6-Day Tour Of Lalibela, Danakil Depression, and Erta Ale Volcano from Addis Ababa
Highlights
Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Semera, Dallol, Erta Ale
Locations Covered
Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Semera, Dallol, Erta Ale
historical, Desert, Volcano
Group Tour
6 Days
Easy
Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Swahili
Languages
Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Swahili
Description
Experience one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth - the Erta Ale Volcano and the Danakil Depression, with this 6-day tour. Learn how salt is extracted from the volcanic area of Dallol, dotted with sulfur springs. Explore the archaeological remains at the ancient site in Lalibela and the 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable Southeastern Cluster of churches. Visit lake Asale and enjoy a wine or beer in the stunning place while you swim in the salt lake. Explore the vibrant city of Addis Ababa and taste different traditional cuisines.
Itinerary
-
Day 1: Addis Ababa - Fly To Lalibela & Explore
- Take the flight to Lalibela.
- Visit the first group of Lalibela churches: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Meskel, Bete Danaghel, Bete Mikael and Bete Golgotha which are connected through an underground tunnel.
- Discover some boasting carved bas-reliefs and colorful frescoes.
Take a rest and stay overnight in the hotel.
-
Day 2: Lalibela - Fly To Addis Ababa
- In the morning, after breakfast, explore the remaining 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable Southeastern Cluster of churches, then transfer to airport to fly to Addis Ababa.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Addis Ababa.
-
Day 3: Addis Ababa - Fly To Semera - Dallol
- In the early morning, you will fly from Addis to Semera and drive for about 5-6 hours to reach Hamed Ela.
- On the way, you will stop at Lake Afdera for lunch and maybe even swim a bit.
- In the next camping village, this evening, we will visit Lake Asale with salt flats and have wine or beer in the stunning place while you are swimming in the salt lake.
Stay overnight with open-air camping at Hamedela.
-
Day 4: Dallol - Erta Ale Volcano
- After breakfast, you will drive to the colorful attractions of Dallol, which are located at 125 below sea level. Here, you will visit the different landscapes formed by volcanic activity, Dallol + Lake Assal + camel caravans.
Excursion to Dallol is 116 meters below sea level, one of the lowest places in the world with colorful salt mining.
- After we visit all the attractions, continue driving to Erta Ale, Which ranks as one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions in Ethiopia. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and a 1km square caldera at its Summit. Erta Ale contains the world’s only permanent lava lake. It is 613 meters altitude, with a Lava Lake. The drive may take about 4 hrs, passing through a changing landscape of solidified lava Rock and sand.
- After passing several small hamlets scattered here and there in this deserted Land, you will arrive at Erta Ale camping site. After a short break and early dinner, just before sunset, we will trek for about 1 hour to Ertale, where we spend a few hrs watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. And you will trek back to the base camp basement to spend the night and sleep under the stars.
Stay overnight at camp.
-
Day 5: Erta Ale Volcano – Smerera - Fly Addis Ababa
- We will wake up early to catch the sunrise at the northern pit crater and then take a short walk to explore the southern and central pits. These pits offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient geological structures, with the main pit crater being 200 meters deep and 350 meters across. The smaller southern pit is 65 meters wide and approximately 100 meters deep.
- After descending back to the camp, we'll have some time to relax and have our last desert breakfast before packing up our camping gear.
- We'll then drive to Lake Afrera, where you will enjoy a natural hot spring chilling by the salty lake Afeera, and then we will transfer you to the Semera Airport to fly to Addis at 5 PM.
- Upon Arrival in Addis, pick up at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Addis Ababa.
-
Day 6: Addis Ababa City Tour - Fly home
- After breakfast, once you’re ready to begin your Addis Ababa adventure, our knowledgeable and multilingual guide will accompany you as you explore the city’s captivating landmarks.
- Your itinerary will include visits to the National Museum, where you can marvel at ancient artifacts and the famous Lucy skeleton. The Ethnography Museum will provide a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s diverse cultures.
- Next, we’ll take you to the majestic Menelik Palace, a symbol of the country’s rich history, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture and religious significance.
- As you venture further, you’ll experience the vibrant atmosphere of Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Unity Park, a recently opened attraction, will offer a unique glimpse into Ethiopia’s heritage and natural beauty. To satisfy your taste buds, we’ll treat you to lunch and dinner at one of the finest restaurants, renowned for their authentic Ethiopian spices or tailored to your preferences.
- In the evening, we will have farewell dinner at an Ethiopian traditional restaurant, where you will witness traditional music and dances.
- After dinner, we’ll ensure a comfortable transfer to the international flight terminal.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
-
For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
Adult | |
---|---|
1 to 2 | /person |
3 to 5 | /person |
6 to 12 | /person |
13 to 20 | /person |
Child | |
1 to 20 | /person |
This is a group tour |