Duration
6-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
You'll embark on an unforgettable journey to Ethiopia, a land of mysteries, breathtaking offers a profound connection to Ethiopia's Christian heritage and awe-inspiring architecture. The Danakil Depression: Earth's Extreme Wonder Venture into one of the hottest and most surreal landscapes on Earth--the Danakil Depression. You'll witness bubbling volcanoes, colorful mineral deposits, and otherworldly salt flats. This extraordinary region is a must-see for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Plan snapshot
Duration
6-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Lalibela (Town), Addis Ababa (City), Danakil Depression
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
7 years
Activities
nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Sora Lodge Lalibela - Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This budget tour includes camping and hotels.
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 14 people per group.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
The minimum age for this tour is 7 years.
Day 1-2
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
You'll take a morning flight from Addis to Lalibela. Get picked up at the airport and drive 30 minutes from the airport to the town through the countryside landscape: upon arrival, you will check into the hotel for lunch before we start exploring the first group of the mysteriously hewn Lalibela churches. We will visit the first group of churches. You will go deep into the 12th-century miracle where only faith seems to be believing. In the afternoon, you'll tour the southern group of churches. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
You'll drive most of the way (35-40 minutes) and walk the last 20 minutes or hike the whole way to Asheton Maryam cave church. Optional to hike or drive from the town. You'll return to Lalibela for lunch. Then, you'll drive 42km to the Monastery of Yemrehanna Kristos, a unique wood and granite church built in a cavern before the time of King Lalibela; the only floating church in the area — Yimerhane Kirstos cave church, built under a massive cave where the church is carefully carved out of marble stone, walk deep into the backyard to see thousands of skeleton fossils who came to die in that holy place. Optional: If time allows, you'll take a small walk to get a feel of the town while enjoying a typical Saturday local market. After visiting the churches, you will go to the famous traditional honey wine bar to try the home-brewed wine with cultural live music and dance performance. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
After breakfast, you will drive to the airport. En route, you will stop at the Nakutola'ab monastery, which is situated under a huge cave. This beautiful semi-monolithic church shows the last stages of the Zagwe dynasty. You'll continue driving to the airport for departure to Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
You'll catch the morning flight to Semera. In Semera, you will be met by your driver and start your stunning tour of Afar. A 180 km drive will take you to Afdera and on to Dodom, the base of Ertale. The drive will take you through rugged moon-landscapes, characterized by volcanic rifts and faults and young black lava flows. In Afdera, we will collect our local guide, camels, and policemen and driving 90kms to Dodmo, the base of Ertale, to set camp at the base of the volcano. After dinner, you will climb the volcano. Camels will carry our luggage and camping equipment to set up your camp on the rim of the caldera. Then, you will enjoy the breathtaking sight of the bubbling volcano and stay overnight. All meals included All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)
Day 5
Early morning (around 4:00 am), we will collect our belongings and hike back to the base of Ertale. After breakfast, we depart for Hamadela, driving through the otherworldly landscape to Salt Mountain. You'll go to the salt mining, to see the local people preparing salt bars and loading them on the back of their camels. These salt bars served as currency in the highlands for many centuries. In the evening, you'll enjoy a beautiful sunset. Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner. All meals included All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)
Day 6
In the morning, you'll enjoy the sunrise and camel caravan. Then, you'll drive to Dallol to see the colorful sulphuric pools. Drive to Afdera. The beautiful emerald- hued Lake Afdera lies at 103mbsl. You can see salt beds around the lake where salt is produced by evaporating the water. You will have time to swim at the freshwater hot springs before your drive to Semer to take the flight back to Addis. All meals included All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
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)
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
Offered by
East Africa Tour Operator was established in 2011 as a premier Ethiopian tour operator based in Addis Ababa. In addition to providing tours of Ethiopia's many wondrous sites, including specialized Lalibela tours, Axum tours, and Gondar tours, we provide a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the country's rich cultures by facilitating meaningful connections with local communities across Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2011)
Member Of
Ethiopian Tour Operator Association & Ethiopian Tourist Guide Professional Association
Tour Types
Small & medium group tours (Budget & mid-range)
Destinations
Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5I travelled to Ethiopia in 2020 and still consider Beki the best guide I’ve ever had. I’ve visited more than 50 countries and been on countless tours, but no one has matched his warmth, professionalism, and deep passion for sharing his country. He has an incredible knowledge of Ethiopia’s history and culture, as well as the local insights that make every experience unique. A highlight of my journey was visiting Lalibela during Easter. Thanks to Beki’s organisation, connections, and understanding of the local traditions, it was far more than a sightseeing stop. It became a powerful and moving experience that I’ll never forget. Beki went above and beyond every single day. He anticipated our needs, handled every detail effortlessly, and brought genuine energy and joy to every moment. His storytelling brought Ethiopia’s ancient sites to life, and his kindness made the trip truly special. Even years later, I still compare every tour to my experience with Beki. If you have the chance to explore Ethiopia with him, take it. You will be in the very best hands.
Blake · Australia
My travel companion and I gave Beki the outline of what we wanted to see and do and he came up with a great plan very quickly. In fact, not only did we visit everywhere we suggested, but Beki showed us some amazing places we hadn’t even heard of and that made the trip even more memorable. Beki is the perfect guide, totally trustworthy, very knowledgeable, has fluent English and worked extremely hard to ensure that we were completely safe and happy. Without Beki as our guide, this would have been a good trip - but in Beki’s hands it was a GREAT trip, probably the best I’ve ever been on. Thank you Beki - we are looking forward to next time!
Paul Gilmore · United Kingdom
We booked one week for my father and Beki arranged everything from the tribes of homovalie and all surrounding to the mountains area of the highest pick of Ethiopia (Ras Deshen) he planned everything very carefully and safely , always responsible and always on time , he is great guy!
Karo · Denmark
Beki picked me up right on time, safely drove me to an historical area of Addis, showed me around along with another part of the city while also explaining much about the history and culture, taking me to a great museum and more. I highly recommend Beki Kibret as a great guide and he speaks good English as well. very polite and profession as well as fair and reasonable in cost. Anyone who choses to use Beki as their guide is assured to have a great experience!
James · United States
Practical answers
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 7 years and older.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Sora Lodge Lalibela - Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
This tour is offered by East Africa Tour Operator, 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 East Africa Tour Operator.
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