Duration
6-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
6-Day Sacred Lalibela & Fiery Danakil Expedition
Overview
You experience Ethiopia's stunning contrasts on this 6-day adventure from the sacred rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the surreal landscapes of the Danakil Depression. You'll explore ancient monasteries, witness the salt caravans of Lake Assale, and stand beside the fiery Erta Ale volcano. This cultural and geological journey reveals the extremes of Ethiopia's beauty and spirit. Optional flights can be arranged at extra cost.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Lalibela (Day 1-2) to Semara
Via Semera (Town), Hamad Ela (Village), Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
4 years
Activities
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & hiking/walking
Accommodation
Hill Top Lodge Lalibela - Mid-range lodge in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included; Breakfast & Lunch Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$1,078 USD
$715 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$1,078 USD
$715 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 4 years and older. Children under 15 receive a discount and children under 9 are free.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Ethiopia
Start
Lalibela (Day 1-2)
Day 3
Semera (Town)
Day 4
Hamad Ela (Village)
Day 5
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 6
Semera (Town)
End
Semara (Day 6)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and lodges.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
4
Minimum age of 4 years
The minimum age for this tour is 4 years.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & hiking/walking
Book your own international flights when using this operator
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1-2
Hill Top Lodge Lalibela
Mid-range lodge in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort
Mid-range hotel in Semera (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Budget camping Hamad Ela (Village) – All Meals Included
Hamad Ela (Village) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Arrival in Lalibela & The Northern Cluster
Upon arrival in Lalibela, you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to your Lodge. After check-in and lunch, your exploration begins with the northern cluster of Lalibela’s famous rock-hewn churches — a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “New Jerusalem.” These magnificent monolithic structures, carved directly into volcanic rock, are connected by a labyrinth of tunnels and passages that create a mysterious and spiritual atmosphere. You’ll visit iconic sites such as Bet Medhane Alem and Bet Maryam, learning about the town’s deep religious history and the legends surrounding King Lalibela’s vision. In the evening, you relax at your lodge while enjoying a traditional Ethiopian dinner and the cool mountain air. Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Hill Top Lodge Lalibela Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
Asheton Maryam Hike & Cultural Immersion
After breakfast, you embark on a scenic hike to Asheton Maryam Monastery, perched high on a mountain ridge overlooking the valleys of Lalibela. The hike offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding highlands and a chance to experience rural Ethiopian life up close. The 13th-century monastery is one of the oldest in the region and houses ancient crosses and manuscripts, giving insight into the country’s deep Christian heritage. After descending back to town and enjoying lunch, continue your exploration with the southern group of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, known for their unique architecture and symbolic design. In the evening, participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and cooking experience with a local family — a warm and authentic cultural encounter that highlights the hospitality and traditions of the Ethiopian highlands. Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Hill Top Lodge Lalibela Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
St George Cross & Road to Semera
You begin the morning with a visit to the most iconic of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches — Bet Giyorgis (St. George) — famed for its distinctive cross-shaped design and superb preservation. After exploring this final masterpiece and bidding farewell to Lalibela, you start the scenic drive east toward Semera, the capital of the Afar Region. The journey reveals dramatic changes in scenery as the cool highlands give way to the vast, sun-baked plains of the Great Rift Valley. Along the way, you stop at viewpoints and small villages to observe the local way of life and enjoy picnic breaks. You arrive in Semera by late afternoon and settle into your hotel. The evening is free to relax, prepare for the adventure ahead, and enjoy dinner under the warm Afar night sky before entering the Danakil Depression the following day. Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Semera (Town) Stay: Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Into the Depression – Semera to Hamedela
