Duration
7-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
7-Day Ethiopia Lalibela Denakil and Gheralta Church Tour
Overview
Discover northern Ethiopia on an unforgettable adventure. Explore Lalibela's UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Journey to the Danakil Depression to see Dallol, vast salt flats, and Erta Ale Volcano, then hike the Gheralta Mountains to ancient cliffside churches with stunning frescoes.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Lalibela (Town), Semera (Town), Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Activities
Getting around: minivan, normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Accommodation
Maribela Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$2,079 USD
$1,650 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$2,079 USD
$1,650 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$2,079 USD
$1,650 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 of all ages.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.
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
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 1
Lalibela (Town)
Day 2
Semera (Town)
Day 3
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 4
Hamad Ela (Village)
Day 5-6
Gheralta (Mountain Range)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 7)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and lodges.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't 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.
Suitable for all ages
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: minivan, normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Maribela Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2
Ardi Hotel Budget hotel in Semera (Town) – All Meals Included
Budget hotel in Semera (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – 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 5-6
Gheralta Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Tigray – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
End of tour
(No accommodation)
All Meals 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
Addis Ababa – Fly to Lalibela
Jerusalem" for its awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches, In the afternoon, visit the first group of churches, including the iconic Bete Medhane Alem and Bete Maryam, which showcase Ethiopia’s deep spiritual and architectural legacy. afterlunch Continue exploring the second and third groups of churches. Discover the intricate carvings, hidden passageways, and spiritual significance that make these sacred sites a wonder of the world. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Maribela Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Drive from allibela to Semera
Drive from Lalibela to Semera via Woldya, enjoying one of northern Ethiopia’s most scenic routes as the landscape shifts from highlands to dramatic lowlands. In the late afternoon, arrive in Afar and experience your first introduction to the nomadic Afar people, gaining insight into their unique culture, traditions, and way of life in this remarkable desert region. Budget hotel located in Semera (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Semera (Town) Stay: Ardi Hotel Budget hotel located in Semera (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Semera – Erta Ale
Begin your adventure into the legendary Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most extreme places on Earth. Travel along a scenic route through stark desert landscapes, passing the shimmering salt lake Afdera before reaching Erta Ale Volcano, the gateway to this otherworldly region. At Erta Ale, explore the campsite and take a short walk around the rim of the active volcano, witnessing its dramatic lava fields and volcanic landscape up close—an unforgettable experience in Ethiopia’s northern deserts. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Erta Ale Volcano and Lake Asale
Start the day early with time to explore Erta Ale Volcano, taking in its dramatic volcanic landscape. Afterward, drive to HamedEla along rugged volcanic terrain and sandy desert roads. Upon arrival, check in at the camp and continue to Lake Asale, where you’ll enjoy a stunning sunset over the vast salt flats and take a peaceful walk around the lake. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Hamad Ela (Village) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Dallol Geothermal Wonders and Journey to the Gheralta Mountains
Start your day early and travel to Dallol, one of the hottest places on Earth. Explore its surreal landscape of vast salt formations, bubbling sulfuric hot springs, and vividly colored pools shaped by intense geothermal activity. The extreme heat and otherworldly scenery make this place feel truly alien. After lunch, drive back to Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, enjoying sweeping views of dramatic mountains along the way. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and, if time allows, set out to explore the remarkable rock-hewn churches of the Gheralta region, preparing for deeper exploration the following day. Mid-range lodge located in Tigray All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range) Stay: Gheralta Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Tigray Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Full-Day Exploration of the Gheralta Churches
Spend a full day exploring the spectacular Gheralta rock-hewn churches, including Mariam Korkur and the iconic Abune Yemata Guh. This rewarding adventure involves hiking and some physically demanding climbs, making it ideal for travelers who are physically fit. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the Gheralta Mountains and discover ancient churches adorned with remarkable frescoes, offering a powerful blend of natural beauty, history, and spiritual heritage. Mid-range lodge located in Tigray All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range) Stay: Gheralta Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Tigray Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Return to Addis Ababa and Farewell Dinner
After a relaxing morning in the lodge grounds, drive back to Mekelle and catch your flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy a short city drive and time for shopping. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through northern Ethiopia. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
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 flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Sleeping bag
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 and ends in Addis Ababa
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - 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
Ethiopian Expedition
5.0 operator rating
8 reviews
Ethiopian Expedition is a locally owned tour operator in Ethiopia offering cultural, wildlife, photographic, and adventure tours. Specializing in small-group and private journeys, the company delivers authentic experiences led by expert local guides. Each itinerary highlights Ethiopia’s landscapes, heritage, and living cultures with a strong focus on comfort and responsible travel.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2012)
Member Of
ETOA, ETGPA & TETOA
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Reliable and professionals!
We worked with Ethiopian Expedition and Tesfaw’s team for our MLab25 group in September. His team was with us throughout the entire week, driving our group as part of a tailor-made program, and everything ran perfectly smoothly. Tesfaw and his team demonstrated outstanding professionalism, reliability, and efficiency throughout the entire week. The transport services were perfectly organized, punctual, and smooth, even on Meskel Day, which is no small achievement given the scale of the celebrations. Their flexibility, attention to detail, and calm management made a real difference for our group experience. We felt well taken care of at all times. We highly recommend Tesfaw and Ethiopian Expedition for any group or individual travel needs in Ethiopia. A trustworthy partner you can rely on with complete confidence.
Geraldine TEXIER · France
Excellent service
We had an incredible one week trekking experience in the Simien Mountains. Everything was perfectly organized by Ethiopian Expedition, and the service was professional, well-planned, and excellent throughout the trip.
Solomon Afmasu · Ethiopia
Unforgettable trip to Ethiopia
Our visit to Ethiopia was a rich and memorable experience from culture historical religious and human perspectives as well as through its beautiful nature and landscapes.our excellent guide Tesfaw who accompanied us throughout the entire trip was outstanding and succeeded in giving us a genuine and authentic picture of Ethiopia. The organization and the supporting team contributed greatly to our sense of comfort which further enhanced our enjoyment of the journey.
Noga · Israel
Truly Unforgettable Trips
The Ethiopian Expedition Team made our 15-day trip to Ethiopia truly unforgettable. We explored the historic north, including the Simien Mountains and the Gheralta churches, as well as the Danakil Depression and the culturally diverse Omo Valley. Everything was well organized from start to finish. Communication was smooth and timely, and our drivers and guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and professional, both with us and with the local communities. We highly recommend this company to anyone planning a trip to Ethiopia.
Allen@rock · United States
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 of all ages.
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?
Maribela Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Ethiopian Expedition, 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.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
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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