Addis Ababa

National Museum of Ethiopia - Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, a representative will greet and transfer you to your reserved hotel. After some time to refresh, embark on a guided city tour of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital and the third highest capital in the world. The tour begins with a visit to the National Museum, which houses one of the world’s most significant paleontological exhibits, ‘Lucy’. Next, visit Entoto Mountain, offering panoramic views of Addis Ababa amidst the fresh breeze of eucalyptus forests. Then, explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral Church, the final resting place of the beloved Emperor Haile Selassie, and one of the country’s most sacred places of worship. Conclude the city tour with a visit to the vibrant Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market.

Addis Ababa – Fly to Semera, Drive to Afdera-Volcano

Erta Ale - On this day, you will be met at Semera airport and driven to the Danakil Depression. Begin an early drive to Lake Afdera, a salt lake in the heart of the Danakil Depression, where you may enjoy natural hot springs and a swim. Continue driving to Dodom, located at the base of Erta Ale. Depart after lunch, around 01:30. After passing several small hamlets in this desert land, Dodom is approximately 9.5 km from Erta Ale, requiring about 1 hour of trekking. Enjoy an early dinner around 17:00. Camels will transport all camping materials and some food (including light mattresses, mats, and water) to the volcano’s rim, where you will spend the night observing the dramatic boiling lava. The Danakil Depression (Dallol and Erta Ale) is one of Ethiopia’s most captivating and physically demanding natural attractions.

Erta Ale-HamadEla-Dallol-Afdera

Dallol - After an early breakfast, drive to HamadEla at 8:30 am, a village with a population of about 500 people. Witness numerous camel caravans and enjoy the sunset view from the shallow salt Lake Assale.

In the morning, drive to Ragad (Asebo), where locals mine salt. The Afar Depression covers 1,200 km2 (460 sq mi) with salt. Observe the process of breaking salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it onto camels. Continue to Dallol to explore various landscapes formed by volcanic activity, including Dallol, Lake Assale, salt canyons, and camel caravans. Follow the camel caravans and drive to Lake Afdera.

Afdera- Mekelle to Abune Yemata Guh.

Abuna Yemata Guh Church - Experience the beauty of the sunrise at Lake Afdera, then after breakfast, drive 6 hours to Mekele to visit the Abune Yemata Guh rock church.

Spend the day climbing the Gerhalta Mountains to discover ancient rock-carved churches. The Gerhalta Mountains of Tigray boast over 120 rock-hewn churches, each with unique ancient murals and relics. One does not need to be religious to appreciate the preservation of history and heritage. Most of these sacred cave churches are carved into the mountains. Overnight stay at Hotel Hawzien.

Hawzen to Mekele to Addis Ababa & Departure

• Fuel consumption
• All entrance fee licenses as per program
• Local guide services in all destinations
• 4×4 four wheels drive land cruisers for Danakil depression tour
• Domestic flights
• Lunch
• All Fees and Taxes
• Dinner
• Entrance fee Ahun Yemata Guh and Debre Mariam Korkor churches
• Bottle water every day
• Driver allowance
• Breakfast
• Scout and police service in Afar region (Danakil)

• International flights
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal fee
• Gratitude
• Dinner and lunch in Addis Ababa and in Mekelle

Danakil is a region situated in the northeastern part of Ethiopia, adjacent to Eritrea and Djibouti. It is part of the Horn of Africa, named for its distinctive promontory shape extending towards the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Covering a vast area, it is known for its extremely arid and hot climate, making it one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on Earth.

The 5-day tour of the Danakil Depression and Abune Yemata provides an opportunity to see the famous volcano with its active lava lake and offers a rare chance to meet the nomadic people living in this desert. The Afar people are renowned for their survival skills and warrior spirit in one of the hottest and lowest regions on the planet. The tour also includes a visit to Geraltha to explore the monastery of Abune Yemata and Debre Mariam Korkor, which dates back to the 6th century. A short walk from Mariam Korkor leads to the small rock church known as Abba Daniel’s Prayer Room.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.