Drive from Axum to Mekelle visiting Churches

Tigray Region - In one day, you’ll explore three distinct churches: Abuna Yemata Guh, Maryam Korkor, and Daniel Korkor. Each church boasts its own unique style and breathtaking beauty. To reach Abuna Yemata Guh, you’ll embark on an hour-long walk followed by a steep climb up the Gheralta massif. This challenging ascent involves using hand and foot holds carved into the sandstone by countless pilgrims. The narrow ledges and sheer drops make this climb not for the faint-hearted. The church itself is accessed by walking along a one-meter-wide ledge with a 200-meter drop on one side. At the entrance, you’ll find a small cave and a wooden door set into the rock.

Of the three, Maryam Korkor stands out architecturally. Its vast, high ceiling is supported by 12 free-standing pillars, leaving visitors in awe of how such a structure was carved so high above the ground. In the afternoon, you’ll drive back to Mekelle.

Abuna Yemata Guh church - A church reached by climbing a mountain.

Mekelle- Erta Ale

Erta Ale - Begin your 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. This shield volcano has a base diameter of 30 km and a 1 km² caldera at its summit, containing the world’s only permanent lava lake. Standing at 613 meters, Erta Ale’s lava lake is one of only five in the world and has been active since the early 20th century, though its activity has slowed recently.

Starting at 9:00 AM, you’ll drive to Dodom, located at the base of Erta Ale. This journey covers 80 km of some of the roughest roads in the world, taking about 6 hours and passing through landscapes of solidified lava, rock, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. After passing several small hamlets, you’ll arrive at the Dodom camping site, about 17 km from Erta Ale.

Dinner is served around 5:00 PM, followed by a short break and a 30-minute trek up to Erta Ale. Camels will carry camping materials and food to the volcano’s rim, where you’ll spend the night watching the mesmerizing lava. You’ll sleep on the mountain, at the volcano’s edge.

Dallol - Known for its colorful salt formations.

Erta Ale- Hamad Ela

Drive Back from Danakil to Mekelle

Dallol - 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 to Dallol to see the unique landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, including Dallol, Lake Assal, and camel caravans. Visit Dallol, one of the world’s lowest points at 116 meters below sea level, known for its colorful salt formations. Explore Lake Assal, follow camel caravans (except in July, August, and early September), and walk with the Afar people. Drive back to Hamedela and then proceed to Mekelle, marking the end of the Danakil tour.

Lake Assale - A salt lake.

• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• All fees and/or taxes