After breakfast in Semera, you meet your experienced Afar driver and 4WD support team, then begin your thrilling descent into the Danakil Depression — one of the lowest, hottest, and most geologically active places on Earth. The drive passes through volcanic terrain, salt plains, and remote Afar settlements, offering fascinating glimpses of local desert life. By afternoon, you’ll reach Hamedela, a base camp used by both travelers and local salt traders. After some rest, you continue to the shimmering salt flats of Lake Assale to witness long camel caravans transporting blocks of hand-cut salt across the desert. As the sun sets over the endless white plains, the scene becomes truly magical. You return to the camp for a simple but hearty dinner under a sky filled with brilliant desert stars. Overnight camping in basic huts or tents. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Hamad Ela (Village) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
Dallol & Erta Ale Volcano
You rise early to visit Dallol, one of the most surreal and colorful landscapes on the planet. This geothermal wonderland is alive with bubbling sulfur pools, salt mounds, and vivid mineral formations in hues of yellow, green, and red. You’ll explore the area on foot and learn about the fascinating geology that shapes this alien terrain. After lunch, you begin your drive toward Erta Ale, an active shield volcano known for its continuously bubbling lava lake — one of only a few in the world. Upon arrival at the base, you’ll have dinner before starting the evening trek to the summit, accompanied by local Afar guides and camels carrying supplies. Reaching the crater rim after sunset, you’ll witness the mesmerizing glow of molten lava lighting up the night sky. You spend the night camping near the crater for a once-in-a-lifetime experience under the stars. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
Erta Ale Sunrise & Lake Afdera – End in Semera
You wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over Erta Ale’s active lava lake — a moment that captures the raw power and beauty of the Danakil Depression. After breakfast, you trek down from the volcano and continue your journey to Lake Afdera, a striking salt lake surrounded by black volcanic hills. Here, you can take a relaxing swim in the warm, mineral-rich waters and observe the traditional salt extraction methods practiced by local Afar communities. After lunch, you drive back across the vast desert landscapes to reach Semera in the late afternoon, where the adventure concludes. Optional arrangements, such as additional accommodation or overland transfers to other destinations, can be organized for an extra cost. End of tour. Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Semera (Town) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Non-alcoholic drinks
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Sleeping bag
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Bath towels
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Getting There
This tour starts in Lalibela and ends in Semara, Ethiopia
Book your own international flights when using this operator
Fly to Lalibela Airport (LLI - Check price)
Fly back from Semara Airport (Sam - Check price) or (SZE - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Zagol Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
23 reviews
Zagol Ethiopia Tours is aLocally owned and operated, Zagol Ethiopia Tours specializes in providing once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences around Ethiopia. From cultural trips of historic ancient monuments to stunning nature expeditions and tribal safaris within the Omo Valley, we provide personalized, professional, and genuine tours. With expert local guides and extensive knowledge of Ethiopia's heritage, Zagol Ethiopia Tours provides secure, enriching, and memorable experiences for all travelers
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2013)
Member Of
ETOA & ETGPA
Tour Types
Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Our tour operator organized everything perfectly and was so friendly.
We were paired with two guides, Melaku and "Geech". Both of whom were amazing. Very friendly and knowledgeable about the areas we visited and the local flora and fauna. "Geech" is the best driver in the business and Melaku took us to his childhood home to have a coffee ceremony with his mom and his sister. Unforgettable additions to the trip. If Ethiopia is not on your list it should be. Timket is absolutely a must. But there is too much to see in one trip. Will definitely be going back for the Omo Valley.
Cory · United States
Weekend trip to Lalibela.
An amazing spiritual journey deep in the heart of Ethiopia. Lalibela was an absolute amazing trip so rich with culture and history thanks to our fabulous tour guide Muluye. He gave us a lot of intriguing information and he knew all the best spots for pictures. He also invited us to his humble home for a coffee cermony. Ansolutely amazing weekend trip and a must visit in Ethiopia
Hala Khaled · United Arab Emirates
Wonderful visit to Lalibela
Omg it was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life . Lalibela was an amazing spiritual trip. Our tour guide Muluye was absolutely fantastic. He gave us the best information and tour ever . Highly recommend it . The coffee ceremony was also wonderful
Lama Khaled · United Arab Emirates
[email protected]
The accommodation, the food, the sites visited in Lalibela, all ok The guide very frindly and hepful
Jose · Brazil
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 4 years and older. Children under 15 receive a discount and children under 9 are free.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Hill Top Lodge Lalibela - Mid-range lodge in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
How does the quote request work?
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators () Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Zagol Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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