8-Day Ethiopia Danakil, Mekelle & Lalibela Tour

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

Addis Ababa City Tour

Arrive in Addis Ababa and begin your sightseeing tour of Ethiopia’s vibrant capital city. Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to see the famous fossil Lucy and learn about the country’s rich history and culture. Continue to Holy Trinity Cathedral and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Entoto. End the day with a traditional Ethiopian cultural dinner featuring local cuisine, music, and dance performances.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Triple-E Hotel and Spa

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

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly to Semera & Drive to Danakil Depression

Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Semera and meet your expedition team upon arrival. Drive through the dramatic Afar desert landscape toward the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest places on Earth. Pass traditional Afar villages, volcanic scenery, and endless salt flats along the route. Arrive at the camp area near Hamed Ela and enjoy the sunset over the colorful desert terrain.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Visit Dallol & Drive to Erta Ale Volcano

Early in the morning, visit the colorful hydrothermal fields of Dallol, famous for its sulfur springs and mineral formations. Explore the salt extraction sites and witness camel caravans transporting blocks of salt across the desert. After lunch, drive across lava fields toward Erta Ale, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. In the evening, trek to the crater rim and observe the spectacular glowing lava lake under the night sky.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive from Erta Ale to Mekelle & Visit Wukro and Abuna Yemata

Descend from Erta Ale early in the morning and begin the drive toward Mekelle through the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Afar region. Continue to the Gheralta area near Hawzen for visits to ancient rock-hewn churches. Explore Wukro Chirkos and then climb to the spectacular cliff-top church of Abuna Yemata Guh. Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery and overnight in the Hawzen or Gheralta area.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Gheralta Churches & Return to Addis Ababa

Spend the morning exploring the remarkable rock-hewn churches of the Gheralta Mountains in northern Ethiopia. Visit famous churches such as Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, known for their ancient paintings and dramatic settings. After the tour, drive back to Mekelle Airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela

Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to the historic town of Lalibela, famous for its rock-hewn churches. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a short orientation tour around the town and local market. Learn about the religious and historical significance of Lalibela, often referred to as the “New Jerusalem” of Ethiopia. In the evening, enjoy panoramic sunset views and experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Mountain View Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Visit Lalibela Group 1 & Group 2 Churches

Spend the day exploring the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Group 1 churches including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and nearby sacred sites. Continue to Group 2 churches such as Bete Amanuel and Bete Gabriel-Rufael connected by underground tunnels and passageways. Discover the incredible architecture, religious traditions, and spiritual atmosphere that make Lalibela one of Africa’s most important pilgrimage destinations.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Mountain View Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Visit Group 3 Churches & Return to Addis Ababa

In the morning, visit the remaining churches of Lalibela including the iconic Bete Giyorgis, carved in the shape of a cross from solid rock. Explore the surrounding religious sites and enjoy the final views of Lalibela’s remarkable landscape and spiritual heritage. After the tour, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy some last-minute shopping or cultural experiences before the end of your Ethiopia adventure.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

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.