Duration
8-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
8-Day Denakil Depresion Tigray and Lalibela Church
Overview
Discover Ethiopia's northern wonders -- the surreal landscapes of the Danakil Depression, with its colorful salt flats and lava lakes; the ancient rock-hewn churches of Tigray, carved high into cliffs; and the majestic Lalibela, famed for its 12th-century underground stone churches -- a true journey through history and nature.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Hamad Ela (Village), Danakil Depression, Mekele (City)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
10 years
Activities
Getting around: minivan, normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Accommodation
Triple-E Hotel and Spa - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast 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
$2,035 USD
$1,980 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$2,035 USD
$1,980 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$2,035 USD
$1,980 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 10 years and older.
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
Hamad Ela (Village)
Day 3
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 4
Mekele (City)
Day 5
Hawzen (Town)
Day 6
Addis Ababa (City)
Day 7
Lalibela (Town)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 8)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour uses hotels and bush camps.
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.
10
Minimum age of 10 years
The minimum age for this tour is 10 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
Triple-E Hotel and Spa
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2-3
Ahmed Ela Camp Budget bush camp in Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Budget bush camp in Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Planet Hotel
Budget hotel in Mekele (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5
Vision Hotel Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – Breakfast Included
Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6
Triple-E Hotel and Spa
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 7
Top Twelve Hotel Budget hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included
Budget hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 8
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
Arrive in Addis Ababa and start your city tour visiting the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Entoto Hills for panoramic views of the city. Explore the bustling Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. Overnight in Check in Hotel Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) 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 2
Fly from Addis Ababa – Semera and drive Hamedella
Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Semera, the capital of the Afar region. Drive through the vast desert plains to reach Hamedella village, located near the Danakil Depression. Meet the Afar people, learn about their salt-mining culture, and witness the beautiful desert sunset. Dinner and overnight in Hamedella. Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Hamad Ela (Village) Stay: Ahmed Ela Camp Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Drive to Danakil depression
Drive to the Danakil Depression, one of the world’s hottest and most colorful places. Explore Dallol’s otherworldly sulfur fields, land scape of salt mountains, and camel caravans. Continue toward Erta Ale volcano for overnight camping near the base. Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Ahmed Ela Camp Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Erta Ale – Mekele – Abune Yemata Guh
Early morning hike to Erta Ale’s lava lake to witness the mesmerizing glow of molten lava. Capture stunning sunrise photos before descending and driving to Mekele in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay in Mekele Hotel in the town. Budget hotel located in Mekele (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Mekele (City) Stay: Planet Hotel Budget hotel located in Mekele (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Drive from Mekele to Hawzen to visit Abune Yemata
Drive from Mekele to Hawzen to explore the spiritual heritage of the Gheralta Mountains, visiting the incredible rock-hewn churches of Abune Yemata Guh, Abreha Atsbeha, and Korkor Mariam. Admire centuries-old frescoes and carvings that reflect Ethiopia’s deep Christian history. Enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged mountain landscapes and experience local traditions. Overnight stay at Vision Hotel in Hawzen. 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 6
Adwa Mekele fly back to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, drive back from Hawzen to Mekele and catch a flight to Addis Ababa. Spend your afternoon relaxing or exploring the city’s cafes and souvenir shops. Enjoy a traditional dinner with music and dance before staying overnight in Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) 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 7
Fly Addis Ababa to Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela, home to Ethiopia’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage churches. Spend the day exploring the first and second groups of the 12th-century rock-hewn churches, marveling at their incredible architecture and religious symbolism. Overnight in Lalibela. Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Top Twelve Hotel Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Fly Lalibela to Addis Ababa and departure
After breakfast, fly back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a farewell cultural dinner at a traditional restaurant with live music and dance performances from Ethiopia’s diverse tribes. Later, transfer to the airport for your international departure marking the end of your unforgettable Ethiopian adventure. 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)
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
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
On the Go Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
33 reviews
At On The Go Ethiopia Tours, we specialize in immersive Addis Ababa city tours and unforgettable multi-day adventures across Ethiopia’s stunning historical, cultural, and natural landscapes. Whether you have just a few hours or several days, our tours are led by experienced, licensed local guides passionate about sharing the rich heritage of Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
20-50 employees (Founded in 2015)
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
5.0/5Very friendly and kind
It was my first visit to Ethiopia. Very impressive to see around the historical area in Ethiopia. Additionally, a guide and a driver were friendly and I really enjoyed entire tour with them.
Masa · United States
Kena is great tour guide.
We enjoyed a wonderful tour of the National Museum, Entoto, and a walking tour of Mercato. We also enjoyed the palace of Menelik II, very peaceful, and we had a delicious lunch on the way back to town. We also went to Shiromeda market for the best Ethiopian fabrics. Kena explained a lot of the culture and history as well. Great day seeing the sights.
Jim Friedericks · United States
Friendly
Reta is a tour guide that is going to help you in everything you want. He has an spectacular spirit and is goimg to.help you with any concern you have about your trip.
Ignacio Bielma · Mexico
Amazing
Great experience going to Merkato with Kenaw. He is very responsible and knows area and local merchants so can give you great advice where and what to buy for local prices.
Mislav · Croatia
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 10 years and older.
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?
Triple-E Hotel and Spa - 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 On the Go 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 On the Go Ethiopia Tours.
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