7-Day Danakil Depression and Tigray Churches Tour

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

Arrival and Erta Ale Volcano

Arrive in Semera via an early morning flight, where you will be greeted and ready to begin your adventure. After enjoying a refreshing coffee break, drive to Erta Ale, known as “Smoky Mountain” in the Afar language. This remarkable site is home to one of the few permanent lava lakes in the world, offering a unique glimpse into volcanic activity. Enjoy dinner at 17:00, followed by a trek to the crater rim at 20:00. Experience the mesmerizing glow of the lava while camping overnight on the rim, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Erta Ale to Hamed Ela

Start your day by watching a stunning sunrise over the crater, creating a magical atmosphere as the day begins. After breakfast, descend from the crater and return to Dodom. Depending on the season, you may have the option to visit Lake Afrera, a beautiful salt lake known for its serene beauty. Continue your journey to Hamed Ela, where you will set up camp for the night and enjoy the stark beauty of the surrounding desert landscape under a starlit sky.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Danakil to Mekele

Today, game drive to the Ragad salt flats, where you will witness traditional salt mining methods employed by the local Afar people. This fascinating process showcases the region's unique culture and resourcefulness. Next, proceed to Dallol, located 116 meters below sea level, to explore its vibrant and otherworldly formations, including colorful mineral deposits and hydrothermal activity. Visit Lake Assal and observe the camel caravans that traverse this arid landscape. In the evening, head to Mekelle and spend the night at the comfortable planet hotel, allowing you to relax and recharge.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Planet Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Mekele (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Tigray Churches - Debretsion

After breakfast, drive to the historic Abreha We Atsbeha Church, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Continue to Hawzen, a picturesque town nestled in the mountains. Enjoy lunch in Hawzen before hiking to the Abune Abraham (Debretsion) Monastery Church, which takes about 50 minutes. This hike rewards you with panoramic views and a sense of spiritual tranquility. Return to Hawzen in the evening for an overnight stay at Vision Hotel, where you can enjoy local hospitality.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Gheralta Mountains - Abune Yemata Guh & Maryam korkur

Prepare for an exhilarating day as you hike for 1.5 hours to Maryam Korkor Monastery, perched high on a cliff. The stunning views from the monastery offer a perfect backdrop for reflection and photography. After soaking in the beauty, have lunch in a nearby village, experiencing local flavors and hospitality. In the afternoon, visit Abune Yemata Guh Monastery, renowned for its dramatic location and intricate frescoes. The hike takes about 40 minutes, leading you to one of the most breathtaking sites in the region. Return to Hawzen for another overnight stay at Vision Hotel.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Hawzen to axum

Depart from Hawzen and drive for approximately 2.5 hours to Axum, the ancient capital of Ethiopia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the rich history of the city as you explore significant sites, including the Northern Stelae Field, Queen Sheba’s Pool, and the Ezana Inscriptions, which commemorate the conversion of Ethiopia to Christianity. Visit the tombs of King Kaleb and Gebremeskel, and don’t miss the Queen Sheba’s Palace and the revered St. Mary of Zion Church. After a full day of exploration, relax at consolarHotel, enjoying the comforts of this modern accommodation.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Consolar Hotel Aksum

• Mid-range hotel located in Axum (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Yeha & Debre Damo Monastery and depart

Begin your day with a drive to Yeha Temple, a stunning remnant from the 7th century BC, showcasing ancient Ethiopian architecture. Following this, continue to Debre Damo Monastery, which is accessible only by a challenging rope climb (men only). This monastery is perched on a cliff, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Stop for lunch in the charming town of Adwa before returning to Axum in the afternoon in the afternoon depart to Addis abeba.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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