junction. This separation of plates, as seen in Danakil, results in lava lakes, hot springs, geysers, and ground fissures. Our distinctive tour includes essential historic locations such as Lalibela, home to the remarkable rock-hewn churches of Ethiopia – some of the most impressive man-made structures in sub-Saharan Africa. All this - delivered with the warm hospitality and unique touch of Ethiopia.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.