15-Day Bale Mountains, Lalibela, Danakil & Gheralta Tour

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

Arrive to Addis Ababa

Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
The remainder of the day will be available for rest after your international flight. Depending on your arrival time and energy level, an optional short city tour or traditional Ethiopian dinner can be arranged.
Approximate travel duration:
• Airport–hotel transfer: 20–45 minutes, depending on traffic
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Bloom Addis Hotel

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive from Addis Ababa to Bale Mountains National Park

After an early breakfast, depart Addis Ababa and drive southeast toward Bale Mountains National Park. The journey passes through the Ethiopian Rift Valley, agricultural communities and the highland towns of Asella, Dodola and Dinsho, depending on the selected route.
Upon arrival at Dinsho, complete the national park registration formalities. If time permits, enjoy a short wildlife walk around the park headquarters and the nearby Gaysay grasslands.
Continue to the designated campsite, where the trekking and camping crew will prepare dinner.
Approximate travel duration:
• Addis Ababa–Dinsho: 7–8 hours
• Wildlife walk: 1–2 hours
• Total touring day with stops: 9–10 hours
The road journey to Dinsho is approximately 400km & normally requires around seven hours, excluding extended stops.
Overnight: Camping in Bale Mountains National Park.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit November to February (Little rain)

High Season October to January (Park is never busy)

Best Weather November to February

Wildlife in Bale Mountains NP

Ethiopian Wolf Common

Mountain Nyala Common

Warthog Common

Menelik's
Bushbuck Occasional

Guereza Monkey Occasional

Show more

Olive Baboon Occasional

Bohor Reedbuck Occasional

Starck's Hare Occasional

Giant Mole-rat Occasional

Bale Monkey Rare

Giant Forest Hog Rare

Golden Jackal Rare

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore the Sanetti Plateau

After breakfast, travel toward the Sanetti Plateau, one of the highest and most distinctive Afro-alpine environments in Africa. The journey climbs through dramatic mountain scenery characterized by giant lobelias, rocky formations, alpine lakes and expansive grasslands.
The Sanetti Plateau is one of the best places to search for the endangered Ethiopian wolf. Other possible sightings include giant mole-rats, klipspringers, servals and endemic bird species such as the blue-winged goose and spot-breasted lapwing.
Weather and fitness permitting, take a walk around the plateau or ascend toward Tullu Dimtu, Ethiopia’s second-highest mountain, rising approximately 4,377 metres above sea level.
Return to the campsite or continue to another camping location selected by the park guide.
Approximate travel duration:
• Campsite/Goba–Sanetti Plateau: 1–2 hours
• Plateau exploration and wildlife viewing: 4–6 hours
Overnight: Camping in Bale Mountains National Park.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest

Begin the day by crossing the Sanetti Plateau and descending along the southern escarpment into the Harenna Forest. This route presents one of Ethiopia’s most striking ecological transitions, moving from open Afro-alpine moorland to dense montane forest.
Explore the forest with your local guide, walking among ancient trees, bamboo and wild coffee plants. Harenna provides habitat for colobus monkeys, Menelik’s bushbuck, giant forest hogs and many bird species. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed because of the forest’s density.
After the visit, return toward Goba or Robe and camp in a convenient location for the following day’s airport transfer.
Approximate travel duration:
• Sanetti Plateau–Harenna Forest: 1½–2½ hours
• Guided forest walk: 2–3 hours
• Harenna Forest–Goba/Robe area: 2½–4 hours
• Total touring day: approximately 7–9 hours
Overnight: Camping near Goba or Robe.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly from Bale Robe to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, transfer to Robe Airport, sometimes referred to as Goba Airport, for the domestic flight to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, meet your representative and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day will be free for relaxation, shopping or an optional sightseeing excursion in the capital.
Approximate travel duration:
• Goba–Robe Airport: 20–30 minutes
• Dinsho–Robe Airport: approximately 40–60 minutes
• Robe–Addis Ababa flight: approximately 50–60 minutes
• Addis Ababa airport–hotel: 20–45 minutes
Flight times and operating days must be reconfirmed before the tour because domestic schedules can change.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Bloom Addis Hotel

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly to Lalibela and Visit the First Group of Churches

Transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and drive to the town.
After checking into your hotel, begin exploring Lalibela’s UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches. Visit the northwestern group, which generally includes Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Meskel, Bete Danagel, Bete Golgotha and Bete Mikael.
These remarkable medieval churches were carved directly from solid volcanic rock and remain important places of Ethiopian Orthodox worship. Your guide will explain their history, architectural features, religious symbolism and legends associated with King Lalibela.
Approximate travel duration:
• Hotel–Addis Ababa Airport: 20–45 minutes
• Flight to Lalibela: approximately 1 hour
• Lalibela Airport–town: 30–40 minutes
• Church exploration: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Tabor Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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+10 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore the Second Group of Lalibela Churches

After breakfast, continue exploring the second group of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. The southeastern complex includes Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Amanuel and Bete Abba Libanos.
Walk through the interconnected trenches, passages and ceremonial routes linking the churches. Later, visit Bete Giyorgis, the Church of Saint George. Carved in the shape of a Greek cross and standing inside a deep rock courtyard, it is the best-known monument in Lalibela.
The day may conclude with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony or an optional visit to a local household.
Approximate travel duration:
• Church visits and walking: 4–6 hours
• Local transfers: approximately 15–30 minutes in total
Overnight: Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Tabor Hotel Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive from Lalibela to Semera

