$2,850 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Addis Ababa to Semera to Danakil Depression
Addis Ababa to Semera to Danakil Depression
After breakfast, transfer to the airport transfer to Semera, the capital of the Afar Region. Upon arrival, meet your local team and begin your drive to Ahmed Ella through the dramatic landscapes of the Danakil Depression.
Along the way, admire solidified lava fields, unusual rock formations, vast stretches of sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. Stop at Ahmed Ella village to experience the traditional lifestyle and unique cultural heritage of the Afar people.
In the late afternoon, continue to Lake Asale, an extraordinary salt lake surrounded by vast white salt flats. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and, where conditions permit, relax beside a natural pool while watching the sunset over the salt-covered landscape.
Overnight: Camping at Ahmed Ella.
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Danakil Depression to Ert ale Volcano
Danakil Depression to Ert ale Volcano
Begin the day with a visit to Ragad (Asebo), a traditional salt-mining area where Afar workers extract salt blocks from the ground and load them onto camel caravans. Witness this remarkable traditional industry, which has sustained local communities for generations.
Continue to Dallol, one of Ethiopia’s most extraordinary geological destinations. Located below sea level, Dallol is famous for its colorful mineral deposits, sulfur formations, salt structures, and remarkable hydrothermal landscapes. Explore this surreal environment and discover the geological forces that have shaped the region.
Return to Ahmed Ella for lunch before continuing toward Erta Ale, one of Ethiopia’s most famous active volcanoes.
Upon arrival, begin the trek toward the volcanic summit, following your local team’s guidance and the prevailing safety conditions. Experience the dramatic volcanic landscape and, if activity and access conditions permit, observe the lava lake or other volcanic activity.
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Erta ale volcano to Semera and Addis Ababa
Erta ale volcano to Semera and Addis Ababa
After breakfast, depart from the Erta Ale area and drive toward Lake Afdera, a spectacular saline lake located in the southern Danakil Depression.
Explore the surrounding landscape and observe the region’s salt-production industry, where lake water is used to produce salt through evaporation. Enjoy the striking contrast between the lake, the surrounding mountains, and the extensive salt pans.
Continue to Semera, with lunch along the way, before transferring to the airport for your air transfer o Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax after your adventure in the Danakil Depression.
Overnight: Aya Addis Hotel, Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Cassiopeia Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Addis Ababa to Axum
Addis Ababa to Axum
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your air transfer to Axum, one of Ethiopia’s most important historical destinations and the former center of the ancient Aksumite Kingdom.
Upon arrival, begin exploring the city’s remarkable archaeological and religious heritage.
Visit the Church of Saint Mary of Zion, one of Ethiopia’s most important Orthodox Christian sites, traditionally associated with the Ark of the Covenant. Explore the church complex and its religious significance.
Continue to the famous Stelae Park, where monumental stone obelisks commemorate the achievements of the ancient Aksumite civilization.
Other highlights include the Tombs of King Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel, Ezana’s Inscriptions, the traditional site associated with the Queen of Sheba’s Bath, the ruins traditionally associated with the Queen of Sheba’s Palace, and the Axum Museum.
After your sightseeing, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Sabean Hotel, Axum.
- Main Destination:
- Axum (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
-
Sabean International Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Axum to Addis via Bahir dar -Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls
Axum to Addis via Bahir dar -Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your connecting air transfer to Bahir Dar via Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, begin exploring Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile River.
Enjoy a boat trip across the lake to the Zege Peninsula, where you will visit Ura Kidane Mehret, a historic Ethiopian Orthodox monastery traditionally dated to the 14th century. The present circular church is decorated with colorful religious murals depicting biblical stories, saints, and important events in Ethiopian Christian history.
Learn about the monastery’s religious significance and the traditions preserved by the local monastic community.
Return to Bahir Dar and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Naky Hotel, Bahir Dar.
- Main Destination:
- Bahir Dar (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Visit Blue Nila Falls and Drive Gondar
Visit Blue Nila Falls and Drive Gondar
After breakfast, drive to the Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Abay, meaning “Great Smoke.” Located approximately 30 kilometers from Bahir Dar, the waterfall is one of Ethiopia’s most famous natural attractions.
Enjoy a short walk through the surrounding countryside and along the river to appreciate the falls from different viewpoints. The volume of water varies seasonally and may be reduced during periods when water is diverted for hydroelectric power generation.
After visiting the falls, return to Bahir Dar and continue by road to Gondar, the historic royal capital of Ethiopia.
Upon arrival, explore the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an impressive collection of castles and palaces built by Ethiopian emperors between the 17th and 18th centuries. Highlights include Fasilides’ Castle, Iyasu I’s Palace, Dawit III’s Hall, Empress Mentewab’s Castle, and other historic royal structures.
Continue to Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its beautifully.
- Main Destination:
- Blue Nile Falls (Highlight)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Haile Resort Gondar
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Gondar to Lalibela Rock Hewn Churchs
Gondar to Lalibela Rock Hewn Churchs
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your air transf o Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most remarkable historical and spiritual destinations.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. After lunch, begin exploring the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval religious architecture.
Visit Bete Medhane Alem, widely recognized as the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the complex, followed by Bete Maryam, celebrated for its intricate carvings and painted interior.
Continue to Bete Meskel and Bete Denagel, two smaller churches associated with the northern church complex.
Explore Bete Mika’el and Bete Golgotha, which are associated with important religious traditions and sacred spaces within Lalibela.
In the afternoon, visit Bete Giyorgis, the iconic Church of Saint George. Carved into the rock in the shape of a cross, it is one of Lalibela’s most recognizable architectural masterpieces.
- Main Destination:
- Gondar (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Tabor Hotel Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Hike to Asheten Mariyam Rock Hewn Churchs
Hike to Asheten Mariyam Rock Hewn Churchs
After breakfast Continue hiking to Asheton Maryam Church, a historic sanctuary situated high in the mountains overlooking Lalibela. Enjoy the scenic drive and the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Explore the church and discover its collection of religious crosses, manuscripts, and other sacred objects, while learning about the traditions maintained by the local clergy.
Return to Lalibela in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to relax or explore the town or visiting the remining rock hewn church’s of Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Tabor Hotel Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Explore Lalibela and Retun to Addis Ababa
Explore Lalibela and Retun to Addis Ababa
After breakfast continue exploring Lalibela’s extraordinary rock-hewn churches, focusing on the southeastern group.
Visit Bete Gabriel-Rufael Bete Marqorios Bete Emmanuel and Bete Abba Libanos. These remarkable structures showcase the architectural sophistication religious devotion and stone-carving traditions of medieval Ethiopia.
After completing your sightseeing airTransfer to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival begin your Addis Ababa city tour subject to your international departure time.
Continue to the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to important archaeological collections including the famous fossil remains of Lucy and other significant discoveries that illuminate human evolution.
Later, explore Merkato one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, where you can discover traditional spices, textiles, handicrafts, and the lively atmosphere of everyday Ethiopian commerce.
In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring regional disshs.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
