6 Days Tigray Churches and Danakil Depression

Day 01 Arrival at Addis Ababa and City Tour

You will meet our team at the airport from international flight and begin sightseeing of Addis with a drive up to Entoto Hills for a panoramic view of Addis. Descend down and drive to Ethnological Museum houses anthropological, musicological and cultural objects. The Ethnological Museum is the first university museum in Ethiopia. The Museum is located in the main Campus of Addis Ababa University which houses the Institute of Ethiopian Studies and it was the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. Then drive to National museum, it contains many precious local archaeological finds such as the fossilized remains of early hominids, the most famous of which is “Lucy,” the partial skeleton of a specimen of Australopithecus Afarensis. Recently added to the basement gallery is a display on Selam, found between 2000 and 2004. This archaic fossil is estimated to date to 3.3 million years ago. Descend down to St. George cathedral, it’s noted for its distinctive octagonal form. The new church was built on the ruins of an older church from the 15th century. It was named after St. George, after the Tabot (Ark) of the church was carried to the Battle of Adwa against the Italians during which the Ethiopians secured victory. Finally drive to Merkato, established by the Italian around 1937 it’s a large open-air marketplace in Africa, Covering several square miles and employing an estimated 13,000 people in 7,100 business entities.

Overnight Aya Addis Hotel/ Similar

Day 02 Fly Addis Ababa to Semera and Drive to Ahmed Ella

Upon arrival at Semera Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and drive to Afdera, a region renowned for its salt extraction. The saline Lake Afdera, located in the southern part of the Afar Depression, is central to Ethiopia’s salt production. Here, salt water is pumped into pans for solar evaporation. Afterward, continue your journey to Ahmed Ella, passing through scenic landscapes of solidified lava, rocky terrain, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. At Ahmed Ella, visit the village, home to over 500 Afar people, and observe their unique lifestyle. Conclude your day at Salt Lake Asale, a vast salty lake where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in a natural pool while admiring the stunning sunset reflections on the salt flats.

Overnight: Camping at Ahmed Ella

Day 03 Visit Dallol, Then Drive to Erta Ale

In the morning, drive to Ragad (Asebo), where traditional salt mining is practiced. Watch locals break salt from the ground, shape it into rectangular blocks, and load it onto camels for transport. Continue to Dallol, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth, located 125 meters below sea level. The area is a wonderland of colorful salt formations, bubbling sulfuric pools, and volcanic landscapes, offering a unique and surreal experience. Return to Ahmed Ella for lunch before proceeding to Erta Ale. This shield volcano is renowned for its permanent lava lake, one of only five in the world. Spend the night marveling at the dramatic boiling lava at the summit, a natural spectacle like no other.

Overnight: Camping at Erta Ale

Day 04 Drive from Erta Ale to Hawzen

After breakfast, embark on a drive to Hawzen. Along the way, visit the historic Church of Abreha wa Atsbeha, believed to be the burial site of the two kings who introduced Christianity to Ethiopia. The church’s remarkable architecture and its role in Ethiopian history make it a significant landmark. Learn about its monastic past and admire its historical importance.

Overnight: Vision Hotel, Hawzen/Similar

Day 05 Visit Gheralta Cluster Churches

after breakfast at the hotel visit the iconic Abuna Yemata Guh Church, carved into a high cliff. This monolithic church, dedicated to Abuna Yemata, one of the Nine Saints, features 5th-century dome and wall paintings. Although the climb to the church is challenging, the stunning artistry and incredible views make it a rewarding experience. After exploring the churches, drive to Axum. on the way you have a chance to see Yeha 5th century Temple displaying incredible skills in stonework and is in fact the oldest building still standing in Ethiopia.

Overnight: Sabean Hotel, Axum/Similar

Day 06 Axum City Tour and Fly to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, explore Axum, a city with over 2,500 years of history and the heart of Ethiopia’s ancient civilization. Visit St. Mary’s Church and the Sanctuary Chapel, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. Tour the famous Stelae Park, featuring towering obelisks that serve as reminders of Axum’s rich past. Explore the Tombs of King Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel, and view Ezana’s Inscriptions, a record of Ethiopia’s early history. Discover the legendary Queen of Sheba’s Bath and Palace Ruins before concluding with a visit to the Axum Museum, which showcases a wealth of historical artifacts. Finally, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.