6-Day Tour Danakil & Tigray Churches Including Axum

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour

Arrive in Addis Ababa and meet your guide. You will have a Game drives and enjoy a city tour with panoramic views from Entoto Hills, visit the Ethnological Museum (former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie), and the National Museum (home to “Lucy” and other fossils). Explore St. George Cathedral, Merkato (Africa's largest open-air market), and nearby sites.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Caravan Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Addis Ababa to Semera & Drive to Ahmed Ella

Upon arrival at Semera Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and drive to Afdera, a region renowned for its salt extraction. The saline Lake Afdera, located in the southern part of the Afar Depression, is central to Ethiopia’s salt production. Here, salt water is pumped into pans for solar evaporation. Afterward, continue your journey to Ahmed Ella, passing through scenic landscapes of solidified lava, rocky terrain, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. At Ahmed Ella, visit the village, home to over 500 Afar people, and observe their unique lifestyle. Conclude your day at Salt Lake Asale, a vast salty lake where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in a natural pool while admiring the stunning sunset reflections on the salt flats.

Overnight: Camping at Ahmed Ella.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Dallol & Erta Ale

In the morning, drive to Ragad (Asebo), where traditional salt mining is practiced. Watch locals break salt from the ground, shape it into rectangular blocks, and load it onto camels for transport. Continue to Dallol, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth, located 125 meters below sea level. The area is a wonderland of colorful salt formations, bubbling sulfuric pools, and volcanic landscapes, offering a unique and surreal experience. Return to Ahmed Ella for lunch before proceeding to Erta Ale. This shield volcano is renowned for its permanent lava lake, one of only five in the world. Spend the night marveling at the dramatic boiling lava at the summit, a natural spectacle like no other.

Overnight: Camping at Erta Ale.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive from Erta Ale to Hawzen

After breakfast, embark on a drive to Hawzen. Along the way, visit the historic Church of Abreha wa Atsbeha, believed to be the burial site of the two kings who introduced Christianity to Ethiopia. The church’s remarkable architecture and its role in Ethiopian history make it a significant landmark. Learn about its monastic past and admire its historical importance.

Overnight: Vision Hotel, Hawzen/Similar.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gheralta Churches & Drive to Axum

Begin the day by visiting the Maryam Korkor Church, a cross-shaped architectural marvel. Known for its cruciform pillars, arches, and vibrant frescoes, this church also offers a scenic one-hour hike with panoramic views of the surrounding Gheralta landscape. From Maryam Korkor, it is just a short walk to Daniel Korkor Church. This seldom-visited site, perched on a dramatic precipice, offers breathtaking views and intricate paintings. Later, visit the iconic Abuna Yemata Guh Church, carved into a high cliff. This monolithic church, dedicated to Abuna Yemata, one of the Nine Saints, features 5th-century dome and wall paintings. Although the climb to the church is challenging, the stunning artistry and incredible views make it a rewarding experience. After exploring the churches, drive to Axum.

Overnight: Sabean Hotel, Axum/Similar.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Sabean International Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Axum City Tour and Fly to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, explore Axum, a city with over 2,500 years of history and the heart of Ethiopia’s ancient civilization. Visit St. Mary’s Church and the Sanctuary Chapel, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. Tour the famous Stelae Park, featuring towering obelisks that serve as reminders of Axum’s rich past. Explore the Tombs of King Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel, and view Ezana’s Inscriptions, a record of Ethiopia’s early history. Discover the legendary Queen of Sheba’s Bath and Palace Ruins before concluding with a visit to the Axum Museum, which showcases a wealth of historical artifacts. Finally, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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