Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Addis

   • Get welcomed by your Ethiopia tour guide on arrival at the airport, and transfer into your hotel.

   Overnight in a 4-star hotel.

2. Day 2: Addis – Aksum

   • Catch a flight to Aksum and have a sightseeing tour of Aksum, which includes visiting the Archeological museum of Aksum and the Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, which is believed to be the final resting place the Original Ark of the Covenant.

   • In the afternoon, visit the famous ‘Stelae field’ (4th Century AD), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   • Explore the Ruin Palace and tomb of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel (5th and 6th Century AD) and the residence of the legendary Queen of Sheba (9th century BC).

   Overnight at Yeha or Remhai Hotel (3* Hotel).

3. Day 3: Aksum – Hauzien

   • Visit the ancient Temple of Yeha (5th Century BC) and the rock-hewn church of Tigray, Michael Milhazhengi on the way, drive to Hauzien.

   • On your way, enjoy the scenic and historical range of the Adowa Mountains.

   • From your lodge, enjoy the sunset behind the picturesque Gerhalta Mountains.

   Overnight at Gerhalta Lodge.

4. Day 4: Hauzien – Mekele

   • Visit the rock-hewn churches of Mariam Korkor, Abune Yemata, and Wukro Cherkos, drive 150 km to Mekele – the regional capital of Tigray. 

   Overnight at Aksum Hotel.

5. Day 5: Mekele – Ahmed Ela

   • With an early start, drive to Ahmed Ella, visiting the people of Tigre and the nomadic people of Afar.

   • At Ahmed Ella, visit the deep-water wells used by the nomadic people of Afar, and the interesting Camel Caravans, which transport bars of salt to the Tigray Highlands.

   Overnight at a Camp.

6. Day 6: Ahmed Ela - Dalol (In Danakil Depression) — Ahmed Ella

   • In the morning, drive to one of the lowest points on earth, Dalol (116 meters below sea level), to see the wonderful and colourful formation of sulfur and phosphorus.

   • After lunch, visit the salt lake of Asale and discover how people make salt in traditional ways.

   Overnight at a Camp.

7. Day 7: Ahmed Ela – Dodom — Erta’ Ale

   • Drive to Dodom. Arrange mules to transport luggage and camping gear. 

   • Around sunset, start hiking to the active volcano of Erta’Ale, which takes about 5 – 6 hours.

   Spend the rest of the night at the rim.

   Overnight at a Camp.

8. Day 8: Erta’ ale – Afdera

   • Trek back to the place where you left your cars and drive to the salt lake of Afdera.

   Overnight at a camp.

9. Day 9: Afdera – Semera

   • Visit Lake Afdera in the morning and drive across the desert landscape to Semera. On your way, stop to visit hot springs.

   Overnight at a camp or local Hotel.

10. Day 10: Semera – Addis — Departure

    • Drive back to Addis. Have a farewell dinner at one of the best traditional restaurants in Addis, where you can taste the variety of Ethiopian meals and see the folkloric dances of the Ethiopians.

    • Then, be transferred to the airport for your departure.