5 Days Danakil Depression & Tigray Cluster Churches Tour

The 5 Days Danakil Depression & Tigray Cluster Churches Tour takes travelers through Ethiopia’s unique landscapes, starting in the Danakil Depression with salt extraction at Lake Afdera and a visit to the active Erta Ale volcano. Participants will explore the geothermal formations at Dallol, followed by a journey to the Tigray region to see ancient rock-hewn churches like Abuna Yemata Guh. The tour concludes in Axum, where historical sites such as Stelae Park, the Tombs of Kaleb, and St. Mary’s Church, home to the Ark of the Covenant, are visited, providing a mix of geological wonders and insights into Ethiopia’s ancient Christian heritage.

Day 1 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 2 Visit Dallol Then Drive to Erta Ale

Morning tour Drive to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the localities are mining salt. Look the activity of breaking the salt 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 (125 meter below sea level, one of the lowest and hottest places in the world) colorful salts mining and different terrestrial places formed by volcanic activity like bubbling oily lake creates a different experience of your trip. Then we back to Ahmad Ella for lunch then proceed to Erta Ale. We spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. 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. Erta Ale 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.

Overnight Camping at Erta Ale

Day 3 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

Day 4 Visit Gheralta Cluster Churches

after breakfast we will  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 will visit Yeha 5th century Temple displaying incredible skills in stonework and is in fact the oldest building still standing in Ethiopia.

Overnight:Sabean Hotel, Axum

Day 5: Axum City Tour

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.