7-Day Addis Ababa, Lalibela & Danakil Depression

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

Exploring Addis Ababa Culture History and Daily Life

Your journey begins with a guided exploration of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s lively capital and cultural heart. Visit the Entoto Mountains for sweeping views, the National Museum—home of “Lucy”—and the bustling Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. Discover the Holy Trinity Cathedral, built by Emperor Haile Selassie, and enjoy an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony. In the evening, experience traditional food and live music at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Caravan Hotel

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

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Discovering the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela—famed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the first group of Lalibela’s legendary monolithic churches, carved entirely from solid rock. These UNESCO World Heritage sites include Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Meskal, Bete Denaghel, Bete Golgotha, and the iconic cross-shaped Bete Giorgis. Each church reveals intricate carvings, unique architecture, and a deep spiritual atmosphere that has inspired pilgrims for centuries. As the sun sets, enjoy the stunning views over Lalibela’s highlands before dinner at your hotel.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Hike to Asheten Maryam Monastery and Lalibela Second Churches

After breakfast, embark on a scenic hike to the Asheten Maryam Monastery, perched at over 3,000 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mount Abune Yoseph. This ancient rock-hewn monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding highlands and Lalibela below. The climb passes through small villages and farmlands, providing insight into traditional Ethiopian rural life. After lunch, continue to the second group of Lalibela churches, including Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, and Bete Emanuel, each with distinctive architecture and fascinating biblical symbolism. Return to your hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Scenic Drive from Lalibela to Semera via Woldia

Depart Lalibela after breakfast and drive south through the spectacular Ethiopian highlands toward Semera, the gateway to the Danakil Depression. Enjoy stunning views, changing landscapes, and small farming villages along the route. Stop in Woldia for lunch at Lal Hotel before continuing through the arid lowlands and Afar settlements. Arrive in Semera by evening and check into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Accommodation:

Ruftana Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Erta Ale Volcano and Night Lava Experience

Begin your journey from Semera toward the legendary Erta Ale Volcano, one of the world’s few continuously active lava lakes. Travel across surreal Afar landscapes—salt flats, rocky lava fields, and remote desert terrain—before arriving at the base camp in the late afternoon. As sunset approaches, hike for about one hour to the crater rim to witness the mesmerizing glow of molten lava. After this unforgettable experience, descend to camp for dinner and an overnight stay under the desert sky.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Mid-range camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Journey from Erta Ale to Hamed Ela and Lake Asale Sunset

Wake early to revisit the lava lake before sunrise, then descend to the base camp for breakfast. Drive through the dramatic Danakil landscapes toward Hamed Ela, crossing salt plains, volcanic terrain, and small Afar villages. In the afternoon, visit Lake Asale to see the local salt miners carving and loading salt blocks onto camel caravans. End the day with an unforgettable sunset over the vast white salt flats before returning to camp for dinner and rest.

Main Destination:

Hamad Ela (Village)

Accommodation:

Mid-range camping

• Just outside Hamad Ela (Village)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Explore Dallols Colorful Hot Springs and Return to Semera

Begin the day with an early drive to the otherworldly landscapes of Dallol, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. Marvel at the kaleidoscopic salt formations, bubbling acid springs, and colorful mineral deposits that make Dallol a geological wonder. Observe local Afar people mining and transporting salt by camel caravan. After lunch near the salt canyons, drive back to Semera for your afternoon flight to Addis Ababa, marking the end of your unforgettable Ethiopian adventure.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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