7-Day Tigray Treasures and Danakil Wonders Adventure

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Lalibela

After breakfast, take a flight to Lalibela. Upon checking into your hotel, embark on a guided exploration of the remarkable rock-hewn Ethiopian Orthodox Churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the architectural marvels of the 12th-century monolithic churches, including the Northwestern cluster, featuring Bet Medhane Alem, the largest church, alongside five additional sacred structures. Marvel at the beautifully painted interiors and the fascinating internal channels connecting the churches.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Southeastern Cluster Churches & Journey to Semera

Begin your day with a visit to the Southeastern cluster churches of Lalibela. If you completed your exploration on the first day, start your scenic drive to Semera. Enjoy picturesque landscapes as you traverse charming villages and small towns. Arrive in Semera for an overnight stay, immersing yourself in the local culture.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Accommodation:

Kuriftu Resort Semera

• Budget lodge

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Semera to Dallol via Afdera

Following breakfast, depart for Dallol. First, stop at Ragad (Asebo) to witness traditional salt mining practices. Observe local artisans skillfully extracting salt, cutting it into rectangular blocks, and loading it onto camels. Continue to Dallol, where you will encounter stunning volcanic landscapes, vibrant salt formations, and the striking Lake Assal. Experience local culture by interacting with the Afar people and witnessing camel caravans. After a fulfilling day, drive to Hamed Ela for an overnight stay at Hamadella.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Hamad Ela to Erta Ale

Your adventure continues with a drive to Erta Ale, known as the "smoky mountain" in the Afar language. This remarkable shield volcano boasts the world’s only permanent lava lake, situated at an elevation of 613 meters. Depart early at 9:00 AM, navigating one of the roughest roads in the world over an 80 km route, which takes approximately six hours. Enjoy breathtaking views of solidified lava, unique rock formations, and occasional palm-fringed oases. Upon reaching Dodom, the base camp for Erta Ale, enjoy dinner around 17:00. After a brief rest, trek to the summit at 20:00, where you will camp on the volcano's rim, witnessing the mesmerizing spectacle of bubbling lava throughout the night.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Erta Ale to Afdera, then Mekele

Awake early to witness a stunning sunrise over the main pit crater, an impressive 200 meters deep and 350 meters wide. After a hearty breakfast, begin your descent from Erta Ale around 9:00 AM, aiming to return to Dodom by approximately 10:30. If time permits, visit the enchanting Lake Giulietti (or Lake Afrera), a picturesque saltwater lake located over 100 meters below sea level. Observe the Afar people harvesting salt through evaporation amidst stunning landscapes. After your visit, drive to Mekele for an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Planet Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Mekele (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mekelle – Gheralta – Axum

Morning drive from Mekelle to Gheralta and trek to Abune Yemata. Abune Yemata is a short drive from Megab, followed by a further 30-minute walk to the foot of the perpendicular rock mountains of Guh, where breathtaking scenery awaits. The challenging access to the church requires footholds and handgrips in the rock face. Just before the entrance, a narrow ledge carved into the cliff offers a view of a sheer drop of approximately 250 to 300 meters.

In the afternoon, visit the Mariam Korkor and Daniel Koror churches before proceeding to Axum for an overnight stay. Mariam Korkor is located in a cave and is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful paintings, making it a popular destination. Overnight AXUM.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Sabean International Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Axum City Tour & Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of the ancient city of Axum, visiting significant sites such as Axum Tsion St. Mary Orthodox Church, Dungur Palace (Queen of Sheba's Palace), the Historical Landmark, Ezana Stone, Ezana Park and Garden, Arabtu Ensessa Church, King Bazen’s Tomb, and the Obelisk of Axum/Stelae Field, among others. In the afternoon, depart for Addis Ababa, where you will stay overnight.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.