Ethiopia Discovery – 5 Nights / 6 Days Adventure Tour

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DAY 1,

Addis Ababa – Semera – Afdera – Erta Ale Volcano

Upon arrival, our driver will pick you up from Semera Airport and drive you to the Danakil Depression. We begin with an early drive to Lake Afdera—a salt lake located in the heart of the Danakil Depression. You will visit the natural hot springs, and swimming is possible if you are interested.

After lunch (around 13:30), we continue to Dodom, located at the base of Erta Ale. The drive passes several small hamlets scattered across the desert. From Dodom, there is a trek of about 9.5 km (approximately one hour) to reach the volcano.

We will have an early dinner around 17:00. Using camels, we will transport all camping materials—food, sleeping mattresses, and mats—to the volcano’s rim, where we will spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava.

The Danakil Depression (Dallol and Erta Ale) is one of Ethiopia’s most alluring yet physically challenging natural attractions. Erta Ale is a shield volcano with a 30 km-wide base and a 1 km² caldera at its summit. It contains the world’s only permanent lava lake and is one of only five such lakes globally. Standing at 613 meters, Erta Ale’s lava lake has existed continuously since the early 1900s.

Overnight: Camping

DAY 2,

Erta Ale – Hamad Ela – Dallol

After an early breakfast, we drive to Hamad Ela. Along the way, you will encounter large camel caravans. In the evening, you will enjoy the sunset over the very shallow Lake Assale.

In the morning, we continue to Ragad (Asebo), where locals mine salt. The Afar Depression, covering 1,200 km², is blanketed with salt. You will witness locals breaking the salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it onto camels.

We then proceed to Dallol to explore the colorful landscapes formed by volcanic activity—Dallol, Lake Assale, salt canyons, and camel caravans—before returning to Hamad Ela.

Overnight: Camping

DAY 3,

Hamad Ela – Mekele

After enjoying the sunrise and breakfast, we drive to Mekele.

Overnight: Mekele – Homeland Hotel

DAY 4,

Mekele – Gheralta Mountains

This day is dedicated to exploring the ancient rock-hewn churches of the Gheralta Mountains, home to more than 120 rock-carved churches, each featuring unique murals and relics. These sites are remarkable examples of preserved heritage, carved directly into the mountains.

You will hike for about one hour to reach Debre Maryam Korkor and Abba Daniel. Both sites offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

After lunch, we continue to the extraordinary rock-hewn church of Abune Yemata. The climb takes about one hour, ascending roughly 500 meters. The final section involves climbing a sheer cliff face using hand and footholds. The church interior, accessed through a narrow opening in the rock, features beautifully preserved murals covering the walls and ceiling.

Overnight: Hawzen – Vision Hotel

DAY 5,

Hawzen – Axum

After breakfast, we continue to Axum. Along the way, you will visit:

The Queen of Sheba’s ancient swimming pool

The Ezana Inscription

The tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebremeskel

The Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant

Overnight: Axum – Akusm Hotel

DAY 6,

Axum – Addis Ababa

The tour begins at the Stele (Stelae) Park, home to Axum’s famous granite obelisks—UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Great Stele, once standing 33 meters tall and weighing approximately 520 tons, now lies broken into six massive pieces.

We continue visiting additional sites, including the Queen of Sheba’s pool, the Ezana Inscription, and the royal tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebremeskel. Our final stop is the Church of St. Mary of Zion.

In the afternoon, we transfer you to Axum Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.

Overnight: Addis Ababa – Metas Hotel

PRICE INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Price Includes
★ Accommodation:
5 nights / 6 days as per the itinerary

★ Meals:
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

★ Transportation:
Excellent-condition touring 4WD vehicle

★ Entrance Fees:
All entrance and photography fees

★ Guiding Services:
Local guides at each site + an accompanying tour guide for the entire route

★ Water:
Daily bottled water throughout the tour

Price Excludes
★ Domestic flights
★ Items of personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, laundry service, souvenirs