Addis - Lalibela

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela - Begin the day with a flight north to Lalibela, followed by a transfer to the hotel. After enjoying lunch, explore the first group of Lalibela Churches situated north of a small stream called the Jordan River. These churches, carved during the reign of King Lalibela (1181 – 1221), are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In Lalibela, there are approximately eleven rock churches, organized into three groups.

Lalibela - Axum

The Ruins of Aksum - Take a morning flight from Lalibela to Axum. Spend an hour visiting Axum before driving from Axum to Hawzien (190 km, approximately 2 hours).

Travel from Axum to Hawzein via Adwa, and finally drive to Hawzen for an overnight stay through the Gheralta plains. This town serves as a base for visiting the rock-hewn churches at Gheralta.

Hawzien - Mekele – Danakil

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

The journey starts at 9:00 AM, driving to Dodom (at the base of Erta Ale). This may be one of the roughest roads globally. The 80 km journey can take about 6 hours, passing through a changing landscape of solidified lava, rock, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. After passing several small hamlets scattered in this deserted land, you will arrive at the Dodom campsite, located about 17 km from Erta Ale.

Dinner is served around 5:00 PM. After a short rest, begin the trek to Erta Ale at 8:00 PM. Camels will transport all camping materials and some food (including sleeping materials like light mattresses, mats, and water) to the volcano’s rim, where the night will be spent observing the dramatic boiling lava. The night is spent atop the mountain, at the volcano’s rim.

Erta Ale

Erta Ale - Witness the early morning sunrise at the northern pit crater and take a 5-minute walk to the southern and central pits, which may correspond to an ancient pit or a simple collapse structure. The main pit-crater, 200 m deep and 350 m across, is sub-circular and three-storied. The smaller southern pit is 65 m wide and about 100 m deep. Descend from Erta Ale around 9 AM and return to Dodom after an early breakfast, ideally by 7:00 AM.

Arrive at the camp by 10:30 AM at the latest, where relaxation awaits. If possible, drive to the mythical Lake Giulietti (or Lake Afrera) (optional, may not be available during summer), a saltwater lake located over 100 meters below sea level, in one of the planet’s deepest depressions. The picturesque landscape makes it worthwhile to visit the salt flats where the Afar people harvest salt by evaporating the lake’s water. Continue to Erbiti and proceed to Abaala/Hamed Ela.

Danakil/Dallol - Mekele

Erta Ale - Begin the morning tour with a 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 explore the diverse landscape formed by volcanic activity, including Dallol, Lake Assal, and camel caravans. Excursion to Dallol (116 meters below sea level, one of the world’s lowest places) includes colorful salt mining, visiting Lake Assal, following camel caravans (no camel caravan in July, August, and early September), and walking with the Afar people. Drive back to Hamedela and proceed to Mekele.

End of Danakil tour

Catch a flight back to Addis at 7:50 PM, arriving in Addis at 9:10 PM.

• Domestic Flight
• Fuel and lubricants included
• Professional driver with allowance
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser for ground transport

• 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

Danakil, a region of robust geological activity, marks the meeting point of three tectonic plates at the Afar Triple Junction. The departures of tectonic plates, a regular phenomenon in Danakil, result in phenomena such as lava lakes, thermal springs, geysers, and ground fissures. Our distinctive tour takes in the ‘must-see’ historical attractions of Lalibela and Axum, along with the awe-inspiring landscapes in Tigray – all offered with a touch of Ethiopian hospitality.

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.