8-Day Northern Ethiopia Tour to Danakil Depression Tigray and Lalibela
Highlights
Addis Ababa, Semera, Erta Ale, Hawzen, Aksum, Lalibela
Locations Covered
Addis Ababa, Semera, Erta Ale, Hawzen, Aksum, Lalibela
photography, historical, sightseeing
Private Tour
8 Days
Medium
Amharic, English
Description
Explore northern Ethiopia on an 8 day adventure through Danakil Depression, Tigray and Lalibela. Witness the active lava lake at Erta Ale and discover the colourful geothermal landscapes of Dallol. Visit ancient Aksum and explore rock hewn churches in Tigray. Experience the sacred sites of Lalibela and cultural highlights in Addis Ababa. This journey offers a striking blend of dramatic landscapes, rich history and vibrant traditions across Ethiopia’s most fascinating regions.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Addis Ababa to Semera and Erta Ale Volcano
- Fly from Addis Ababa to Semera and meet your Afar guide team.
- Begin a 4WD expedition into the Danakil Depression.
- Stop at Lake Afdera to observe traditional salt extraction.
- Continue to Dodom base camp and hike at sunset to Erta Ale.
- Witness the lava lake depending on volcanic activity.
Overnight camping near the crater.
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Day 2: Erta Ale to Hamad Ela
- Enjoy sunrise views over the volcanic crater before descending.
- Drive across desert plains to Hamad Ela, a remote Afar settlement.
Overnight camping.
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Day 3: Dallol Salt Flats to Hawzen
- Visit the colourful geothermal landscapes of Dallol, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth.
- Explore salt mountains and the vast Lake Assale.
- Drive towards the Gheralta region in Tigray.
Overnight stay in Hawzen.
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Day 4: Hawzen to Aksum
- Travel north to Aksum, one of Africa’s most important historical sites.
- Visit the Aksum Obelisks, the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace, and the Church of St Mary of Zion.
Overnight stay in Aksum.
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Day 5: Tigray Rock Churches to Mekelle
- Explore rock hewn churches in the Gheralta mountains such as Abune Yemata Guh.
- Continue to Mekelle with an optional stop at Yeha Temple.
Overnight stay in Mekelle.
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Day 6: Mekelle to Addis Ababa
- Visit cliff churches such as Debre Maryam Korkor and Abba Daniel if time permits.
- Fly back to Addis Ababa.
Overnight stay in Addis Ababa.
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Day 7: Addis Ababa to Lalibela
- Fly to Lalibela and explore the iconic rock hewn churches.
- Visit Bete Giyorgis and other significant sites.
Overnight stay in Lalibela.
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Day 8: Lalibela to Addis Ababa and Departure
- Continue morning exploration of Lalibela.
- Fly back to Addis Ababa.
- Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia and Holy Trinity Cathedral.
- Enjoy a traditional dinner with music and dance at Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant.
- Depart late at night.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
| Adult | |
|---|---|
| 1 to 1 | /person |
| 2 to 5 | /person |
| 6 to 10 | /person |
| Child | |
| 1 to 10 | /person |
|
This is a private tour |
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