5-Day Danakil Depression and Tigray Churches

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

Addis Ababa – Mekele – Erta Ale

Early morning flight from Addis Ababa to Mekele (arrival at 8:15 AM). Upon arrival, join the group and begin the drive to Erta Ale, a dramatic shield volcano whose name means “smoking mountain” in the Afar language. With one of the world’s only permanent lava lakes, Erta Ale offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The 6-hour drive (247 km) to the base camp at Askoma passes through surreal landscapes of hardened lava, rock, and desert oasis. Dinner is served around 5:00 PM. At 8:00 PM, begin the 3-hour trek up to the crater rim, accompanied by camels carrying supplies. Spend the night at the volcano’s edge, watching the glowing lava lake.
Overnight: Ahmed Ela Camp.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Ahmed Ela Camp

• Budget bush camp located In

Meals & Drinks:

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

Erta Ale – Hamed Ela

After sunrise at the crater, descend to Askoma and drive toward Hamed Ela through the dramatic Danakil Depression. Along the way, pass through Berhale, where camel caravans rest before continuing to the highlands. Arrive in Hamed Ela in the afternoon. Relax and enjoy the surreal sunset over the salt flats.
Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Ahmed Ela Camp

• Budget bush camp located In

Meals & Drinks:

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

Dallol – Lake Assal – Gheralta (Hawzen)

Morning visit to Ragad (Asebo) salt mines to observe traditional salt extraction, followed by a tour of Dallol (116 meters below sea level), a psychedelic volcanic landscape of vibrant colors. Visit Lake Assal and walk alongside camel caravans with Afar guides.

Return to Hamed Ela, then drive to Gheralta in the Tigray region.
Overnight: Gheralta Lodge.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Gheralta Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Tigray

Meals & Drinks:

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

Gheralta Churches – Shimbreyti Village

Begin the day with a visit to Abuna Yemata Guh, famed for its stunning rock-hewn church perched on a cliff. The challenging hike includes vertical climbs and narrow ledges, rewarded by remarkable views and ancient frescoes.

After lunch in Hawzen, continue to Edaga Arbi village and trek up to the plateau of Table Mountain for panoramic views and a chance to spot Gelada baboons.
Overnight: Shimbreyti Community Guesthouse.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Shimbrety Community Guesthouse

• Budget guest house located less than 1hr drive from Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Shimbreyti – Mekele – Addis Ababa

Morning trek (approx. 2 hours) back to Edaga Arbi, followed by a 3-hour drive to Mekele. Return flight to Addis Ababa in the afternoon.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

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