Overview
This Five-days Danakil Depression and Tigray Church Tour is an adventurous and culturally rich itinerary that takes you to two of Ethiopia’s most unique and awe-inspiring destinations. Below is an overview of what you can expect during this tour.
Itinerary
Early morning, take 1-hour flight to Semera the capital of Danakil Depression region, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. In the afternoon, visit Lake Afdera and salt mining center. Late afternoon, visit Erta Ale, one of the few active volcanoes in the world with a permanent lava lake. Take 30 minutes moderate trek to the base of the volcano and enjoy the dramatic lava lake. Overnight camping at Erta Ale.
In the morning drive to Dallol, on the way enjoy the vast desert of the Danakil Depression. In the afternoon visit Dallol, a surreal landscape of colorful hydrothermal fields, salt formations, and acidic hot springs. Explore the unique geological formations. Late afternoon, visit Lake Asale, a Salt Lake where you can witness the traditional salt mining and Camel Caravan. Enjoy the sunset over the lake. Overnight camping at Hamedela.
In the morning drive from Dallol to Mekele, the capital of Tigray region and the largest city in northern Ethiopia. In the afternoon, explore Mekele city. Visit the Palace of Atse Yohanes, Martyrs monument and the vibrant Adi Haqi market. Overnight at Axum hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning, depart from Mekele and drive to Hawzen, a gateway to the Gheralta mountain famous for its ancient rock-hewn churches. On the way visit Abreha Atsbeha, one of the most beautiful rock-hewn churches in Tigray. In the afternoon, visit Abuna Yemata Guh, one of the most iconic and breathtaking churches, perched high on a cliff. The hike to the church is challenging but rewarding, offering stunning views and incredible religious art. Overnight at Vision hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning, visit Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, known for their architectural beauty and spiritual significance. In the afternoon drive back to Mekele and transfer to airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. End of the tour.
Price Includes
- All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
- All entrance fees according to the program
- Accommodations with Breakfast
- Lunch and Dinner (only for Danakil Depression part)
- Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
- Multilingual professional guide
Price Excludes
- Any flight (Domestic Flights can be arranged upon request)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned under what’s included section
FAQs
The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest, lowest, and driest places on the planet. In the northernmost pocket of Ethiopia, it is home to salt lakes, lava lakes, volcanoes and neon acid springs.
Reasons to Visit the Danakil Depression. Visiting the Danakil Depression is like stepping into another world. Volcanoes, lava lakes and brightly coloured acidic hot springs create a fantastic, alien environment. The Danakil is famed as the hottest inhabited place on the planet.
If you plan to visit the Danakil desert area, be aware of the risk of excessive heat and difficult terrain in some areas, including around the Erta Ale volcano. Facilities are basic, with no running water and limited medical options.
The best time to visit the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is between November and February. During these months, daytime temperatures are more comfortable
This desolate, desert region is the home of the Danakil Depression, a place that seems more alien than Earth-like. It’s the hottest place on Earth and during the summer months, temperatures can get up to a high of 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees Fahrenheit) thanks to geothermal heat caused by volcanic activity
This place has a lot of different churches but the most visited and interesting churches are Maryam Korkor, Abune Yimata and Daniel churches. These 3 churches are the biggest of all the churches found in Geralta Mountains.
