Duration
9-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
9-Day Discovers Lalibela , Danakil & Tigray Church Tour
Overview
Best Ethiopian Safari and Cultural Tour and Highly rated Tour Company, Embark on a 9 day photography journey through Ethiopia's most dramatic landscapes and ancient cultures. Capture the mystical rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the surreal salt flats and sulfur fields of the Danakil Depression, and the cliffside monasteries of Tigray. From the vibrant streets of Addis Ababa to monks lit by candlelight and Afar salt caravans, this tour is a visual feast for photographers and timeless stories.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Lalibela (Town), Hamad Ela (Village), Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
5 years
Activities
nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Jano Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included; All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$1,980 USD
$1,969 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$1,980 USD
$1,969 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$1,980 USD
$1,969 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 5 years and older. Children under 6 receive a discount.
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 2-3
Lalibela (Town)
Day 4
Hamad Ela (Village)
Day 5
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 6
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 7
Gheralta (Mountain Range)
Day 8
Hawzen (Town)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 9)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and hotels.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 4 people per vehicle.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Cannot be customized
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Suitable for single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
5
Minimum age of 5 years
The minimum age for this tour is 5 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: nature hikes/walks
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
Jano Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2
Mountain View Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3
Triple-E Hotel and Spa
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast 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 6-8
Vision Hotel Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – Breakfast Included
Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 9
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast 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 City Tour – Culture, History & Street Life
Start your journey in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's high-altitude capital. Visit the National Museum to photograph ancient artifacts and the famous “Lucy” fossil. Head up to Entoto Hills for panoramic shots of the city and portraits of traditional Orthodox priests. Wander through Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market an ideal setting for capturing daily life, vibrant colors, and street portraits. Overnight: Jano Hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Jano Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Fly Addis Ababa to Lalibela
Morning flight to Lalibela, the UNESCO-listed “New Jerusalem” of Ethiopia. Begin your photographic exploration with an afternoon visit to Bet Giyorgis (St. George’s Church) arguably the most iconic And photogenic church in Ethiopia, best captured during golden hour. Get dramatic aerial shots from the nearby bluff, and portraits of priests in traditional robes. Overnight: Mountain Hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Mountain View Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Explore second group churches
Begin early to catch the first light inside Bet Medhane Alem and Bet Maryam, where natural light streams through small windows, illuminating incense smoke and chanting priests. Photograph the religious rituals of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in motion, capturing monks in meditation and ancient manuscripts. In the afternoon, fly Lalibela to Addis Ababa. Overnight: Triple-E Hotel and Spa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Triple-E Hotel and Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Fly Addis Ababa to Semera
You'll depart from Addis Ababa and go to Semera. Upon arrival, our guide will pick up you and driven to Semera Town for breakfast. You'll continue your journey to the base camp of the Dallol Depression, with a picnic lunch in Afdera Town along the way. After lunch, you'll continue driving to Dallol. Upon arrival, stop by Lake Asale to witness the stunning sunset over the salty lake. You'll enjoy dinner at the camp and spend the night at the Sabba campsite, sleeping outside under the stars. 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
Explores Danakil depression
You'll visit Dallol Depression. You'll drive to Erta-Ale early in the morning. You'll drive to the colorful lands of Dallol to witness the stunning sunrise. You'll hike to the top to see the sulfur lakes and colorful landscapes. After the visit, you'll return to the cars and drive to the salt mountains, where you'll have a picnic breakfast and explore the salt rock formations. Following the exploration, you'll visit the salt workers, camel caravans (if you’re lucky), and natural potash oil springs. After the visit, you'll start driving to Erta-Ale Volcano, with a picnic lunch on the way. You'll arrive at the base camp of Erta-Ale and prepare for the sunset hike to visit the volcano and the subsequent night hike back to the camp. You'll spend the night sleeping outside under the stars. 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 6
Dallol Camel Caravans – Surreal Colors & Afar Culture
Start early to photograph Dallol's sulfur fields, where vibrant colors (yellows, greens, oranges) contrast starkly with the desolate desert. Meet and photograph Afar people, camel caravans, and the traditional salt-mining process. Focus on documentary-style portraiture and color-rich compositions. Overnight: Return to Mekele for rest and gear backup Overnight: Vision Hotel. Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Vision Hotel Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Morning Shoot in Mekele – Transfer to Gheralta (Tigray)
Drive to Hawzen in the Gheralta Mountains, famous for their towering sandstone cliffs and hidden rock-hewn churches. Sunset shoot of the Gheralta Massif, capturing golden hues over the rugged terrain and on the way you will visit different historical sites that registered on UNESCO. Overnight: Vision Hotel. Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range) Stay: Vision Hotel Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Climb to Abuna Yemata Guh – Ancient Art & Cliff Views
Hike to Abuna Yemata Guh, a cliff-side church carved into the rock at nearly 2,500 meters above sea level. Photograph the breathtaking views, ancient 5th-century frescoes, and monks praying by candlelight. Capture shots of locals scaling the cliffs barefoot an epic scene for dramatic storytelling. Overnight: Vision Hotel. Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Hawzen (Town) Stay: Vision Hotel Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Visit Maryam Korkor – Return to Mekele – Fly to Addis Ababa
Sunrise hike to Maryam Korkor or Daniel Korkor, offering beautiful highland vistas and peaceful church interiors. Engage with priests for final portraits, and shoot panoramic landscapes from the plateau. Return to Mekele for your afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa. If time allows, enjoy a farewell dinner and photo-sharing session before your departure. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not 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)
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
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
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
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
Ethio Top Land Tours
5.0 operator rating
111 reviews
Best Ethiopian Safari Tour and Highly rated Tour Company in Ethiopia. we believe that travel is not just about reaching a destination; it's about creating memories that last a lifetime. as a Ethio top land tour and travel agency, we specialize in crafting unique and personalized travel experiences tailored to your individual preferences and interests. With our extensive network of local partners and in-depth knowledge of destinations around the country, we ensure that every aspect of your tr
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2017)
Member Of
ETOA, ETGPA & ATOA
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range 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
5.0/5Excellent
The tour was friendly and professional. It was very educational and engaging.
Sithembiso · South Africa
Great tour guide, safe and very knowledgeable
Loved the experience especially the market. We had an amazing tour guide
Zoe · South Africa
Really good presence to show Addis Ababa around.
I'd like to start with a big thank you for the recepction and walking around time. Special thanks for Gebiru, his explanation is precious and unique. Very friendly, gentle and always giving special attention to our questions and requests. The palace, St Mary Church and the museum so well explaning. Also I must thank our driver Mr Shetou for safe driving and very gentle too.
Gregorio Pedro · Brazil
I highly recommend it! It was a wonderful experience!
I highly recommend it! It was a wonderful experience! Our guide was very friendly and always attentive; I learned a lot about Ethiopian culture and history! I highly recommend this tour!
Lud · 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 5 years and older. Children under 6 receive a discount.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Jano Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast 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 Ethio Top Land Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
This group tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
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.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Ethio Top Land Tours.
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