7-Day Exploring the Danakil, Tigray & Community Trekking

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

Fly Addis Ababa to Semera | Drive to the Danakil Depression

Early in the morning, take a flight from Addis Ababa to Semera, the gateway to the Afar region. Upon arrival, meet your experienced expedition crew and begin the overland journey into the Danakil Depression—one of the hottest, lowest, and most geologically dramatic places on Earth.
As you descend into this extreme environment, the landscape changes dramatically into vast salt plains, volcanic fields, and shimmering heat waves. Along the way, gain insight into the Afar people, whose nomadic lifestyle has adapted to these harsh conditions for centuries.
Arrive at your desert campsite in the late afternoon, enjoy dinner under the open sky, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Overnight: Camping in the Danakil Depression.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Dallol | Trek to Erta Ale Volcano

Today you explore the surreal landscapes of Dallol, renowned for its otherworldly colors created by sulfur springs, acidic pools, salt pillars, and mineral formations. This is one of the most unique geological sites on the planet.
After visiting Dallol and the surrounding salt flats, continue driving toward Erta Ale Volcano, Ethiopia’s most active volcano. In the late afternoon, begin the trek to the crater. After sunset, hike up to witness the glowing lava lake, an awe-inspiring natural spectacle found in only a few places worldwide.

Overnight: Camping near Erta Ale Volcano.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Visit the Salt Mountains | Drive to Mekelle

In the morning, explore the salt mountains and expansive salt flats where Afar people still cut salt blocks by hand and transport them using camel caravans—an ancient trade route that once linked Ethiopia to the Red Sea.
Later, begin the scenic drive from the Danakil lowlands up into the cooler highlands of Tigray. The journey offers striking contrasts in climate and landscape. Arrive in Mekelle, check into your hotel, and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Mekelle.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Homeland Hotel Mekelle

• Mid-range hotel located in Mekele (City)

+9 Photos

+8 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Abune Yemata Guh | Drive to Hawzen

After breakfast, drive to the Gheralta Mountains to visit Abune Yemata Guh, one of Ethiopia’s most spectacular rock-hewn churches. The visit involves a short but adventurous climb with narrow ledges and rock scrambling, rewarded by sweeping views and a beautifully preserved church interior decorated with ancient frescoes.
In the afternoon, continue driving through the dramatic sandstone landscapes of Gheralta to Hawzen, passing traditional Tigrayan villages and terraced fields.

Overnight: Hawzen.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Hawzen to Edaga Arbi Trek | Community Village Stay

Today begins your community-based trekking experience in the Gheralta region. After breakfast, start trekking from Hawzen toward Edaga Arbi, following ancient footpaths used by farmers and monks for generations.
The trek passes through dramatic rock formations, small farmlands, seasonal rivers, and rural villages. Along the way, interact with local communities and learn about traditional farming, daily life, and cultural practices.
Arrive at a local community village where you are warmly welcomed by your host family. In the evening, enjoy traditional food and cultural exchange around the hearth.

Overnight: Community village (homestay).

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Shimbrety Community Guesthouse

• Budget guest house located less than 1hr drive from Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Trek from Shimbrety to Gohagot

After breakfast with your hosts, continue trekking through the heart of the Gheralta Mountains. Today’s walk offers panoramic views, hidden rock churches, dramatic cliffs, and a peaceful rural atmosphere.
You will trek from the Shimbrety area toward Gohagot, passing remote settlements and cultivated terraces carved into the mountainsides. This day highlights the deep connection between the landscape, spirituality, and daily life of the Tigrayan people.
Arrive at Gohagot Guest House or a nearby community village, where you can relax, share meals with locals, and reflect on the trekking experience.

Overnight: Community village / local guest house.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Gohgot Community Guesthouse

• Budget guest house located in Tigray

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Mekelle | Fly Back to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, drive back to Mekelle, enjoying final views of the Gheralta landscapes. Depending on time, there may be an opportunity for a short stop at local markets or viewpoints.
Later, take a domestic flight from Mekelle to Addis Ababa, marking the end of your remarkable journey through Ethiopia’s volcanic deserts, ancient churches, and welcoming rural communities.

End of the Tour.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

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

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