Rock Churches of Ethiopia, Nature and Adventure – 10 Days
Northern Ethiopia & Danakil Tour
Day 1
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport you will be met by our representatives’ then transfer to the hotel. After check-in to the hotel you will have city tour of Addis Ababa.
Overnight: Stay at Ambassador Hotel/ Ghion hotel
Day 2
Lalibela; after a quick plane ride over to Lalibela, you’ll see the famous St. George church and other rock-hewn churches in the area.
Overnight: Stay at Tikul village Hotel/ other similar hotel
Day 3
After breakfast in Lallibela scenic drive to Mekelle.
Overnight: At Mekelle for 8 hrs
Day 4: Mekelle – Danakil
You will start your day by driving to Erta’Ale (which means smoky mountain in Afar language). Erta’Ale ranks one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and 1km square caldera at its summit. Erta’Ale contains the world’s only permanent lava lake. It is 613 meters, with a lava lake, one of only five in the world, at the summit. It is notable for being the longest existing lava lake, present since the early years of the twentieth century. You will drive to Dodom the base of Erta’Ale. First on asphalted road but last part off road over old lava flows. After passing several small hamlets scattered here and there in this deserted land, you will arrive to Dodom camping site, located about 17km from Erta’Ale. Dinner will be served around 06:30 o’clock. After a short break, trek up to Erta’Ale at 08:00 hours. Camels will be transporting all the camping materials and some food (sleeping materials like light mattresses, mat and water) up to the rim of the volcano, where you will spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. You will spend the night on top of the mountain, near the rim of the volcano.
Day 5: Erta’Ale – Base camp – Hamed Ela
Early morning at 05:00 am descend from Erta’Ale back down to base camp, have breakfast, 4X4 drive to return to the main road and continue our journey to the Afar village of Hamed Ela.
Day 6: Explore Dallol and Surroundings
Morning drive to Asebo the place where the local people are mining salt. Look the activity of workers breaking salts from the ground, cutting in to rectangular pieces and loading on camels. You drive ahead to Dallol and visit the difference landscape formed by volcanic activity, Dallol + Lake Assal + camel caravans. Excursions to Dallol area (116 meter below sea level, one of the lowest places in the world) colorful salts mining, Drive back to Hamed Ela and then proceed to Gheralta Lodge/other hotel via Berhaile village.
Day 7: Axum
On the drive to Axum, you’ll continue to see the beauty of the Ethiopian countryside. We’ll explore many of the rock churches around Gheralta. There are churches for every level of skill and adventure. Whether you want to do hand-over-hand climbing to get to some of the churches or enjoy an easy hike.
Overnight: Stay at Sabean Hotel/ other similar hotel
Day 8
Explore Axum.
Overnight: Stay at Sabean Hotel/ other similar hotel
Day 9
Scenic drive to park gate.
O/N: camping
Day 10
Morning Trekking at Semien Mountain, in the afternoon drive to Gonder.
Overnight: Stay at Goha Hotel/ other similar hotel
Day 11
Visit the enclosure palaces of Kings and the church. Then drive to Bahir Dar.
Overnight: Stay at Jacaranda Hotel/ other similar hotel
Day 12: Bahir Dar
Morning boat cruise on Lake Tana to see some ancient monasteries in the afternoon Return to Addis Ababa flight. And after a dinner transferred to Bole International airport for your flight back home.
