Danakil Depression & Rock Churches

Danakil Depression & Tigray Rock Churches Tour

Tigray, Ethiopia’s northern most regions, is home to 125 rock-hewn churches, believed to represent the single largest group of rock-hewn architecture in the world. The Tigray churches are an exceptional combination of culture, history and nature, yet they’re unheard of by most visitors to Ethiopia. As one of the first countries to adopt Christianity, Ethiopia has a legacy of churches and monasteries, built on hilltops or hewn out of cliff faces, as well as vibrant traditions of worship.

The Danakil depression in Ethiopia has multicolored landscapes which look like from an alien planet.  These chemical discharges result in black, gray, green, pink, red, turquoise, yellow and multicolor white, deposits, which provide for a spectacular array of color across the landscape.  While Dallol is the visually most impressive spot in Danakil, Erta Ale is the most adventurous! Locally known as the “Gateway to Hell”, Erta Ale is Ethiopia’s most active volcano and one of the few places in the world where visitors get the chance to see a lava lake just meters away.

Danakil Depression and Rock Churches Tour
Tour Code: ETI – 236
Duration: 5N | 6D 
Transportation: Flight and Drive 

Day 1 | Arrival and Addis Ababa City Tour

• Arrival and transfer to your hotel
• City tour of Addis Ababa.

Day 2 | Addis – Semera – Erta ‘Ale Volcano

• Fly to Semera and drive to Ertale
• Relax at Lake Afdera, one of the lowest-ling lakes on the planet, where salt is harvested a traditional manner
• At night witness the awe-inspiring Ertale Volcano, home to the world’s oldest permanent Lake.

Day 3 | Ertale to Danakil Depression

• Early in the morning admire the beautiful Erta Ale lava lake erupting 24 hours a day
• Look the activity of breaking the salt from the ground, cutting in to rectangular pieces and loading on camel
• Admire the longest camel caravans bar salt across the desert landscape with beautiful sunset
• Admire the beautiful sunset over Denakil Depression

Day 4 | Dallol – Ertale – Mekele

• Early in the morning, visit one the surreal beauty of Dallol, where lakes of acid form colorful sulfur formation, one of the most colorful and unique places on Earth.
• Marvel at the vibrant geysers, steaming sulfuric pools, and visit the different landscape formed by volcanic activity
• Walk on Lake Asale which is a massive salt flat that stretches for miles
• Drive back to Mekele

Day 5 | Mekele – Tigiray Rock Churches

• After early breakfast drive to Geralta to visit Abune Yemata Rock church
• Hike to the summit of a mountain to reach Abune Yemata Monastery, a sacred site with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• visit some selected rock churches which allowing you to connect with the natural beauty and tranquility …

Day 6 | Drive to Axum

• Drive to Axum en route visit Debre Damo Monastery
• Debre damo is one of Ethiopia’s most important monasteries and is thought to date back to Aksumite times.
• The mountain hosts a monastery, accessible only by rope up a sheer cliff.

Day 7 | Visit Axum Tsion Church then fly back to Addis Ababa

• Morning visit Axum Tsion Church
• Discover the legendary church believed to house the Ark of the covenant, a sacred relic associated with the Queen of Sheba
• Explore the Royal tombs and the Oblisk fields
• Transfer to the airport and fly back to Addis Ababa. End of the tour

Package price:

Estimated Domestic Flight fare from Addis – Mekele–Axum – Addis would cost you about 00.00 USD if your international is Ethiopian.

Price Includes

• 3 Nights accommodation on double/twin bed basis
• 2 nights camping
• Cook at the camping places
• All camping gears and cooking materials
• All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) on full board basis
• All entrance fees according to the tour program
• Transfer from/to airport
• All ground transportation throughout the tour
• English speaking guide at each destination
• Government Tax

Price doesn’t include

• Alcoholic drinks
• Tips: Gratuities for guides and drivers are generally not included (optional)
• Video and camera fees if and where applicable
• Entrance fees to any special ceremonies you might encounter by chance
• Tips, telephone calls, laundry services and other expenses of personal nature
• Non specified meals
• International and Domestic flight