$715 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Lalibela & The Northern Cluster
Arrival in Lalibela & The Northern Cluster
Upon arrival in Lalibela, you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to your Lodge. After check-in and lunch, your exploration begins with the northern cluster of Lalibela’s famous rock-hewn churches — a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “New Jerusalem.” These magnificent monolithic structures, carved directly into volcanic rock, are connected by a labyrinth of tunnels and passages that create a mysterious and spiritual atmosphere. You’ll visit iconic sites such as Bet Medhane Alem and Bet Maryam, learning about the town’s deep religious history and the legends surrounding King Lalibela’s vision. In the evening, relax at your lodge while enjoying a traditional Ethiopian dinner and the cool mountain air.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Hill Top Lodge Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Asheton Maryam Hike & Cultural Immersion
Asheton Maryam Hike & Cultural Immersion
After breakfast, embark on a scenic hike to Asheton Maryam Monastery, perched high on a mountain ridge overlooking the valleys of Lalibela. The hike offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding highlands and a chance to experience rural Ethiopian life up close. The 13th-century monastery is one of the oldest in the region and houses ancient crosses and manuscripts, giving insight into the country’s deep Christian heritage. After descending back to town and enjoying lunch, continue your exploration with the southern group of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, known for their unique architecture and symbolic design. In the evening, participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and cooking experience with a local family — a warm and authentic cultural encounter that highlights the hospitality and traditions of the Ethiopian highlands.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Hill Top Lodge Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
St George Cross & Road to Semera
St George Cross & Road to Semera
Begin the morning with a visit to the most iconic of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches — Bet Giyorgis (St. George) — famed for its distinctive cross-shaped design and superb preservation. After exploring this final masterpiece and bidding farewell to Lalibela, start the scenic drive east toward Semera, the capital of the Afar Region. The journey reveals dramatic changes in scenery as the cool highlands give way to the vast, sun-baked plains of the Great Rift Valley. Along the way, stop at viewpoints and small villages to observe the local way of life and enjoy picnic breaks. Arrive in Semera by late afternoon and settle into your hotel. The evening is free to relax, prepare for the adventure ahead, and enjoy dinner under the warm Afar night sky before entering the Danakil Depression the following day.
- Main Destination:
- Semera (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Into the Depression – Semera to Hamedela
Into the Depression – Semera to Hamedela
After breakfast in Semera, meet your experienced Afar driver and 4WD support team, then begin your thrilling descent into the Danakil Depression — one of the lowest, hottest, and most geologically active places on Earth. The drive passes through volcanic terrain, salt plains, and remote Afar settlements, offering fascinating glimpses of local desert life. By afternoon, you’ll reach Hamedela, a base camp used by both travelers and local salt traders. After some rest, continue to the shimmering salt flats of Lake Assale to witness long camel caravans transporting blocks of hand-cut salt across the desert. As the sun sets over the endless white plains, the scene becomes truly magical. Return to camp for a simple but hearty dinner under a sky filled with brilliant desert stars. Overnight camping in basic huts or tents.
- Main Destination:
- Hamad Ela (Village)
- Accommodation:
- Mid-range camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Dallol & Erta Ale Volcano
Dallol & Erta Ale Volcano
Rise early to visit Dallol, one of the most surreal and colorful landscapes on the planet. This geothermal wonderland is alive with bubbling sulfur pools, salt mounds, and vivid mineral formations in hues of yellow, green, and red. You’ll explore the area on foot and learn about the fascinating geology that shapes this alien terrain. After lunch, begin your drive toward Erta Ale, an active shield volcano known for its continuously bubbling lava lake — one of only a few in the world. Upon arrival at the base, you’ll have dinner before starting the evening trek to the summit, accompanied by local Afar guides and camels carrying supplies. Reaching the crater rim after sunset, you’ll witness the mesmerizing glow of molten lava lighting up the night sky. Spend the night camping near the crater for a once-in-a-lifetime experience under the stars.
- Main Destination:
- Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Erta Ale Sunrise & Lake Afdera – End in Semera
Erta Ale Sunrise & Lake Afdera – End in Semera
Wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over Erta Ale’s active lava lake — a moment that captures the raw power and beauty of the Danakil Depression. After breakfast, trek down from the volcano and continue your journey to Lake Afdera, a striking salt lake surrounded by black volcanic hills. Here, you can take a relaxing swim in the warm, mineral-rich waters and observe the traditional salt extraction methods practiced by local Afar communities. After lunch, drive back across the vast desert landscapes to reach Semera in the late afternoon, where the adventure concludes. Optional arrangements, such as additional accommodation or overland transfers to other destinations, can be organized for an extra cost. End of tour.
- Main Destination:
- Semera (Town)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
