14-Day North Ethiopia & Danakil Depression Adventure

Day 01: Arrival in Addis Ababa

Arrival: Our representative will meet you at Bole International Airport, regardless of your arrival time.
Explore Addis Ababa: Visit the Ethnographic Museum to gain insight into Ethiopia’s diverse cultures and history. Explore the Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, and visit Trinity Cathedral, the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa.

Day 02: Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

Fly to Bahir Dar: Take a flight to Bahir Dar, a picturesque city near Lake Tana.
Lake Tana Boat Ride: Enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Tana, visiting some of the ancient island monasteries hidden among lush greenery.
Overnight: Lodge in Bahir Dar.

Day 03: Bahir Dar to Gondar

Drive to Gondar: Embark on a scenic drive through the Amhara highlands to Gondar.
Gondar Tour: Visit the Royal Enclosure, home to five castles built in the 17th century. Also explore Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its stunning ceiling of painted angels.
Overnight: Hotel in Gondar.

Day 04: Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park

Drive to Sankabar: Head to Sankabar, the gateway to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Light Hiking: Enjoy a light trek in the park, known for dramatic cliffs, breathtaking views, and endemic wildlife.
Overnight: Lodge near the park.

Day 05: Simien Mountains to Axum

Scenic Drive to Axum: Travel north through stunning landscapes to Axum, the ancient capital of the Axumite Empire.
Arrival in Axum: Check in and rest after the drive.
Overnight: Hotel in Axum.

Day 06: Axum

Axum Tour: Visit the Stelae Fields, home to 2,000-year-old giant stone obelisks. Explore the Archaeological Museum, and the tombs of ancient kings.
Overnight: Hotel in Axum.

Day 07: Axum to Hawzein

Drive to Hawzein: En route, pass through Adwa, site of the historic Ethiopian victory over the Italians in 1895.
Visit Yeha: See the Temple of Yeha, a 2,500-year-old structure believed to be one of the oldest buildings in Ethiopia.
Rock Churches: Stop at ancient churches such as Aba Gerima and Petros Paulos.
Overnight: Lodge in Hawzein.

Day 08: Hawzein to Mekele

Explore Tigray’s Rock Churches: Visit historic churches like Abraha Atsbeha (10th century), Wukro Chirkos, and Medhane Alem Kesho.
Drive to Mekele: Continue your journey to Mekele, the gateway to the Danakil Depression.
Overnight: Hotel in Mekele.

Day 09: Mekele to Ahmedela

Drive to Ahmedela: Travel via Berhaile, a region famous for its camel caravans transporting salt.
Camping: Set up camp and enjoy spectacular desert views and a dramatic sunset.
Overnight: Camping in Ahmedela.

Day 10: Excursions to Lake Asale and Dallol

Lake Asale: Observe salt workers as they cut slabs of salt from the lake bed, which are then loaded onto camels for transport.
Dallol: Visit one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth, where hot springs, sulfur, salt, and potash create vivid, multicolored formations.
Overnight: Camping in Dalol.

Day 11: Trek to Erta Ale

Drive to Dodom: Begin your journey toward Erta Ale, Ethiopia’s most active volcano.
Trek to the Volcano: Hike 15 km to the crater’s rim, where you’ll witness the lava lake glowing under the night sky.
Overnight: Camping at Erta Ale.

Day 12: Return to Mekele

Trek Back: Descend from the volcano and return to Dodom, then drive back to Mekele for rest and recovery.
Overnight: Hotel in Mekele.

Day 13: Mekele to Lalibela

Drive to Lalibela: Travel to the highlands of Lalibela, home to Ethiopia’s iconic rock-hewn churches.
Sunset Views: Check into your hotel and enjoy a peaceful evening with panoramic views.
Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela.

Day 14: Lalibela

Explore Lalibela’s Rock-Hewn Churches: Visit the extraordinary 11 churches carved out of solid rock more than 800 years ago. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are considered among Africa’s greatest architectural wonders.
Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela.

Day 15: Lalibela to Addis Ababa

Fly to Addis Ababa: Return to Addis Ababa by air.
National Museum: Visit the museum to see the fossilized remains of “Lucy”, a 3.2-million-year-old hominid.
Farewell Dinner: Celebrate the end of your adventure with a traditional Ethiopian dinner, complete with live music and cultural dance.
Departure: Transfer to the airport for your international flight.