Ethiopia’s Northern Adventure: Danakil and Tigray Churches
Tour Prices: Contact Us for full pricing
Price may vary depending on number of people attending. Per Person in double / twin room.
Limited availability for a minimum of 4 and up to 8 people.
(Surcharges: Single room/tent supplement). Price subject to change.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Addis Ababa – City Sightseeing
Today we enjoy a relaxed sightseeing tour of Ethiopia’s vibrant capital, where bustling streets, mountain views, colorful markets, and modern cafés blend with deep-rooted history and culture.
As we explore the city, we begin to experience the warmth of Ethiopian hospitality and the rhythm of daily life. In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine, music, and dance a wonderful introduction to the journey ahead.
Accommodation: Sario Maria Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner only
Day 2: Drive to Awash National Park – Game Drives
After breakfast we depart Addis Ababa and begin our journey east toward Awash National Park. The drive takes approximately 4–5 hours, passing through changing landscapes of farmland, volcanic scenery, and traditional villages along the Great Rift Valley. We arrive in time for lunch at Awash Doho Lodge, a comfortable lodge set in the wilderness. In the afternoon we head out on our first game drive within the park. Awash is known for its open savannahs and riverine forests and is home to wildlife such as Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring's Gazelle, Warthog, and numerous bird species. We return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight on a full-board basis.
Accommodation: Awash Doho Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Drive To Semera
Following breakfast, we continue northeast toward the Afar region. Today’s drive to Semera takes approximately 7–8 hours. The journey passes through striking semi-desert landscapes and remote pastoralist communities that inhabit this rugged part of Ethiopia.
We carry a packed lunch which we enjoy along the way. Upon arrival in Semera in the late afternoon, we check in at Semera Hotel. The evening is at leisure to relax after the long drive. Dinner and overnight at the hotel on a half-board basis.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Drive to Lake Afdera – Erta Ale Volcano Trek
After an early breakfast we set out for the remote Danakil region, driving toward Lake Afdera, a hypersaline lake surrounded by dramatic desert scenery. The drive takes approximately 5–6 hours across stark volcanic landscapes. We enjoy a packed lunch along the way and, weather permitting, there is an optional swim in the warm salty waters of the lake.
In the afternoon we continue by 4WD vehicles for about 3–4 hours to reach the base of Erta Ale, one of the world’s few volcanoes with a permanent lava lake. From the base camp we begin our evening trek (approximately 2–3 hours) up the gentle slopes to the crater rim. At the summit, we witness the mesmerizing glow of molten lava within the crater—an unforgettable natural spectacle. Overnight is spent at simple shelters near the crater rim.
Accommodation: Fly Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Return from Erta Ale – Dallol Exploration
At sunrise we descend back to base camp (about 2 hours) and enjoy breakfast before continuing our expedition through the Danakil Depression to Ahmed Ela. From here we explore the surreal geothermal landscapes of Dallol, famous for its vivid mineral colors, bubbling hot springs, and otherworldly formations created by volcanic activity. The area is one of the hottest inhabited places on earth and offers an extraordinary glimpse into extreme geology. Later we return to Ahmed Ela for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Fly Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Drive to Gheralta – Rock Hewn Churches
Today we leave the Danakil region and begin the journey north into the historic highlands of Tigray. The drive to Gheralta takes approximately 7–8 hours, gradually transitioning from desert landscapes to rugged mountains and fertile valleys. We stop for lunch en route before arriving at the beautiful Gheralta Lodge. In the afternoon we visit our first rock-hewn churches, carved dramatically into cliffs and mountain faces. These ancient sites hold remarkable religious paintings and centuries of history. Dinner and overnight at the lodge on a full-board basis.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Drive to Gheralta – Rock Hewn Churches
Today is dedicated to exploring more of the remarkable Gheralta rock churches, some of which require short hikes or climbs to reach their dramatic locations. These churches, many dating back to the 10th–14th centuries, are known for their beautiful frescoes and sacred artifacts. The surrounding landscape of sandstone mountains and valleys creates a spectacular backdrop for exploration. Throughout the day we enjoy scenic walks and cultural encounters while learning about Ethiopia’s ancient Christian traditions. Dinner and overnight again at Gheralta Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Drive to Axum – Stelae and Historic Churches
After breakfast we depart for Axum, a drive of approximately 5–6 hours through the historic heartland of northern Ethiopia. Upon arrival we have lunch before exploring the ancient city, once the center of the powerful Aksumite Kingdom. We visit the famous Axum Stelae, towering granite monuments carved nearly two thousand years ago. We also visit one of Axum’s important churches, including Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, believed by many Ethiopians to house the legendary Ark of the Covenant. Dinner and overnight at Sabean International Hotel.
Accommodation: Sabean International Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9: Flight to Addis Ababa – Departure
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Addis Ababa (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes). Upon arrival we connect with our international departure flight, bringing our remarkable journey through Ethiopia’s volcanic landscapes, ancient civilizations, and cultural treasures to a close. Safari adventure of a lifetime
NB: Please note that there will be a supplement of US$ 130 per person if clients use a different airline other than Ethiopia Airlines for their International Arrival flight.
INCLUDES
9 days transport
Park fees and sightseeing fees
Accommodation as per the itinerary
Meal plans as indicated in the itinerary
Transfer to the airport
Flight Axum Addis
Local guides fees
EXCLUDESMeals not mentioned
Personal expenses and tips
Telephone
Visa fees