Ethiopia · Geological Wonders

8-Day Northern Ethiopia Tour with Danakil, Tigray and Lalibela

8 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Moderate pace
Dallol hydrothermal system
Danakil Depression
Danakil Depression

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Witness the active lava lake at Erta Ale volcano in the Danakil Depression
  • 02 Explore the colourful geothermal landscapes and vast salt flats of Dallol
  • 03 Discover ancient history and monuments in Aksum and the Tigray region
  • 04 Visit the iconic rock-hewn churches of Lalibela

Explore northern Ethiopia on an 8-day adventure through the Danakil Depression, Tigray, and Lalibela. Witness the active lava lake at Erta Ale and discover the colourful geothermal landscapes of Dallol. Visit ancient Aksum, explore the rock-hewn churches of Tigray, and experience the sacred sites of Lalibela. Along the way, enjoy cultural highlights in Addis Ababa on a journey that blends dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant traditions across Ethiopia's most fascinating regions.

Visit the colourful geothermal landscapes of Dallol, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Addis Ababa, Mekele, Aksum, Lalibela, Hawzen, Danakil Depression, Semera, Afdera, Erta Ale, Dallol, Yeha
Languages Amharic, English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Addis Ababa to Erta Ale via Semera and Lake Afdera

  • 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.

2
Day 02

Sunrise at Erta Ale and Drive 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.

3
Day 03

Dallol Salt Flats and Journey 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.

4
Day 04

Historic Aksum and Sacred Monuments

  • 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.

5
Day 05

Tigray Rock-Hewn Churches and Transfer 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.

6
Day 06

Cliff Churches and Return 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.

7
Day 07

Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches

  • Fly to Lalibela and explore the iconic rock-hewn churches.
  • Visit Bete Giyorgis and other significant sites.

Overnight stay in Lalibela.

8
Day 08

Lalibela, 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.
Erta Ale lava lake, Dallol salt flats, Obelisk of Axum, Bete Giyorgis

Where this trip takes you

Erta Ale lava lake, Dallol salt flats, Obelisk of Axum, Bete Giyorgis

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Addis Ababa 11 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation as per the itinerary, on a per-night basis
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the tour
  • Well-maintained 4WD touring vehicles
  • Professional and experienced drivers
  • All entrance fees to tourist sites
  • Photography fees at attractions
  • Experienced local tour guides at each destination
  • A professional tour guide accompanying the entire journey

What's Not Included

  • Domestic flight tickets
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages
  • Laundry services and other personal items

What to bring

  • Sunscreen with high SPF
  • Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
  • Insect repellent for malaria prevention
  • Light long-sleeved shirts and pants for protection
  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes for uneven terrain
  • Headlamp or flashlight for areas with limited electricity
  • Small towel and wet wipes for dusty conditions
  • Power bank for charging in remote areas
  • Passport
  • Enough cash, as ATMs may not be available in some places

Know before you go

  • Respect local customs and always ask permission before taking photos.
  • Carry enough cash, as ATMs and cards may not work in remote areas.
  • Expect basic accommodation, including simple lodges or camping with limited facilities.
  • Carry a passport copy for security checkpoints and routine checks.
  • Use insect repellent due to malaria risk.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Addis Ababa international airport
Tour start
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Addis Ababa.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 1,500 /person
Book This Tour

Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,500.00 — $1,950.00
Double Sharing $1,500.00 — $1,700.00

When

Travellers

Total