9-Day Danakil Depression-Tigray Churches & Lalibela

Addis Ababa City Tour

Day 1Addis Ababa City Tour Addis Ababa City Tour Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, our staff welcomes you and arranges a smooth hotel transfer. After resting, begin a guided city tour featuring the National Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Menelik II Palace, Holy Trinity Cathedral, bustling Merkato, and Unity Park. Enjoy lunch and dinner at top restaurants before returning to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in the capital. Main Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Accommodation: Capital Hotel & Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) +6 Photos +5 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly to Semera & Enter the Danakil Depression

Day 2Fly to Semera & Enter the Danakil Depression Fly to Semera & Enter the Danakil Depression Fly from Addis to Semera and begin your overland journey into the dramatic Danakil Depression. Drive toward Afdera for lunch and a visit to its salt lake and Afar village. Continue toward Hamed Ela, passing smoky mountains and desert terrain. At camp, relax, enjoy a stunning sunset, swim in the floating salt lake, and savor a freshly prepared dinner. Sleep outdoors on traditional wooden beds under the desert sky. Main Destination: Hamad Ela (Village) Accommodation: Budget camping Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Dallol Sulfur Springs & Drive to Erta Ale

Day 3Dallol Sulfur Springs & Drive to Erta Ale Dallol Sulfur Springs & Drive to Erta Ale Start the day exploring Dallol’s multicolored sulfur springs, salt canyons, and hot brine pools at the lowest point in Africa. Observe local salt miners carving blocks in this surreal landscape. Return to camp for breakfast, then continue driving through volcanic plains toward the base of Erta Ale. Prepare for the evening trek and enjoy dinner before ascending to the crater to witness the world-famous lava lake. Overnight camping near the rim. Main Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Accommodation: Budget camping Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Erta Ale Sunrise, Drive to Mekele

Day 4Erta Ale Sunrise, Drive to Mekele Erta Ale Sunrise, Drive to Mekele Wake early to experience sunrise over Erta Ale’s northern pit crater, illuminating the lava formations in the caldera. Descend the volcano and begin the drive through the vast desert, passing Afar villages and rugged lava fields. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the way before continuing to Mekele, the capital of Tigray. Check in at your hotel, unwind, and enjoy dinner. Overnight in Mekele, preparing for the historic Tigray mountain region. Main Destination: Mekele (City) Accommodation: Planet Hotel Budget hotel located in Mekele (City) +5 Photos +4 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mekele to Hawzen & Visit Abuna Yemata Guh

Day 5Mekele to Hawzen & Visit Abuna Yemata Guh Mekele to Hawzen & Visit Abuna Yemata Guh Depart Mekele in the morning and drive toward Hawzen, known for its dramatic rock formations and ancient cliff churches. After lunch, hike to the incredible Abune Yemata Guh, often called the “Church in the Sky.” Climb through narrow rock paths and sandstone cliffs to reach this 5th-century church with vibrant frescoes and breathtaking views. Descend safely, return to Hawzen for dinner, and overnight at your lodge. Main Destination: Hawzen (Town) Accommodation: Vision Hotel Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Hawzen to Mekele & Flight to Addis Ababa

Day 6Hawzen to Mekele & Flight to Addis Ababa Hawzen to Mekele & Flight to Addis Ababa Enjoy breakfast in Hawzen before driving back to Mekele, passing through the scenic Gheralta Mountains. Depending on time, stop for short village visits or viewpoints. Arrive in Mekele for lunch, then transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening, optional spa visit, or cultural dinner. Overnight in Addis to prepare for your Lalibela journey. Main Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Accommodation: Mado Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) +6 Photos +5 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly from Addis to Lalibela & Afternoon Visit

Day 7Fly from Addis to Lalibela & Afternoon Visit Fly from Addis to Lalibela & Afternoon Visit Fly to Lalibela in the morning and transfer to your hotel, enjoying scenic mountain views along the way. After lunch, start exploring the first cluster of UNESCO rock-hewn churches, including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Meskel. Learn about their spiritual and historical significance from your expert guide. Enjoy dinner overlooking the Lalibela highlands and spend the night in this sacred mountain town. Main Destination: Lalibela (Town) Accommodation: Hill Top Lodge Lalibela Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) +6 Photos +5 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Explore Lalibela and second group with st george

Day 8Explore Lalibela and second group with st george Explore Lalibela and second group with st george Continue your Lalibela exploration with the second group of rock-cut churches, including the iconic Bete Amanuel, Bete Abba Libanos, and the monolithic Bete Gabriel-Rufael. Afterward, visit the world-famous Bete Giyorgis, carved in the shape of a perfect cross. Explore local markets or enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony in the afternoon. Relax at your hotel in the evening with dinner and mountain views. Main Destination: Lalibela (Town) Accommodation: Hill Top Lodge Lalibela Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Flight Back to Addis Ababa & International Departure

Day 9Flight Back to Addis Ababa & International Departure Flight Back to Addis Ababa & International Departure After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy last-minute shopping, visit a handicraft center, or relax at a café. In the evening, experience a farewell cultural dinner with traditional music and dance. Finally, transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure, marking the end of your unforgettable 9-day Ethiopian adventure. Main Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included) End of tour (See Getting There for more details)End of tour (See Getting There for more details) Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport. Interested in This Tour? Request a Quote We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why) Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly Next: Overview Next: Day by Day Next: Rates Next: Inclusions Next: Getting There Next: Offered By Best price guarantee Your request will be sent directly to the operator If preferred, you can contact the operator directly Next: Request a Quote Request a Quote Disclaimer This tour is offered by On the Go Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings. This operator reserves the right to change rates