8 Days Danakil Depression and Tigray Churches Tour

Taking this route will provide you a complete discovery to the Danakil depression one of the most spectacular regions, full of eye-catching colors as in the sulfur springs. The desert has several points lying more than 100 meters (328 ft) below sea level, many volcanoes in the region, including Erta Ale, a fantastic experience for the adventurous traveller.

The remarkable Ghrealta churches are the most complex churches situated in the high mountains of Gheralta.

The Itinerary can easily be adjusted to fit our clients’ schedules and special interests. Furthermore, it could easily be extended to take in some other famous historic sites, such as the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Addis, city tour & overnight at hotel

Upon arrival in Addis, met and pickup outside the airport terminal. We will transfer you to a hotel to check in. Possible to have an early start or later in the day probably around noon. The sightseeing in Addis includes; markets, churches, national museum, and Entoto view point. Early evening we will drop you at the hotel to end the day.

Day 2 Addis to Semera, drive to Erta Ale based camp, camping at Erta Ale

Catch the morning flight to Semera. The flight departs Addis at 06:40 AM and will arrive in Semera at 08:00 AM. Upon arrival in Semera airport, met and pickup outside the airpot termainal and you will be transferd to the first base camp around Erta ale. Overnight/ camping near the volcano

Day 3 Erta Ale to Hamedela via Dallol

Early morning head to the edge of the volcano and feel and the breathtaking atmosphere in the morning. Retreat back to the camp, enjoy breakfast and rendezvous with a car to proceed to the second camp. En-route, visit salt minerals deposits Dallol. Overnight, camping at Hamedela

Day 4 Excursion around Dallol and Lake Afdera & overnight in Hawzen

After enjoying breakfast, spend wondering around the beautiful and colorful Dallol creator and Lake Afdera. Then, with a drive head out to Hawzen. En-route, if time allows, visit  a rock churches Abreha We Atsbeha and/or Wukro Cherkos. Overnight at Vision motive hotel in Hawzen

Day 5 Day trip to Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor & Abune Yemata (Guh)

Morning, a guide will come to the hotel to take you on a visit to churches around the Gheralta mountains. The drive will take 30 minutes via Megab where there are local eateries (possible to enjoy an early lunch or get a picnic). After breakfast, another short drive to Gheralta mountains. This day, we will take you on a visit to rock churches Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor. Mariam Korkor is one of the most well-known churches in the Gheralta area. A strenuous one-hour hike brings you to one of the largest and most complex rock-hewn churches in Tigray. After the visit walk back to meet the vehicle and enjoy simple lunch in a local eatery in Hawzen. After rest and relax in Hawzen, visit one of the highlight rock church in Gheralta area, Abune Yemata (Guh)

Afternoon visiting Abune Yemata (Guh) requires a walk. After the initial trek past ancient olive trees, small farmsteads, and up into mountains, you will climb a 5 meter vertical rock wall barefoot, using only hand and foot holds Guides and scouts from the nearby community provide invaluable encouragement and physical support.). After the visit return back to the hotel to for sundown drink and spend the overnight.

Day 6 drive to Axum, en-route visit Debre Damo monastery, Yeha and Adwa Mountains

After breakfast in the hotel, a drive will pick you from the hotel for the transfer to Axum town. Heading east north with an hour drive from Adigrat, you will arrive in Adigrat, visit Debre Damo monastery (it is only men allowed church and it requires climbing a rock with a rope) and continue with a drive to Axum. Just before arriving in Axum, there is ancient town called Yeha, there you will visit the ruined palace of Yeha and the road journey takes you through Adwa mountains. Overnight in Axum at Sabean hotel.

Day 7 Full day in Axum; visit the archelogical sites, and Tsion Marry church in Axum

After breakfast in the hotel, check out and meet the vehicle driver for the transfer to Axum with 3 hours road trip. Arriving in Axum, check in and drop luggage in the room. A guide and driver will come to the hotel to take you on a sightseeing in Axum. The visit includes; the ruins of Queen Sheba palace, the Obelisk of Axum, and a walk to Gobodura hill where one of the ancient quarry is found being surrounded in a forest. You will also visit the church compound of Tison Marry where it is believed, the Arc of the convenient is kept. Overnight at Sabean hotel

Day 8 Visit Tsion Marry church - flight back to Addis

Morning, visit the compound of Tison Marry church where it is believed, the Arc of the convenient is kept. After the visit, we will transfer you to the airport. Fly back to Addis Ababa, shopping, day room, farewell dinner and departure.