Duration
5-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
5-Day Danakil Depression & Lalibela Rock Churches
Overview
Experience Ethiopia's extremes on this 5-day journey from the fiery Danakil Depression to Lalibela's sacred rock-hewn churches. Ascend Erta Ale's lava lake, explore Lake Assale and Hamed Ela's salt flats, discover Dallol's colorful geothermal landscapes, and visit the salt mountains. In Lalibela, marvel at 12th-century churches, including Bet Giyorgis. Conclude in Addis Ababa with a city tour and farewell dinner, celebrating unforgettable natural and cultural wonders.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression), Danakil Depression, Lalibela (Town)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
Getting around: minivan, normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Accommodation
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – Lunch & Dinner Included - Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Meals
Lunch & Dinner Included; 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
$1,727 USD
$1,650 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$1,727 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 is unavailable for children.
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
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
Day 2-3
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 4
Lalibela (Town)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 5)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and hotels.
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.
18
Minimum age of 18 years
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
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
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Triple-E Hotel and Spa
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Sora Lodge Lalibela
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
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
Fly from Addis Ababa to Semera; Fire, Dessert and Volcanic wonders
Begin your journey with a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Semera, the gateway to the Afar lowlands. Travel by 4x4 into the Danakil Depression, a land shaped by fire and tectonic forces. The route passes through Afdera Lake, vast lava fields and dramatic desert scenery. In the evening, ascend Erta Ale Volcano, one of the very few volcanoes on Earth with a permanent lava lake. Standing at the crater rim, witness molten lava glowing against the night sky, a rare and unforgettable natural spectacle. Overnight: camping near Erta Ale crater. Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Budget camping Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Ert ale to Lake Assale sunset over salt flats & Afar Traditions
After sunrise views over the volcanic crater, descend into the desert plains and continue deeper into the Danakil Depression. The landscape gradually transforms into endless salt flats and shimmering horizons. Arrive at Lake Assale, one of the lowest points on the African continent, where salt crystals stretch as far as the eye can see. Enjoy a peaceful sunset over the lake, a striking contrast to the harsh environment. Continue to Hamed Ela, the center of traditional Afar salt mining. Overnight: camp in Hamed Ela. All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Dallol | Salt Mountains | Mekelle to Addis Ababa
Visit Dallol, often described as the most alien landscape on Earth. Explore its vividly colored sulfur springs, acidic pools, salt pinnacles, and mineral terraces formed by intense geothermal activity. The area’s colors and formations are unlike anywhere else in the world. Continue to the surrounding salt mountains, where Afar miners still extract salt by hand, following centuries-old traditions. Drive to Mekelle and continue onward to Addis Ababa by flight. Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Triple-E Hotel and Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela | Rock-Hewn Churches
Travel to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, explore the northwestern group of rock-hewn churches, carved entirely from single blocks of stone in the 12th century. These churches are connected by trenches and tunnels, symbolizing a sacred landscape designed to represent a “New Jerusalem.” Their architectural precision and ongoing religious use make them one of the world’s greatest living monuments. Overnight: Hotel in Lalibela. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Sora Lodge Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Lalibela | Bet Giyorgis | Addis Ababa City Tour & Farewell
Continue your visit to the southeastern group of churches before reaching Bet Giyorgis (Church of St. George), the most iconic of Lalibela’s rock-hewn monuments. Carved in a perfect cross shape and set deep into the rock, it represents an extraordinary achievement of faith, engineering, and symbolism. After the visit, return to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief city tour of Addis Ababa, introducing the capital’s cultural and historical highlights. Conclude your journey with a farewell dinner, celebrating the experiences and memories of your Ethiopian adventure. Transfer to Bole international airport End of Tour. 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)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
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
Abiy Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
5 reviews
Abiy Ethiopia Tours is a travel company based in Ethiopia found on 2017 and always committed and passionate about our service, keen to look after our clients in all ways, especially their primary needs, wants, and requests. In our itineraries, we emphasize creating the best socially interactive and environmentally friendly tour experiences, supporting the local inhabitants to the fullest extent possible. Our years of experience and personalized services make your travels truly unique.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2017)
Member Of
Ministry Of Tourism & Ethiopian Tour Operator Association
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
5.0/5Best trip in Ethiopia
I had a wonderful trip in Ethiopia thanks to Abiy from Abiy Ethiopia. Everything was well organized, and he made sure we were comfortable and enjoying every moment. His knowledge of the country, culture, and history made the experience even more special. I highly recommend him to anyone planning to visit Ethiopia.
Chloris Ankunda ( Chloe Uganda) · Uganda
Great Tour operator
Abiy Ethiopia Tours delivered an outstanding travel experience in Ethiopia. The service was honest, reliable, and professionally organized from start to finish. As a local tour operator he brings exceptional knowledge of Ethiopian wildlife, history, culture, and local communities, making the journey both educational and truly memorable. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned, accommodations and transportation were seamless, and safety was always a top priority. For anyone seeking an authentic Ethiopia safari or a high-quality private or customized tour, I highly recommend Abiy Ethiopia Tours.
Luisa Yu · United States
Our excellent experience with top Tour guide Abiy
Abiy picked us up in the hotel in Lalibela and showed and explained us some of the most impressive Rock Hewn Churches. His knowledge of history was great. As other highlights I want to point out Axum, the capital of the ancient empire of the Queen of Saba and of course the National Museum in Addis Abeba showing the story of mankind starting with Lucy!
Elisabeth · Austria
Friendly personal service from an efficient, knowledgeable operator
I have now travelled twice with Abiy Ethiopia Tours and each time found the planning and delivery of the tour immaculate. Abiy is prompt replying to queries, generous with advice, and always knowledgeable, courteous and fluent in English. We enjoyed the first tour so much that we trusted Abiy to arrange our second experience of Ethiopia. We found going through a trustworthy Addis-based tour operator proved excellent value for money. We were again impressed with the friendly efficiency of all involved and the personal interest Abiy took in ensuring that we got the maximum enjoyment from the trip. Well done Abiy Ethiopia Tours!
Laurence · United Kingdom
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 is unavailable for children.
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?
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – Lunch & Dinner Included - Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – Lunch & Dinner Included. Meals: Lunch & Dinner 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 Abiy 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.
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.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Abiy Ethiopia Tours.
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