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Addis Ababa · Ethiopia
5 Day Danakil Depression and Tigray Rock Hewn Churches Tour
Starting From
From $1,206.29 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Danakil is a region located in the northeastern part of Ethiopia, bordering Eritrea and Djibouti. It lies within the Horn of Africa, a peninsula named for its distinctive shape extending towards the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Covering a vast area, Danakil is known for its extremely arid and hot climate, making it one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on the planet. Our 5-day Danakil Depression and Abune Yemata tour offers you the unique opportunity to witness the famous volcano with its active lava lake and meet the resilient nomadic Afar people. Renowned for their survival skills and warrior spirit, the Afar thrive in one of the hottest and lowest regions on Earth. The tour also includes a visit to Geraltha to explore the ancient monasteries of Abune Yemata and Debre Mariam Korkor, dating back to the 6th century. A short walk from Mariam Korkor leads to the small rock church known as Abba Daniel’s Prayer Room, a hidden gem of spiritual heritage.
Highlights
Why travelers choose this experience
- Witness the spectacular active lava lake inside one of the world’s most famous volcanoes
- Meet the nomadic Afar people and learn about their unique desert survival tradition
- Explore ancient rockhewn monasteries
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Addis Ababa
City/Town Tour. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. Refresh and begin your sightseeing of Addis with a drive up to mount Entoto for a panoramic view of Addis. Descend down and drive to National museum where you will have a chance to spot the oldest hominids of ‘Lucy’ fossil. Visit and proceed to the Holy Trinity built during the WWII. Then proceed to Ethnographic museum, which use to be the palace of Emperor Hailesellase. To wrap up you drive to merkato, the biggest market in East Africa.
Continued
Addis Ababa
Overnight in Addis.
Day 2
Axum
Cultural Immersion at Wukro Chirkos. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Mekele. Be met upon arrival and driven to Hawzen, visiting en route the semi-rock-hewn church of Wukro Cherkos. Then, Abraha Atsbeha, the first church in Ethiopia. Its interior is painstakingly decorated. Finally, you will have a stop at Dugum Sellase.
Continued
Hawzen
Overnight in Hawazen.
Day 3
Hawzen
Sightseeing at Debre Tsion Abune Abreham Church. Today you will have an excursion to Debre Tsion Abune Abreham Monastery, which is entirely carved from the living rock. Visit and proceed to Yohannes Makudi, one of the early Ethiopian Coptic Christian churches, which is accessed via a narrow cleft between towering sandstone walls.
Continued
Hawzen
Overnight in Hawzen.
Day 4
Hawzen
Relaxation & Fun. After having your breakfast you will drive to the foot of Geraltha to visit the monastery of Debre Mariam Korkor, which dates back 6th century. After a few minutes’ walk from Mariam Korkor, you can visit the small rock church known as Abba Daniel’s Prayer Room. Then drive back to Hawzien.
Continued
Hawzen
Overnight in Hawzen.
Day 5
Addis Ababa
Food Tasting. Today you will drive to Mekele to catch your flight to Addis. In the evening, attend a folkloric dinner where you will have a chance to taste several national dishes and watch dances of the various ethnic groups of Ethiopia. The traditional coffee ceremony will also be served. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.
Planning Details
Before you go
Included
All Fees and Taxes Domestic flights All entrance fee licenses as per the program 4×4 four-wheel drive Land Cruiser car for the Danakil depression tour Driver allowance Fuel consumption Local guide services in all destinations Scout and police service Afar region (Danakil) Entrance fee to Ahun Yemata Guh and Debre Mariam Korkor churches
Not Included
International flights Alcoholic beverages Personal fee Gratuities Dinner and lunch in Addis Ababa and Mekelle
What to Bring
Camera or phone Passport or ID Lightweight, breathable clothing – Loose, light-colored garments made of cotton or linen to handle extreme heat Wide-brimmed hat Sunglasses Sturdy hiking boots or shoes Scarf or bandana Plenty of water – Bring multiple bottles or a hydration pack (like a CamelPak) Electrolyte tablets High-SPF sunscreen Lip balm with SPF Personal first-aid kit – Include basics (bandages, antiseptic, painkillers, etc.) Anti-malaria medication Water purification tablets or filter High-energy snacks – Nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars Binoculars GPS device or maps Satellite phone Tent & sleeping bag – Lightweight and suitable for desert conditions Portable stove or cooking gear Durable hiking backpack Travel permits – Some Danakil areas require official entry permits Comprehensive travel insurance Cash for personal use
Restrictions
Not suitable for pets Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Meeting & Pickup
We will pick you up from Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Automatic
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