Tour Overview
Embark on an epic journey of incredible contrasts, combining Ethiopia's spiritual heart with its most extreme geological wonder. This 7-day expedition takes you from the UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the searing, alien landscapes of the Danakil Depression.
You will witness ancient faith, hike to stunning monasteries, and then descend into the hottest place on Earth. Stand at the edge of the active Erta Ale volcano and marvel at the impossible colors of Dallol. This is a tour for the true adventurer, ready to experience the profound diversity of Ethiopia.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your journey begins with a flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela. Our guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After lunch, you'll delve into the "New Jerusalem" by exploring the first group of six rock-hewn churches, connected by a labyrinth of underground tunnels and trenches.
After breakfast, we hike to the 13th-century Asheton Maryam Monastery, perched on a mountain ridge with breathtaking views. After lunch, we explore the second group of churches. The evening offers a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and cooking class in a local home.
This morning, we visit the iconic, cross-shaped Bet Giyorgis (Church of St. George). Afterwards, we begin the spectacular full-day drive to Semera, capital of the Afar region, witnessing the dramatic transition from highlands to the Great Rift Valley.
In Semera, you'll meet your expert 4WD team. We drive into the Danakil Depression to our base at Hamedela. In the late afternoon, we drive to the shimmering salt flats of Lake Assale to watch the camel caravans and a spectacular sunset.
An early start takes us to the otherworldly Dallol geothermal site, a landscape of bubbling sulphur springs and psychedelic colors. After lunch, we drive to Erta Ale volcano. After dark, we'll trek to the crater rim to be mesmerized by the hypnotic, ever-churning lava lake below.
Waking up on a volcano is unforgettable. We'll have another chance to see the lava lake at dawn. After breakfast, we descend and drive to Lake Afdera, a surreal oasis. You can enjoy a therapeutic float in its hyper-saline waters and observe traditional salt extraction.
After a final breakfast, we drive back to Semera. You will be transferred to Semera Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, filled with memories of an incredible journey.