$2,585 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Mekele – Transfer to Gheralta
Arrival in Mekele – Transfer to Gheralta
Arrive in Mekele and meet your guide before driving about 2.5 hours to the Gheralta region, a dramatic landscape of sandstone cliffs and hidden churches. In the afternoon, enjoy a warm-up hike to Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, two stunning rock-hewn churches perched high above the plains, offering breathtaking views of the valleys below. After soaking in the scenery and exploring the ancient sites, settle into a local community guesthouse for an authentic overnight experience.
- Main Destination:
- Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)
- Accommodation:
-
Gheralta Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Trekking Abuna Yemata & Gheralta Escarpments
Trekking Abuna Yemata & Gheralta Escarpments
Begin the day with a challenging yet rewarding climb to Abuna Yemata Guh, the legendary cliff church known for its remarkable frescoes and remote setting on a sheer rock face. After marveling at the ancient artistry, continue trekking along sandstone ridges, surrounded by sweeping panoramas of the Gheralta Mountains. The journey showcases the unique geology and spiritual heritage of the area. Overnight at a community guesthouse, immersed in local hospitality.
- Main Destination:
- Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)
- Accommodation:
- Gheralta Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Trek to Mariam Papaseiti & Yohannes Maiku
Trek to Mariam Papaseiti & Yohannes Maiku
Today’s trek follows a village-to-village route with Tesfa guides, offering insight into rural Tigrayan life. Walk through traditional farming communities and interact with locals who maintain centuries-old practices. Along the way, visit little-known churches such as Mariam Papaseiti and Yohannes Maikudi, each holding unique architectural and spiritual significance. The day blends cultural discovery with scenic walking across rolling highlands. Overnight in a community guesthouse.
- Main Destination:
- Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)
- Accommodation:
- Community Guesthouse
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Trek to Shimbreiti Plateau
Trek to Shimbreiti Plateau
Continue trekking through high plateaus and winding gorges, a route that reveals the rugged beauty of the Gheralta landscape. Visit Mariam Buzuhan, one of the most atmospheric cliff churches in the region, carved into the sandstone rock. The trail offers a mix of dramatic views, encounters with local shepherds, and moments of solitude in pristine nature. Arrive at the Shimbreiti guesthouse, where you will spend the night in a simple but welcoming setting.
- Main Destination:
- Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)
- Accommodation:
- Shimbrety Community Guesthouse
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Trek to Abune Gebremichael & Nahiso Terara
Trek to Abune Gebremichael & Nahiso Terara
Embark on a scenic trek that winds through villages and striking escarpments, leading to rock-hewn churches such as Abune Gebremichael. Along the way, meet local families, learn about their daily lives, and enjoy the cultural richness that defines this remote part of Ethiopia. The route toward Nahiso Terara offers beautiful outlooks across valleys and farmlands, creating a rewarding combination of history, culture, and nature. Overnight in a community guesthouse.
- Main Destination:
- Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)
- Accommodation:
- Shimbrety Community Guesthouse
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Trek to End of Trail – Return to Mekele
Trek to End of Trail – Return to Mekele
Your final trekking day features a visit to Debre Tsion Abune Abraham, a dramatic cliffside church reached by an exhilarating climb. Admire the artistry and spiritual atmosphere before completing the trail. Afterward, return by vehicle to Mekele, where you can rest and reflect on your trekking adventure. Tonight’s accommodation is in a comfortable hotel, offering a welcome chance to refresh before continuing the expedition into the Afar region.
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Ahmed Ela Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Drive to Erta Ale Volcano Base Camp
Drive to Erta Ale Volcano Base Camp
Leave Mekele and head north into the stark landscapes of the Afar Desert, an area marked by volcanic formations and lava fields. Reach Dodom, the base of Erta Ale, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. In the evening, begin the three-hour hike up to the crater, guided by Afar scouts. Arrive at the rim after sunset to witness the extraordinary sight of the glowing lava lake. Overnight in a basic desert camp near the volcano’s edge.
- Main Destination:
- Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
- Accommodation:
- Ahmed Ela Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Danakil Depression – Hamed Ela
Danakil Depression – Hamed Ela
Wake early to enjoy the surreal sunrise over Erta Ale’s crater, then descend back to Dodom. From here, drive deep into the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most otherworldly places on Earth. Cross vast salt flats and volcanic fields on the way to Hamed Ela, an Afar settlement near the salt mines. The remote desert scenery is strikingly beautiful. Spend the night in a rustic Afar camp under the starlit sky.
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Ahmed Ela Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Dallol Excursion – Return to Mekele
Dallol Excursion – Return to Mekele
Today is dedicated to exploring the geological wonders of Dallol, a kaleidoscope of sulfur springs, salt formations, and steaming geothermal fields. Visit Lake Karum, where camel caravans transport salt blocks in a timeless tradition, and walk across shimmering salt plains shaped by centuries of extraction. After soaking in the otherworldly sights, drive back to Mekele, arriving in the late afternoon. End of tour, with memories of Ethiopia’s cultural and natural extremes.
- Main Destination:
- Mekele (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
