5-Day Tigray Churches & Danakil Depression Expedition

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

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Tigray

Day 1: Mekele to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Tigray
Depart from Mekele and drive into the stunning Gheralta region, famous for its dramatic sandstone cliffs. Spend the day exploring the incredible rock-hewn churches of Tigray, hidden high up in the mountains. Depending on your preference for trekking, visit architectural marvels like Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor, carved entirely into vertical cliff faces. Take in the panoramic views of the valleys below before heading to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the mountains.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

The Surreal Landscapes of Dallol

Day 2: Tigray to the Surreal Landscapes of Dallol
Leave the highlands behind as you descend deep into the Afar Region and enter the Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth. Arrive at Dallol, a mesmerizing landscape filled with bright neon-yellow, green, and orange acid springs, sulfur pools, and bizarre salt formations. Walk across the vast, blindingly white salt flats and witness local miners harvesting salt blocks. In the evening, set up camp under a spectacular canopy of stars.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Journey to Erta Ale Volcano

Day 3: Journey to Erta Ale Volcano
Travel across the rugged desert terrain toward the base of Erta Ale, an active basaltic shield volcano famous for its persistent lava lake. After an early dinner, begin a steady trek up to the crater rim in the cool evening air. Arriving at the summit, peer over the edge to witness the incredible, churning fiery red lava lake—a truly unforgettable sight. Spend the night camping in basic stone shelters just a short distance from the volcano's edge.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Erta Ale Sunrise to Semera

Day 4: Erta Ale Sunrise to Semera
Wake up early to catch a breathtaking sunrise over the steaming crater of Erta Ale before trekking back down to the base camp for breakfast. Pack up and begin the drive out of the volcanic plains, transitioning into the Afar capital of Semera. Check into your hotel, enjoy a well-deserved warm shower, and spend a relaxing evening reflecting on your extraordinary desert expedition.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Accommodation:

Dini Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Semera to Addis Ababa & Departure

Day 5: Semera to Addis Ababa & Departure
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Semera before transferring to the airport for your scheduled domestic flight back to Addis Ababa. Arrive in the capital city with plenty of time for last-minute souvenir shopping or enjoying a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. This marks the end of your epic northern expedition, leaving you with memories of landscapes unlike anywhere else on earth.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

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.