5-Day Gheralta and Danakil Expedition with Erta Ale Lava Lake

Meet your driver and professional guide in Mekelle, then depart on a scenic drive north into the dramatic sandstone landscapes of the Gheralta region.

En route, stop to explore the semi-monolithic church of Wukro Cherkos.

In the afternoon, embark on your first trek up the breathtaking escarpment to visit the twin rock-hewn churches of Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, which offer stunning panoramic views over the Hawzen plains.

Overnight: Vision Hotel

Set out early to climb Ethiopia's most adventurous and famous cliffside church, Abuna Yemata Guh.

Scale the vertical sandstone wall using natural handholds and footholds to reach the spectacular 6th-century frescoes preserved inside the rock.

After descending, enjoy a relaxed afternoon visiting the beautifully carved church of Abraha we Atsbeha or experiencing a traditional Tigrayan coffee ceremony in a local village.

Overnight: Gheralta / Vision Hotel

Leave the highlands behind and descend deep into the Afar region to the Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on earth.

Explore the surreal, neon-colored landscape of Dallol, featuring boiling sulfur springs, geysers, and bizarre salt formations.

Before dusk, drive across the expansive salt flats of Lake Asale (Karum) to witness a stunning sunset mirrored across the white horizon.

Overnight: Adventure camping at Hamed Ela under the stars

Drive across the dramatic, rugged lava fields of the desert toward the base camp of Erta Ale, an active shield volcano.

Have an early dinner prepared by your expedition chef.

As the temperature drops in the evening, begin a steady trek up to the caldera rim.

Spend the night marveling at the mesmerizing, glowing molten lava lake bubbling inside the active crater.

Overnight: Camping in local stone huts on the volcano rim

Catch a spectacular sunrise over the smoking craters before trekking back down to base camp for breakfast.

Drive through the desert toward Semera, stopping along the way at Lake Afrera (Lake Giulietti), a hypersaline lake where you can float effortlessly or relax in the nearby natural thermal hot springs.

Continue directly to Semera Airport for your evening departure flight.