Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Departure Point: Addis Ababa
Tour Type: Historic & Cultural

Preview

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through northern Ethiopia’s most extraordinary landscapes — from the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the otherworldly beauty of the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most geologically active places on Earth. This tour combines Ethiopia’s ancient spirituality with nature’s raw power — lava lakes, salt plains, and Afar culture await you.

🗓️ Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lalibela – Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches

• Arrive in Lalibela (flight from Addis Ababa or other location).

• Meet your local guide and check into your hotel.

• Visit the first group of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and Bet Giyorgis — carved directly from solid rock in the 12th century.

• Enjoy panoramic sunset views over the town.
  Overnight: Lalibela Hotel or similar

Day 2: Lalibela – Flight/Drive to Mekelle – Transfer to Danakil Depression

• Morning visit to the second group of churches (Bet Gabriel, Bet Abba Libanos, etc.).

• After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mekelle (or drive).

• Meet your 4×4 driver team and continue to Hamed Ela, the gateway to the Danakil.

• Experience the changing landscape as you descend below sea level.
  Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela

Day 3: Danakil Depression – Dallol & Salt Lake (Lake Asale)

• Early morning drive to Dallol, one of the most colorful and surreal places on earth.

• Witness the acidic hot springs, sulfuric pools, and vivid mineral formations.

• Visit the Afar salt miners working traditionally under extreme conditions.

• Enjoy the sunset at Lake Asale, a vast salt plain shining white under the setting sun.
  Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela

Day 4: Erta Ale Volcano – Return to Mekelle / Lalibela

• Early drive to Erta Ale, Ethiopia’s famous active lava lake volcano (if the route is accessible).

• Trek to the crater rim (approx. 3 hours) and witness the glowing lava — a once-in-a-lifetime sight.

• Return to Mekelle for evening flight or drive back to Lalibela.

• End of the tour.

💰 Price

Prices are subject to change depending on season and availability of domestic flights.

✅ Includes

• Domestic flights (Addis–Lalibela–Mekelle–Addis)

• All ground transportation (4×4 vehicles in Danakil)

• Accommodation (hotel in Lalibela, camping in Danakil)

• All entrance fees and local village permissions

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Meals: Full board during the Danakil tour, breakfast in Lalibela

• Bottled water throughout the trip

• Scouts and security fees in the Danakil region

❌ Excludes

• International flights

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses (tips, drinks, laundry)

• Camera/video fees where applicable

• Any services not listed in the “Includes” section

✨ Highlights

• Explore Lalibela’s 12th-century rock-hewn churches

• Witness the colorful Dallol hydrothermal fields

• Walk across the salt flats of Lake Asale

• Experience Erta Ale’s active lava lake

• Meet the Afar salt miners and camel caravans