Tour Code 04= 9-Day Tour Exploring Danakil Depression, Tigray Churches and Aksum Heritage
Highlights
Addis Ababa, Semera, Erta Ale, Danakil Depression, Aksum
Locations Covered
Addis Ababa, Semera, Erta Ale, Danakil Depression, Aksum
Group Tour
9 Days
Hard
English, French, German
Description
Discover the diverse wonders of Ethiopia on this immersive 9-day adventure, starting with the vibrant capital, Addis Ababa. Explore world-class museums, historic cathedrals, and bustling markets before flying to the otherworldly landscapes of the Danakil Depression and the active Erta Ale volcano. Journey through the Tigray region to witness awe-inspiring ancient rock-hewn churches perched on dramatic cliffs. Conclude your trip in Aksum, the cradle of Ethiopian civilization, exploring its iconic stelae, royal tombs, and sacred sites believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa and City Tour
- Arrive in Addis Ababa.
Visit the National Museum.
Explore Trinity Cathedral.
Walk through Markato, the largest open-air market in Africa.
Drive to Mount Entoto for panoramic city views.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
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Day 2: Addis Ababa – Semera – Erta Ale
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Fly to Semera.
Complete paperwork and collect scouts.
Drive to Erta Ale active volcanic crater.
Explore and photograph the crater at night.
Overnight camping.
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Day 3: Erta Ale – Amedela
- Breakfast at the campsite.
Drive to Amedela village, a base for Danakil exploration.
Watch a sunset over Lake Assale.
See camel caravans transporting salt.
Overnight camping.
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Day 4: Amedela – Danakil Depression – Mekele
- Early morning drive to the Danakil Depression (-120 meters below sea level).
Visit colorful sulphuric ponds and unique mineral formations.
Explore hydrothermal pools and salt mining sites.
Lunch at the campsite.
Drive to Mekele.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
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Day 5: Mekele – Tigray Region Exploration
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive through the Tigray region.
Visit Wukro Kirkos rock-hewn church.
Explore Abreha Atsbeha church.
Overnight stay at a basic hotel.
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Day 6: Hawzen – Rock-Hewn Churches in Gheralta Mountains
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Mariam Korkor church.
Explore Daniel Korkor church.
Climb to Abune Yemata Guh, located atop cliffs.
Overnight stay at a basic hotel.
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Day 7: Hawzen – Aksum
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Aksum.
Visit the monastery of Debre Damo (men only).
Explore the ancient city of Yeha.
Visit selected churches in the Tesfa cluster.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
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Day 8: Aksum Historical Sites
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the stele park.
Explore the tombs of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel.
See the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace.
Visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
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Day 9: Aksum – Addis Ababa – Departure
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Fly to Addis Ababa.
Enjoy shopping and additional sightseeing.
Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant.
Transfer to Bole International Airport for departure.
End of services.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations within 24 hours before the tour -
Refund of 50% of the tour price.
Price
| Adult | |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 | /person |
| Child | |
| 1 to 5 | /person |
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This is a group tour |
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