12 Days Danakil and Lalibela tour

This package offers a true expedition to one of the hottest places on Earth!
If you’re an adventurer seeking an authentic experience in the Danakil Depression, this tour is for you. You’ll witness active volcanoes, immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Afar tribes, observe the incredible work of traditional salt cutters, and enjoy the colorful camel caravans moving across the surreal landscapes of the Dallol area.

This specially crafted tour also includes a visit to the breathtaking Awash National Park and a full exploration of the impressive rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.

Program in Detail

Day 01: Arrival and City Tour – Addis Ababa

Upon arrival from your international flight, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to your hotel for some refreshment.

Begin your sightseeing in Addis Ababa with a visit to the Ethnological Museum, which houses anthropological, musicological, and cultural objects. Located within the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, the museum is part of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

Continue to the National Museum, home to precious archaeological finds including the fossilized remains of early hominids—most famously “Lucy,” a specimen of Australopithecus afarensis. The basement gallery also displays “Selam,” a 3.3-million-year-old fossil found between 2000 and 2004. Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 02: Addis Ababa to Awash National Park

Drive to Awash National Park through the small town of Mila. Upon arrival, enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the park, located in the dry acacia savanna of the Rift Valley.

The skyline is dominated by the jagged Mount Fantelle, a dormant volcano. In the afternoon, visit the Awash Waterfalls, which drop into a 150m gorge. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, and Salt’s dik-dik. Overnight: Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 03: Awash National Park to Logia

Today, continue your drive through the Rift Valley into the Afar Triangle, gradually descending in elevation. The scenery transitions from savannah to semi-desert and steppe, with occasional oases formed by the Awash River.

Along the way, you may encounter members of the Kereyou tribes. Overnight in Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 04: Drive to Lake Afdera – The Salt Lake

Leave the main road and follow a rugged 4×4 trail into the Danakil Depression. The drive takes you through otherworldly landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, lava flows, and gravel desert.

Arriving at Lake Afdera, you’ll be 100 meters below sea level. Explore the salt production sites, where workers extract and process pure salt from the lake. Overnight: Tent (Full Board)

Day 05: Afdera to Dodom Village (Base of Erta Ale)

In the morning, observe the salt workers and their unique techniques. Then head toward Erta Ale Volcano, driving across sand and old lava formations.

Stop for lunch at Kurswad, an Afar village, and pick up local guides. In the evening, begin the trek (approx. 4–5 hours) to the rim of Erta Ale, ideally timed with sunset to avoid the day’s heat.

The gently ascending hike follows unique lava paths. Upon reaching the rim, camp at a safe distance and take in the spectacular view of Erta Ale’s active lava lake. Overnight: Tent on the crater rim (Full Board)

Day 06: Erta Ale to Ahmed Ela

Descend from the volcano in the morning and drive across the desert to Ahmed Ela, a small outpost where salt caravans converge before their trek to Mekelle.

In the late afternoon and evening, witness endless camel caravans arriving empty and departing fully loaded with salt blocks.

Overnight: Tent (Full Board)

Day 07: Excursion to Dallol

Visit the salt merchants and workers around Lake Asela, where you’ll observe traditional salt cutting, shaping, and loading onto camel caravans.

Continue to Dallol, known for its vibrant hot springs composed of sulfur, potash, and various minerals that create otherworldly colors. Dallol is recognized as the hottest inhabited place on Earth, with an average temperature of 34°C (94°F) recorded from 1960–1966.

Return to the campsite in the late afternoon. Overnight: Tent (Full Board)

Day 08: Ahmed Ela to Mekelle

In the morning, observe thousands of camels beginning their daily journey to the salt flats. Then, drive to Mekelle, stopping en route at a small waterfall to bathe and wash the vehicles of salt deposits.

By late afternoon, arrive at the highland plateau and check into your hotel in Mekelle. Overnight: Hotel in Mekelle (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 09: Drive to Lalibela

Today’s full-day drive takes you south through spectacular highland scenery, passing between the mountains on the west and the barren Danakil landscape to the east, until you arrive at the iconic site of Lalibela. Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 10: Lalibela – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Begin your exploration of Lalibela, often referred to as the “New Jerusalem.” Built approximately 800 years ago by King Lalibela, the town is home to 11 monolithic rock-hewn churches carved directly into solid granite.

Each church is uniquely designed and masterfully carved, considered one of the architectural wonders of the world. Among them, Bet Giorgis, shaped like a Greek cross, stands out for its design and exceptional preservation. Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 11: Visit Yimrhane Kristos and Remaining Rock-Hewn Churches

Today, we will visit the Church of Yimrhane Kristos. This exquisite church, a masterpiece of Axumite wood and stone construction, is renowned for its interior decoration. It features a beautiful wooden coffered ceiling inlaid with hexagons and medallions that showcase both figurative and geometric motifs.

After the visit, we will drive back to Lalibela. In the afternoon, we will explore the remaining rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, which include Bete Gabriel and Rafael, Merkorous, Emanuel, and Abba Libanos. Among these, Bete Emanuel stands out as the best in this group, exceptionally carved with unique Axumite architectural features. These include indentations on the walls, symbols of multi-story structures inspired by the stelae of Axum, monkey heads, and false windows. Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 12: Fly Back to Addis Ababa and Departure

On this day, we will fly back to Addis Ababa. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping or further exploration of the city at your leisure.

In the evening, we will gather for a farewell dinner at one of Addis Ababa’s top Ethiopian cultural restaurants, featuring traditional cuisine and live stage performances representing the diverse ethnic groups of the country.

After dinner, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure home or onward to your next destination.

Day 12: Fly Back to Addis Ababa and Departure

On this day, we will fly back to Addis Ababa. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping or further exploration of the city at your leisure.

In the evening, we will gather for a farewell dinner at one of Addis Ababa’s top Ethiopian cultural restaurants, featuring traditional cuisine and live stage performances representing the diverse ethnic groups of the country.

After dinner, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure home or onward to your next destination.