Depart Lalibela early and drive through the northeastern highlands toward Woldiya. Continue descending from the mountainous Amhara highlands into the warmer and drier Afar lowlands.
The route presents a dramatic change in landscape, vegetation and climate. Stops will be made for lunch, refreshments and photography before arriving in Semera, the administrative capital of the Afar Region and the principal gateway to the Danakil Depression.
Approximate travel duration:
• Lalibela–Woldiya: 3–4 hours
• Woldiya–Semera: 4–5 hours
• Total journey with stops: approximately 8–10 hours
The journey is approximately 350–415 kilometres, but road conditions can influence the actual duration.
Overnight: Semera.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Accommodation:

Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort

• Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Semera to Erta Ale Volcano

After an early breakfast, meet your Danakil expedition crew and depart Semera in a 4x4 Land Cruiser. Travel through the remote Afar landscape, passing desert plains, scattered settlements and volcanic terrain.
After lunch and refreshment stops, continue to the Erta Ale base camp. An early dinner will be served before beginning the trek when the temperature becomes cooler.
Climb toward the summit area and observe the volcanic crater from a designated safe viewpoint. The appearance of the crater and lava activity varies according to current volcanic conditions.
Approximate travel duration:
• Semera–Erta Ale base camp: 5–7 hours
• Trek to the summit area: 2½–3½ hours
• Total travel and activity time: approximately 8–11 hours
Overnight: Basic open-air camping near Erta Ale.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Erta Ale Sunrise and Continue to Hamed Ela

Wake before sunrise for another opportunity to observe the volcanic landscape. Afterwards, descend to the base camp, where breakfast will be served.
Continue north across the Danakil Depression toward Hamed Ela. The route passes extensive lava fields, desert plains and isolated Afar communities. Lunch will be provided along the way.
Arrive at Hamed Ela later in the day and rest at the campsite. The main Dallol excursion is scheduled for the following morning, when temperatures are cooler and the light is more suitable for photography.
Approximate travel duration:
• Descent from Erta Ale: 2–3 hours
• Erta Ale area–Hamed Ela: 5–7 hours
• Total travel and activity time: approximately 8–10 hours
Overnight: Basic camping at Hamed Ela.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Dallol and Drive to Mekelle

Depart early for Dallol, one of the Danakil Depression’s most extraordinary geological areas. Explore its colourful hydrothermal formations, mineral terraces, acidic springs, salt deposits and geothermal features.
Depending on accessibility, the excursion may also include the salt canyons, Lake Karum or Lake Assale, and the traditional salt-mining area. Here, Afar workers extract blocks of salt from the desert floor, which are transported by camel caravans.
After completing the visit, leave the Danakil Depression and drive through Berhale toward Mekelle.
Approximate travel duration:
• Hamed Ela–Dallol: 30–45 minutes each way
• Dallol and nearby attractions: 3–4 hours
• Hamed Ela–Mekelle: approximately 4–6 hours
• Total touring day: approximately 8–10 hours
Overnight: Mekelle.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Genfel Hotel

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mekelle to Gheralta and Maryam Korkor

After breakfast, drive from Mekelle to the Gheralta region, renowned for its sandstone cliffs, isolated rock formations and ancient churches carved high into the mountains.
Begin the hike to Maryam Korkor, one of Gheralta’s most impressive rock-hewn churches. The trail climbs gradually through beautiful mountain scenery before reaching a high plateau with sweeping views over the surrounding landscape.
Explore Maryam Korkor and, depending on time and fitness, walk to the nearby Daniel Korkor chapel. After descending, continue to Hawzen and check into your accommodation.
Approximate travel duration:
• Mekelle–Gheralta/Hawzen: 2–2½ hours
• Maryam Korkor round-trip hike and visit: 3–5 hours
• Local transfers: 30–60 minutes
• Total touring time: approximately 7–8 hours
Overnight: Hawzen.

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)

Abuna Yemata Guh and Drive to Mekelle

After an early breakfast, drive to the starting point of the Abuna Yemata Guh excursion. Accompanied by an experienced local guide, begin the climb toward this extraordinary cliff-side church.
The ascent involves a steep hike, scrambling over rock and crossing exposed sections. Near the church, visitors remove their shoes and continue carefully along a narrow ledge. Inside, the church contains beautifully preserved paintings depicting biblical figures and saints.
The excursion is recommended only for travellers who are physically fit and comfortable with heights. Guests who prefer not to attempt the climb can visit a more accessible Gheralta church instead.
After descending, have lunch and drive back to Mekelle.
Approximate travel duration:
• Hawzen–Abuna Yemata trailhead: 30–45 minutes
• Round-trip climb and church visit: 3–4½ hours
• Trailhead–Mekelle: 2½–3 hours
• Total touring day: approximately 7–9 hours
Overnight: Mekelle.

Main Destination:

Mekele (City)

Accommodation:

Genfel Hotel

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly from Mekelle to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, transfer to Mekelle’s Alula Aba Nega International Airport for the domestic flight to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, meet your representative and transfer to the hotel. Depending on the flight schedule, the remainder of the day may be used for sightseeing or souvenir shopping.
An optional Addis Ababa city tour may include the National Museum of Ethiopia, Entoto Park, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Merkato and a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Approximate travel duration:
• Hotel–Mekelle Airport: 20–30 minutes
• Mekelle–Addis Ababa flight: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
• Addis Ababa airport–hotel: 20–45 minutes
• Optional city tour: 3–5 hours
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Bloom Addis Hotel

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

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

Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and free time according to your international flight schedule. You will then be transferred to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your return flight to Milan.
Hotel checkout is normally around midday. If your departure is in the evening, a late checkout, day room or additional city excursion can be arranged upon request.
Approximate travel duration:
• Hotel–Addis Ababa Airport: 20–45 minutes
• Recommended airport arrival: approximately 3 hours before departure
End of the tour.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

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.